To
Continue
To continue from one same color area to another you may
run your thread through stitches on the back of the work
until you reach the new stitching area. It is best to
end and then again begin your thread (especially dark
colors) if you are traveling your thread more than an
inch to a new area.
To
End
To end travel about an inch of your thread through previously
worked stitches on the back, take a backstitch and clip
the thread. Any time you are traveling a thread on the
reverse side of the work take care not to travel two threads
behind the same row of stitches. Doing so may cause the
stitches on the front to be pulled tighter than the rest,
ruining a smooth look to your completed work.
Cleaning
Your Work
It's usually necessary- no matter how careful you've tried
to be while stitching. First, make sure that the fabric
and embroidery are color safe. Soak the finished work
in cold water briefly. If necessary, wash the needlework
in a mild detergent. Do not wring out the fabric. Instead
put it on a towel and roll it to remove excess water.
Then lay needlework on a clean dry towel, right side down,
and with a warm iron, iron until dry.
Finishing
Your Work
You can frame your needlework yourself or have it done
professionally. Or you can make the completed work into
a pillow or insert it into myriad items that have been
specially made for finished needlework. Be sure to plan
your method of finishing before cutting your fabric so
that if special dimensions are needed you will have sufficient
fabric to meet them.
