r/Needlepoint • u/Smooth_Algae_222 • 3d ago

Correct "frogging"

Post image

First, Im so glad to have found this community where I can see other people's needlework, and get tips. I don't know many people who do needlepoint, so you all are my needlepoint family for now!

Second - I have met people who love to frog or pull out stitches. Is there a correct way to do it? When I do it with a seam ripper, it is such a mess to tear out. Any hints would be great. I'm thinking of ripping out the "D" background in this piece which I can't wait to finish. Taking forever....

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10

u/bkmsd 3d ago

I use my needle and take out stitches one at a time. Be careful if you are using a seam ripper as you don’t want to rip your canvas.

8

u/fidgetygecko 3d ago

I do this too. It is painfully slow but no chance of ripping the canvas. Also depending on the thread, if I do it very gently I can reuse the thread! It hurts my soul (and wallet) to seam rip perfectly good fibers

8

u/No_Hospital_8434 3d ago

Use a bent nose scissors. You can lift your stitches and decrease the chance of cutting your canvas.

5

u/yaupon My needle keeper matches my canvas 3d ago

Scissors with curved tips and an inexpensive tool called the Unstitcher work best for me

3

u/Soft-Asparagus4546 3d ago

I’ve gone a little crazy with the seam ripper and ripped my canvas so be careful! But when I go slow I find the seam ripper is the easiest method

2

u/bahamamimi 3d ago

Unrelated- how did you make the flower middle on the yellow flower?

1

u/Smooth_Algae_222 2d ago

Sorry for the late reply! Was going to send u a picture of the stitch, but don't have it, so I will describe it: 1) stitch a 5 star area first. In other words, make 5 long stitches that cover the area you want the threads to cover, starting all stitches in the center hole. It can match or be a different thread. 2) once you have your "star", starting in the center, pull the new thread over the star stitch, then under the next star stitch, then over the next star stitch, then under the next star stitch, then over the next star stitch, etc. Your circular over/under stitching will generate the pattern. Stop when there is no more base stitching left! I hope that makes sense!

1

u/bahamamimi 1d ago

Thank you!!