I’m new to your videos, have enjoyed cross stitch for many of my 78 years. I have so appreciated being a part of floss tube and the sharing of ideas, etc., I am especially impressed with your instruction and have learned so much watching your videos. Just wanted to say thank you so very much for so graciously sharing. I want to stitch, having the best results possible and you are helping me accomplish that goal.
As you can see I’m now on your no. 19 of the videos. Can I say how much I enjoy sitting stitching or drinking a cup of tea listening to your very informative talks . Looking forward to all the future videos I have to watch Jean. Thankyou.
Hi Jean, just want to let you know how much I appreciate you instructional videos. I am a self taught cross stitcher as I think most of us are. I picked it up a year ago and now doing HEADS, Quakers and Samplers and can’t imagine it now in my life as will all of my crafts,. I love to do back stitching. I also do it as I go and the difference it makes in a piece is like night and day. Super glad I found your channel.
What I really like about you as a person is that not only are you “blunt” but your conviction comes across as logical and straightforward. I don’t care for your “apologies”. That sort of contradicts your “blunt” attitude. I totally get why you do it: people can be and often are bullying online and will jump all over you because of your “opinions.” So my guess is that you ward off “that” from the get-go. That being said, how coincidental is it that the piece I’m working on at the moment has a lit of back stitching. Who knew I wasn’t doing it correctly. Yes, either a stitch is right or it’s wrong. No apologies. I’d love to take one of your classes.
Jean, I always love to watch your videos! Aside from learning more about how to do stitches that I have wanted to get a better understanding of, unlike many other floss tubers, you present the stitches in a calm manner. Thank you so much for the lesson. I am also very interested in the Corson Sampler when it is available.
OMG! I have the same Nativity Pyramid. My parents were from Germany. I always saw small ones with different scenes but when I saw the big one in a discount store I had to buy it. Now our tradition!
After 30 years of not stitching I'm back to it and loving it! I'm really enjoying your videos! I don't know if you've shown how you do your French knots in another video. I noticed in one of your pieces you showed in this video that you have beautiful French knots. I'm hoping to see how you do them in one of your videos! Thanks for all the helpful advice and perfectly explained tutorials.
Thanks so much for you sweet visit Jean...I like the other colors for an updated Roxanne...it is a beautiful sampler...Fat Quarter Shop is now carrying the Cosmo Floss...Kimberly said it will take a while for her shop to get all the colors...she is good about making floss packs of colors for the cross stitch she carries...she features floss packs for Jan Hicks Creates, Lori Holt and Pricilla and Chelsea Housewives of Cross Stitch...Plus carries many more designers...I love seeing your Christmas pieces up close...just beautiful...best wishes❤️
Thank you for your wonderful videos. I cross-stitched a lot in the 80s and 90s, then put it aside for many years. I started back in when Covid began last spring - and am enjoying getting back into it. Your instruction has reminded me of how to do things, and also taught me some technics I never knew! You teach very well. Your work is inspiring.
Jean, thanks so much for this tutorial. Im getting ready to stitch the Bear and the Moose. I've not yet done anything but cross stitches so this is perfect timing. Just put my final stitches in Hearts come home at Christmas for my first crosstitch finish. Loved doing that and couldn't put it down once you started the #jfnsal. I learned alot, thank you.
Excellent lesson...very well explained...now I have no fear of the ‘dreaded back stitch’ as some have called it....now I’m calling it the ‘DETAIL stitch’. Thank you some more.....
Thanks for another inspiring and educational video. I find back stitch often makes a design pop the details. Your German decoration brings back memories of living in Germany. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jean. Love your videos. I have a hint for executing the running stitch that i was taught many years ago. When doing the return trip if you bring your needle up on the bottom side of the thread of the 1st existing stitch and go down on the top side of the thread of the next existing stitch and continue in that manner your line of stitching is much smoother. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I really enjoy them .....karen
I have stitched Hearts come home for Christmas. I cannot find where the Floss Tube lesson is to finish the piece. I have loved doing this and learned so much. Can't wait to stitch another with you.
