Please do share your own recommendations and warnings for other stitchers (and of course myself) to learn from! What's your favourite cross stitch tool you've bought, and did I cover it in this video?
I just found your great site this morning! I watched your video on necessary equipment and didn't see a mention of stands. I see your metal one and it seems to be quite sturdy. Do you have a video on stands?
I’ve been stitching for over 30 years and I still only use a needle, Aida 14, plastic bobbins for my DMC, Ott light and magnifiers (readers). Basic and simple. Really enjoyed this video …as I always do.
My latest must have is a coiled keychain: I use it as a scissors nanny. No more dropping my scissors. I used bobbins and hate them - makes the thread zigzaggy. My go to is a hole puncher and an old greeting card - I write the symbols&thread names on them - perfect! When I finish the project, I pitch the card - easy cleanup and whoever sent me the card knows I truly appreciated it.
I followed your lead and did diy floss drops ❤ I made mine a bit extra by gluing fancy paper on one side and the colour number on the other. I keep them on binder rings in batches of 100 numbers, I can take the ones I need and put them on a project ring (or rings 😅) I love stitching in hand, but I do need to get some grime guards. Two thing that was a huge game changer: self threading needles (the beak kind that open at the back, not the side ones, I made that mistake!) and the Pattern Keeper app. The needles can be hit or miss, I do find some are a bit sharp on the inside of the eye and it will cut the thread. The pattern Keeper app is so helpful, I have dyslexia and have 150 colour symbols to keep track of would be impossible for me, I don't even look at the symbol I'm working on, the app highlights them and I just get to it.
DMC isn’t a terrible price especially with sales and coupons. It is worth it in the long run for the time you spend on a project to have quality thread. Makes it easier to make the project. Lol I love those plastic Amazon project bags. Honestly I have never heard of a needle minder or the magnetic holders before your channel.
I've been sewing and knitting for a long time now (10 and 15 years respectively) and I'm getting pulled into cross stitching. As far as bags are concerned, for cross stitch, I've kept the plastic zippered bag my daughter's curtains came in and I intend to use that for the smaller pieces. :) Edit: OMG YES!!!! Those clear zippered bags are AMAZING.
I never liked putting stiff, square aida in hoops, so my favorite way to frame is with simple wood stretcher bars. I also do needlepoint, and they are definitely the better choice for canvas, so I was using them anyway. They come in pairs, so of course, you need two sets, and then you use tacks to attach the fabric. It's a little work to put the fabric in, but there are loads of bonuses. You can buy pairs separately, but I originally found a set of 5 sizes and could make any size rectangle I needed. Later I was able to add another identical set, so I can make whatever square I need as well, and could have several different sized projects at once. By framing to size, no part of the project is ever hidden and my hands only ever need touch the margins (though I cover the edges with masking tape anyway so I don't catch on it. Also, the tacks are metal, so I just stick a plain rare earth magnet on one and boom: needle minder that stays out of my way. And it's strong enough to hold my pattern, too. You could also do this with an old picture frame, if the wood is soft enough to put the tacks in, or if you want to take the trouble to stitch the fabric in. If you go all in with the tacks, there are also things called tack pushers that help immensely when putting them in. And most tacks come with a tool to help get them out again. Also, while I'm a diehard cardboard bobbin person, I think floss skeins (DMC, at least) are actually pull skeins. You can use them as is, no need for fancy floss systems. Sarah of Sarah Homfray Embroidery here on youtube does this, and she has a whole video somewhere showing how she manages the skeins. OH! One other thing for beginners to note, is not only the needle size, but to use a ball point needle, to help make sure it goes in the holes, rather than splitting fibers. And while a back light is probably best with black aida, sometimes just having some white paper in your lap behind it can still help immensely.
I'm recently returned to this hobby after a couple decades away. The biggest change that I wished I'd thought of years ago is gridding out the fabric. I am currently using Silky Slivers in metallic red, but I do want to try the fishing line-type at some point. I recently improved my storage situation, taking 4 boxes of bobbins and transferring them all to a two-sided container typically used to store matchbox cars. My DMC / Darice / "made in China" bobbins are all a *shade* too tall (Oriented like the Pip&Chip ones). I've found an etsy seller who offers a really thin bobbin in a 35mm size, which should be perfect. I have yet to find one seller who has everything I want in a combo bobbin. I am planning on transitioning to the "drop" style with respect to cutting the skein and "knotting" it to the card. BUT, I'm going to wrap mine and continue to store them as I have been. I've debated making my own bobbins (and ordering stickers), but I haven't found a translucent lightweight plastic I could use, yet.
After putting two complete floss sets on bobbins, I discovered how easy it is to remove ‘ONE’ strand of floss from a floss drop. No more cutting a length off the bobbin, pulling out one strand and watching the remaining 5 strands tangle…again. Then winding the five back in the bobbin. No more. With the floss drop, simply slide the needle under one strand and lift out what you need to double and use the loop method to start stitching. Never going back to bobbins as I hate the kinks and did hear that the kinks can weaken the floss. Nope, not going back to them.
Needle minders are a life saver for someone like me, who used to stick their needle Into my sofa or blanket and spent 75% ir their stitching Time looking for the damn needle. I got a beautiful lazercut wooden one from a local shop and thats honestly all I need! It saved Me so much time and made stitching a lot more relaxing.
Same for me. Just did my first little project with one and it was amazing! I had picked up a simple navy blue fabric-covered circle with with polka dots at a craft fair some time back, but hadn’t done any stitching since then.
I was looking at cross stitch pattern makers when I came across this site. Curiosity then brought me to find out what tools I should have. that I have been working without for years. A few I will be buying, making or upgrading. Bob-eez - I have been using this same type of thing as a cable tidier for years (decades). Bought them at a discount store way back when. Magnetic needle holders - looked at a couple on line and I noticed one that looks like my old business card holders. Since I have no use for business cards anymore, I think mine will now have magnetic sheeting added and start their new "retired" life. It will certainly be less expensive than the ones I saw online. Thread conditioner - well maybe I will have to try this, or the Chapstick. Sounds like it could be fun. Magnifiers and lights - I already have several different types. It depends on what room and which project to what I use on the day. My preference is to use some sort of frame when stitching - size of work deciding type of frame - as it helps keep my stitches even and helps prevent pulling the work out of shape. I will be investigating newer options for grime protection and excess fabric handling to see if I can improve what I have used (I think that is a given). Thank you. I enjoyed this video. I think a video on how to actually use the tools mentioned would be great for beginners.
Mag Eyes have been a game changer for me and my 57 year old eyes. They look ridiculous but have reduced eye strain down to nothing. Those, plus a good light (Ott or similar) mean I have been able to still enjoy cross stitch. Great video!
I have a magnifier that hangs around my neck and rests on my chest that I use for all needle crafts. I like to store my WIPs in those Sterilite plastic organizer drawers. I have a unit of 3 drawers, each about 14" x 10" x 2.5"; I keep a project in each drawer and just pull out the whole drawer when I want to work on the project. It holds the work, the pattern, the floss, any accessories-- works great for small to medium projects, but not sure it would hold a large one (although they make them in different sizes.)
My current project is on dark blue aida and i would love a light box. Just having the lamp shine behind the work makes a huge difference but a light box would be so much better. As for frames, a standing frame is a huge life saver for any project bigger than your 8 inch hoop.
Resourceful, I like it! My stash of off-brand flosses may not be the best quality, but they came in a good sealable pouch so I've been using that too 😅
I sort my floss with sandwich bags 😂 I sorted by "100's" "200's" ect then all of those in a bigger gallon bag. I even have an inventory sheet written out. It was cheap, and with the amount of floss I have cheap organization is where it's at 😂
I'm late to this, but I love my camping headband flashlight. it's been a game changer! I can stitch in the same room as my husband while he watches a movie. It also means I don't have a bunch of shadows while I'm working
I just returned to cross stitching. I have tried different floss and they all tangle so badly. I did get some Thread Magic and OMG the floss pulls easier and so far it does not tangle or knot up. Love it so far.
Masking tape is essential for me! Stops aida fraying at the edges. And good lighting, I work at my desk so I've got a USB desk light that folds away when I don't need it.
I use conditioner only on metallic threads. Railroading helps your stitches to lay nicely. I used to use Qsnaps but now there are great plastic hoops that are designed to hold your fabric taut. I love them. I have been stitching for over 40 years and have always used the plastic bobbins and store in Plano magnum fishing box.
I worked a huge 2meter square piece in 28ct black Aida.…I learned that a white pillowcase below my work, with my work lamp on full, worked really well to illuminate the teeny tiny holes, slowing down the rate at which I was going cross eyed. I am working with Light Effects DMC right now, doing Xmas pieces in different whites and silvers on dark blue 28ct Aida ( snow scene silhouette ) and I have learned to use very small lengths, just a few stitches at a time, as it frays badly. It feels scratchy as you sew and doesn't take tension well. The silky smooth Satin DMC works well, gives great effects as highlights.….but is very “bouncy”, and won't lay flat, and springs back up off the fabric as soon as you release the tension, so…takes a while to get the hang of. 🥴 I'm not a masochist by the way..I was sent all this dark Aida by a online company by mistake, they told me to keep it and then sent what I had ordered…..I’m not about to let it go to waste! 😂😂😂
I'm one of those poorly close-up sighted boys. I *can* do it but start to go cross-eyed real quick. My glasses help a ton already but obviously, cross-stich is quite small, so even with glasses I can get a headache quickly. I have the magnifier-light combo from Ikea. Place it in between my face and my work, and it shines light exactly where I also have it magnified. Game changer for me personally!
