Oh, you are brave to do a table cloth for your first try. I have tried some bookmarks, and love they way they turned out. I have not thought of tackling a bigger project. I used organze and linen and both worked very well for the bookmarks.

I find cutwork very time consuming. I'd start with something smaller, napkins maybe? Cotton is always good to use. Starch makes the fabric easier to handle. Sharp scissors essential.HTH.

Would love to know how you get on Lesley, cutwork scares me, but would love to try also. good luck *

i havent tried it yet but i think you are brave tackling such a big piece on your first trykeep us updated please...soozie

I love cutwork! I find it easy. Don't trim too close to the first stitch out. You can always go back and trim closer after it is done. If you trim too close sometimes the satin stitch misses the edge and you are left with a raggy edge. When you do your first cut out do not cut the stablizer , just the material. It will help hold things together. Have fun! It is fun to do it just looks scary and complicated but it is not! I like to do mine on linen. Hope that helps! Suzanne

thank you all, I'm going to grit my teeth and get on with it.

Cutwork is my very favourite. You need a good cotton/ linen, especially if you are going to make a tablecloth. I would start with something much smaller. As with all things, practice makes perfect. Curved blade small scissors are a must. Have a look at Embroidery Library at their tutorials. They are easy to understand. Good luck and let us know how you do. Sarah.

The best thing is that someone asks a question that you would have asked if you'd had the courage when you wanted to tackle something new and try out a new technique but didn't ask because you thought you'd never be able to do 'that' and then people offer suggestions and advice and suddenly you feel as though you, even you, really could do 'that', too, and you feel great because you really love the look of 'those' designs.

So......... lesleyann .....

Thank you for asking this question and thank you to all the people who answered and gave me lots of tips gleaned from real personal experience.

AlmaG.