Some answers to working cross-point™ on jute
On the cross-point™ Technique sheets included in each kit, under preparing the jute fabric, I suggested shaking the jute AFTER the edges have been glued. Not everyone has the opportunity to go outside to shake the jute and over the years we’ve heard from stitchers about what they do. I want to share those experiences with you because I want everyone to love stitching cross-point™ because it is fast, fun and easy.
One thing I hear over and over from stitchers: “I love your designs and I love the finished product”
Please remember that jute is a natural fiber, mostly hand-made, and, that loose fibers on the surface are part of the process. They do, however, cling not only to the surface of the fabric itself, but also on your clothing as you hold the fabric in your lap. Please share your own experiences so others can benefit. Here are some suggestions I received to eliminate the messiness of working with jute and at the bottom is my method:
- Wear washable pants and manually remove obvious larger loose fibers
- Use an empty pillowcase on your lap for the first several times, after that most fibers are gone
- Vacuum the jute
- Go across the fabric with 2″ wide clear packing tape, pressing down and lifting up sharply
- Here is what I do: I use a combination of all of the above: I first glue the edges, then shake the fabric outside. I then use a furniture upholstery attachment on my vacuum and vacuum the piece. That brings a lot of fiber to the surface. Obvious large loose fibers I pull out by hand. I then use a 2″ wide clear packing tape and go across the whole surface, front and back. This method removes 90% of loose fibers and, the mess. Please try it.
Sieglinde