When I first started working with floss I got excited & bought a lot. I spent weeks bobbining & organized em into clear bins from lightest to darkest. So pretty. Then I discovered I absolutely could not stand the bends left in the floss strands & habe been slowly working on transitioning it all to floss drops. Sigh. You live & you learn. We just all have different preferences. Also... confession... I've never tried floss conditioner. Please nobody come at me for any of this 🤣🤣🤣
I started cross stitching around 24~ years ago, but only ever with kits. I knew you could buy thread skeins and needles separate, but had no idea where to get patterns, so I just did kits. It actually wasn't until this year that I even heard of needle minders and floss conditioners. I've bought 2 minders off Amazon (but previously would just dedicate a space on my aida [which I actually pronounce ai-ee-da, like the musical/opera] that was out of the stitching area of the project). Presently working on my first etsy-bought pattern and separately bought floss, doing it on black aida. My solution to see the holes is to just have a white piece of paper on my desk and a desk lamp shining on it. I already had the desk lamp and I've got plenty of paper, it's a perfectly cheap solution to a specialty light box.
A pair of LED, rechargeable magnifying glasses off Amazon (less than $20) is a game changer for me. Best purchase ever! Also a non slip plastic Morgan hoop!
One other thing I absolutely need is a thimble. I also have a book by Coats & Clark’s titled ‘One Hundred Embroidery Stitches’ that I purchased in 1979. It was greatly used before YT videos became available. Lol. great video.
I use pillowcases, mainly, as project bags and frame covers. One issue I found with a grime guard I made was that the fabric had been printed and the ink transferred onto the stitching fabric 🤦🏻♀️🫣. Wash first…. 😅 My fave tool is a pair of pliers for pulling my needle through the stitches when ending a thread, and also spool huggers which are silicon coils that would normally wrap round a reel of cotton - these work well with q-snaps to hold extra fabric. Oh! And Bob-eez by Bead Smith. Originally designed for Kumihimo braiding, they are brilliant for wrangling threads when using the parking method. Probably got enough there for a part 2 on tools (scissor fobs, needle threaders, laying tools.. the list goes on)
Ok I thought I'd seen it all with project bags but pillowcases?! Amazing 😂 Can definitely see the pliers coming in handy, my thumbs are a callused mess from pushing needles so may need to try that one. It's interesting you mentioned the spool huggers because most other people said they were crap which is how I ended up with those cable ties instead. And bob-eez? Gonna have to look that one up. Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 are definitely an eventual possibility 😅
Just found your vid my go to is my metal board and magnetic strips, ( cut up an old magnetic sheet) to put behind my pattern moving the magnetic strip up or down depending on what row was next, has made me making stitching mistakes less likely
Keeping it simple allows for more money left for new patterns…the only extra I have purchased is an excellent light. However I am going to my first retreat next month so I might be convinced that I absolutely need something else. Time will tell.
Haha, the peer pressure is real! Seriously though you're totally right, we stitch because we enjoy stitching so anything that helps us buy more stuff to actually stitch sounds like a winner to me.
Loved reading all the comments from your viewers and of course Your common sense “sensibilities”……I agree a good pair of fiber only scissors has really been a step up for me…..I have the same project bags as You and they have been just fine…..I keep a pack of hand sanitizer wipes available….and lastly I just glued a magnet to some old flat costume jewelry earrings for my needle minders…I LOVE Sharing IDEAS with this sharing/caring community….
Great video! I eventually heard of a laying tool on flosstube but have no idea how to use it. One caution about leaving your needle in your fabric. Don't forget it there or leave it there a long time. It can leave rust marks eventually. Also if you do that make sure your project is safe from pets sitting on it. Thread conditioner I've only used with Dmc Diamont and it did help with that floss. Now I just stay away from Diamont. I've used the around the neck light when on vacation or stitching somewhere with poor lighting. I have a light magnifier coming from Art Dot to try because I thought it would help my Mom.
Awesome video. You don't speak badly about fellow crafters and give both sides of any possible argument (cheap vs expensive in this instance). Only started cross stitch and embroidery recently but found a simple home made needle book handy to store waste thread, needles and left over thread.
Needle minders--absolutely! I couldn't buy really good needles because I constantly lost them. Sticking them in the fabric didn't work. They just kept falling out!
I'm definitely in the bare-bones, only buy what's necessary camp; however, as my eyesight goes down the toilet with age, I find a goose neck lamp, magnifying glass and needle threader to be useful.
Lighting and reading glasses are my go to needs for working on anything on 14ct and above. Especially if you have migraines often your eyesight is a trigger for ocular migraines and other types.
Tote bags, sandwich bags, drawstring bags from past yarn orders, old school folders, someone in these comments uses pillowcases....if it works it works! 😀
@@TheGiddyStitcher I still use the shopping bag that I got when I bought the floss for the project. Snack bag for each color, into the shopping bag they go!
I’m a legally blind stitcher! My Ott light is a lifesaver, but I also have an electric magnifier (camera and screen) that has a stand, so I can hold projects underneath it to see when doing low-contrast work. Suuuper helpful. I also use a little piece of paper to thread my needles so I never need to buy a threaded!
I love having multiple sizes of the plastic mesh bag you showed. For most of my projects, I use bags that are approximately 9-inches by 7 inches! I liked them so well that I ordered my in various sizes! My entire apartment is better organized! I used to use Ziplock bags (for about 35 years) before I switched. My problem was that both of my cats are obsessed with chewing on ziplock bags. I've heard that's because the bags are treated on the outside with fish scales too make them not stick to each other!
Cool! I grabbed one of my daughter's little stretchy things with the magnets on the end and now my needle is stuck to my cross stitch frame. Brilliant!
Lots of great content Michelle! As a cross stitcher I agree that keeping it basic works fine! I've stitched for years with thread, needle and fabric and although I've tried various frames and sewing lovelies, I keep going back to basics! If it ain't broke...😊!!! I have my thread wound on bobbins and stored in boxes and use any clean bag/pouch as a project bag. Self-seal food bags work great, especially for stitching on the go! I like to stitch without a frame and thankfully never had an issue with oily marks. Not a fan of thread conditioner as the one I bought left too much of a waxy residue on my thread and stitching. As my eyesight has aged, I have a magnifier and daylight lamp, 🤓😌 and a white towel placed under dark aida may help. The magnetic cable ties look interesting and I never knew a neck lamp was a thing...until now🤔! Happy stitching everyone!
I use those zip bags too. Work well for keeping all the kit together. And cheaper than the fabric ones. One thing I do though, is buy lots of the cheap plastic key fobs, that have a little window for writing on. I note the kit name on it, then clip it onto the zip ,so I can find the kit I want quickly , without having to rifle through my growing wip stash..! Lol 😏 I only use the floss conditioner if I’m working on an 11 count kit, that needs 3 strands . It helps the separate strands lie a bit neater . 😊
Your welcome. I think I got about 12-15 for a couple £s from a bargain shop..The more we save on the cheaper things, the more we have for the important things, like floss etc..! Lol 😂
I find thread conditioners attract dirt. They don't work for me but if you love it go for it! Now, bee's wax is great for the ends of the thread if you have trouble threading and you're not a thread licker. Thank you Giddy Stitcher. I love your upbeat friendly style and watching your channel just because you're you.
I've wondered about the long-term effects of using thread conditioner. It seems like a bad idea for a piece you want to last. Then again, maybe it washes out easily, but somehow I doubt it.
I just recently tried stitching on black Aida for the first time, and I ended up just working on a brightly colored tray that I usually eat dinner on lol a light box would probably make things easier to see, but I can't justify spending money or time building one, and I can see the tray just fine through the holes in the fabric!
Q snaps and pip and chip bobbins in a ikea cabinet were game changers for me… but I agree on starting cheap and enhancing from there. I used hoops and cheap bobbins for years
Love this! I had to figure out so many of these items on trial and error. I use hard plastic craft storage bins that are flat for my projects. I am a chain cross stitcher with multiple projects depending on my mood. Thread conditioner is a must with the metallic threads. I detest that part of a project without it. However I have heard of people using clear chapstick as a conditioner and it works similarly.
I'd heard of a couple of alternatives but chapstick is a new one! Wonder if I have any lying around the house for the purposes of experimentation 🤔 Thanks for the tip! I mostly just avoid metallic threads these days but can definitely see it being essential with those, they're such a nightmare haha.
I've only used conditioner for metallic thread. Pretty much a necessity! For storage, I use a plastic case with flat-ish photo storage boxes, and leave the thread in the skeins, so they're aleady labeled. I use an around-the-neck light, but a friend uses light from behind the fabric, even on white fabric.
