Stitches

How to keep active cross stitch patterns neat?

I am interested to hear how all cross stitchers out there keep their patterns neat whilst working on them? I am forever having to fold my patterns because they are large and this results in some of the symbols wearingoff with use. How do you get around this? Also is there such a thing as selotape type tape which you can write over with pencil?? thank in advance WW

Public Comments

1. You can always have your patterns laminated before using them.
2. Sorry, I don't use the symbol ones on the fabric. But I do find with most textile projects I roll them instead of folding them. You can buy different size portfolios that are tubes and then get a piece of PVC from home depot cut to size of the tube. Great trick that I learned in college to keep all fabric from creasing. You might need to place a piece of tissue paper on it when you roll it if your getting a lot of rubbing. Also make sure your hands are 100% clean before starting and wash inbetween working- hand oil removes the symbols as well.
3. I know of one gal who put her working pattern into a plastic sleeve. It was either a small enough pattern, or she cut it into notebook-paper-sized sections. Then, she wrote on the sleeve with a whiteboard marker. As to cellophane tape you can write on: try what's called Magic Tape. It's the whitish one. It definitely takes ballpoint pen, and I think it also takes pencil.
4. I always place my charts in plastic sheet protectors and then use the magnetic board and magnets to keep my place. If the chart is too large for the protective sheets, then I will scan portions of the chart as a working copy onto an 8x11 sheet of card stock. Be sure to set the resolution at a minimum of 300 DPI to obtain a clear and crisp copy. I find that the heavier paper holds up much better than the normal 20 pound or even 24 pound paper. This method works for me and I've been stitching for 40 years. I hope this helps a bit in what you are trying to accomplish. Much success in your endeavors, Sue P
5. Although it is illegal to copy a pattern and give or sell it to anyone else, most designers will let you make one copy for personal use, i.e., a working copy that you can mark up and destroy when you're finished. This way, you can keep your original in good condition. I use a yellow hi-liter to color the areas I've already stitched.
6. I've always made a working copy and then marked straight on the paper. Since I still have the original unmarked, I can go back and look at it if a symbol wears of or whatever. As for folding, it depends on the pattern, I had one where it did wear, another where it didn't, and both were folded. I tend to take my stitching with me from place to place in case I get some free time, so magnets and whatnot aren't my best option. Since I've usually printed it for my working copy, it is usually 8.5 by 11 or whatever printer paper is, so I don't have to worry about folding too much.