Stretcher Bars Versus Stitching in Hand

Megan and Melissa talk about using stretcher bars versus stitching in hand.  It's a fun discussion that also touches upon using tacks versus staplers to put canvases on stretcher bars, speciality tools you might want to consider and tips that help keep your canvas clean.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeK6m78MZSA

The magnetic wrist band that Megan and Melissa show is called a Maker's Keep magnetic slap bracelet.  If your favorite shop doesn't carry them, you can talk to The Wool and the Floss in Michigan or to Needlepoint Club House in St. Louis to order.  You can see the five colors available here.

https://cocoknits.com/products/makers-keep

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 27, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Susan Makes Sense

Vicky DeAngelis is taking a class from Susan Portra who recommends stitching with one's stretcher bars on top of the canvas, not under them, so Vicky is giving it a try.  Susan's reasons for mounting a canvas this way make sense.  Maybe the next small piece I work on I'll try it.
http://mostlyneedlepoint.com/so-whats-new-pussycat-2/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Stitching "In the Well"

Ever hear someone mention they like to "stitch in the well?" Did you wonder what they were talking about?    Mary Agnes shows off her current project,  which is mounted on stretcher bars so that she is stitching "in the well."
http://needlenicely.blogspot.com/2016/05/be-merry-2.html

Some folks like stitching with their stretcher bars on top instead of behind their canvas.  This is called stitching in the well.  They say it keeps their work cleaner because it is harder to touch the canvas accidentally as they work and makes tying off on the back easier.  Personally, I think it is a matter of personal preference although if you are traveling, it makes great sense to mount your canvas this way before you pack it in your suitcase.  It protects your stitching from being rubbed by other things you've packed, especially if you put a piece of foam core or bubble wrap on the front of your canvas as further padding.

I've tried stitching with my stretcher bars on the front, and I can't see that it makes things cleaner or easier for me--but for you it might make a world of difference.  You won't know until you try.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 12, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Repairing the K's Floor Stand

Brenda had a problem with her K's floor stand, contacted the company and had a fix right away. She thinks her problem was caused by "stitching in the well" which means she mounts her stretcher bars on top of her canvas, not on the bottom, and she has a fix to keep the problem from happening again.  Clever!
http://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2015/02/floor-stand-clamp-repair-2315.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 4, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.