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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Still have questions? Contact Charles Craft's Ideas & Support Team at CS@CharlesCraft.com
What is the best Charles Craft fabric to use for Punch Needle?
After testing our fabrics, we recommend Hardanger (22-count) or our Irish Linen (20, 28 and 32-count) for Punch Needle
projects.
Can I use Charles Craft products for Machine Embroidery?
Definitely. Just look for the ME symbol on fabrics, bibs, blankets & towels to find products that have been tested and
are recommended for machine embroidery techniques. And visit our Machine Embroidery section for more information.
What is counted cross stitch?
Counted cross stitch is a needlecraft that allows you to create a colorful design on a piece of unmarked evenweave fabric by simply
counting stitches as indicated on a pattern which is usually printed on graph paper. Each square on the evenweave fabric matches a
square on the graph.
How do I make a basic cross stitch?
In creating a cross stitch, be sure all your stitches lie in the same direction. Work stitches from the bottom left hand corner of a
square to the top right hand corner. Return in the opposite direction to create an “x”. All stitches on the back side should be
vertical except where spaces are skipped.
What are backstitches?
A backstitch creates a continuous line with each stitch touching and can go in any direction.It is used for outlining and defining.
When using a single strand for backstitching, catch the tail of your floss by bringing your needle up on opposite sides of the floss
until secured.
What supplies will I need?
In addition to design books, you should have a selection of needles, flosses, embroidery scissors, hoops should you desire to use
them, and of course, your fabric.
What size needle should I use?
Aida 11 - #24 tapestry needle
Aida 14 - #24 tapestry needle
Aida 16 - #24 tapestry needle
Aida 18 - #26 tapestry needle
Hardanger 22 - #26 tapestry needle
Monaco 28 - #26 tapestry needle
How many strands of floss should I use?
Aida 11 - 3 strands for cross stitch, 2 strands for backstitch
Aida 14 - 2 strands for cross stitch, 1 strand for backstitch
Aida 16 - 2 strands for cross stitch, 1 strand for backstitch
Aida 18 - 2 strands for cross stitch, 1 strand for backstitch
Hardanger 22 - 1 strand for cross stitch, 1 strand for backstitch
Should I use a hoop?
Charles Craft Fabrics are finished to give you the flexibility of cross stitching with or without a hoop. Hoops can sometimes leave
marks on fabrics that are nearly impossible to remove. To prevent this, never store your project in the hoop. Never force the hoop
over the fabric. Use the adjustable ones that can be tightened after they are in place. Hint: Place a paper towel over the area you
are going to be stitching and then secure the hoop. Tear away the paper toweling from the fabric surface and what remains in the hoop
will provide a
cushion to protect the fabric. A good alternative to a hoop is a scroll frame.
Please explain the term "evenweave". Is Aida fabric also an evenweave?
All fabrics made specifically for cross stitch are evenweaves. This means that the threads running both vertically and horizontally
are the same in number. Our most popular evenweave fabric is 28 count. When cross stitches are made over two threads of 28 count, the
size is the same as on 14 count Aida. Aida fabric is also an evenweave as it has the same number of spaces per inch in both
directions.
Is stitching on an evenweave fabric different from stitching on Aida?
When stitching on an evenweave fabric, you should always bring your needle up from the backside of the fabric and to the left of a
vertical thread. Otherwise, your stitches will have a tendency to drop out as they will have nothing to support them. This is
particularly important on linen as the threads in the fabric may vary from thick to thin. Sometimes the slubs can hide a thin thread
and cause your count to be off. As you go along, look for the little “support posts” and you will know your stitching is on track.
How do I tell which side of the fabric is the "right" side?
Since cross-stitch fabrics are evenweaves, they are the same on both sides, so they may be stitched on either side and in either
direction.
How do I convert my design from a larger size, such as 14 count, to a smaller one like 18?
Look for the stitch count provided with the chart. 14 count means there are 14 spaces or squares to the inch. With 18 count there are
18 squares per inch and so forth. Merely divide the fabric count you will be using into the stitch counts given and you will arrive at
the size in inches.
How much extra fabric should I allow for framing?
The rule of thumb is three inches all around. In other words, six extra inches in width and in length.
Do I wash my project when it is complete?
Yes, always, for a piece that is going to be framed. This will remove any oils from your hands and any soiling that might have
occurred during the stitching process. Additionally, the fabric will shrink slightly which will serve to reduce the holes made larger
by the needle and make the fabric surface less pronounced so your stitches will take on more dimension. For accessory items like our
stockings, it is not necessary to wash them after completion as it is their nature to be handled.
How do I wash my project?
Use a small amount of liquid soap in your wash basin. A few swishes should remove the soil. Do no use any abrasive action such as
rubbing or brushing fabric on stubborn stains. Allowing fabric to soak should be all that is necessary.
Should I worry about the possibility of fading?
Strong chemicals once used to set fabric dyes are not permitted for environmental reasons. However, Charles Craft uses a process that
virtually eliminates this worry. According to our master dyer, in the rare event that bleeding should occur, just allow project to
soak a little longer and change the water and continue to rinse until the water becomes clear. The important thing to remember is,
“Do not panic”. This is excess dye and it will come out with proper soaking and rinsing.
As a precaution, should I wash my fabric before I begin stitching?
This is totally unnecessary. You can have confidence in our fabrics and the fact that they will not fade. Washing will tighten up the
holes and make stitching on the fabric more difficult as the spaces will become harder to see.
Can I have my project dry cleaned?
Although many stitchers have their projects successfully dry cleaned, it is not recommended. The chemicals used can in time break down
the finish on the fabrics.
How do I prevent fabric from unraveling?
Charles Craft fabrics are so tightly woven only a few threads will be lost during the stitching process. If one begins to unravel,
just pull it away. Why spend time prepping your fabric when you can spend it stitching! If you insist, whip fabric around the edges
with sewing thread or zig-zag on a machine. You may also use masking tape or apply a seam sealer.
How can I apply the look of counted cross stitch to garments and fabrics other than evenweave?
Waste canvas is an evenweave mesh fabric that is basted over the area to be cross stitched. It is available in 8.5, 10 and 14 count,
the most popular being 14. When stitching is complete the waste canvas threads are removed, leaving only your cross-stitched design.
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