Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a new needler, so to speak. My boyfriend's newest nephew is getting baptised next month, so I thought I'd do some bibs and a blankie for his prezzies. Both are stamped kits, as I thought that might be an easier start! ;)
I do have a question for the group. The first bib I did was my first time stitching in about 20 years, so the back is NOT pretty. Since this will be for a 3 month old, I want to do something about the loose strings and all. I'm wondering how others have handled this. :) I think I'll get some fusible fleece to attach to the back, but I'm not sure how well that will hold up either...just a bit confused :)
You could use the fusible fleece, but that might come off in the washing machine after some time. When I made a bib and blankie for a friend, I just lined it with a soft flannel hand stitched around the edges.
I have a strong suspicion that someone here might have a better idea, but it's quiet today because of the Memorial Day holiday.
Buy some towel material , soak in water and dry , lay your bib on it face down and cut a piece in same size, pin in the corners and either habd sew around , or ask some friend with a sewing machine to sew it on the machine , Leave an opening of 5 cm , turn the bib inside out . After turning , use the other side of a pencil to see all corners have turned well. Close the opening, now attach the ribbons . In case the ribbons already were attached make the opeening close to them , so that you can turn them outwards. this will make the bib a very good absorbing bib. mirjam
What type of embroidery are you embarking upon? Cross stitch? Surface embroidery? Stamped pieces come in both types. We can help if we know what you were doing. :~) Then perhaps we can steer you in the right direction and you won't need anything for a backing.
I see Lucille has already mentioned the problems with fusibles.
I like this idea!!!! How about a substituting a wash cloth for toweling?
aside alert: the poster's idea to use fusible webbing might have come about because she doesn't sew and was looking for a way to bond two things together.
If you decide against a fusible and don't want to use any sort of backing, you could use one of the liquid sealant products available like Fray Check or Fray Block by June Taylor (I prefer this one). This is great for making sure that thread knots or the loose ends of stuff don't come undone -- I use it on the backs of shirt buttons or trims, etc. that I attach to needlework. Fray Check does have a tendency to get stiff over time but I doubt that a baby bib would be used for that long :-). Do you have loops of thread as a result of knots in your thread on the back of the bib? If you do, you could bury the loopy threads through the backs of your existing stitches. You would need to make your own "DoLolly". To do this, you take a long length of sewing thread, fold in half and thread the loose end through the needle. Make sure the loop end of your thread is longer than the two loose ends. Now run this threaded needle underneath the backs of your existing stitches STARTING as close to one of the "offending" loopy needlework threads on the back of your bib. As you pull the threaded needle through the stitching, be sure that the unwanted loopy stuff is placed into the loop of the sewing thread. Continue to pull the threaded needle through the backs of your stitches and as you do so, the sewing thread loop should pull the stitching thread loops along with it and through the backs of your needlework stitches. This should hold everythng fairly well but if you are still worried then a small dot of one of the sealant products could be used. Most of us have been in your shoes :-). I have been stitching for years and even do model stitching and I STILL ocassionally get those thread loops on the back of my work. It's a REAL P.I.T.A. if you don't catch them and I use the "DoLolly" trick to hide them. Of course, the best things is to remember to check your work so that you don't get them in the first place! I manage this by stitching two handed with my right hand underneath my work. As I pull my stitching thread from back to front, I make sure I run it lightly through my fingers. This way I can feel when my thread gets one of those nasty little loopy knots! Keep us posted on what you decide to use, OK? OH and as Dianne asked, let us know what sort of stitching you are doing! CiaoMeow >^;;^<
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Not striclty about your question, but it might be of interest. IF you have used top quality materials, e.g. DMC or Anchor floss, then dont worry about washing. Top quality materials are safe to wash with any detergent and/or bleach at any temperature. However, if you have used cheap materials......
Yes, that is why I thought about the fusible fleece. :) I just started stitching, and don't have a sewing machine, (although I might get one in a few months.) I saw a place mat pattern that used it and was curious if it would work for something like this. Then I thought I best ask people who have experience!! :D
If it's just that you're worried about it holding up in use (vs. covering up the back for aesthetic reasons), I can attest from experience that a similar bib given to us when DD was born was used for several years. It was a stamped/cross stitched Winnie the Pooh - probably Bucilla, since it was Disney - and I washed it many times and it held up well. (In fact, IIRC the ties gave out, and I had to add another binding - but the cross stitch was fine!)
This is my main concern. The bunny bib back looks fine, but the other one is a bit rough. I was concerned the strings might be a hazard for the little one... :)
What ever thread you use , if it is for a clothing item [or any other item that will be washed ] Check the color fastness ,,,like this ,,,, Soak a piece of the thread in luke warm water ,,, put it to dry on a white tissue ,,,, if no coloring happens YOU have a color fast thread . mirjam
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