Sprite Stitch Board!

I saw the clock mechanism kits at Jo-Ann, and have been wanting to make a cross-stitch face clock, but then I found this tutorial:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Boo-OCl ... /?ALLSTEPS

They just get a Wal-Mart clock, pop off the clock hands, and attach their stitch over the original face. Has anyone tried this technique? It seems easy and looks really good.

Sounds like their technique will work just fine.
The hard part will be making the hole in the middle not show.... and the fact that you're using tape (to attach it to the cardstock) will turn the fabric yellow over time, but otherwise I foresee no other problems.

kuja.girl wrote:Sounds like their technique will work just fine.
The hard part will be making the hole in the middle not show.... and the fact that you're using tape (to attach it to the cardstock) will turn the fabric yellow over time, but otherwise I foresee no other problems.

Yeah, I'm trying to think of a method that will avoid tape. Maybe I could at least find some acid-free stuff if I can't tuck it behind the face.

Depending on how tight the fit is, you may not need to use tape at all. You could just use spacers of extra fabric or batting to make the fabric hold tight to the "frame" of the clock... this is kinda hard to describe so if you didn't understand that I don't blame you at all!
Or... omg new idea!
You could use an embroidery hoop for the clock face, strengthen it by putting card stock under the fabric (after you stitch of course) and then insert the clock parts through it! It wouldn't have the plastic dome over it but I think it would be super cute :) After I catch up on everything else I'm doing I may have to try this....

kuja.girl wrote:You could use an embroidery hoop for the clock face, strengthen it by putting card stock under the fabric (after you stitch of course) and then insert the clock parts through it!

As a papercrafter with a lot of experience with different weights of cardstock, I would approach this with extreme caution. You'll definitely want to use some sort of bracing material to shore it up - craft sticks, folded paper ribs, anything to keep it from buckling. You'll also have to somehow attach the clock mechanism to the hoop, or the weight of the mechanism will pull at the fabric and cardstock.

If you undertake this project, take pictures along the way so that we can benefit from your courage!

I love this idea and even have a clock that would work for it.

Just think its a little to advanced for me at the moment but will keep it in mind for the future and follow your progress

RMDC wrote:As a papercrafter with a lot of experience with different weights of cardstock, I would approach this with extreme caution. You'll definitely want to use some sort of bracing material to shore it up - craft sticks, folded paper ribs, anything to keep it from buckling. You'll also have to somehow attach the clock mechanism to the hoop, or the weight of the mechanism will pull at the fabric and cardstock.

With a stiff/strong enough piece of backing it should work fine. I was thinking mat board but I wrote "cardstock" so I understand your concern :) Of course this all depends on the size and weight of the clock parts and the hoop... but don't think it would be very difficult, just tricky.
A thin piece of wood would work better but alas, I don't own a drill.

kuja.girl wrote:With a stiff/strong enough piece of backing it should work fine. I was thinking mat board but I wrote "cardstock" so I understand your concern Of course this all depends on the size and weight of the clock parts and the hoop... but don't think it would be very difficult, just tricky.
A thin piece of wood would work better but alas, I don't own a drill.

Mat board sounds a lot more feasible. I really hope you try it out, because I want to see the results!

Could you not stitch the fabric to the cardstock? With some running stitch or blanket stitch around the edge?