Your needlework questions answered

The only silly needlework questions are those that are not asked! Here is your opportunity to ask everyone for advice or help with your needlework and embroidery.

There are two ways you can ask a question...

Of course I am delighted to help anyone by email, but that way you only get my opinion. Why not throw your question out there to the thousands of visitors a day that browse the site?

What can you ask about?

Anything that is related to needlework.

Due to the popularity of this page I have started to organise things a little. There are now more interactive pages on the site where you can ask questions relating to the following subjects (just click on the photo to go to the relevant page)...

Guidelines for submitting questions

If you have a short and sweet question to ask, then it is probably best to send me an e-mail, but if you have quite a bit to write, and you feel that the answer to your question could help other stitchers then please feel free to use one of the interactive invitations.

I can't promise to reply straight away, but will do my best to get to build your page as soon as possible so that others can jump in if they can help you.

Please try to be specific in your title. If you name your submission Sue or Mary, it doesn't give me any idea of the question you are asking. If I can see at a glance that I can help straight away, then it is better for both of us.

If you have a photo that you can add that is great. It makes YOUR PAGE more attractive. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece. A pic from your mobile phone is fine, as long as I can clearly see what you are trying to show.

Once I publish your submission it will be listed below the invitation, and other visitors will be able to comment on it.

Read other people's questions - and help if you can

Click below to see questions from other visitors to this page...

Can I do hand embroidery on ribbon?
I am new to embroidery. I couldn't even sew a button to a shirt 6 months ago. I don't own a sewing machine, and I want to embroider a message onto a piece …

How do I follow a cross stitch chart
I’m starting cross stitch for the first time, as an 86 year old male! My design is not printed on the Aida. If you complete a line and when you transfer …

Backing of cross stitched baby blanket
I just finished cross stitching a stamped baby quilt for my first grand child and would like to sew a flannel backing onto it to cover up the threads on …

Needlepoint accessories to help older sewers
Hi...I have been doing needlepoint for years but as I am getting older I am finding some challenges that are preventing me from continuing to enjoy doing …

How to launder red work embroidery
How do I safely launder red work embroidery? I do not know if the red embroidery, which is on white pillow shams, has ever been "set". There are no stains …

Embroidery on sweatshirt makes Popping sound
I found a sweatshirt at Walmart, which had a cute Reindeer on it. I instantly saw how doing some stitching over the screen printing would bring it to life. …

Stabilizer for embroidery
I am entering back in to the embroidery world and decided to start with some flour sack tea towels. I have an iron on transfer to put on them. …

new to this-question about fraying
I'm getting ready to start my first "real" cross stitch project. I have the kit ordered and I'm chomping on the bit to receive it! However, I would …

Transferring embroidery pattern onto colored fabric
I am going to embroider a design on black fabric. Someone told me to use fusible paper to draw my pattern, then iron it to the fabric, and do the embroidery …

Just thank you
I just wanted to comment and thank you. You come across so sweet, helpful, and knowledgeable. I've been wanting to try cross stitch and with your instruction, …

threads for making friendship bracelets
I make small friendship bracelet kits for kids. I give them away for free and enjoy the happiness it brings them. I usually buy embroidery floss by …

flatten and block antique needlepoint lace
How do I flatten and block a piece of needlepoint lace with a lot of floral inserts etc? Thanks, Christine Zachary, Portland, Oregon Carol says... …

how to end a stitch on hand embroidery
My mother embroidered forever and did incredible work...I have always just knotted my thread on the back and she didn't..she did it the right way and I …

Needlework beading help needed
needlework beading by L. Corrigan (Canada) As L. Corrigan (Canada) I am doing the needlework entitled "Earthdancer" by butternut road. I purchased …

Twilling Stitch
Years ago a cousin taught me how to embroider a pillow top using what she called the twilling stitch. I completed the pillow. Now about 20 years later …

bead attachment
I need to attach my beads to my finished cross stitch but I'm not sure how. It says, "all beads are attached with a cross stitch. Go through each bead …

how to attach vintage fabric center to crocheted edge
I have a beautiful wide crocheted edge for a large, round piece. I will use it on my big round, dining room table. I purchased a beautiful piece of vintage …

perfect needlework backs
I am really anxious to have backs that look the same as the front. There are several gentlemen who do that automatically. I don't. Is there some way to …

Where can I find Gold Work
Why is there not much in the way of information on Gold Work available? The Royal School of Needlework has a very pricy book but if you cannot have …

The Blue Line on Waste Fabric
Which direction of the Blue Line on the Waste Fabric, do I place onto my fabric (a Canvas Bag)? Do I stitch with it Horizontal (across) or Lengthwise (downward)? …

What is this Vintage Sampler Pattern?
I have a couple of questions - the first one is how do I find out information on a vintage sampler pattern that I bought at an estate sale? I am enclosing …

History Of Couching
For my homework we have to find out the history of couching and where it started and I cant find a single thing on Google, for it insits it's coaching. …

Sock monkey's eyes
I have made a sock monkey for my grandchild; she is only a year old. I would like to embroider the eyes on instead of button eyes since she is so young …

Stumped on French Knots
I am just beginning in cross stitching and I have had no trouble,until now. I am having a very hard time trying to make a French Knot. I have a guide book …

Trying to find a stitch my grandmother used
I'm trying to find a stitch my grandmother used in the 1940s. It looks like a square bird foot, or a comb with the some tynes (spaced out)going one way …

Starting a class
Hi I work in a primary school and would like to start a needlework class for 8-11 year olds an hour a week. I have limited experience (mainly my own …

ideas for old embroidery
I have several old pieces of cloth that have beautiful embroidery. The cloth has stains and tears but the needlework is in excellent condition. Do you …

Identify embroidered items from Mexico or Central America
I purchased these in Hillsboro New Mexico several years ago. The lady told me they were from Mexico or Central America. I can't read the letters. The …

Hand embroidering a sweatshirt Not rated yet
Hello - I am making, for the first time, a jacket from a new sweatshirt. It is black and I have used black bias tape down the front and around the end …