Wednesday, April 09, 2008

More Polka Dot Girls

Another Polka Dot Girls block done!

I've received several e-mails asking how many strands of floss I use or if I use perle cotton. I have a tendency to twist my needle when I stitch so I use two strands of floss because I can control them better than I can one strand of perle cotton.

I don't like to make knots on the back of my work so I'd like to share how I start stitching without a knot.

I will cut my floss twice the length that I think I will need - bring the ends together and thread my needle. I then bring my needle up from the back of my work but before I pull it tight I go back down, making my first stitch and slipping my needle through the loop I created when I brought the ends of my floss together. I then pull that first stitch taut and continue stitching. If you don't currently use this method I hope you will give it a try. :-)

Thanks for stopping by to visit and please come again!

In Friendship!

25 comments:

Juliann in WA said...

What a great tip for starting to stitch without making a knot. It has always bothered me to have a bulky knot on the back of my stithery. Thanks!

zizzybob said...

Wow, I have been doing embroidery since I was a little girl and never thought of your loop method. I have been using a waste-knot method with mixed results. You way sounds so much better.
Your never to old to learn new tricks.
Thanks.............

Libby said...

Those are some funny ladies *s*

Wendy said...

Thanks for the no-knot tip, I'll have to try that. Do you use interfacing on the back? These ladies are a hoot!

Esther said...

Where do you get the patterns for the Polka Dot Girls - just love it.

Richelle said...

Your stitching looks so perfect! Would you consider showing a tutorial on how you do you stitching? Your no knot method is a great tip! Thanks!

Carol said...

I used to do that when I cross stitched and forgot all about it...thanks so much for the wonderful reminder...get rid of that knot.

Paula, the quilter said...

That is such a great tip for no-knot. I hope I can remember it when I need it the next time. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I, too, would like to know where those of us in the US can obtain the Polka Dot Girls patterns. They are just wonderful.

Clare

Unknown said...

Great idea! Do you have a plan for all your Polka Dot Girls stitcheries? What color of floss are you using on them?

Elaine Adair said...

The perfect solution! Thanks. The ladies are looking so good!

Doe said...

Simply gorgeous!

Vicky said...

Great tip on the knot! I would love to see a tutorial. I'm wanting so badly to start a project, and I'm scared to start. I can't even figure out how to get the design on my fabric! Newbie here!

Anonymous said...

I would love to find the patterns. Your work is beautiful. Hopefully, we can order the patterns here in the USA. I do the same thing to start new thread.

Beertje Zonn said...

Your stitching is beautiful!
Kind regards

Sonnja
Beertje Zonn

Ginger Patches said...

Thanks for that tip...I need all the tips I can get in the stitchery and applique departments!! As usual I adore your polka dot girls :)

Anne Heidi said...

Love those Polka dot girls! Thank you for the tip, I'll give it a try for sure.

Angie said...

I'm telling you those PD Girls are just the cutest things!!! :D I'm green with envy here...I want some PD Girls too! :) I have never 'seen' that way of starting your thread. I will most definitely give it a try...thanks bunches for sharing that tip with us, girlfriend. :) (I'm in the middle of yucky medical tests right now, but I'll keep trying to get a hold of you, my friend! :D)

Karen said...

Love those polka dot ladies - so cute. Thanks for a great tip on avoiding a knot on the back of the project. I will certainly give this one a try.

Hope life is slowing down for you :)

Hugs - Karen

Cheryl said...

Thanks for sharing the great tip!
Your stitching is BEAUTIFUL!! I am sooooooo tempted to make some myself :-)!

Karen said...

How interesting. I am going to have to give this a try. I have seen the back of the embroidery work where it looks so good and mine always is lumpy with knots. Never was able to ask how they did it. Thanks.

Carole said...

Lovely girls! I cannot wrap my brain around your method. You'll just have to come over and show me! lol Oh.... don't forget your mud boots! Keep well!

Anonymous said...

Hi, love those girls you are embroidering. Ok, you instructed us as how you start your embroidery without making a knot so........the question now is....How Do You End Your Thread?

Loveyourprojects!!!

Sharon Pennsylvania USA

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh now is that clever! And I"m reading it just in time!

Cyndi loves to stitch said...

Darlene, you are the most amazing person..........I've been stitching a LONG time and never heard this version of not
knotting!!! This will be an immense help for the next "special request" project I've been asked to do. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! This will help me produce the cleanest backside ever!!! Cyndi

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