through the material. I need something thicker as the design will be a little dense in spots. I have used bottomweight cotton in the past but I was wondering if you had success using something else. Thanks so much Suzanne

I often embroider on a thick cotton then stretch it over a canvas frame. These are sometimes the ones sold in art shops to paint on or small pictures that I dont like so dont mind covering them up. I have to work neatly on the framing.

1 comment

by nhsmith55 12 Jul 2010

I like this idea!

I have used felt in the couple of pictures that I have done. The have turned out nice, and hold up, even without a glass. HOpe you can find something that works for you.

Great question! Decorator fabric has a good weight and also thicker than cotton, but not as thick as lt.wt. denim. I noticed. Margie had a great idea with the heavy tacky back felt. Bottomweight fabric should work well which is similar to a twill... You have a lot of suggestions. I have started using spray starch on my cotton to give it a little more body which helps.

For pictures, I like to use a lightweight denim. I have a piece of off white sitting here waiting on me for a project. I have 4 field scenes from Emb Library that have seasonal rural mailboxes on them AND 4 African wild animals in Sepia tones to do for my son's new office. If fact, looking closer, I would say this color is between off white and a very light soft beige. It does not really fit in either catagory. It is soft like a brushed denim but has no nap at all. I have used this type of material for pictures alot and according to the design, I have done it with nothing on the back of it at all. The wild animals are not very dense so I may not use anything on them. The other I will just use tear away. I like to do pictures and use a heavy fabric. It is always smoother finish and alot less prep time.

1 comment

by sdrise 12 Jul 2010

Thank you I think I will try this. I use bottomweight which is thinner than demin but yet still sturdy. I was looking for something sturdier than what I had and denium is a great suggestion. Thank You Suzanne

Some great ideas that's why I read all thes ques. Arlene

This is why I ask this group . They come up with so many different options to try ! ITS GREAT! Thanks Suzanne

I did this using pre-cuts sheets of felt (the stiffer ones with a tacky back). Buy 2 and when embroidery is finished simply tack the other one covering the bobbin threads and frame.

1 comment

by sdrise 12 Jul 2010

Another nice idea! Thanks Suzanne

Hi , I used a plain med weight cotton curtain fabric . It worked out great . Also used one sided carpet tape to attach at the back. VERY STRONG.

1 comment

by asterixsew 12 Jul 2010

Thanks will try this sometime I often use double sided tape

Hi , I used a plain med weight cotton curtain fabric . It worked out great . Also used one sided carpet tape to attach at the back. VERY STRONG.

1 comment

by sdrise 12 Jul 2010

OOOOOh Good idea I didn't think of curtain fabrics. I will check them out! Suzanne

I like using a med wt. canvas, either white or ecru color. Have had excellent results with this. *

2 comments

by sdrise 12 Jul 2010

Can you get it at a fabric store like Joannes? or do I have to go to an art supply place? Thanks Suzanne

by lildoll 12 Jul 2010

yes you can get it at joanes, you might like to try material called target,it is nice and firm, i use it for a lot of my heavier designs, and can be put in the hoop with no problem, good luck

a lot of the time I use a heavy backing I get at wal mart it is really thick and works up nicely. it is like a startched felt

1 comment

by sdrise 12 Jul 2010

Thank you but my Walmart stopped carring fabrics. any where else that I might get some? Suzanne