Suggestions for Stitching an Afghan
An afghan is not a beginner project. However, after you.ve learned how to cross stitch, it can be a very creatively-rewarding endeavor.
 
Should I use a hoop or frame?
It is important to keep your afghan fabric taut while stitching. We recommend the use of a PVC-type needlework frame rather than a hoop. These frames are made out of plastic tubing, have four separate fasteners that secure the fabric, and are available in many different sizes. Use a size that you feel comfortable holding such as an 8x8 inch frame.
 
Choose a square on the afghan as your starting point. Put your frame under the square and attach the fasteners over the top of the fabric. Be sure to follow manufacturer.s instructions. The afghan fabric should be taut on all sides. The fabric is too tight if your afghan threads are being pulled apart from each other making the holes in the fabric appear larger. Yet if the fabric is too loose your stitches will not be even.
 
Where do I begin stitching?
Begin by finding the center of the framed afghan square by counting each individual thread as one thread. Do not count the threads that make up the border of the squares - only count the threads that are inside the border. Count the threads from left to right and then top to bottom. Mark the center of the square with a basting stitch. Be sure to write down the number of threads and keep it handy so that you do not have to recount the squares on the afghan that are the same size.
 
What is the difference between stitching over one or two threads?
Check your chart and see if your design is stitched over one or two threads. If it is stitched over one thread, pick your center starting point on the chart and count up and over that many threads on the afghan. Use the stabbing method to create your stitches. This is done by stabbing the fabric with the needle through the top of the afghan, moving your stitching hand to the back to pull the needle through. Come up through the next hole in the same way, moving your stitching hand to the top to pull the needle through. Your needle will move completely through one hole of the afghan before going to the next to keep your stitches from sliding.
 
If your design is stitched over two afghan threads, count up and over two threads of the afghan per every one square on your chart. When stitching over two threads, it is better to use the sewing method. To do this, keep your stitching hand on the top of the fabric. Move the needle down through the fabric and back up with one continuous stroke instead of the normal two strokes used in the stabbing method.
 
Never knot your thread. Always start your thread by leaving a short tail on the backside of your fabric and hold it so that your next three or four stitches will cross over it and hold it in place. End your thread by weaving it under a few stitches on the backside.
 
How much floss do I need to complete an afghan?
Some charts detail the number of skeins per color needed to complete the afghan yet most do not. The amount of floss needed is dependent on the number of afghan squares stitched and the number of strands of floss used. Many afghan designs repeat a single design in staggered squares while others fill every square. Some stitchers prefer to use 2 or 3 strands when stitching while others may choose to use 6 strands for a fuller look. Start out with just a few skeins of each color. If additional skeins are needed, floss colors will match as long as you use the same manufacturer. For example, if you start with Anchor floss, continue with Anchor floss throughout the project.
 
How do I finish the edges of the afghan?
It is not always necessary to use a stay stitch or other method to prevent your fabric from fraying. However, always follow the manufacturer.s instructions.
 
There are two types of afghans - pre-finished and unfinished. Pre-finished afghans are fringed by the manufacturer and include a running stitch around the afghan. An example of this is Charles Craft.s Alphabet Afghan.
 
Unfinished afghans will have a rough outside edge and require fringing when the stitching is complete. An example of this is Charles Craft.s Lady Elizabeth Afghan. It is normal for some of the afghan threads to unravel during stitching. Follow the fringing instructions provided with the product or refer to FRINGING INSTRUCTIONS in the IDEAS AND DESIGNS section of our website.
 
Should I put fabric on the back of the afghan to protect the stitches?
Although it is not necessary to attach fabric to the back of your afghan to protect the stitches, you may wish to do so for visual enhancement. Some stitchers prefer to add fabric on the back to compliment the stitched design.
 
To add backing, cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the size of the afghan square to be covered. Turn under the raw edge of the fabric and press with an iron. Pin the fabric piece on the back of the afghan and either hand stitch or machine stitch it in place.