I use a neck light and reading glasses when stitching to reduce eye strain. My floss is stored in a clear organizer from the tackle box aisle in Walmart. It is wound onto bobbins I 3d printed with labels from my label maker. I also 3d printed floss drops and labeled them for active use when working on a pattern. Oh! I use Qsnaps with grime guards made from your video tutorial!
Thread Magic of some sort I love, but I don’t use it for embroidery. It is fantastic for adding strength and ease so I find it a must for sewing buttons and when I hand stitch buttonholes. For the latter I don’t want to be using several shorter threads so it is brilliant for stopping tangles, keeping my stitches looking smoother and saving the tread from needle eye friction when using cheaper needles. It also comes in useful when adding buttons, beads and other 3D items to a piece of stitchery. Also it lasts for ages. One other aspect is that I find it less sticky or greasy than using wax to protect thread.
Magnifiers and lights. I am 68 and my eyesight is not what is was so these are essential for me. Big point, please get a daylight bulb or equivalent to help with colour matching. I prefer a magnifier surrounded by a ring light which is also multi angled. The one I use fits into a clamp by my sewing machine. It adds light when I am machining and can be easily brought into play when I need to unpick, sew buttons etc. My lamp came with the G clamp and a weighted base, which is brilliant for when I want to quickly pull it out of the clamp and slot it into the base near my hand sewing chair. It was just under £30 from Amazon. I have had expensive ones but found them no better, in fact having the magnifier and light combined rather than on separate stalks is fantastic.
In terms of hoops vs qsnaps, i've found my favourite thing to use are the plastic hoops with no tighteners. they tend to leave a lil more of a dent in your work, but nothing a wash or iron wont fix. If you want to do a large piece and live somewhere fabric costs an arm and a leg (like Australia) and can't afford the $60 metre, cloth tablecloths work super well! they aren't as even as xstitch fabric but I think that just gives it a fancy linen look to it Loved this video as always! hope you enjoyed your cruise :D
Thank you! We had a brilliant time, I am spending a not insignificant amount of each day now shopping for our next cruise haha, that's apparently a rabbithole all of its own 😅 Love the idea of tablecloths, can you get the water soluble canvas over there to keep your stitches in a grid or do you just have to develop mad skillz? (Note to self for a future part 2, water soluble canvas)
thread conditioner is a lifesaver for me. if I'm using speciality shiny threads like dmc light effects it gets tangled without it and it helps the stands to lie better. i have two scross frames which i found at an opp shop, I'd recommend them, but don't know what the price for a new one would be.
I really enjoyed this episode. I wear prescription eye glasses, however for cross stitch or other stitching I wear cheap readers from the dollar store currently they at 1.25 USD. Easier on the eyes. Also,many department store offer discount coupons and at times great sales on cross stitch floss and supplies.
I've been stitching for 40 years and I just got a light/magnifying stand. I only need the light, but it was a gift from my sister. 😊 Also, I've never used thread conditioner. I just heard another Flosstuber (who has used it) say recently that it can discolor your fabric over time, so now I don't even want to try it because I usually only stitch heirloom pieces.
Have to admit, after all the discussion in the comments on this one I did buy a neck light and a magnifier...and I also only ever use the light! Still at least if we're ever in a magnifying emergency we're prepared :D
Personally, I started with bobbins and installed the flosses the same way you would do with a floss drop as I was going. It can in fact become quite bulky in the box but found it to be more cheaper than buying new floss drops
I love using something called a "Trolley Needle" for my laying tool. It helps me control my floss better as I'm railroading stitches. And it's something I can just wear on my finger instead of needing to use both hands in order to make it work! I also periodically use a lighted needle threader and a snag repair tool (I think the brand name is Snag Grab-It). Thread conditioner really is a big help too. I tried bees wax instead at first, but wasn't as happy with it as Thread Magic. I feel the bees wax makes floss too rigid, while the Thread Magic gives it a little more support (? I can't really think how to describe it) while also causing it to be more supple and workable than the bees wax. Just my personal opinion on that, though. I also use a thimble (small is a size 7, medium is size 8, and large is size 9, I think...found all this out recently and found it very interesting about history of thimbles and their sizing). I have a detailer (for those little tufts of floss ends at the back), but I find it difficult to work with, and a magnetic needle box that I keep my snag repair needles, extra embroidery needles, and a "cross stitch needle threader" (which--again--I tried but didn't really like as it doesn't always fit through the size needles I use). I found a lot of these things through watching others on Flosstube (@CraftyCatStitcher, @GemmaStitches [I think] and a few others). I only used to have floss, Aida, bobbins, a bobbin box, and some scissors and didn't know about other tools and gadgets until about the past year. I still yet have no needle minder, though. I use what I call "Needle Keepers", which are cross stitched on front with a back panel cross quilted to it, hiding the original "back" and making it double-sided. I keep my needle threaded and put it through the Needle Keeper so it's still attached to my project without marring stitches or fabric on the project itself. I can't stand hoops, so I still stitch in-hand, but it's fun sometimes to try new things, and some have been really handy. 😄
I have at lrast 4 projects going on right now. I keep the threads, scissors and other accessories in ziplock bags with each peoject and its instructions in its own project bag. I cannot live without my thread magic. I also love needle minders, q-snaps and a $10 light table i bought for my projects on black aida. I am going to try verigated thread soon so I cant wait to watch your video on that! I try to keep my project bags down to the essentials so that when i take them with me (everywhere) they are not heavy or cumbersome.
Have been looking for something to help with the short threads when I finish off a thread. Thanks for the mention of a tale end weaver or what ever you called it. I hate to waste thread, and when it gets so short, it's hard to weave in the back properly. I've been using a very small crochet needle that is not ideal as it tends to tighten up the threads on top when I go under them. I must say a snag nabbit is my newest tool and can't live without it now.
I love my neck lamp 😅 I first bought one in Hobbii (works with batteries), then my mom stole it for her 😂 now I have a new one rechargeable from Amazon, I LOVE THEM ❤ I use it for knitting (even with Portuguese knitting style), crochet, cross stitch, reading in bed, painting,...
Really happy to see all these positive comments coming in for the neck lamps because I maaaaay be getting one after talking myself into it while making this video 😂
@@TheGiddyStitcher My tips to choose one are: 1. The part that touches the neck to not be too chunky. 2. Intensity regulation is great, some even let us choose between white and yellow light. 3. The length of the arms, if someone is very busty they might prefer long arms, I work very close to my face so I prefer average to short arms, not too short so I can bend them to where I want.
I have thread conditioner the brand in the video. Its more expensive than bees wax but isnt as sticky, i got it from hobby lobby back when they still took coupons. However, i only use it on hand sewing for garment construction. It has the consistency of chap stick and i love how it helps keep my thread from knotting as much. The reason I dont use it on my cross stitch projects is because I haven’t mastered washing my projects and i dont know how it will affect the project in the long term as it foes leave a fine film of conditioner on the thread. Another thing to consider on the benefits of needle minders is if you keep extra needles on hand for your projects. If u park the needle in the canvas eventually the canvas holes will become larger and they will fall out. This happened to me once and despite checking the bed thoroughly we slept with 2 of my 3 needles. Its honestly a miracle neither of us was injured. On that note my sister ordered me some needle holders on wish for $5 each and they hold 25 threaded needles at a time and have replacement cards for drawing the color symbols. These are great for full coverage pieces since you change thread so often. I also saw a video a few weeks ago on an app called knit companion and how to use it for cross stitch. I use the free version of it only and it has been amazing for keeping my place on the instructions and making fast progress (on an 18 by 24 full coverage). The needle holders and knit companion speed my progress up so much it is almost unbelievable. If u try this app you have to take a pic of your instructions and turn it into a pdf before opening it in the app. Since my phone wouldn’t do it for me i had to download an app for that to but it was well worth it. The video about it was also on youtube.
Oh i also forgot i drew a grid on my fabric to match my instructions out of a heat erasable ink pen. I got them on amazon for cheap and it takes an iron to make them disappear. So if my hands sweat its not a big deal.
Thank you for sharing all your tips. I’m still dipping in and out of cross stitch. Most of these tools I’ve wondered about but at least I now have advice on what are helpful 😊
Great video. As for thread conditioner, it is a cheap waste of money. The containers are a pain too when product gets low. The better option is BEESWAX. Conditions and protects floss/threads, can come in a tin or not as you like. That is my opinion, anyway.
Well as luck would have it I got BOTH options as part of a birthday gift back in May, so I'll be doing a comparison video at some point. Not really sure what to expect as everyone seems to have a different preference, but we'll see!
Many good tips in this video, Thanks. 😀 As I have aged my eyesight has become very poor.🤓 I started with a headlamp with magnifier but the darn thing slipped down onto my nose/glasses and hurt! If I tightened it up enough so it didn't slide it gave me a headache. I then moved on to a ring type magnifier with an LED light with many settings (which I don't use). It attaches to the table I set next to my chair and I got one with a 24" adjustable arm that works very well. I am very satisfied with this so far. The only problem is that even though its LED it still generates a little heat. (I probably won't mind come winter).
