Backing for table runner
Hi, I'm stitching a Christmas table runner and wondering if a backing is necessary. I'd like to hear some opinions.
Posted by: MaryJoDenmark on 07/27/16
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I don't think so. I've stitched many runners and toppers and have never applied anything to the back. I've also looked at models in shops overseas that were stitched by professional stitchers and no backing. I'd be careful because oftentimes it will pucker and once it's on it's not that easy to take off. Just try to do clean work. I use mine on special occasions and wash them on the delicate cycle. I love doing embroidery but feel pressured right now to stitch as many cross stitch patterns as possible. Embroidery is easier on the eyes.
Oh, I also place the runners, etc in a laundry bag.
by: Texas Stitcher on 07/27/16
Thanks for the quick reply Texas S. I'm going to drop the idea of a backing. I've been stitching for more years than I want to remember and I have special half moon prescription glasses for stitching which are stronger than my reading glasses.

I keep my small embroidery scissors on an ID lanyard around my neck so I always know where they are.
by: MaryJoDenmark on 07/27/16
It depends on what you like. If you like hand embroidered quilts, you would like table runners quilted on to backing. I love them. They look more substantial and it's fun to have two sides to show on your table. I have quilted my hand embroidered Christmas runners with Christmas fabric and love them. If you like a more delicate look, you might not want to back them. Believe me, hand embroidery looks ten times more beautiful than those factory things.
by: Cory on 07/27/16
I completely misunderstand. I thought we were speaking of the fusible stuff that many us use for let's say Christmas stockings. It goes on after the embroidery work has been completed. I have no idea about anything to do with quilting. Would one embroider through the "backing"?
by: Texas Stitcher on 07/27/16
No, Texas. After finishing the embroidery, you make like a sandwich. bottom layer would be the fabric, then quilt batting, then the embroidered runner on top. You sew through all three layers and (voila!), you have a quilted runner. A border does need to be attached all around to hide the raw edges. There are lots of nice u tube videos on how to do it if anyone is interested.
by: Cory on 07/27/16
Hi Again Texas S. I live in Denmark (Scandinavia) and quilting isn't widely known here so I've never tried it. It seems to be a North American thing and very nice it is too.
Cross stitching also has all but vanished here so I get a lot of my Danish kits from the UK .....all online. I'm sure it will make a comeback. These wonderful skills can't die out!
There are a few of us oldies left though and at the moment I'm working on this retro Christmas runner from the 60's. It's a bit challenging because the lady that copied the chart for me didn't have a picture of the finished product and the copy can be quite hard to read where there are folding creases, but I'm getting there by trial and error.
by: MaryJoDenmark on 07/27/16
xstitcher, how interesting. I had a very, very good friend many years ago who came from Denmark. She introduced me to some of the delicacies as well as Royal Copenhagen! :)
It's my understanding that Eva Rosenstand is Scandinavian and she designs beautiful things. I know what you mean about having to buy on line. Most of the shops are closing. Europe seems to go through fads as far a needle crafts are concerned. I had a good friend who owned a shop in Germany. He sold primarily yarn but also embroidery items. Summer was always a tough time for him for many reasons. I did buy several beautiful table toppers, runners, handkerchiefs ( crocheted lace around them) and tons of yarn. I passed all the yarn on to my daughter a long time ago. Knitting just doesn't appeal to me in our hot state of Texas. Cross stitch supplies were very difficult to find in the late eighties and early nineties on military bases so I ordered from Mary Jane's in Illinois. She had a great selection but nothing beats browsing in a shop. A German couple opened a shop and imported American patterns, fabrics, etc but sold at German prices so it was quite costly. Once we returned to the US I became seriously interested in the hobby. Europeans seem to embroider/stitch more along the useful items lines instead of wall hangings. I am not a quilter, I hate sewing, but love quilts. I had considered taking it up as a hobby but common sense prevailed. It would have been a mess. Lots of frustration, cut up fabric thrown across the room, daughter trying to calm me down, you get the picture. I'm waiting for workers and as usual they are late. That really upsets me. Have a wonderful day. I order several German magazines, love the puzzles and have been keeping up with Scandinavian royalty. :)
by: Texas Stitcher on 07/28/16
Interesting. I always thought that the quilting stitch is the design. So do you quilt around the embroidered areas in some sort of pattern? I buy quilted place mats all the time so I don't have to iron. :) Gotta run, more later.
by: Texas Stitcher on 07/28/16
Such an interesting post from you Texas S. A friend of mine has just come back from holidays in Germany...the one who made the copy of the chart that started all this....she was telling me all about a hobby shop she was in, in Germany. Three floors of everything a cross stitcher could dream of. I would have gone mad there.
I began with 100 threads I bought on eBay and kept in a shoe box. Needless to say the shoe box is long gone and my fabrics, accessories, books and charts have moved in. I just had a clean up and presented my VERY little hobby shop lady with about 20 design and chart books.

Eva Rosenstand who I also love has been bought up but Permin of Copenhagen. I love their kits. The best place to get them is from www.sewandso.co.uk

Do you know the Dolly Mama series by Janlynn. They are a hoot and make really fun gifts to friends with a sense of humour. I think that Janlynn is American.



by: MaryJoDenmark on 07/28/16
I forgot to say Texas S. That while writing this I'm drinking my tea out of Royal Copenhagen....the new handless thermo mugs with the black design.
by: MaryJoDenmark on 07/28/16