I had more left to stitch on it than I realized and I had some other Christmas gifts I needed to finish last week so you haven't missed it ... I haven't posted it yet. Fingers crossed, I'll have it ready on Wednesday.
Hi Jean! Sorry I haven't gotten back with you on where I purchase my Cosmo Floss. I purchased it from ThimbleCreek Quilts. She gave me the same price that you offered for the entire set of flosses. I love using them and I thank you so much for introducing them to your audience. I dearly love your channel. I have learned so much and continue to learn from your videos. Thanks!!
Thank you for this demonstration. I will be starting America in January, and I have never done specialty stitches. You empower me with my stitching by making me feel confident that I can learn the skills I need. Such a great gift you give me!
Ref back stitching, I love the Long Dog Samplers, but most have back stitching, and I don’t consider a page completed until I do the back stitching. This way, it doesn’t feel overwhelming and it decreases missing any back stitch, especially in a large monochrome sampler. Thanks for illustrating the difference between a back and long stitch. One of my full coverage stitching in my next 24 hour rotation has both long and back stitching, now that makes more sense to me. The carousel is a beautiful memory. Have a great week.
Jean, I ordered the giant Christmas stocking from your Etsy shop last night. This will be my third stitching project. Waiting for it's arrival so I can order linen to stitch it on (need size). I can hardly wait! Thank you so much for starting your flosstube channel!
Wonderful! I see that I neglected to state the stitch count in the Etsy description. It is 158 across and 448 down. Thanks to your comment, I have gone back and edited the listing. Thanks!
Thank you again! I was struggling with some long stitches and backstitches. I know how to approach them now. I love your Christmas carousel . I have one we set up every Christmas, too. It brings back sweet memories for me.
Thank you. Good timing foe me. I’m just starting some two-sided small Christmas ornaments for my grandsons with your America - Land That I Love chart. I’m putting Maryland on one side and Utah on the other. They are train enthusiasts and have visited the Golden Spike trains here several times. For MD, one gets the duck, the other the crab fro
Thank you so much for this tutorial I had a wip I absolutely loved but got stumped when it came to back stitching, I’ve gotten back into cross stitch after years of not doing it I was originally taught by my mom but unfortunately she can’t teach me any of her cross stitch techniques anymore and I’ve tried watching multiple backstitch videos and couldn’t get it and your explanation and tutorial just clicked and I can’t explain how much this means to me right now.. thanks to you my draculas confession from lindy stitches will be finished and hanging up by Halloween this year
Thankyou for bringing the subject of colour choices. I agree that a stitcher should be able to make their own choices with regard to threads and colour choices. I recently had this issue with some making an issue of my thread choices. It wasn't nasty but it made me feel bad , but I am a longtime stitcher but still have a limited budget. I am stitching with similar solid colours and not the called for overdyed threads. Thankyou Jean loving your videos and am amazed how helpful they are. ♥️🇦🇺
The carousel is so sweet! Thank you so much for sharing it and your knowledge as well. Backstitching has always been a sore subject with me but I have a piece that I'm ready to finish and I'll try it on it. I don't =have to tell you that I am looking forward "to getting my hands' on an 'updated' version of Roxana Corson. It's one of your designs that I have not purchase because I felt it was too 'faded. By the way, you do you so well!'
Thank you so much for this video on back stitch and long stitch. One question that I have is, looking at my pattern, how can I tell if I must do a longer backstitch (like the example you showed us in the bonnet) or the long stitch (for example in your hen pattern). I must say this confuses me a lot. I will certainly look at this video one more time. Again, thank you and your Christmas carrousel is absolutely gorgeous!
I hope that in my designs I am clear when it's backstitch and when it is long stitch. If there were some industry standards (there are not) then it would be a requirement. If the designer doesn't state which is which, I would look at the photo and see if that gives a hint. If not, then use your own judgement. Is it a line that is defining a space? Then it is probably backstitch. Is it representing an object like hair or grass that will give the look of the thing with a long stitch, then do that even if the designer didn't plan for it.