I tend to get headaches with things like that too, so I'm gonna try one of those neck lights since I've heard good things from other stitchers. Magnifier light sounds handy although yeah, even the tiniest bit of extra heat right now is basically unacceptable 😅
I love my necklight for cross stitch, hand sewing, crochet, repairing things in awkward dark spots… they’re very versatile and that you can take them everywhere you might want to work is a great plus. I’ve used beeswax (the traditional option) on my thread for EPP and it’s a world of difference. Not sure I’d want to use that for cross stitch or embroidery because of the possible discolouration so thread conditioner is on my list to investigate. And depending on where you live, DMC might be quite difficult to find. It seems that they’ve divided up the markets with Anchor, which is also very nice quality floss, just an extra hassle to find the correct colours.
That's definitely true about DMC, it's twice the price here in the UK as it is in the USA for a start! I feel like I used to see Anchor a lot more around here than I do these days, but interesting that it seems to be flourishing in other countries. I'd love to do a test of beeswax vs conditioner vs untreated and how that affects the thread over time, but it would involve leaving it for probably years to see any effects so that doesn't lend itself well to a weekly video schedule! Maybe one day I'll set it up, though 😅
Yes, the neck light is so versatile, i use it for lots of other things. It also means I can put a spot light where I'm working without the light disturbing my spouse. I did need to modify mine by creating shades out of tape for the ends. The light is right at the ends, and unless I angle them just right, he gets blasted in the side of his vision. He wants a neck light now for himself.
This is a great overview- thanks. You mentioned washing your completed project (when discussing other ways to protect/cover the project) but I don’t think I heard you mention a washing suggestion. I’ve seen lots of different suggestions for specific purpose-built options that I never see in stores (will likely have to get online). I’ve also seen some contentious back and forth about more everyday options like certain types of dish soap. Do you have any suggestions for successfully washing a completed project? Though I always stitch with clean hands and use a needle threader to not having me wetting thread tips with saliva, I still would prefer to give my finished projects a proper (gentle) wash before ironing them and displaying them.
You missed one important thing! Storage! Beginners, if you are reading this, get a storage box to store your supplies. I would invest in either a sewing box or get a tool box for your storage box for your essential supplies! They are nice because there is different sections where you can organize your supplies by type! Also, invest in some good fabric scissors to cut your Aida and to use for anything fabric related.
I had to smile at the getting your fabric dirty. I found out that I drink tea while stitching and of course I put the thread on my mouth to thread the needle… oops white became beige !
It’s incredible how we don’t know all about this craft, no matter how much time we have been working on it. I just made a video on my tips for enjoying more cross stitch and I think I’ll end up making a part 2 testing some of your recommendations 💚
The only color i find the thread conditioner helpful for is reds. I find they tangle more then other colors and the conditioner helps them not tangle and run through the fabric more smoothly.
I have a bunch of needleminders, although I bought only two, the rest of them is handmade and I really like them not only for needles, but also for wrapping threads, when I'm parking some stitches. I also have qsnaps, hoops, tablet with PK and the DMC chest with Pip&Chip system, although I can't stop thinking about at least repainting it, because I strongly dislike how it looks (it's sooo clunky and old school). I guess I'm a firm bobbins stan, I was trying to use floss holders for my latest few projects (mostly SALs) and they've worked as the should, but I still don't find them comfortable for me to use. As for the light, I have an old IKEA standing lamp with strong bulb and for now it's enough for me. I'm also pretty short sighted and can comfortably stitch only up to 16ct. For higher counts I have a magnifying headset from Levenhuk, which I can wear with my regular glasses. It has a light module, but my standing lamp is enough, so for now it's detached from the set.
@@TheGiddyStitcher lol, I'm a fan of Ikea-style decor, so dark wood might go being classy in a safe distance ;) I'd probably go for Bisley, but it's pretty difficult to find here. Plus, I have all the basic DMC colours now. All the WIPs that I can start at any moment! 😂
Thank You for your video, I do have a question about the lap frames you showed. What is the brand on the one on the left with the blonde lady in the blue shirt with the trees and the water to her left.
Had fun watching this even though I've been stitching for thousands of years and have tried nearly every contraption you mentioned. BUT-- I didn't see any ort receptacles in there. If you like to save orts to use for stuffing instead of expensive walnut shells and never-quite-the-right-lift batting, orts are sometimes fantastic. And it's nice to have an impressive looking thing to keep them in. Can anyone help me locate a magnetic one that I once used and then lost? It looked sorta like a kitchen trash can.
This is a very good point! I keep a nice mason jar on a shelf in my stitching corner and have even used the ORTs in other crafts but somehow entirely forgot to mention it 🤦♀️ Good luck on your search, I hope you find it again
I have beenstitching for more than 50 years and find the scroll bars connected to a seat stand necessary. I can keep both hands free. My left thumb hurts now from holding the hoops over the years.
Completely understand! I got a proper workstand for Christmas and it's been a complete gamechanger. Even if you're not actually stitching with both hands, just not having to hold a hoop or frame is so much more comfortable.
its really about as you go and depending on the project that you get solutions to problems. i found i needed one of those arm things that holds the hoop because my hand/wrist was getting sore where i was apparently holding it pretty tightly without noticing. while discovering 123stitch was amazing sometimes stuff around the house works too. i use a caddy to hold my stuff and for me i needed a little container to drop ends and stuff. the thing i haven't found the best solution for me yet is storage. i like using floss drops when working on a project but wish i could wrap it around itself and store that way. need a merge of bobbins and floss drops eventually. and a better floss box i keep breaking mine because i drop it and the lid snaps off oops its a world of possibility to improve as you go along really
Absolutely agree! Having all the gadgets might be aspirational and all, but you really don't know what you need for your specific setup until you start encountering issues that can't just be bodged with household items :D
I have floss on plastic cards like floss drops for about 10 colours (Amazon cheap job, can't think of the name). I do just wind around themselves and drop them in a small gift bag I received some chocolates in. Separate gift bags for each active wip, all get dropped in a larger tote bag. Works great.
Depends how lazy I'm feeling! Sometimes I'll take the time to run some stitches round the outside by hand, sometimes I'll put a narrow strip of masking tape on each edge, but honestly a lot of the time I just don't bother since the edges are usually rolled up in a grime guard and I leave plenty of buffer room 😅 Excellent video idea though, I shall see what I can do!
I used to use thread conditioner and it did seem to help with tangling until I started having an allergic reaction to it (hello itchy fingers!). I've also used beeswax which is a bit gloopy and can change the hue of the thread. However, I recently saw someone report that from a conservation point of view, both of these will be detrimental to the longevity of our stitching. I know for a fact that our ancestors didn't have petroleum-based and chemical-laden thread conditioner. And while you may not be concerned about your stitching lasting hundreds of years into the future, your descendants might have opinions to the contrary, so I suggest going without.
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Please do share your own recommendations and warnings for other stitchers (and of course myself) to learn from! What's your favourite cross stitch tool you've bought, and did I cover it in this video?
I just found your great site this morning! I watched your video on necessary equipment and didn't see a mention of stands. I see your metal one and it seems to be quite sturdy. Do you have a video on stands?
I always use a white pillowcase on my knee when I use a dark fabric it makes the holes easier to see
Thank you for the amazing idea!
I splurged on a small light box..Rechargable.
Don't tell my husband that cross stitch doesn't need so many fun accessories lol. Great video!
I just use zip lock sandwich bags as my project bags whenever I do a smaller project lol.
Whatever keeps everything together! :D
I used to until my cats chewed up all the ziplocks!
I’ve been stitching for over 30 years and I still only use a needle, Aida 14, plastic bobbins for my DMC, Ott light and magnifiers (readers). Basic and simple. Really enjoyed this video …as I always do.
All you need, really! It seems like a consensus in the comments that cheaper is better, that's for sure 😄
My go to project containers is cookie tins! I'm so deeply pleased by how it holds my round hoops and I store my DMC thread on round spools!
My latest must have is a coiled keychain: I use it as a scissors nanny. No more dropping my scissors. I used bobbins and hate them - makes the thread zigzaggy. My go to is a hole puncher and an old greeting card - I write the symbols&thread names on them - perfect! When I finish the project, I pitch the card - easy cleanup and whoever sent me the card knows I truly appreciated it.
Well done video. Thank you.
My stitching bug is on vacation and needed a jump start. Thank you, you may have done it for me. Keep stitching!
I followed your lead and did diy floss drops ❤ I made mine a bit extra by gluing fancy paper on one side and the colour number on the other. I keep them on binder rings in batches of 100 numbers, I can take the ones I need and put them on a project ring (or rings 😅) I love stitching in hand, but I do need to get some grime guards.
Two thing that was a huge game changer: self threading needles (the beak kind that open at the back, not the side ones, I made that mistake!) and the Pattern Keeper app. The needles can be hit or miss, I do find some are a bit sharp on the inside of the eye and it will cut the thread. The pattern Keeper app is so helpful, I have dyslexia and have 150 colour symbols to keep track of would be impossible for me, I don't even look at the symbol I'm working on, the app highlights them and I just get to it.
