Dimensions Needlepoint Bracelets – Product Review
Recently I made a bracelet from one of Dimensions Savvy Stitches kits. Although the stitching was incredibly easy, the finishing was not and I can only recommend them to people who feel comfortable with hand sewing.
Unlike many kits, this project is well designed and packaged. This is a great feature in these popularly priced kits (under $10 in the US). It came with enough materials. There was plenty of thread to stitch the project. The design was printed straight and clearly on the canvas. The instructions were clear and complete.
As is the case with most kits, the bracelet needs to be stitched in Continental and the instructions do not recommend using a frame. That was my first problem with the kit. The canvas was cut about 1/2″ too small to fit on the 4″ bars. 3″ mini stretcher bars are available, but they are hard to find. Even with adding tape to the sides, it barely fit. For many stitchers, this will create problems with tension, especially with Continental.
The colors printed on the canvas were easily distinguishable, which makes stitching a breeze. But finishing was more difficult. After the canvas is cut out, you need to line it with a piece of ribbon. The ribbon is folded under on both ends, and there is plenty here for that. But it is hand-sewn. The ribbon is only 1″ wide, which means that it just fits. It’s slick so that it is hard to handle and in order to keep it on, I needed to stitch alternate sides, since I couldn’t get a pin through the lining and the needlepoint. I fount myself constantly worrying that I would run out of ribbon.
Once the ribbon is attached, the beaded edge needs to be put on. This is the biggest problem with the kit. The instructions say to string enough beads to do two edges. Then string more beads for the other two edges. The beads are hanging loose at this point. To attach them, you will whip them between every other bead.
Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it?
But it’s not. First off the bracelet is narrow (1″ wide) so there isn’t much to hold onto. Second, you may or may not have string enough beads so one end needs to be kept loose and threaded with a needle. So the beads are floppy. You only have one needle, so you will need to whip with either the tapestry needle in the kit or with a needle of your own. And once you solve those problems, you have to deal with keeping proper tension in order to keep the beads straight. Finally, you are whipping onto a narrow edge, which is difficult for beginners.
I love that Dimensions is putting high style and innovative ideas into popularly priced kits. I’d love to see lots more of them. But I can only recommend these kits to people who feel comfortable beading or who have someone who can finish it for them.
Just to let you know, this kit was bought and not given in return for a review. All books and products reviewed on this site are given objective reviews, no matter the source of the product.
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Janet,
I see that this would be a difficult piece for those who have arthritis in their hands. I might suggest to use a two sided tape or fabric glue to hold the ribbon in place while it is stitched.
As for the Continental stitch, I always try to do basket weave, in even the smallest of areas. Doesn’t always work, but I feel that there is less warping of the canvas.
What kind of closure did you use. I see something that looks like a snap on one end.
This would be a great gift for a teen, but not if putting on the beads is such a hassle.
Judy