Can you give me some hints for working on perforated paper?

The first thing to remember is that it is paper and not fabric and to treat it as such. Fabric has some “give” to it – as you add more stitches to your fabric the holes open to accommodate the additional threads. The holes in perforated paper, or “punch paper” as it is sometimes called, cannot expand. The perimeters of the holes readily show wear and may even begin to rip. Be careful of your tension in stitching – pull too tightly and you’ll rip the paper! Likewise, be very careful in removing threads – be gentle with the paper and patient with yourself – remove one stitch at a time.

Begin with a piece of perforated paper generously larger than the finished product, (the smooth side is the “right” side). In working with it, the edges tend to become soft and worn and you will want to trim them off. Given a choice, I would tack the perforated paper onto stretcher bars, especially a larger project, to keep it firm and protect it from bending. (Again, the edges will need to be trimmed off.)

Although I have seen some directions calling for the use of 3 strands of floss on perforated paper, I prefer to use two strands. Experiment in a corner of scrap to see which you prefer. Don’t be deceived by the large holes in perforated paper, use a #26 tapestry needle – this finer needle with pass through a “full” hole more readily.

As we have observed, the holes in perforated paper are very large and any thread carried behind them will show through to the front. When skipping more than one stitch, never carry the thread on a true vertical, true horizontal or diagonal, even if it means doing the next stitch backwards.

When framing a design on perforated paper, place an uncut mat board the same color as the perforated paper behind it. Glass over it will keep it flat, but do not place it in a bathroom of other humid area.

Information from Cross Country Stitching Magazine columns "Ask Judie" - Judie Solomon, Thistle Needleworks & "Carol’s Crafty Corner" - Carol Rice, The Craft Menagerie

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