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Questions and Answers
M - O
Non-Slip for Rugs
Betty's Question - "What is used for nonslip, on the back of crocheted rugs?"
Craft Tales Answer - Thank you for your inquiry. There are 2 ways of stopping fabric rugs from slipping. The first is to purchase a rug pad, cut it to size (1/2" to 1" smaller than the rug) and tack it in a few places to the rug back. These pads are thin with small holes in them and cut easily with a scissor. However, when you wish to wash the rug, it would be advisable to remove the pad and re tack when the rug is dry. You can buy these pads very inexpensively at most stores that sell throw rugs.
The other option is to purchase a coating called Latex rug backing, or Mold Builder. You paint the latex on the back of the rug and let it dry. I believe it is machine wash and dry although it would be wise to check on the can to make sure. Once the rug has been treated with this coating, it is like any latex backed rug that you purchase that way. You can buy this coating from almost any craft store that specializes in hooked, crocheted, or knitted rugs, and you can buy it online. It costs anywhere from $7.00 to $15.00 a pint. A pint will cover about 15 square feet. You can also get it in quarts and gallons!!
Hope this answers your question. If you have more questions, let us know.
Needlework Pattern
Connie's Question - I want to knit or crochet individual letters to attach to an item. Do you have instructions on how to make these letters? Thank you in advance. Connie
Craftales Answer - Hi Connie, Well, here are the instructions on how to make a pattern for needlework. The instructions are for any pattern you'd like to make, not just letters. If you need any help in deciphering them, please do not hesitate to ask. If you decide you'll still need the individual instructions for the letters, let me know and we'll see when we can schedule them.
Thanks for asking!!
Making A Needlework Pattern
1. Decide what the project will be. Visualize the shapes, colors and size of what you want your project to look like. Combine what you see in your mind’s eye with any physical sources such as photos or drawings, if necessary. Draw and/or copy the item as you visualize it on a piece of paper. Take the time to make this as accurate as possible as this will be the basis for your pattern. When your project is finished, you should be able to lay it on top of this drawing and it will match it completely.
2. Decide if you want to knit or crochet the project. It is easier to crochet than to knit, especially for your first project, because you have more maneuverability with crochet work.
3. Determine the yarns or floss and what colors you will be using. Also decide what stitches you would like to use. For your first project, it would be best if you kept it simple. Use garter stitch for knitting or single crochet if crocheting.
4. Make a sample swatch to determine what size needles or hook to use to achieve the desired look. This will also determine how many stitches and rows will be needed. Example: 6 stitches and 4 rows equals a square inch. If your project is 2 inches wide and 4 inches high, you will need 12 single crochets or knit stitches per row and 16 rows to achieve this size.
5. Using the sizing information obtained in step 4, with a ruler make a grid on your pattern with vertical lines for stitches and horizontal lines for the rows. Think in lineal terms and angles when dealing with curves; you will need to drop a stitch or add a stitch, whichever best smooths out the curve. This will be evened out when finishing.
6. Start your knitting or crocheting in the usual binding on or chain stitch according to the bottom of your pattern, following the grid and number of stitches. Work your way up the pattern, laying the work on the pattern after every 2 or 3 rows to make sure you are on target.
7. Use slip stitches, decreases and increases to shape your work, but try to avoid starting and ending a row with these stitches if at all possible. Placing these types of stitches a stitch or two into the row makes a cleaner edge.
8. If you have two or more pieces of the pattern that start separately but join together at a later place in the work (like the letter “k” for example), start with the main body (the straight leg of the “k”), and work it up to the joining point on the pattern. Lay aside. Start the second portion and work it up to the joining point. Pick up the first portion and work across both pieces in the row to join them together. Following the pattern, continue the work. Conversely, if the work splits apart (again as in the letter “k”), reverse this procedure, working the pattern up to the split, and then in the individual pieces. Place the stitches not being worked onto a stitch holder, if knitting. If crocheting, go back and start the single crochet at the place the work split.
9. When the shape is complete and matches the pattern, crochet all around the edges with a single crochet to finish. This will keep the piece flat and give your project a completed look. You can use matching or accent yarn or floss and colors.
10. When your project is completely knitted or crocheted, you will want to block it. Lay the piece on a padded surface, pinning in place if necessary. Thoroughly steam the piece, but do not touch it with the iron. Let dry in place.
Microwavable Pillow
Kathy's Question - I used to have a small narrow long pillow, similar to the ones you put at the bottom of a door to stop a draft, but you put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes and got it warm and took it to bed. It was great for the kids they went right to sleep all curled up with their warm pillow. I want to make one but need to know what would be best to stuff it with. I think the old one has cherry pits or beans. Any suggestions? I don't know where to get cherry pits. Thanks.
Crafttales Answer - Hi Kathy, Thanks for your question. I know exactly what you are talking about, I used to love those little pillows too!!! They are made of many different types of covering, everything from sewing up little squares of decorative cotton to towels to socks. They are stuffed with lots of different things: uncooked white long grain rice, clean washed and dried beans (or a combination of the rice and beans) and, of all things, new kitty litter. Cherry pits are new to me and the only source I can think of is eating a lot of cherries! A word of caution, tho - it would be wise to try which ever fillings you choose inside a sock in your microwave to make sure of the results you will get, before making the pillows. I have heard of using fleece for the covering, but I would want to try that in the microwave first, as well!
Hope this helps you out!
