lots2do

Okay,
so maybe I don't have enough different crafts/projects etc. going on... I got a Needleworks catalog (associated with Keepsake Quilting) and found some cute counted cross stitch projects. One of them that I really like, a series of snowmen, has perforated paper as the base instead of cloth. Can anyone explain this to me? Paper? Has anyone worked with it before? Would it not be the best choice for a beginner to work with?
Thanks in advance, hope someone has some opinions on this,
lots2do...but still looking for more to do!

ritamaew

I am a former cross stitcher and once I tried a project on paper.

It requires a stitcher who does not pull too tightly and it does not like unstitching because the paper tears. I know there are methods to repair the paper. Personally, I perfer linen.

Rita

Butterfli19

When you cross stitch on paper it looks like you cross stitched on paper. 8-) I don't like the look. Having said that, you can stitch any design on any fabric. Try stitching it on 14 or 16 count Aida cloth to start. Leave enough fabric so you can make a wallhanging, quilt, totebag, or stuff it and make a 3D snowman.

I used to cross stitch on my daughter's clothes. You use waste canvas to cross stitch the design and when finished, just pull out the strings of the waste canvas.

edit: check out "The Stitchery" for kits and "Herschnners" for fabrics. Great sites. If you really want to drool, check out "abcstitch". Take the virtual tour. And don't get mad at me after. :wink:

lots2do

Thanks for the advice, ladies!
That was exactly what I was worried about...having to do the rip-it stitch and ripping the paper. I did see one I liked with cloth - a lot of little houses on gray that I may try instead. I will try the sites you suggested too, Nancy. (Like I need another pastime...oh well, looks like fun).
:)lots2do

Maride

One thing I hate about stitching on paper is that it deteriorates if your hands sweat just a little bit.

patricej

if you're a beginning counted-x-stitcher i recommend you start with aida cloth. it's woven so that you can easily see where to poke the needle through for even stitches. once the project is done you have to option of washing it to shrink those little holes. they all but disappear and you almost have the look of linen or even-weave.

if you choose to wash, make sure to stitch a little hem around the edges to prevent fraying. if you throw it into the dryer to maximize shrinking, you'll need to wet it again so you can block it back into shape.

Lacelady

I have never seen the point of stitching on paper - it surely can't last as long as stitching on cotton or linen fabric, and what is the point of doing all that work for it to disintegrate that much quicker? You can only frame it, you can't do any of the other things with it that you can if you stitches on fabric, ie cushions, quilts, aprons, household goods, babies articles etc. etc.

homequilter

I have used the paper for x-stitch. Mostly, I made cards or something that would be framed. I thought it was fun to do--

judy_68

I have cross stitched off and on for year. I cant imagine using paper. I think you couldnt fix mistakes without tearing it. I wouldn't use it if I was a beginner.
Judy in Ohio

lots2do

Thanks again!
I'll keep far away from the paper...and look for something with Aida cloth.
I was in a second hand shop yesterday and found someone's Home is where the heart is counted cross stitch project. It was really lovely. May have to go back and rescue it. It was in a wooden frame that looked like it was from the fifties or so.
lot2do
PS Thanks for the tip on washing it afterwards too. I wouldn't have known to do that.