DMC isn’t a terrible price especially with sales and coupons. It is worth it in the long run for the time you spend on a project to have quality thread. Makes it easier to make the project. Lol I love those plastic Amazon project bags. Honestly I have never heard of a needle minder or the magnetic holders before your channel.
I've been sewing and knitting for a long time now (10 and 15 years respectively) and I'm getting pulled into cross stitching. As far as bags are concerned, for cross stitch, I've kept the plastic zippered bag my daughter's curtains came in and I intend to use that for the smaller pieces. :)
Edit: OMG YES!!!! Those clear zippered bags are AMAZING.
I never liked putting stiff, square aida in hoops, so my favorite way to frame is with simple wood stretcher bars. I also do needlepoint, and they are definitely the better choice for canvas, so I was using them anyway. They come in pairs, so of course, you need two sets, and then you use tacks to attach the fabric. It's a little work to put the fabric in, but there are loads of bonuses. You can buy pairs separately, but I originally found a set of 5 sizes and could make any size rectangle I needed. Later I was able to add another identical set, so I can make whatever square I need as well, and could have several different sized projects at once. By framing to size, no part of the project is ever hidden and my hands only ever need touch the margins (though I cover the edges with masking tape anyway so I don't catch on it. Also, the tacks are metal, so I just stick a plain rare earth magnet on one and boom: needle minder that stays out of my way. And it's strong enough to hold my pattern, too. You could also do this with an old picture frame, if the wood is soft enough to put the tacks in, or if you want to take the trouble to stitch the fabric in. If you go all in with the tacks, there are also things called tack pushers that help immensely when putting them in. And most tacks come with a tool to help get them out again.
Also, while I'm a diehard cardboard bobbin person, I think floss skeins (DMC, at least) are actually pull skeins. You can use them as is, no need for fancy floss systems. Sarah of Sarah Homfray Embroidery here on youtube does this, and she has a whole video somewhere showing how she manages the skeins.
OH! One other thing for beginners to note, is not only the needle size, but to use a ball point needle, to help make sure it goes in the holes, rather than splitting fibers.
And while a back light is probably best with black aida, sometimes just having some white paper in your lap behind it can still help immensely.
Oh! and laying tools are the bomb! But there are also trolley needles, which is basically like a tapestry needle attached to a thimble.
I'm recently returned to this hobby after a couple decades away. The biggest change that I wished I'd thought of years ago is gridding out the fabric. I am currently using Silky Slivers in metallic red, but I do want to try the fishing line-type at some point.
I recently improved my storage situation, taking 4 boxes of bobbins and transferring them all to a two-sided container typically used to store matchbox cars. My DMC / Darice / "made in China" bobbins are all a *shade* too tall (Oriented like the Pip&Chip ones). I've found an etsy seller who offers a really thin bobbin in a 35mm size, which should be perfect. I have yet to find one seller who has everything I want in a combo bobbin. I am planning on transitioning to the "drop" style with respect to cutting the skein and "knotting" it to the card. BUT, I'm going to wrap mine and continue to store them as I have been.
I've debated making my own bobbins (and ordering stickers), but I haven't found a translucent lightweight plastic I could use, yet.
After putting two complete floss sets on bobbins, I discovered how easy it is to remove ‘ONE’ strand of floss from a floss drop. No more cutting a length off the bobbin, pulling out one strand and watching the remaining 5 strands tangle…again. Then winding the five back in the bobbin. No more.
With the floss drop, simply slide the needle under one strand and lift out what you need to double and use the loop method to start stitching. Never going back to bobbins as I hate the kinks and did hear that the kinks can weaken the floss. Nope, not going back to them.
Needle minders are a life saver for someone like me, who used to stick their needle Into my sofa or blanket and spent 75% ir their stitching Time looking for the damn needle. I got a beautiful lazercut wooden one from a local shop and thats honestly all I need! It saved Me so much time and made stitching a lot more relaxing.
Same for me. Just did my first little project with one and it was amazing! I had picked up a simple navy blue fabric-covered circle with with polka dots at a craft fair some time back, but hadn’t done any stitching since then.
I used to stick needles into my pant legs while I wasn't using them 😅 I use a spare Yeti cap slider thingy which has a magnet. Much better lol
I was looking at cross stitch pattern makers when I came across this site. Curiosity then brought me to find out what tools I should have. that I have been working without for years. A few I will be buying, making or upgrading.
Bob-eez - I have been using this same type of thing as a cable tidier for years (decades). Bought them at a discount store way back when.
Magnetic needle holders - looked at a couple on line and I noticed one that looks like my old business card holders. Since I have no use for business cards anymore, I think mine will now have magnetic sheeting added and start their new "retired" life. It will certainly be less expensive than the ones I saw online.
Thread conditioner - well maybe I will have to try this, or the Chapstick. Sounds like it could be fun.
Magnifiers and lights - I already have several different types. It depends on what room and which project to what I use on the day.
My preference is to use some sort of frame when stitching - size of work deciding type of frame - as it helps keep my stitches even and helps prevent pulling the work out of shape.
I will be investigating newer options for grime protection and excess fabric handling to see if I can improve what I have used (I think that is a given).
Thank you. I enjoyed this video. I think a video on how to actually use the tools mentioned would be great for beginners.
Mag Eyes have been a game changer for me and my 57 year old eyes. They look ridiculous but have reduced eye strain down to nothing. Those, plus a good light (Ott or similar) mean I have been able to still enjoy cross stitch. Great video!
I have this lamp which hangs around the neck. And I absolutely love it. I never stitch without it anymore 😊
This is at least the third glowing review I've read in the comments and now I'm really excited to get one myself 😀
I use one as well; couldn’t stitch without it.
Which neck lamp are you all loving on..ty
I have a magnifier that hangs around my neck and rests on my chest that I use for all needle crafts.
I like to store my WIPs in those Sterilite plastic organizer drawers. I have a unit of 3 drawers, each about 14" x 10" x 2.5"; I keep a project in each drawer and just pull out the whole drawer when I want to work on the project. It holds the work, the pattern, the floss, any accessories-- works great for small to medium projects, but not sure it would hold a large one (although they make them in different sizes.)
Agree with everything!!
My current project is on dark blue aida and i would love a light box. Just having the lamp shine behind the work makes a huge difference but a light box would be so much better. As for frames, a standing frame is a huge life saver for any project bigger than your 8 inch hoop.
I recently finished a cross stitch kit, and I used the clear plastic bag the kit came in as the project bag
Resourceful, I like it! My stash of off-brand flosses may not be the best quality, but they came in a good sealable pouch so I've been using that too 😅
I sort my floss with sandwich bags 😂 I sorted by "100's" "200's" ect then all of those in a bigger gallon bag. I even have an inventory sheet written out. It was cheap, and with the amount of floss I have cheap organization is where it's at 😂
I'm late to this, but I love my camping headband flashlight. it's been a game changer! I can stitch in the same room as my husband while he watches a movie. It also means I don't have a bunch of shadows while I'm working
I just returned to cross stitching. I have tried different floss and they all tangle so badly. I did get some Thread Magic and OMG the floss pulls easier and so far it does not tangle or knot up. Love it so far.
Masking tape is essential for me! Stops aida fraying at the edges. And good lighting, I work at my desk so I've got a USB desk light that folds away when I don't need it.
Ooh yes masking tape is a great shout! And definitely something I should take the time to use more often 👀
I use conditioner only on metallic threads. Railroading helps your stitches to lay nicely. I used to use Qsnaps but now there are great plastic hoops that are designed to hold your fabric taut. I love them. I have been stitching for over 40 years and have always used the plastic bobbins and store in Plano magnum fishing box.
I worked a huge 2meter square piece in 28ct black Aida.…I learned that a white pillowcase below my work, with my work lamp on full, worked really well to illuminate the teeny tiny holes, slowing down the rate at which I was going cross eyed.
I am working with Light Effects DMC right now, doing Xmas pieces in different whites and silvers on dark blue 28ct Aida ( snow scene silhouette ) and I have learned to use very small lengths, just a few stitches at a time, as it frays badly. It feels scratchy as you sew and doesn't take tension well.
The silky smooth Satin DMC works well, gives great effects as highlights.….but is very “bouncy”, and won't lay flat, and springs back up off the fabric as soon as you release the tension, so…takes a while to get the hang of. 🥴
I'm not a masochist by the way..I was sent all this dark Aida by a online company by mistake, they told me to keep it and then sent what I had ordered…..I’m not about to let it go to waste! 😂😂😂
I'm one of those poorly close-up sighted boys.
I *can* do it but start to go cross-eyed real quick.
My glasses help a ton already but obviously, cross-stich is quite small, so even with glasses I can get a headache quickly.
I have the magnifier-light combo from Ikea.
Place it in between my face and my work, and it shines light exactly where I also have it magnified.
Game changer for me personally!
Hi. I just found you and love all your ideas. As a stitcher for over 35 years, I learned a lot from you. I love your accent!
This video is so helpful! Thank you! I actually purchased magnifying glasses with a light and they are a game changer for sure!
