Aida cloth gets too soft

Hi,
Im working on a large project right now using 18 count aida cloth.  Aida softens up as you stitch but this piece of fabric is getting way too soft!  Its hard to keep it tight in the hoop and keeping stitches even is proving to be a challenge.
Does anyone have any suggestions for returning some of the original "crispness" of the fabric?  I was wondering if anyone had tried something like spray starch.
Thanks!

Duckeyd

What sort of hoop are you using? If a QSnap a couple of things can be done for your loose fitting clamps. You can take a piece of paper towelling and put a small piece the length of the clamp before you clamp back on the hoop. You can also soak the clamps in hot hot water for a few seconds, remove them and as they cool gently squeeze the sides until they tighten back up. Careful doing this, I would suggest a towel to catch the heat not your hand. If these dont work replacing the clamps may be your last resort at yarntree dot com. They own the QSnap now. I hope this helps a little.

SallySue

Duckeyd 2019-7-18 08:06
What sort of hoop are you using? If a QSnap a couple of things can be done for your loose fitting cl ...

Thanks for the suggestions.  The problem isnt with my hoop but with the fabric itself.  The fabric has become so soft its hard to work with.
I dont use QSnaps.  Ive tried them and find them awkward to hold onto.  My favorite hoop is made by F. A. Edmonds.  Its a German embroidery hoop.

tricialynn

You could try using a spray starch ironing the fabric. Or wrapping your hoop with fabric binding. But to me it sounds the its just the way it was manufactured.

frankilouise

i find if i iron, it tends to stiffen up

SallySue

frankilouise 2019-7-19 04:10
i find if i iron, it tends to stiffen up

Thanks!  Ill give it a try.

bs.frog

I was also going to suggest ironing as frankilouise, wish I had a great idea that I know works. Hope your able to make it work, sad to put a lot of work in only to not look as good as you want. Hope it works out for you :loveliness: sending happy thoughts!