Thank you again for a very informative video. As it happens, I am stitching the "America I Love" and will soon be doing the two states you used as a demonstration for back stitching. I'm one of those oddities that actually enjoy backstitching. It seems like it brings the motif to life. I do all the backstitching once I have completed that particular state I'm working on. However, there are times that I backstitch while I am cross stitching and have not competed the whole motif; because it would get very confusing if I left it until I completed the whole state for placement of the back stitch. Missouri with the covered wagon and New York with the apples come to mind.
Thank you. The sewing method for backstitch! What a great tip. So much faster. I'll use it. What is the longest run you would use for the long stitch like for a clothes line on Raise the Roof Santa's Clothes?
This would best be done as "couching" ... I would skip the stair step stitches at each end and take one long stitch from pole to pole. I wouldn't firmly anchor the end until I had couched it. When I stitched the clothes pins, I would catch the "clothes line" under the stitches to couch it. Once all the clothes pins are stitched, I would arrange the line to get that curve at each end. Alternatively, stitch everything except for the clothes line and slip the clothes line under the clothes pins stitches ... basically the same effect but in the reverse which may be easier. If needed, take a couple of teeny tiny stitches to anchor the curve.
I am glad you addressed the color discussion. I am of the same mind-I really do not like real primitive colors and many samplers are nice but not something I stitch due to the colors. Love the carousel (spelling?)
Thanks for your prompt response. I went to your Etsy shop and purchased the long stocking and the round All Hearts Come Home...I hope the lessons on this piece will continue to be available after the holiday. Is it possible to stitch the stocking into something other than the stocking shape?I want to venture out into linen and need instruction. Thanks for all your help.
The video lessons for Hearts Come Home at Christmas will remain in place for future stitchers. You'll find specific linen instructions on a video titled "Stitching Over Two on Linen." As far as making the Down Home Christmas ABC Stocking into something else, I don't have anything planned but I'll give it some thought.
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks I was thinking of something simplest- like a scroll type sampler. Or is the pattern really too long for that? If I have to turn it into a stocking that would be OK. My son would would probably love a stocking that long- just think of the possibilities!😻
As always, wonderful teaching. (Love the blue sweater, and it is a great color on you!) Could you address using metallic thread? I love the look, hate thee process. Also, I am working on a piece (on aida) that calls for a lot of fractional stitching. The stitches just don't look right for me. They seem to disappear or don't look right somehow. Can you help?
I haven't made it into a pdf yet but I do still have some of the original publications left. I'll put them in my Etsy shop. The price will include Priority Mail to a US address.
Hello Jean, Every single one of your episodes is inspiring in some way. Today, I've so enjoyed and improved my backstitching efforts. As an aside, I am wondering if you designed the "C is for Christmas" pillow displayed behind you? Or know which pattern it is? Again , thank you for your so accessible videos.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I wanted to learn and found your tutorials. I just made my first two SMALL projects and have one question. I'm still unclear about how tight to make the stitches. I tend to waver right now lol. I needed to backstitch over one of the projects and ran into a problem with the cross stitch being loose and harder to make the backstitched words look right. Any advise is very much appreciated!!!
You are right in that loose cross stitches make back stitch difficult. I am seeing many questions about stitch tension so I think it's time for me to chat about that topic in an episode. Meanwhile, my best advice is to practice on a doodle cloth. Stitch really, really tight for a short row of stitches, then do another short row a little bit looser, and repeat until they look too loose. Look over the results and choose the tension that looks best.
Thank you for this tutorial. I would like to know how to start and end the thread when you are doing lettering with no other stitching around the area.
If I am stitching with two strands, I use the loop method to start. I carry my thread from letter to letter, covering the shortest distance between them and on the diagonal when possible. I bury the tail under the last stitches. I hope this helps.
I love your teaching and maybe I missed this topic but I saw you mention pinning your work to acid free foam core. I have several to do and was wondering how much tension to use to make it look it’s best. I basted the edges and have my foam core cut to size. I have laced in the past but this seems so much less fussy. What do you use to hold down the fabric edges. Thanks, Marlys
The tension is something you have to practice to get it just right. Think in terms of "taut" ... it's like Goldilocks ... not too loose and not too tight. On the back, I either use acid free tape to tape down the excess or I stitch the excess fabric in the corners and leave the rest just folded to the back, or a combination of the two. I think I need to do an episode just on this topic. I have been putting it off while I improve my camera techniques. I think that I am ready!
