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Mary Corbet

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I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Fabric & Set-Up

 

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For those of you following along with the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion project, today we’re going to chat about fabric and set up. It’s a long, detailed article, so grab a cup of something before you delve in!

Normally, I figure if you’re taking on a project like this, you have some notion of basic embroidery and how to set up a project. Still, I don’t like to assume, and so, as a preliminary, I’m going to go over my method of setting up this project to get it ready for stitching.

We’ll also chat about using a hoop or a frame while embroidering the pincushion, I’ll give you some tips, and I’ll show you my preferred set up for this type of project. I’ll also mention alternatives.

If you’re not following with the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion, never fear! The tips below can be applied to practically any similar embroidery project.

Ready?

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

Linen

If you purchased the materials kit for the Bee-Jeweled Pincushion, and you’ve received it (I know many of you have! Yay!), you’ll notice that there’s a folded piece of beautiful linen in the kit.

The linen is called “Manuscript Vellum” here in the States. It is manufactured in Italy by Graziano, so if you’re in Europe or the UK, or in a country that imports the range of Graziano linens, look for it under their label.

In the kit, the linen – which is about 9″ x 15″ – is ready to go. If you want to give it an iron before setting up the project, that’s fine. Use the linen setting on your iron and smooth it out a bit if there are any hard creases from folding.

Substitutions

If you don’t have access to this linen or you prefer to work out of your stash, you’ll want a higher thread count fabric that’s suitable for hand embroidery. Linen that has too open of a weave (ie., even-weaves used for cross stitch, low thread count linens or other fabrics) won’t work as well. You really want a full weave on a relatively fine fabric.

I personally wouldn’t use cotton for this type of pincushion, because cotton is not as forgiving a fabric as linen is when it comes to making holes in it. But – that’s just my preference. If you want to use cotton, go for it. A natural or white muslin (calico in the UK), or even a cotton twill will work. The heavier the fabric, though, the more difficult it may be to finish, and the more difficult it will definitely be to transfer the design.

Other Tools

Other tools that come in handy for setting up the project:

A light pad or light box for tracing

Ruler – I like metal ones with cork backing, because they don’t slip and they’re accurate.

Pencil – I use a .05 mechanical pencil.

Tape – I just use whatever’s on hand that’s easily removable, like Scotch tape or masking tape. Don’t use packing tape, duct tape, or anything strong and sticky.

The Design – It’s available here as a PDF.

Tracing the Design

I transferred the design by tracing it, using a light pad.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

A light pad or a light box is a device that is flat, with a smooth surface, with lights inside it, that you can use for easily tracing on medium-to-light fabrics and on paper and other semi-translucent stuff.

The one that I used is available on Amazon. You’ll find a link to it under “Embroidery Tools & Accessories” on my Amazon Recommendation Page.

If you don’t have a light box or a light pad, other options include taping the design and fabric to a sunny window that’s easy to reach; putting a light underneath a glass covered coffee table; making your own “light box” by clamping a piece of clear plexiglass on the edge of a table and shining a light up underneath it.

It’s so much easier to trace a design, if you can put light behind it. A light pad is so convenient and really worth having.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

Before you start to trace, iron the linen smooth, if necessary, using the “linen” or “cotton” setting of your iron (assuming you’re using linen or cotton).

Tape the pattern to the light pad (or whatever device or substitution you are using), and then either pin or tape your fabric over the pattern securely on all sides. As much as possible, you want to keep your fabric from shifting during the tracing process.

I tape everything down. I prefer tape because pin heads can get in the way of rulers and such.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

In the strange photo above – which is taken Very Close Up so that you can see the weave of the fabric – the light pad is on behind the fabric.

See how you can see the weave of the fabric? Even though it isn’t this huge in real life, you can still see the weave of most fabrics with the naked eye (even when they aren’t backlit).

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

The point of paying attention to the weave is that you want to make sure the fabric weave is more or less lined up right with the horizontal design lines. You can see the lines best, if you put your hand on your fabric to hold it down onto the paper behind it.

See how the horizontal line at the base of the grassy part runs pretty much right along the line formed by the weave of the fabric? That’s what you want.

I’m emphasizing this, because you don’t want your fabric crooked on your design when you get ready to trace. Otherwise, you’ll be stitching a little on the bias (the diagonal) of the fabric, and this will lead to a warped finish when you assemble the pin cushion.

Don’t rely on the cut edge of the fabric to determine the straight of the grain (the straight of the weave lines in the fabric). Rely instead on seeing the grain over the design lines, and lining up the long horizontal lines with the grain.

Then tape the fabric in place, and you’re ready to trace.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

I used a ruler to trace all the longer straight lines. I traced the seam allowances (dashed lines) as well as the solid lines.

Use a light touch. With the light pad on underneath, you might not see how heavy your pencil line is. It’s a good idea to turn your light off and double check it. It’ll be darker than you realize. You don’t need to make super-dark lines.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

For the small hexagon pattern, I didn’t bother with a ruler. It’s very easy just to quickly sketch those small, straight lines lightly in.

