Frequently Asked Questions about Jennifer Pudney™ Needlepoint

Where is the best place to start my tapestry?

The tapestry aficionados will all recommend that you start in the middle of the canvas and work outwards. The reason for this is so the work remains square when you have finished. We recommend you start anywhere you like - and feel free to jump around the canvas stitching where you like. However, stitch the small details first.

TIP: If the canvas is skewed or crooked when you have finished, it can easily be straightened by placing a damp tea towel over the work and ironing it with a dry iron. Pull to straighten. Keep repeating until the work is square.

What happens if I put the wrong color in?

If you feel you have put a color in the wrong place - do not worry - continue with it! If you run out of thread - we will send you more free of charge! We have yet to see any work that does not look good.

What sort of thread do you use?

We use mainly a combination of all the main brands depending on the colour. So if you cannot match your thread color - do not worry. Phone, fax or email us and we will send you more thread.(Jennifer@jenniferpudney.com)

Calamity has struck and I have accidentally cut my canvas - what can I do?

An old trick we have used for this misadventure is to cut a small piece of canvas from the edge and place underneath the cut area. You can then stitch through using this second piece of canvas. If the cut is beyond repair - please call us and we will send you another canvas.

I prefer using charts and counting - this is too difficult?

We have set out to create a product that requires minimal thinking. We acknowledge this causes some difficulties for those that like to count. The stamped design allows you to stitch like 'paint by numbers'. All designs have been created using block colours. You do have to make some decisions as to where you stitch regarding the line. See the instructions inside your kit for more detail.

The canvas has not been printed straight!

This occasionally happens as each canvas is hand printed. This will not affect the look of the design. What we suggest is that you take the registration mark at one of the corners - and use this as your guide to straighten the work. Stitch up and across using that registration, ignoring the one on the other side. We have included enough background color for you to do this. If you are not happy doing this, send the canvas back and we will replace it.

The picture on the postcard is slightly different to that on the canvas!

This is the result of the way we initially produce the work. We draw up a design and transfer it onto the canvas - and then stitch the work. Occasionally, decisions are made during the stitching process that alter the design slightly - and this is not always translated back to the original drawing which is used in preparing the screen. Any variations are minimal.

The colour on the postcard is different to that in the kit

This does occur from time to time. Printing is not an exact science and there will always be slight variations in tone and colour. Occasionally there is also the need to make substitutions in our manufacturing process. We match as closely as possible any substitutions to the printed design on the postcard.

I've run out of thread?

If you have run out of thread, for any reason, please contact us and we will happily provide you with more. The instructions contain a guide which you can use to help us send you the correct color - or alternatively, send us a sample of the color you need. Occasionally we have had to make color substitutions in the designs because of supply difficulties, so if we do not get it right the first time - send us a sample.

If I have been unable to answer your question here, please email me, jennifer@jenniferpudney.com