Using finished cross stitch pieces on a blanket...

[OhSnap9292]

Is this possible? I am stitching the first 150 Pokémon on Aida cloth with the intention of hiring a professional quilter to use them in the center of small quilt squares. I've finished three so far before I had the realization that this may not work. Does anyone know if it is possible to do something like I am talking about or will the cross stitch pieces be ruined in the process or just not durable enough for a blanket? Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

[blackmageheart]

Cross stitch pieces often get used for quilt-type blankets - in fact we're making some here at Sprite Stitch! As for durability, I think as long as the stitches are secured properly they will be fine for use on a blanket. Also I think there would have to be some backing (on the reverse of the blanket).
One of our resident quilters can give a much better answer, but I hope that has helped a little

[tnitnetny]

Blackmageheart is absolutely correct. The trick to turning stitching into a quilt is to make sure:

a) The piece is prewashed before putting it in a quilt
b) The quilter uses ALL cotton fabric and cotton thread (most do 100% of the time anyways)
c) Make sure you do a traditional quilt with batting. This will help to anchor the threads in the back.
d) Never put the finished quilt in the dryer unless it is on a low setting to remove wrinkles after the quilt has air dried.

These steps will help make sure the quilt lasts a long time. Just make sure while you are stitching it that your stitches are tight and you don't have any loose threads. It is also helpful to the quilter if you fill in the entire area of your design and leave a large (1-3 inches) unstitched border around your picture.

[blackberrybear]

Haven't tried this yet but it was once suggested to me to put a light iron on interfacing on the back of the cross stitch to help hold the thread in place.

[shehadagun]

Haven't tried this yet but it was once suggested to me to put a light iron on interfacing on the back of the cross stitch to help hold the thread in place.

This works well. I have not done it myself, but I have seen it done. Just make sure you choose something very lightweight and follow the instructions. I've seen many professional quilts with cross stitch pictures finished this way.

[tnitnetny]

The only thing I don't like about interfacing (and single sided applique paper) is the stiffness. Even if you get a lighteight interfacing the quit isn't as soft and pliable as it would be without it. If you think you are going to use the quilt on a daily basis and not as a show off piece on top of your bed, then interfacing would be a good idea.