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How to Manage Excess Fabric on Large Cross Stitch Projects
Extra fabric can be rolled, gathered or covered. The goal is to keep it clean and out of the way without pulling on the…
Learn & make
Guides for turning a grid into something handmade.
Explore cross stitch, C2C crochet, tapestry crochet and latch hook. Learn the technique, solve problems and find patterns to put it into practice.
498 articles
Choose a technique
One grid language, different ways to make.
Each technique has its own guides, materials, common problems and related patterns.
Cross Stitch
Guides, techniques, materials and ideas for getting more from cross stitch.
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C2C Crochet
Learn corner-to-corner crochet, read graphs and turn grid designs into crochet projects.
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Tapestry Crochet
Colorwork, charts, color changes and techniques for creating clean images with tapestry crochet.
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Latch Hook
Tools, canvas, charts and finishing techniques for turning designs into rugs and textile pieces.
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Learn
How to Get Even Side Tension on a Cross Stitch Scroll Frame
Scroll frames tension fabric mainly top to bottom, so sides can feel looser. Straight mounting and controlled side tension solve most of the problem.
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How to Use Frame Spacers for Cross Stitch Without a Mat
Frame spacers create a small gap between glazing and stitching when you want the fabric visible to the frame edge without using a mat.
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How to Choose a Mat for Cross Stitch: Color, Width and Opening
A mat can separate stitching from glazing and improve composition, but its color and proportions should support the design rather than compete with it.
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Should You Frame Cross Stitch With Glass or Without Glass?
Glass protects against dust and handling, but it should not press directly on the stitches. An open textile finish can also be appropriate in…
Buying guides
Acid-Free Foam Board vs Sticky Board for Framing Cross Stitch
Foam board supports pinning or lacing without sticking the fabric down; sticky board is fast, but reversibility and preservation may matter more on important…
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Blunt vs Sharp Needle for Cross Stitch: Which Should You Use?
For counted cross stitch, a blunt needle usually finds existing fabric holes without splitting fibers. Sharp needles have specific uses rather than being the…
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How to Organize a Cross Stitch Project Bag for Your WIP
A useful project bag keeps every WIP supply together while separating floss, tools and the chart so you can begin stitching within minutes.
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How to Lace Cross Stitch for Framing Without Adhesive
Lacing holds fabric to a rigid support with thread across the back. It can be adjusted and removed later without sticking the embroidery down.
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Why Cross Stitch Needles Turn Black or Tarnish
Darkening often appears as the metal finish reacts to moisture, skin oils and normal use. What matters most is whether the needle still glides…
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How to Keep Floss Bobbins from Unraveling in Storage
A bobbin that constantly unwinds usually has a loose slot, too much floss or a tail that is not secured firmly. Several simple fixes…
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How to Organize a DMC Floss Collection: By Number or by Color?
Sorting by number is usually fastest for following patterns; sorting by color helps designing. A hybrid system can provide both advantages.