Hi Jean, I love your cross stitch channel. I love the ABC Christmas stitch. Is it available now? I looked on your Etsy channel. I didn’t see it. Please help. I love the way you explain the cross stitch techniques.
When do you know where to backstitch a pattern…I’m doing Teresa Kogut Psalm 91 and just unsure whether it needs backstitch and if I do where would it make a difference?
Backstitch looks much easier on the fabric you are using than Aida ,l just cannot get the right shape ,unless l couch stitch sometimes .thankyou for this very informative video Jean.
I find it works with a single strand but not so well with two strands. I am not an expert in all things and I will practice, practice, practice, until I get it right. I won't show any technique I don't use myself. When I master it, I will show it.
Do you mean the long stocking? I haven't made it into a pdf yet but I do still have some of the original publications left. I'll put them in my Etsy shop. The price will include Priority Mail.
brighten the colors to your liking After everything else that has happened this year in my life, changing or tweaking the colors or design you are stitching is a very minor hurdle to cross. I tweak designs, color combos, fabric colors and counts to fit what I want it to look like. I am a handicapped stitcher and I have been stitching for 40+ years. I have learned to do many different types of stitching and stitches on various foundations through the years. But I have never done anything on linen.
I found and purchased the chart for the “Down Home ABCs - framed version . It was a PDF on your Etsy, so I currently have it. Is there any instructions you used to convert it to stocking form?
Caroline from Off the Grid Needlearts needs help on cleaning g a sampler that is probably 150 years old. Perhaps you can reach out to her? I suggested the same to her. You know everything.
The only thing I can think of is when I washed a new sampler in a plastic basin using Orvus soap. It was a reproduction of an old sampler that I used to demonstrate how I wash cross stitch projects when I finish stitching them.
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m new to your videos, have enjoyed cross stitch for many of my 78 years. I have so appreciated being a part of floss tube and the sharing of ideas, etc., I am especially impressed with your instruction and have learned so much watching your videos. Just wanted to say thank you so very much for so graciously sharing. I want to stitch, having the best results possible and you are helping me accomplish that goal.
As you can see I’m now on your no. 19 of the videos. Can I say how much I enjoy sitting stitching or drinking a cup of tea listening to your very informative talks . Looking forward to all the future videos I have to watch Jean. Thankyou.
Hi Jean, just want to let you know how much I appreciate you instructional videos. I am a self taught cross stitcher as I think most of us are. I picked it up a year ago and now doing HEADS, Quakers and Samplers and can’t imagine it now in my life as will all of my crafts,. I love to do back stitching. I also do it as I go and the difference it makes in a piece is like night and day. Super glad I found your channel.
I'm glad you found me, too!
Thanks for sharing and teaching us all ....they all look amazing backstitching makes everything better....thanks again...take care and be safe
You are so welcome!
Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing!! I love the detail that backstitching and long stitching can bring to a piece. Hugs from NE Ohio!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for another great lesson. I think of you often when stitching and it’s really helping my work if I do say so myself! Lol Thanks for sharing
Awww, that's sweet! I am so happy to be able to help!
What I really like about you as a person is that not only are you “blunt” but your conviction comes across as logical and straightforward. I don’t care for your “apologies”. That sort of contradicts your “blunt” attitude. I totally get why you do it: people can be and often are bullying online and will jump all over you because of your “opinions.” So my guess is that you ward off “that” from the get-go. That being said, how coincidental is it that the piece I’m working on at the moment has a lit of back stitching. Who knew I wasn’t doing it correctly. Yes, either a stitch is right or it’s wrong. No apologies. I’d love to take one of your classes.
You "get" me! Thank you!!
Jean, I always love to watch your videos! Aside from learning more about how to do stitches that I have wanted to get a better understanding of, unlike many other floss tubers, you present the stitches in a calm manner. Thank you so much for the lesson. I am also very interested in the Corson Sampler when it is available.
