How to do a tapestry

Counted tapestry is essentially not difficult to do.

Every stitch of Malcolm's kits has been painstakingly recorded and tested for accuracy.

• Each tapestry contanins a coded, coloured instruction sheet. • The wools have been re-labelled clearly to match the instruction sheet • The use of large coloured letters of the alphabet for symbols, makes it particularly simple to follow. • In fact, we believe (and have often been told) that these are the simplest instructions you will ever find!

The trick with the counting is to divide the backing canvas into a 10 square grid. Marked lines on the backing canvas cause no problem, because a completed tapestry leaves no uncovered canvas (except around the edges, which are covered by framing). The reverse side doesn't need particular care, as that won't get seen once it's been framed - just keep it fairly flat.

Each shade of colour is numbered, and there is a sorter card in each packaged kit. The wool is all measured out according to how much of each shade is needed, along with a bit extra - 'just in case....'. Additional hanks of wool can be supplied for only $1.50 each if you get into a real mess (or if your cat - or child - does!). Needles, thread, backing canvas and instructions all come packaged in kit form. In fact, everything you need is supplied in the kit - except for a working frame (to hold the tapestry) and whatever you may choose to frame it with, following completion.

Having received all of the necessary parts: backing sheet, lengths of each colour shade, instructions, etc., you need only to support the backing sheet and follow the directions of which colour to stitch where.

Different tapestry makers treat the 'growing' process differently. Some prefer to start with the darker shades, so that any touching of the completed stitches will not cause discolouration. Others begin with the lighter, brighter, or more prominent parts, and eventually fill in the areas of less significance. 

You can make your own choices about how to 'grow' your tapestry. Whichever way you choose, you will achieve - with Malcolm's designs - an outstanding result.

 

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