Which Way is Up? Patricia Knows!

Patricia Sone explains why having the selvedge edge on the right or left side as you stitch is important in this short video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DS0i41cgR8P/

What about when the selvage edge is cut off or the shop covered the edges with tape?  Then I look for the designer's logo and design numbers, which are usually at the bottom.  Make sure those are on the bottom when you are stitching (unless of course you have to turn the canvas to reach) and you should be ok.  

Is this crucial?  It probably isn't but it'll help keep your canvas from distorting if you are using stitches that tend to pull the canvas into a parallellogram.  Every little bit helps, right?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 29, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Nashville Needlepointer's Selvage Edge Trick

Instagram's Nashville Needlepointer has a quick and easy trick to find out which side of your canvas is the selvage edge if the woven area has been cut off.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl6kZM-OxY4/

Why do you care, you ask?  It's easier to block larger designs, especially things like wall hangings, if you orient the canvas properly.  In many designs, it's obvious which way is up (like a landscape), but if you are stitching on blank canvas or an abstract design that could be oriented in any direction, this will help you figure out which side is the top or bottom.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright Decenber 8, 2022 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Determining the Selvage Edge

Natalia tells us how to determine the selvage edge on a piece of silk gauze that doesn't have the selvage still attached.
http://scarletsailsminiatures.blogspot.com/2014/11/silk-gauze-and-selvage.html

Here is why it matters and how to determine selvage on white mono needlepoint canvas.
http://www.needlepoint.org/FAQ/stitching.php#Q20

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com © Copyright November 18, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.