Step 5: Stretching the canvas

Now you'll want to get out your cross stitch canvas, the embroidery hoop, black embroidery thread and the embroidery needles.

Start by unlocking the embroidery hoop, unwinding the little bolt at the top of the hoop to loosen the frame.  I use a wooden frame, but plastic is just fine too.  Now remove the springy hoop from the solid hoop.  Sit the solid hoop down on a flat surface like a table and place the cross stitch canvas over it so that has an even drape all the way around.*  Now take the springy hoop and press it over the canvas like a wood and canvas sandwich.  Press it down so that the two hoops are aligned and then tighten the bolt on the top of the springy frame.  

* Don't worry about the hoop being round and the canvas being square.  The hoop is just to give the fabric enough tension so that the sewing holds its shape.  

I LOVE this! Awesome idea!
It sounds really good, but I have to correct you on one thing: in cross stitch, you never make knots to hold the thread in place. You hold the tail in place with your fingers and go over it with a few stitches to hold it in place.<br><br>I can't wait to try this project myself!
Great idea! The QR code in the first image worked right away. Love it!
Did you fill in the blanks with white thread? Or have you found it better to leave them blank? Mine is not as small and detailed as yours is, is that just due to what I programmed into it? Or did I miss something?<br>
I just left the white space white. I haven't noticed any problems with it, plus it saves about five hours of additional stitchery.
Cool idea, eric riley
Thank you!
Thank you!
Great work ^_^ I was thinking about going into knitting due to the cost of continuing my chainmail pieces and this would make a great project to strive toward. Oh, I love what comes up on your QR code. Librarians FTW!
Thank you so much! This project only took about five hours. It was pretty simple all things considered.
&nbsp;I haven't seen any of those in my country/area.... I wish they did.
I believe they're going to be ultra common in America soon with Android phones going through the roof in sales, it's only a matter of time.&nbsp; <br />
Does it only work with Android phones?. I really love this idea!
There's apps you can DL to read them with an iPhone or iPod Touch. I have NeoReader but there are others out there.
You don't notice them because they are usually on packages and are only a few milimeters across...<br /> <br /> Check products around you - lots have them already :D<br />
have you noticed if your phone doesn't recognize the qr code if the garment is a little curved or wavy, in other words, can the qr be recognized if the garments is not completely flat?
I have noticed that, which is why I tried to solve it with a heavy/stiff interfacing. It is especially problematic if it's on a very round part of the body, I've got mine over a pocket on my hoodie and it never wants to scan until I take it off and lay it on a table. Placing the patch on the back of the garment would probably be idea, because it would have less curve.
thanks for the info. i'll keep that in mind when considering placement on the garment.
I admire all the time put into this. Looks great!
Thank you so much.&nbsp;I&nbsp;really worked hard at it, and even made multiple pieces to put together the illustrations.&nbsp;

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Bio: I'm a 33 year old librarian, who's into more things than I care to admit.
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