• First, find a Crafters Chalk that works for you.  There are so many out there, I couldn’t even begin to name them all.  The current brand I use is the Chalklets by EK Success.  What I like about these is they have several tones to choose from----so it makes it easier to coordinate with your floss colors.  The Chalklets are also very soft and apply smooth.  The home page information is below if interested…

www.eksuccess.com for their home page----but several craft stores seem to carry this brand as well.  If you use the homepage, go to the ‘Products’ link and select ‘Search Products’, type ‘Chalklets’ for your search.  Several products will come up and I suggest the 24 value packs. 

• Next figure out what tools you like to use when applying your chalks.  Many craft chalks come with little sponge applicators or puffballs and they may work great for you.  The tools I prefer are your common household -----Q-tip and the ever handy---fingertip!

• Then I suggest to practice using your chalks.  Note that when you practice using your chalks on paper---you are going to get a totally different effect and feel than practicing on fabric.  The chalks adhere to the fabric stronger than to normal paper---so the colors will be brighter.  I suggest having a tea-dyed piece of muslin to practice blending your colors---kind of like a scratch piece of paper----but a scratch piece of fabric.  That will allow you to lay the floss on the fabric and experiment with different color blends to get the perfect look you want.

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• When applying color to your stitchery---remember a little goes a long way.  I barely touch the fabric as I first apply---that is why I usually say ‘dusted with chalk’ ---since it is a very soft application.  Think soft and circular motion as you apply your color---that will give you a soft, even finish.  Choose about three colors for each area to blend together to give a nice shaded effect.   Typically a light color, darker color of the same shade, and brown tone to help blend in that tea dyed look.  Chalks are forgiving too---if you think it is too dark---blend the light colors back in.  Focus mostly on the edges of the object you are chalking or just one side of the object and blend inward with your soft circular motion----beginning first with your light shade---adding a touch of your dark shade----and then highlighting with your brown---if the stitchery has been tea dyed.

• Finishing up---I do not spray my stitchery with an adhesive spray after chalking.  I simply rub the chalk in with my fingertip.  The natural oils of your skin help the colors to adhere to the fabric and gives one last touch of blending.  Step back and enjoy the finished product---and you will get better with each one that you do!

If you have any further questions about chalking please email me at the following address below—

Happy Stitching!