What are your tips for stitching on dark fabric?

Verank

These are handy tips- and now talc has a new use in this house!!!

nanasitasue

I agree with all of the above, I have to have a light surface underneath or a lamp if its practicable. The idea of using talc is new to me but sounds like a really good idea, you have to wash your piece anyway afterwards so the talc should all disappear. If you try that let everyone know how you got on

nanasitasue

Blackhat replied at 2012-10-16 03:33

                               
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I like the lamp trick; never thought of that. ^^; You could always powder the back of your piece wit ...

Clever trick Blackhat, you need to put that on the tips & tricks thread

scotchnsoda

I purchased what they refer to as an "up light" manufactured by Daylight Company.  Works great with dark fabric. Not cheap, but works great.

plasticlachesis

oooh i love all these ideas! thank you everyone. I'm going to try putting a white towel down on my lap to help too. The light I have is kinda super bright (it's one of those student desk lamps that has a bendable neck) and if I don't have myself positioned well, it blares RIGHT IN MY EYES.  
The talc idea is great, too! I never would have thought of that!  I've got some baby powder around here somewhere...

Thank you again, everyone!  :loveliness:

plasticlachesis

patbooth55 replied at 2012-10-15 21:15

                               
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I use one of those battery operated push lamps on my lap. Works great and they only cost about 1.00
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cheap and practical! totally love this idea.

loki2012

I stitch with a very bright lamp overhead and a white pillowcase on my lap.

Blackhat

nanasitasue replied at 2012-10-16 12:27

                               
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Clever trick Blackhat, you need to put that on the tips & tricks thread

It's originally for paper piercing, so I'm not sure how well it'll work on aida or linen. ^^; Hope it doesn't make a mess.

supo

I use a white blanket under and always stitch with natural light

cl4r4

a light box under my work helps, I have done several on black and navy blue :)