Some
times the project we are going to stitch is small and the fabric we are
going to stitch on will not fit in an embroidery hoop.
One way of getting around not buying a smaller hoop is to add strips of
cotton fabric to the edge of your needlework fabric to extend the
overall size to fit into a hoop.
I recycle old pillowcases by cutting a 3 inch strip from the case on the
straight of the fabric grain. I then machine sew the strips to the edges
of my needlework fabric. Don’t use stretchy fabric for strips.
Sew the strip on with a long stitch as when you have finished the
needlework you can unpick the cotton strip to reuse at a later date.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
While doing the English Paper Piecing (left) I did some hand
stitching first. So I could use scraps of quilting fabric I
sewed a border around the scrap of fabric; did the hand
stitching and then cut out the actual shape. For the bag
(centre) I cut my white blocks 1/4 inch out from the block
cutting line; added fabric strips and then cut to size after
hand stitching was done. I did this also for the accessories.
For the quilt (right) I did the same as for the bag. |
Keep your fabric taunt in the hoop
For the best use of a hoop the stitching fabric must be kept taunt at
all times; but often our stitching fabric can slip in the hoop while
stitching. To help combat this wrap some bias binding tape around the
inner hoop ring. Stitching the ends of the tape on the inside edge of
the hoop. This will give your stitching fabric more grip.
