You've been asking for tips about needle craft techniques and applications. We've asked our design studio to share their secrets that cover everything from fabric, needles, thread, stitching and beading. On linen type fabrics, stitch with the selvage on the side. This assures you are working with the grain of the fabric. When working on perforated paper, the smooth side is the right side.
Hand wash the finished piece with a mild soap and iron dry.
Always press on the backside of the fabric with a padding of turkish towel and a press cloth. Mill Hill beads are made of glass and can be ironed as long as they are treated like your fine needlework. If some beads tip during the process, adjust with your fingers or a needle before framing or other finishing. Top of Page Needle Tips Use a 24 size needle for cross stitch and specialty stitches on 14 count fabric or perforated paper. When starting a new project, it is best to start with a new needle.