Before you un-tape your fabric, turn your light source off to make sure you’ve traced all the necessary lines.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

Once your design is traced, it’s time to put your fabric in a hoop or a frame.

The fabric design will barely fit in a 10″ hoop. It will fit better in a 12″ hoop, if you’re going to use a hoop. I don’t own a 12″ hoop, so I can’t show you. But in the photo above, you can see how the edge of the strip runs into the edge of the 10″ hoop. You could still fiddle this, when you get to that point of the embroidery. You could even embroider that part off the hoop, if you had to.

What you can’t do is use a smaller hoop that you have to move around on the embroidery. The embroidery will be embellished with a good amount of beads, and you really shouldn’t hoop over beads.

You’ll notice that the whole piece of fabric won’t fit in a hoop this size. In order to extend the fabric, you can sew strips of scrap fabric – muslin, calico, whatever you have – on the sides. This method of extending fabric to fit a hoop is explained in this article, here.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

For this type of smaller embroidery project where the whole project needs to fit within the hoop or frame, I prefer to use stretcher bars.

I use Evertite stretcher bars. If you’re not familiar with them, you can read about them and see how they work here.

For this project, 8″ x 12″ stretcher bars work great.

Here are some points to be aware of when you invest in stretcher bars:

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

They’re sized by the length of the bar…

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

…not by the length you need for the exposed fabric.

So, a 12″ stretcher bar is 12″ long – but it will only give you 10″ of exposed fabric.

Keep that in mind when you purchase stretcher bars!

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

Another few points:

An EZ tack kit (available where stretcher bars are sold) makes setting up stretcher bars much easier!

You can use regular thumbtacks from the hardware store (they’re much more affordable) with Evertites, because the wood they are made of is fairly soft. Other brands of stretcher bars may be made from much harder wood, so regular thumbtacks might not be quite strong enough.

If you invest in Evertites, they last a Really Really Really long time. I’ve been using the same stretcher bars for at least 18 years.

And don’t forget the T-Tool for tightening them.

You can find Evertite Stretcher bars, and other stretcher bars that are less expensive, available online through Needle in a Haystack and other locally owned needlework shops, including needlepoint and cross stitch shops. There is a supply issue with Evertites, so just be aware of that!

Alternatives for Hoops and Frames

Many of you have your own framing / hooping preferences. Use what you prefer, of course!

Slate frames and scroll frames will also work just fine with this project.

Your only concern is that the whole design should be visible and stitchable when framed up.

Bee-Jeweled Pincushion: Project Set Up

Ok! so that part is taken care of.

I’m sorry this post is so long, but I really wanted to cover thoroughly the set-up for the project.

You can ask any questions about fabric and preparation in the comment section below.

Next time we meet on this project, we will talk about stitching materials and other supplies. And then we’ll get into the fun part – the actual stitching!

For members on Patreon, I’ll be putting all of this information in the same PDF as the materials and supplies list, which you can expect next week.

We’re making more kits now, just waiting for a few more parts!

 
 

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(42) Comments

  1. Graziano linen is difficult to source in the UK, but I understand it’s 53/63 TPI. Would it be possible to substitute Zweigart Kingston linen 55TPI and get a good result — assuming I can find the right colour, of course?

    1
    1. Kingston should be ok for surface work. It is probably a little heavier than this. The pincushion can be stitched in white or natural – if you decide to use a white linen, you’d just use a color for the hexagon pattern on the top. Maybe a pale yellow or a natural.

  2. Mary,
    I was unable to buy the kit but would like to get started collecting the material list. Did I miss the post showing the list? Maybe over on Patron? Looking forward to stitching this cute pin cushion. Any thoughts on where I might be able to find the bee charm or a similar charm for the top? Thanks,

    3
    1. No, you didn’t. I haven’t given a list of materials yet.

      I am running another round of kits – they should be ready this week – so if you’d like to be on the advanced notice list, email me if you haven’t yet. If you’ve already emailed for advanced notice, then you’re on the list and when the kits are restocked, I will let you know.

    1. If you like q-snaps, go for it! They’ll work, as long as you can get decent, consistent tension with them. It helps to add some strips of felt or extra fabric under the snaps, if you want consistent, non-slipping tension.

  3. Thanks for sharing this project. I’ll need to get my fabric at a big box and they have 100% embroidery linen, 46 ct. is that a good choice?

    6
    1. Not usually, if it’s the fabric that’s rolled up in a tube. I think you’d be better off using a cotton or cotton / linen blend from the clothing fabric section or the quilting fabric section.

    1. No, I wouldn’t use it. It’s not a surface embroidery fabric. The holes between the weave are too big. You wouldn’t have anything to stitch your embroidery stitches into, to achieve smooth curved lines, etc. Lugana is a counted thread fabric. You’d be better off using a nice cotton or a blend.