When I first started working with floss I got excited & bought a lot. I spent weeks bobbining & organized em into clear bins from lightest to darkest. So pretty. Then I discovered I absolutely could not stand the bends left in the floss strands & habe been slowly working on transitioning it all to floss drops. Sigh. You live & you learn. We just all have different preferences. Also... confession... I've never tried floss conditioner. Please nobody come at me for any of this 🤣🤣🤣
I started cross stitching around 24~ years ago, but only ever with kits. I knew you could buy thread skeins and needles separate, but had no idea where to get patterns, so I just did kits. It actually wasn't until this year that I even heard of needle minders and floss conditioners. I've bought 2 minders off Amazon (but previously would just dedicate a space on my aida [which I actually pronounce ai-ee-da, like the musical/opera] that was out of the stitching area of the project). Presently working on my first etsy-bought pattern and separately bought floss, doing it on black aida. My solution to see the holes is to just have a white piece of paper on my desk and a desk lamp shining on it. I already had the desk lamp and I've got plenty of paper, it's a perfectly cheap solution to a specialty light box.
A pair of LED, rechargeable magnifying glasses off Amazon (less than $20) is a game changer for me. Best purchase ever! Also a non slip plastic Morgan hoop!
One other thing I absolutely need is a thimble. I also have a book by Coats & Clark’s titled ‘One Hundred Embroidery Stitches’ that I purchased in 1979. It was greatly used before YT videos became available. Lol. great video.
I use pillowcases, mainly, as project bags and frame covers. One issue I found with a grime guard I made was that the fabric had been printed and the ink transferred onto the stitching fabric 🤦🏻♀️🫣. Wash first…. 😅 My fave tool is a pair of pliers for pulling my needle through the stitches when ending a thread, and also spool huggers which are silicon coils that would normally wrap round a reel of cotton - these work well with q-snaps to hold extra fabric. Oh! And Bob-eez by Bead Smith. Originally designed for Kumihimo braiding, they are brilliant for wrangling threads when using the parking method.
Probably got enough there for a part 2 on tools (scissor fobs, needle threaders, laying tools.. the list goes on)
Ok I thought I'd seen it all with project bags but pillowcases?! Amazing 😂
Can definitely see the pliers coming in handy, my thumbs are a callused mess from pushing needles so may need to try that one.
It's interesting you mentioned the spool huggers because most other people said they were crap which is how I ended up with those cable ties instead. And bob-eez? Gonna have to look that one up.
Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 are definitely an eventual possibility 😅
The spool huggers work when you don’t have too much excess fabric, just enough that it’s annoying 🤣
Pillow cases are a great idea!
Just found your vid my go to is my metal board and magnetic strips, ( cut up an old magnetic sheet) to put behind my pattern moving the magnetic strip up or down depending on what row was next, has made me making stitching mistakes less likely
Keeping it simple allows for more money left for new patterns…the only extra I have purchased is an excellent light. However I am going to my first retreat next month so I might be convinced that I absolutely need something else. Time will tell.
Haha, the peer pressure is real! Seriously though you're totally right, we stitch because we enjoy stitching so anything that helps us buy more stuff to actually stitch sounds like a winner to me.
One day I might buy a light box, but until then I keep a sheet of white paper on my lap, which really helps reflect the light through my cloth.
Loved reading all the comments from your viewers and of course Your common sense “sensibilities”……I agree a good pair of fiber only scissors has really been a step up for me…..I have the same project bags as You and they have been just fine…..I keep a pack of hand sanitizer wipes available….and lastly I just glued a magnet to some old flat costume jewelry earrings for my needle minders…I LOVE Sharing IDEAS with this sharing/caring community….
Great video! I eventually heard of a laying tool on flosstube but have no idea how to use it. One caution about leaving your needle in your fabric. Don't forget it there or leave it there a long time. It can leave rust marks eventually. Also if you do that make sure your project is safe from pets sitting on it. Thread conditioner I've only used with Dmc Diamont and it did help with that floss. Now I just stay away from Diamont. I've used the around the neck light when on vacation or stitching somewhere with poor lighting. I have a light magnifier coming from Art Dot to try because I thought it would help my Mom.
Awesome video. You don't speak badly about fellow crafters and give both sides of any possible argument (cheap vs expensive in this instance).
Only started cross stitch and embroidery recently but found a simple home made needle book handy to store waste thread, needles and left over thread.
Needle minders--absolutely! I couldn't buy really good needles because I constantly lost them. Sticking them in the fabric didn't work. They just kept falling out!
I'm definitely in the bare-bones, only buy what's necessary camp; however, as my eyesight goes down the toilet with age, I find a goose neck lamp, magnifying glass and needle threader to be useful.
Lighting and reading glasses are my go to needs for working on anything on 14ct and above. Especially if you have migraines often your eyesight is a trigger for ocular migraines and other types.
I’m so glad you mentioned tote bags to use as a project bag - I thought I was the only one who used random bags I found at the bottom of a closet 😂
Tote bags, sandwich bags, drawstring bags from past yarn orders, old school folders, someone in these comments uses pillowcases....if it works it works! 😀
@@TheGiddyStitcher I still use the shopping bag that I got when I bought the floss for the project. Snack bag for each color, into the shopping bag they go!
I’m a legally blind stitcher! My Ott light is a lifesaver, but I also have an electric magnifier (camera and screen) that has a stand, so I can hold projects underneath it to see when doing low-contrast work. Suuuper helpful. I also use a little piece of paper to thread my needles so I never need to buy a threaded!
Please tell me the name of the electric magnifier?
I have major vision issues
Thank you
@@nowirehangers2815 I have the Mano XXL electronic magnifier from Reinecker (and the stand that goes with it). Hope that helps!
I love having multiple sizes of the plastic mesh bag you showed. For most of my projects, I use bags that are approximately 9-inches by 7 inches! I liked them so well that I ordered my in various sizes! My entire apartment is better organized!
I used to use Ziplock bags (for about 35 years) before I switched. My problem was that both of my cats are obsessed with chewing on ziplock bags. I've heard that's because the bags are treated on the outside with fish scales too make them not stick to each other!
Cool! I grabbed one of my daughter's little stretchy things with the magnets on the end and now my needle is stuck to my cross stitch frame. Brilliant!
Lots of great content Michelle! As a cross stitcher I agree that keeping it basic works fine! I've stitched for years with thread, needle and fabric and although I've tried various frames and sewing lovelies, I keep going back to basics! If it ain't broke...😊!!! I have my thread wound on bobbins and stored in boxes and use any clean bag/pouch as a project bag. Self-seal food bags work great, especially for stitching on the go! I like to stitch without a frame and thankfully never had an issue with oily marks. Not a fan of thread conditioner as the one I bought left too much of a waxy residue on my thread and stitching. As my eyesight has aged, I have a magnifier and daylight lamp, 🤓😌 and a white towel placed under dark aida may help. The magnetic cable ties look interesting and I never knew a neck lamp was a thing...until now🤔! Happy stitching everyone!
As a flosstuber I completely agree. You don’t need all the “stuff”. Thanks for the video. 🦋
I use those zip bags too. Work well for keeping all the kit together. And cheaper than the fabric ones. One thing I do though, is buy lots of the cheap plastic key fobs, that have a little window for writing on. I note the kit name on it, then clip it onto the zip ,so I can find the kit I want quickly , without having to rifle through my growing wip stash..! Lol 😏
I only use the floss conditioner if I’m working on an 11 count kit, that needs 3 strands . It helps the separate strands lie a bit neater . 😊
Ooh I know exactly the things you mean, and that *is* a good idea, thanks for sharing! Cheapo zip bag gang 🙌
Your welcome. I think I got about 12-15 for a couple £s from a bargain shop..The more we save on the cheaper things, the more we have for the important things, like floss etc..! Lol 😂
I find thread conditioners attract dirt. They don't work for me but if you love it go for it! Now, bee's wax is great for the ends of the thread if you have trouble threading and you're not a thread licker. Thank you Giddy Stitcher. I love your upbeat friendly style and watching your channel just because you're you.
I've wondered about the long-term effects of using thread conditioner. It seems like a bad idea for a piece you want to last. Then again, maybe it washes out easily, but somehow I doubt it.
I just recently tried stitching on black Aida for the first time, and I ended up just working on a brightly colored tray that I usually eat dinner on lol a light box would probably make things easier to see, but I can't justify spending money or time building one, and I can see the tray just fine through the holes in the fabric!
Q snaps and pip and chip bobbins in a ikea cabinet were game changers for me… but I agree on starting cheap and enhancing from there. I used hoops and cheap bobbins for years
Love this! I had to figure out so many of these items on trial and error. I use hard plastic craft storage bins that are flat for my projects. I am a chain cross stitcher with multiple projects depending on my mood. Thread conditioner is a must with the metallic threads. I detest that part of a project without it. However I have heard of people using clear chapstick as a conditioner and it works similarly.
I'd heard of a couple of alternatives but chapstick is a new one! Wonder if I have any lying around the house for the purposes of experimentation 🤔 Thanks for the tip! I mostly just avoid metallic threads these days but can definitely see it being essential with those, they're such a nightmare haha.
I've only used conditioner for metallic thread. Pretty much a necessity! For storage, I use a plastic case with flat-ish photo storage boxes, and leave the thread in the skeins, so they're aleady labeled. I use an around-the-neck light, but a friend uses light from behind the fabric, even on white fabric.
