While browsing the net for interesting tips that I might share with you in future blogs, I became quite dismayed at the amount of misinformation being put out by so-called experts.

Now I do realize that needlework is highly personal, and everyone has their own favorite techniques - and I will also be the first to say there are some wonderfully informative sites out there, that you can learn a lot from.... and you may have heard me mention the three examples (below) in other blogs, but I want to reinforce them, in case you haven't had time to read my blog history (wink).

One 'expert' stated quite firmly that you should NEVER use a hoop, as it could make your work dirty! This was the exact opposite of what the next few sites had to say, LOL, and also not what I think. Working "in-hand" (w/o a hoop) is something that can be hard to learn (especially for beginners), as you have to watch your tension very carefully... and though I have several friends who LOVE this method, I find that no matter how good you are at it, the finished product just isn't as crisp and even as that worked with a hoop. Tension is SOOOO important when stitching - the more even the tension, the more even the stitches - and a nice taut hoop really makes that easier.

However, IF you are worried about the hoop making your work dirty, there are several steps you can take. One is to remove the hoop when you're not stitching. This is something I suggest you do ANYWAY, lol, as it will also help avoid stretching the fabric (or any floss covered by the hoop) out of shape.

Second, ALWAYS wash your hands before you begin stitching, even if you think they are already clean. There are natural oils on your skin that can transfer to the fabric/floss and discolor it over time.

Third, replace your hoops if they start to get old and dirty - they're inexpensive, so don't be afraid to toss them! OR try plastic hoops, that you can clean. 

Finally, if you're really concerned, put a piece of tissue paper on the face of your fabric before applying the hoop, then tear away the paper from the stitching area, leaving the tissue between the hoop and your fabric!

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I don't remember if it was the same site, but there was also a suggestion about using a sewing method to save time in stitching (this method requires pushing the needle down at the first point your stitch and up at the next point - in a scooping motion - before pulling the needle out of the fabric - so the needle basically stays on the face of the fabric).

There are a couple of problems with that - one being that if you ARE using a hoop and have nice taut fabric it can be very hard to get the needle to bend to the second hole, LOL, so it's a technique mainly used when sewing IN-HAND. However, the other problem is that instead of pulling straight up or down through the fabric, this method pulls the floss sideways, causing more wear on what is already a quite fragile product. Depending on the type of floss you are using, this can cause fraying.

Again, I want to point out that there is a time and place for everything, LOL, including "in-hand" and the sewing method.  I use BOTH of these tecniques when working specialty stitches that require a bit of slack in the fabric, or manipulation of the floss.  I just don't use them for cross-stitch!

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Next, someone else asked how to clean up messy backs - which is an excellent question... I was just sorry to see she was asking someone who posted a picture of the back of her work that had tails hanging every which way! As you may know if you read my stuff regularly (wink), TAILS are my pet peeve!  I HIGHLY recommend anchoring floss firmly - a stitch or two is usually NOT enough. Go under 3-5 stitches - or even better, run the floss under 3 stitches, then change direction and run under 3 stitches in a different direction - your tails won't pull loose no matter what kind of treatment they get during washing - or if they are on a sweatshirt, worn and washed frequently!!

My second "tail tip" is to CLIP YOUR FLOSS close to the fabric - there shouldn't BE any straggly threads on the back of your fabric - I can't stress this enough, it's the most common problem I find among even experienced stitchers.

But my third (and BEST) suggestion for neat backs and ending tails, is to run the tail AWAY from any unstitched areas before clipping the floss. That way no naughty little fuzzies will be peeking out from behind your stitching and showing through the fabric when the piece is framed.

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My FINAL suggestion is that when you read something you didn't know, try to find other experts talking about the same topic and see how many of them agree, or what other options they suggest ... then try the various techniques offered, and decide which you prefer!

Happy stitching until next month!