RESULTS OF TEST USING WASTE CANVAS
I decided to try using waste canvas on a scrap of silk. I found I had some 14-count waste canvas fron Zwiegart already, so I sandwiched the waste canvas, the silk, and a scrap of light-weight interfacing.
I basted the interfacing to the silk first, then basted the canvas to the pair.
I tried two tests: the first with the waste canvas straight out of the bag, the second after washing the canvas first. For both tests, I stitched a pair of 5-stitch by 5-stitch squares at 14-count at an angle so they meet at one corner, and two sets of two 5 X 5 squares at
28-count, again at an angle.
What I found is thus:
The unwashed canvas is very stiff to work with, and you will have to dampen it before pulling the waste threads out. However, the floss lies very smooth and even on it, and you get a very precise stitch with it.
Pros: even, smooth stitching Cons: stiff fabric, have to dampen the canvas to pull it out, which may cause issues with the silk floss.
The pre-washed canvas is easier to stitch on, and pull out, but the stitches themselves are not as smooth or as precise, especially when doing the over-one or 28-count stitches.
Pros: being pre-washed, don't have to worry about getting silk floss damp, is easier to stitch and handle Cons: Much harder to get even, smooth stitches on the over-one stitch blocks, as the threads move around (the starch holding them in place is gone).
My Conclusions:
1) test the silk floss first for ability to withstand getting damp (not wet, just damp), and if OK, use the unwashed canvas. It will be a pain, but will result in much nicer stitches.
2) baste the material sandwich every two inches to prevent the layers from sliding. It may even be best to remove the waste canvas after finishing each concrete section. This would, of course, depend on the pattern, but in most patterns, you can find "stopping points" where it would work to do this.
3) Use shorter lengths of floss (18" max, 12" prefered) because pulling the floss through the tight weave wears it down fast.
4) Use an embroidery sharp, not a tapestry needle (I used a # 10), and keep an emory bag handy so you can clean the needle frequently. This really helps in pulling the needle through the material. I ended up using the bag every time I loaded the needle.
So: The waste canvas idea is very do-able. The stitching looked nice, and so I'm going to try this. It won't be until later this year, as I have a couple of deadlines on other projects to hit first, but I'm looking forward to it - a new challange!