I use a neck light and reading glasses when stitching to reduce eye strain. My floss is stored in a clear organizer from the tackle box aisle in Walmart. It is wound onto bobbins I 3d printed with labels from my label maker. I also 3d printed floss drops and labeled them for active use when working on a pattern. Oh! I use Qsnaps with grime guards made from your video tutorial!
Thread Magic of some sort I love, but I don’t use it for embroidery. It is fantastic for adding strength and ease so I find it a must for sewing buttons and when I hand stitch buttonholes. For the latter I don’t want to be using several shorter threads so it is brilliant for stopping tangles, keeping my stitches looking smoother and saving the tread from needle eye friction when using cheaper needles. It also comes in useful when adding buttons, beads and other 3D items to a piece of stitchery. Also it lasts for ages. One other aspect is that I find it less sticky or greasy than using wax to protect thread.
Magnifiers and lights. I am 68 and my eyesight is not what is was so these are essential for me. Big point, please get a daylight bulb or equivalent to help with colour matching. I prefer a magnifier surrounded by a ring light which is also multi angled. The one I use fits into a clamp by my sewing machine. It adds light when I am machining and can be easily brought into play when I need to unpick, sew buttons etc. My lamp came with the G clamp and a weighted base, which is brilliant for when I want to quickly pull it out of the clamp and slot it into the base near my hand sewing chair. It was just under £30 from Amazon. I have had expensive ones but found them no better, in fact having the magnifier and light combined rather than on separate stalks is fantastic.
In terms of hoops vs qsnaps, i've found my favourite thing to use are the plastic hoops with no tighteners. they tend to leave a lil more of a dent in your work, but nothing a wash or iron wont fix.
If you want to do a large piece and live somewhere fabric costs an arm and a leg (like Australia) and can't afford the $60 metre, cloth tablecloths work super well! they aren't as even as xstitch fabric but I think that just gives it a fancy linen look to it
Loved this video as always! hope you enjoyed your cruise :D
Thank you! We had a brilliant time, I am spending a not insignificant amount of each day now shopping for our next cruise haha, that's apparently a rabbithole all of its own 😅
Love the idea of tablecloths, can you get the water soluble canvas over there to keep your stitches in a grid or do you just have to develop mad skillz? (Note to self for a future part 2, water soluble canvas)
@@TheGiddyStitcher mad skillz 😎 (if by mad skills you mean constant mistakes, doing the witches cabinet sal on a fancy aida and its so much easier!)
thread conditioner is a lifesaver for me. if I'm using speciality shiny threads like dmc light effects it gets tangled without it and it helps the stands to lie better.
i have two scross frames which i found at an opp shop, I'd recommend them, but don't know what the price for a new one would be.
I really enjoyed this episode. I wear prescription eye glasses, however for cross stitch or other stitching I wear cheap readers from the dollar store currently they at 1.25 USD. Easier on the eyes.
Also,many department store offer discount coupons and at times great sales on cross stitch floss and supplies.
I've been stitching for 40 years and I just got a light/magnifying stand. I only need the light, but it was a gift from my sister. 😊 Also, I've never used thread conditioner. I just heard another Flosstuber (who has used it) say recently that it can discolor your fabric over time, so now I don't even want to try it because I usually only stitch heirloom pieces.
Have to admit, after all the discussion in the comments on this one I did buy a neck light and a magnifier...and I also only ever use the light! Still at least if we're ever in a magnifying emergency we're prepared :D
@@TheGiddyStitcher So true!!
I use a neck light with five brightness settings, light color options and broad and beam display; love it! Great video!
Personally, I started with bobbins and installed the flosses the same way you would do with a floss drop as I was going. It can in fact become quite bulky in the box but found it to be more cheaper than buying new floss drops
I love using something called a "Trolley Needle" for my laying tool. It helps me control my floss better as I'm railroading stitches. And it's something I can just wear on my finger instead of needing to use both hands in order to make it work! I also periodically use a lighted needle threader and a snag repair tool (I think the brand name is Snag Grab-It). Thread conditioner really is a big help too. I tried bees wax instead at first, but wasn't as happy with it as Thread Magic. I feel the bees wax makes floss too rigid, while the Thread Magic gives it a little more support (? I can't really think how to describe it) while also causing it to be more supple and workable than the bees wax. Just my personal opinion on that, though. I also use a thimble (small is a size 7, medium is size 8, and large is size 9, I think...found all this out recently and found it very interesting about history of thimbles and their sizing). I have a detailer (for those little tufts of floss ends at the back), but I find it difficult to work with, and a magnetic needle box that I keep my snag repair needles, extra embroidery needles, and a "cross stitch needle threader" (which--again--I tried but didn't really like as it doesn't always fit through the size needles I use). I found a lot of these things through watching others on Flosstube (@CraftyCatStitcher, @GemmaStitches [I think] and a few others). I only used to have floss, Aida, bobbins, a bobbin box, and some scissors and didn't know about other tools and gadgets until about the past year. I still yet have no needle minder, though. I use what I call "Needle Keepers", which are cross stitched on front with a back panel cross quilted to it, hiding the original "back" and making it double-sided. I keep my needle threaded and put it through the Needle Keeper so it's still attached to my project without marring stitches or fabric on the project itself. I can't stand hoops, so I still stitch in-hand, but it's fun sometimes to try new things, and some have been really handy. 😄
I use the magnet from my old work name tags as needle minders
Clearly I have found my frugal people with this video. Love it! 😆
I have at lrast 4 projects going on right now. I keep the threads, scissors and other accessories in ziplock bags with each peoject and its instructions in its own project bag. I cannot live without my thread magic. I also love needle minders, q-snaps and a $10 light table i bought for my projects on black aida. I am going to try verigated thread soon so I cant wait to watch your video on that! I try to keep my project bags down to the essentials so that when i take them with me (everywhere) they are not heavy or cumbersome.
I just started my first cross stitch project and literally lost my needle 2 days in 😂. I’ll probably get a needle minder
Have been looking for something to help with the short threads when I finish off a thread. Thanks for the mention of a tale end weaver or what ever you called it. I hate to waste thread, and when it gets so short, it's hard to weave in the back properly. I've been using a very small crochet needle that is not ideal as it tends to tighten up the threads on top when I go under them. I must say a snag nabbit is my newest tool and can't live without it now.
Well done. This video was great for someone just starting to cross stitch. Thank you.
Really glad it was helpful, and welcome to a great hobby!
I love my neck lamp 😅 I first bought one in Hobbii (works with batteries), then my mom stole it for her 😂 now I have a new one rechargeable from Amazon, I LOVE THEM ❤ I use it for knitting (even with Portuguese knitting style), crochet, cross stitch, reading in bed, painting,...
Really happy to see all these positive comments coming in for the neck lamps because I maaaaay be getting one after talking myself into it while making this video 😂
@@TheGiddyStitcher My tips to choose one are: 1. The part that touches the neck to not be too chunky.
2. Intensity regulation is great, some even let us choose between white and yellow light.
3. The length of the arms, if someone is very busty they might prefer long arms, I work very close to my face so I prefer average to short arms, not too short so I can bend them to where I want.
For project bags, may I recommend the bag from the craft store that all your supplies came in? 😂
This is absolutely what I do for my knitting and crochet projects, the mesh bags the yarn shop gives out are super useful! 😄
I have thread conditioner the brand in the video. Its more expensive than bees wax but isnt as sticky, i got it from hobby lobby back when they still took coupons. However, i only use it on hand sewing for garment construction. It has the consistency of chap stick and i love how it helps keep my thread from knotting as much. The reason I dont use it on my cross stitch projects is because I haven’t mastered washing my projects and i dont know how it will affect the project in the long term as it foes leave a fine film of conditioner on the thread.
Another thing to consider on the benefits of needle minders is if you keep extra needles on hand for your projects. If u park the needle in the canvas eventually the canvas holes will become larger and they will fall out. This happened to me once and despite checking the bed thoroughly we slept with 2 of my 3 needles. Its honestly a miracle neither of us was injured.
On that note my sister ordered me some needle holders on wish for $5 each and they hold 25 threaded needles at a time and have replacement cards for drawing the color symbols. These are great for full coverage pieces since you change thread so often.
I also saw a video a few weeks ago on an app called knit companion and how to use it for cross stitch. I use the free version of it only and it has been amazing for keeping my place on the instructions and making fast progress (on an 18 by 24 full coverage). The needle holders and knit companion speed my progress up so much it is almost unbelievable. If u try this app you have to take a pic of your instructions and turn it into a pdf before opening it in the app. Since my phone wouldn’t do it for me i had to download an app for that to but it was well worth it. The video about it was also on youtube.
Oh i also forgot i drew a grid on my fabric to match my instructions out of a heat erasable ink pen. I got them on amazon for cheap and it takes an iron to make them disappear. So if my hands sweat its not a big deal.
Thank you for sharing all your tips. I’m still dipping in and out of cross stitch. Most of these tools I’ve wondered about but at least I now have advice on what are helpful 😊
I’ve used the
Brightech LightView Pro Magnifying Floor Lamp on Amazon and I love it! I can sit in a comfy chair and can stitch with less eye strain.
