Well, bless your heart, you've done it again. You picked up ANOTHER canvas and started stitching. How many WIPs is that, now? Dare I say double digits? We've all been there. You start a project with excitement, then life gets busy, or that big canvas just feels overwhelming. So you start another, more achievable one.
In comes scooping to save the day get get some of those WIPs off to the finisher.
What is Scooping?
Scooping is a needlepoint technique that streamlines your stitching process. Instead of completing one stitch at a time, with the needle going from the front to the back of the canvas repeatedly, scooping allows you to anticipate the next stitch. As you start one stitch, you weave the needle under the canvas, essentially "scooping" it up to the starting position of the next stitch. It's all about
*anticipation*
This eliminates the need to bring the needle all the way up and down again, saving you time, effort, and a bad case of stitcher's elbow (the cool girl's tennis elbow).
Benefits of Scooping
For busy stitchers or those easily discouraged by that one 18 mesh stocking you started 5 years ago, scooping offers several advantages:
- Increased Speed: Scooping can significantly speed up your stitching. By eliminating unnecessary movements, you'll be amazed at how quickly those rows and columns fill up.
- Improved Efficiency: The continuous flow of scooping keeps you in a rhythm, minimizing interruptions and maximizing your stitching time.
- Getting Over That Discouragement: Seeing faster progress can be incredibly motivating. Scooping helps you stay engaged and keeps the finish line (pun intended) in sight, preventing those dreaded project stalls or shoved-in-the-bottom-of-the-project-bag roadbumps.
Things to Consider with Scooping
While scooping offers fantastic benefits, it's not for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Canvas Type: Scooping works best with needlepoint done in-hand, on a loose canvas. It's not ideal for canvases mounted on frames, as the scooping motion requires some flexibility in the fabric. You may be worried when you are first starting a canvas, but that stiff feeling will quickly loosen up an the danger of canvas warp decreases with time.
- Stitch Choice: Scooping can be adapted to various stitches, like basketweave, long stitch, and cashmere. However, some stitches might not be suitable for scooping due to their structure.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Like any new technique, scooping takes some practice to master. Be patient and experiment on a scrap piece of canvas before diving into your project. For example, I find it easiest to basketweave "down the poles" by turning my project 90 degrees to the right and working it horizontally from right to left.
The Final Scoop
Scooping is a valuable technique for needlepointers who want to stitch faster and finish up their projects. While it might not be for everyone, its time-saving benefits are *chef's kiss*. So, the next time you feel discouraged by a large project, give scooping a try. You might just be surprised at the difference it makes in your stitching journey!