  4. Hi Mary,
    I read your last post about the thorough shrinking process for linen. Do you also shrink your threads? If not, won’t they pucker after the whole thing is washed?
    Thanks and love your blog!

    8
  5. I think I will order the linen, etc when it becomes available. And I need those stretcher bars. It remains to be seen whether my hands will do any stitching, but at least I’ll have the supplies at hand.

    9
  6. Hi Mary – I can’t find a .5 Mechanical fabric pencil any where on the web. Is there a special brand I should be looking for? Thanks.

    10
    1. I just get mine at the office supply stores or the stationary / pen aisle at any store like Walmart or what-have-you. I prefer the 0.5mm, but you can always use 0.7mm if that’s all you have. The 0.7mm is probably more common. But it’s a bit heavier.

  7. Dear Mary,

    First, thank you for your role in making these altar linens. Second, thank you for clearly showing how you transfer the design.

    Gratefully,

    Mary

    11
  8. Will you be showing how to put the fabric on stretcher bars such as an Evertite? I have only used a hoop, but am purchasing stretcher bars. Thank you!

    14
  9. Luckily I have the Natural Linen Fabric Pack which has the Manuscript Vellum! I think 12 x 12 will work – yes? I’ve got a CutterGlow light box which will work great to transfer the pattern. I’m excited to get this project started!

    15
    1. Yes, it will – you’ll probably need to extend the sides with a little additional scrap fabric, for framing up. It really depends on the type of frame you use. It might be tricky to get the 10″ strip framed up in a way that’s easily accessible for stitching, without a little extra fabric on it. But if you use stretcher bars, you could always pin the fabric on the top of the bars, like they do with needlepoint canvas, and that would give you some additional wiggle room. With a scroll frame and the like, you’d be fine. But you can definitely fit the design on the 12″ x 12″ piece!

  10. Hi Mary,
    I have a question about the linen fabric.
    I am using store bought linen off the roll. Do I need to prewash the fabric or is it better
    to embroider it while it is stiff?

    Thanks
    Deb

    16
    1. The rolls of linen that you buy at hobby and sewing stores in the needlework section (by Charles Craft or DMC and the like) are probably not the best choice for this. It’s not a fine enough weave with a full coverage – that is, the threads don’t fill the weave – and there’s usually significant space between the fabric threads, because it’s sold for counted work. (Keep in mind that the photos in the post, where you can see the weave of the linen I’m using, are super close up.) You’d probably be better off using a cotton fabric. But, if you want to try with the linen you have, then… I don’t know. I think you’d have to test to see what you prefer. That type of fabric is loaded with sizing, so you’ve got structure to it (it’s stiff), and when you wash it, it will become much softer. Personally, I’d be inclined to wash it first. You’ll probably need to back your fabric with some cotton muslin or something, too, because, with surface embroidery, you don’t use the holes in the fabric to determine where the stitches are. You’ll need something behind that fabric for the embroidery stitches to grip into.

    1. Hi, Carol – Technically, it’s a “hex T wrench” and the size is 3/32. Here in the States, the one made by Bondhus has a yellow handle and it’s the one normally seen with the Evertites. I think you can just use any 3/32 hex T wrench or even a 3/32 allen wrench – though the T wrench is a bit easier on the hands.

  11. Hi Mary,

    When hooping up the fabric after transferring the design, do the straight lines/ the weave of the fabric need to remain straight when the fabric is stretched? Often on my projects, getting the fabric taut means in some areas, the weave is no longer straight. Is this wrong? Will it impact how the design looks or does it work out fine as long as I follow the transfer lines when I’m stitching?

    I’m sure this is a basic concept and should be obvious but I can’t remember seeing this addressed anywhere.

    Thank you for this series!

    19
    1. Well, that’s a valid concern when using hoops. You want to do your best not to warp the weave of the fabric too much, but it always happens a little bit, it seems. So, when I hoop up, I place the inner ring on the table, I place my fabric over it, and with the outer ring loosened just barely enough to fit over the fabric and the inner ring, I push it straight down on the fabric and inner ring. I do this with that outer hoop rather tight over the fabric, and it takes standing over it and forcing it down. This pulls the fabric equally around the inner ring, making it less likely that you have tug at the fabric as much when you do your final tightening of the outer ring hardware.

  12. I’ve had success using a laptop screen set all white with a picture frame over it as a light box before, on he occasional times I need one.

    20
    1. It’s the smallest lead that you normally find readily available for mechanical pencils. The most common is probably .7. So I guess .5 – I probably confused it with the 05 Micron pen.

  13. Hi Mary,
    I’m just getting around to setting up the project. I don’t have the Evertite bars, but do have the Edmund ones. Just curious, the fabric isn’t tall enough for it to go over the sides of the top and bottom frames. So the tacks will go on top rather than over the sides? Is that the way it should be?
    Thank you

    22
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