I swear by Thread Magic, but only because I'm prone to using really really long threads and it keeps them from splitting.
Great video. As for thread conditioner, it is a cheap waste of money. The containers are a pain too when product gets low. The better option is BEESWAX. Conditions and protects floss/threads, can come in a tin or not as you like. That is my opinion, anyway.
Well as luck would have it I got BOTH options as part of a birthday gift back in May, so I'll be doing a comparison video at some point. Not really sure what to expect as everyone seems to have a different preference, but we'll see!
Omg thank you for the callout re DMC floss (mouline v stranded). As a newbie I thought these were different products.
I can only assume UK craft shops think we'll panic at seeing a weird "e" so decided to scrap the French name for our own good? Idk! 🤷♀️
@@TheGiddyStitcher this is hilarious and I’m interpreting it as canon. 😂
Thread condition is good for different ( inferior )floss makes that come with some kits
Many good tips in this video, Thanks. 😀 As I have aged my eyesight has become very poor.🤓 I started with a headlamp with magnifier but the darn thing slipped down onto my nose/glasses and hurt! If I tightened it up enough so it didn't slide it gave me a headache. I then moved on to a ring type magnifier with an LED light with many settings (which I don't use). It attaches to the table I set next to my chair and I got one with a 24" adjustable arm that works very well. I am very satisfied with this so far. The only problem is that even though its LED it still generates a little heat. (I probably won't mind come winter).
I tend to get headaches with things like that too, so I'm gonna try one of those neck lights since I've heard good things from other stitchers. Magnifier light sounds handy although yeah, even the tiniest bit of extra heat right now is basically unacceptable 😅
I love my necklight for cross stitch, hand sewing, crochet, repairing things in awkward dark spots… they’re very versatile and that you can take them everywhere you might want to work is a great plus. I’ve used beeswax (the traditional option) on my thread for EPP and it’s a world of difference. Not sure I’d want to use that for cross stitch or embroidery because of the possible discolouration so thread conditioner is on my list to investigate. And depending on where you live, DMC might be quite difficult to find. It seems that they’ve divided up the markets with Anchor, which is also very nice quality floss, just an extra hassle to find the correct colours.
That's definitely true about DMC, it's twice the price here in the UK as it is in the USA for a start! I feel like I used to see Anchor a lot more around here than I do these days, but interesting that it seems to be flourishing in other countries.
I'd love to do a test of beeswax vs conditioner vs untreated and how that affects the thread over time, but it would involve leaving it for probably years to see any effects so that doesn't lend itself well to a weekly video schedule! Maybe one day I'll set it up, though 😅
Yes, the neck light is so versatile, i use it for lots of other things. It also means I can put a spot light where I'm working without the light disturbing my spouse. I did need to modify mine by creating shades out of tape for the ends. The light is right at the ends, and unless I angle them just right, he gets blasted in the side of his vision. He wants a neck light now for himself.
This is a great overview- thanks. You mentioned washing your completed project (when discussing other ways to protect/cover the project) but I don’t think I heard you mention a washing suggestion. I’ve seen lots of different suggestions for specific purpose-built options that I never see in stores (will likely have to get online). I’ve also seen some contentious back and forth about more everyday options like certain types of dish soap. Do you have any suggestions for successfully washing a completed project? Though I always stitch with clean hands and use a needle threader to not having me wetting thread tips with saliva, I still would prefer to give my finished projects a proper (gentle) wash before ironing them and displaying them.
You missed one important thing! Storage! Beginners, if you are reading this, get a storage box to store your supplies. I would invest in either a sewing box or get a tool box for your storage box for your essential supplies! They are nice because there is different sections where you can organize your supplies by type! Also, invest in some good fabric scissors to cut your Aida and to use for anything fabric related.
I had to smile at the getting your fabric dirty. I found out that I drink tea while stitching and of course I put the thread on my mouth to thread the needle… oops white became beige !
It’s incredible how we don’t know all about this craft, no matter how much time we have been working on it. I just made a video on my tips for enjoying more cross stitch and I think I’ll end up making a part 2 testing some of your recommendations 💚
Ooh exciting, off to check that video out now! I'm sure we can enable each other greatly 😆
The only color i find the thread conditioner helpful for is reds. I find they tangle more then other colors and the conditioner helps them not tangle and run through the fabric more smoothly.
The irony of my thread knotting just at the section on thread conditioner.
It's a SIGN!
I have a bunch of needleminders, although I bought only two, the rest of them is handmade and I really like them not only for needles, but also for wrapping threads, when I'm parking some stitches. I also have qsnaps, hoops, tablet with PK and the DMC chest with Pip&Chip system, although I can't stop thinking about at least repainting it, because I strongly dislike how it looks (it's sooo clunky and old school).
I guess I'm a firm bobbins stan, I was trying to use floss holders for my latest few projects (mostly SALs) and they've worked as the should, but I still don't find them comfortable for me to use.
As for the light, I have an old IKEA standing lamp with strong bulb and for now it's enough for me. I'm also pretty short sighted and can comfortably stitch only up to 16ct. For higher counts I have a magnifying headset from Levenhuk, which I can wear with my regular glasses. It has a light module, but my standing lamp is enough, so for now it's detached from the set.
Ok I admit the DMC chest *is* very old school. But come on, it's a classic! 😂
@@TheGiddyStitcher lol, I'm a fan of Ikea-style decor, so dark wood might go being classy in a safe distance ;) I'd probably go for Bisley, but it's pretty difficult to find here. Plus, I have all the basic DMC colours now. All the WIPs that I can start at any moment! 😂
Thank you, I found this video very helpful 😊
Thank You for your video, I do have a question about the lap frames you showed. What is the brand on the one on the left with the blonde lady in the blue shirt with the trees and the water to her left.
Had fun watching this even though I've been stitching for thousands of years and have tried nearly every contraption you mentioned. BUT-- I didn't see any ort receptacles in there. If you like to save orts to use for stuffing instead of expensive walnut shells and never-quite-the-right-lift batting, orts are sometimes fantastic. And it's nice to have an impressive looking thing to keep them in. Can anyone help me locate a magnetic one that I once used and then lost? It looked sorta like a kitchen trash can.
This is a very good point! I keep a nice mason jar on a shelf in my stitching corner and have even used the ORTs in other crafts but somehow entirely forgot to mention it 🤦♀️
Good luck on your search, I hope you find it again
I have beenstitching for more than 50 years and find the scroll bars connected to a seat stand necessary. I can keep both hands free. My left thumb hurts now from holding the hoops over the years.
Completely understand! I got a proper workstand for Christmas and it's been a complete gamechanger. Even if you're not actually stitching with both hands, just not having to hold a hoop or frame is so much more comfortable.
What a great video! Thank you!!
its really about as you go and depending on the project that you get solutions to problems. i found i needed one of those arm things that holds the hoop because my hand/wrist was getting sore where i was apparently holding it pretty tightly without noticing. while discovering 123stitch was amazing sometimes stuff around the house works too. i use a caddy to hold my stuff and for me i needed a little container to drop ends and stuff. the thing i haven't found the best solution for me yet is storage. i like using floss drops when working on a project but wish i could wrap it around itself and store that way. need a merge of bobbins and floss drops eventually. and a better floss box i keep breaking mine because i drop it and the lid snaps off oops
its a world of possibility to improve as you go along really
Absolutely agree! Having all the gadgets might be aspirational and all, but you really don't know what you need for your specific setup until you start encountering issues that can't just be bodged with household items :D
I have floss on plastic cards like floss drops for about 10 colours (Amazon cheap job, can't think of the name). I do just wind around themselves and drop them in a small gift bag I received some chocolates in. Separate gift bags for each active wip, all get dropped in a larger tote bag. Works great.
What do you do to keep the edges of your project from fraying as you work on it? THAT is the video I’m looking for 😅
Depends how lazy I'm feeling! Sometimes I'll take the time to run some stitches round the outside by hand, sometimes I'll put a narrow strip of masking tape on each edge, but honestly a lot of the time I just don't bother since the edges are usually rolled up in a grime guard and I leave plenty of buffer room 😅
Excellent video idea though, I shall see what I can do!
Great video ❤
Thank you!
Amazing video!! Thank you so much. I subscribed :)
Damp sponge for keeping the thread in line.
Ooh yes I've heard of this as a good alternative to thread conditioner but completely failed to mention it. Great addition, thanks!
@@TheGiddyStitcher I hadn't actually heard about thread conditioner before this video, but i've been using beeswax for this purpose
I used to use thread conditioner and it did seem to help with tangling until I started having an allergic reaction to it (hello itchy fingers!). I've also used beeswax which is a bit gloopy and can change the hue of the thread. However, I recently saw someone report that from a conservation point of view, both of these will be detrimental to the longevity of our stitching. I know for a fact that our ancestors didn't have petroleum-based and chemical-laden thread conditioner. And while you may not be concerned about your stitching lasting hundreds of years into the future, your descendants might have opinions to the contrary, so I suggest going without.