Designers share with us their top stitching essentials
Below are my top 5 essentials for when I’m creating new cross-stitch designs or simply relaxing stitching. www.tinymodernist.com
NEEDLEMINDER
To make sure my needles are always where I left them, I like using a needleminder. I picked up this DMC brand one recently, which is super cute and features the colour 995, which is a fun bright blue!
GOOD LIGHTING
Good lighting is such a key thing to have in your stitching spot. It makes it easier to keep your stitches neat, and to see the fabric holes. I have an overhead arc lamp with a bright daylight bulb installed in it. It provides such great light any time of day.
STITCHING FRAME
I prefer using square or rectangular frames to hoops, and I’ve found that Q-Snap frames keep my fabric nice and taut while stitching. I have a set of 6x6, 8x8 and 11x11 ones, and they work for most projects.
PROJECT BAG
There are so many great project bags out there, and I like the basic bags with plastic fronts so you can see the materials inside. This one was made by a fellow stitcher near where I live, using vintage-inspired fashion plate fabric.
ADOBE ACROBAT
I stitch models using Acrobat on my phone, and it allows me to zoom in and out, and mark up the chart to highlight areas I’ve stitched and circle areas that I would like to change.
PEAK PRACTICE
IF YOU’RE hankering for the great outdoors this summer, this beautiful scenic landscape makes the perfect reminder of holiday adventures, or you could even take it with you to stitch on your next trip! The kit comes with everything you need, including chart, DMC stranded cotton in eight shades, and a pre-sorted card thread holder. Plus, if you need any help or support, you can join Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s Facebook group of over 19,000 stitchers for advice. www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com
SEW CUTE
KEEP YOUR needles safe whilst stitching with the super-cute needleminder from Bothy Threads. Based on artwork from Wrendale Designs’ Hammy Anniversary Greetings card, you should have no more lost needles with these little ones attached to your stitching. The overall size is 3x4cm and features two strong magnets on the reverse to secure to either side of your fabric. If you love the design, you can also stitch the greetings card for a loved one, the counted cross stitch kit also includes an alphabet for personalisation and a card mount with envelo
