Updated April 26, 2019.
One of the more frustrating elements in my current stitching life is that I am slower stitching than I used to be. One way to make up for that in part is by stitching more efficiently.
Some stitchers thread up multiple needles so she has them ready to go. One lady I know has her grandchildren do it, so they help.
I know plenty of people who prepackage projects, with everything, including scissors, in the bags. They always by new thread for each project so it’s all there, ready to be picked up and stitched.
Here are some of the things I do to make stitching more efficient.
I precut my thread when I first use it as much as I can. This doesn’t work for all threads, but when I can cutting the skein all at once means I have pieces the correct length ready to go.
If I am using several strands of a thread, but not all the strands, I keep the leftovers right next to me and away from the other threads. I combine them with strands from other stitching lengths to get new stitching bundles. By having them close by, stranded, and bundled, every fews lengths I have a thread ready to use.
When I know a new project is coming up I use time when I need a break to package it up: cutting canvas, putting it on stretcher bars, gathering threads, and adding tools. Then I move it out to my stitching chair.
Although my husband would disagree I keep my studio so I can find tools, markers, threads and canvases easily. This has improved my stitching more than anything except using stretcher bars (another time saver). Knowing where to find things means I start projects faster.
What tips do you have for stitching efficiently?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Great Tips! Thanks for sharing.
I have different projects for different purposes…..An “at home” project (usually a large canvas) and various small projects for the car, air travel, waiting in doctor’s offices, etc. I have each project in an appropriate sized tote along with it’s own kit of necessary tools and of course all the needed threads. I can grab a tote in a flash and never be without a project.
Thanks for the great tips. They are a nice reminder to slow down and get organized. It is very satisfying to organize your projects. I also enjoyed the link in your recent e-mail about the display of stitchery. Inspiring to see such beautiful pieces. I have been sharing your links with my customers so they can get hooked up with your blog. I travel a lot so have different projects ready for my different trips. It is nice to have everything ready to roll when I am ready to leave. Having the shop in Estes Park, I find I have projects stashed in different locations and in my car. You never know when you are going to get trapped in the canyon for a bit. Nice to be prepared.
I keep my leftover strands on a piece of double sided tape. I am able to keep the colors together and easily see when I have accumulated enough to make a usable thread.
I like this idea. My stitching chairs has wide wooden arms, making them excellent places to keep things temporarily. That is unless my cat has decided he won’t settle & walks from arm to arm!
Keep stitching,
Janet