You are so welcome! I'm really thinking hard about Miss Roxana ... I have some ideas to share next week!
Thanks again for helping us continue our education! Never too old or too late to learn. The carousel is beautiful. Happy stitching.
Thank you! You too!
OMG! I have the same Nativity Pyramid. My parents were from Germany. I always saw small ones with different scenes but when I saw the big one in a discount store I had to buy it. Now our tradition!
That is a wonderful connection!
After 30 years of not stitching I'm back to it and loving it! I'm really enjoying your videos! I don't know if you've shown how you do your French knots in another video. I noticed in one of your pieces you showed in this video that you have beautiful French knots. I'm hoping to see how you do them in one of your videos! Thanks for all the helpful advice and perfectly explained tutorials.
I haven't done them yet. I'll add them to the list! Thanks for watching ... and welcome back!
Thanks so much for you sweet visit Jean...I like the other colors for an updated Roxanne...it is a beautiful sampler...Fat Quarter Shop is now carrying the Cosmo Floss...Kimberly said it will take a while for her shop to get all the colors...she is good about making floss packs of colors for the cross stitch she carries...she features floss packs for Jan Hicks Creates, Lori Holt and Pricilla and Chelsea Housewives of Cross Stitch...Plus carries many more designers...I love seeing your Christmas pieces up close...just beautiful...best wishes❤️
Thank you! I am hoping to have some news to share about a refreshed Roxana next week.
Thank you for your wonderful videos. I cross-stitched a lot in the 80s and 90s, then put it aside for many years. I started back in when Covid began last spring - and am enjoying getting back into it. Your instruction has reminded me of how to do things, and also taught me some technics I never knew! You teach very well. Your work is inspiring.
Welcome back! Thanks for sharing and most of all, thanks for watching.
Jean, thanks so much for this tutorial. Im getting ready to stitch the Bear and the Moose. I've not yet done anything but cross stitches so this is perfect timing. Just put my final stitches in Hearts come home at Christmas for my first crosstitch finish. Loved doing that and couldn't put it down once you started the #jfnsal. I learned alot, thank you.
Wonderful! I'm so glad to know that you enjoyed it.
Excellent lesson...very well explained...now I have no fear of the ‘dreaded back stitch’ as some have called it....now I’m calling it the ‘DETAIL stitch’.
Thank you some more.....
I like that!
Thanks for another inspiring and educational video. I find back stitch often makes a design pop the details. Your German decoration brings back memories of living in Germany. Thank you for sharing.
It's one of my most cherished possessions.
Good morning another great video. Hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe Christmas holiday.
Thank you! You too!
Hi Jean. Love your videos. I have a hint for executing the running stitch that i was taught many years ago. When doing the return trip if you bring your needle up on the bottom side of the thread of the 1st existing stitch and go down on the top side of the thread of the next existing stitch and continue in that manner your line of stitching is much smoother. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I really enjoy them .....karen
As I looked at my work, my thought was that there has to be a trick to make it look less wonky ... thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your expertise! Always pick up something to apply.
You are so welcome!
I have stitched Hearts come home for Christmas. I cannot find where the Floss Tube lesson is to finish the piece. I have loved doing this and learned so much. Can't wait to stitch another with you.
I had more left to stitch on it than I realized and I had some other Christmas gifts I needed to finish last week so you haven't missed it ... I haven't posted it yet. Fingers crossed, I'll have it ready on Wednesday.
Hi Jean! Sorry I haven't gotten back with you on where I purchase my Cosmo Floss. I purchased it from ThimbleCreek Quilts. She gave me the same price that you offered for the entire set of flosses. I love using them and I thank you so much for introducing them to your audience. I dearly love your channel. I have learned so much and continue to learn from your videos. Thanks!!
That's good to know. I wish more shops would offer a full set!
I’ve learned to back stitch as I go. It helps me see the details that I’ve just cross stitched. I don’t mind backstitching. Thank you for the lesson.
I love it, too!
Thank you for this demonstration. I will be starting America in January, and I have never done specialty stitches. You empower me with my stitching by making me feel confident that I can learn the skills I need. Such a great gift you give me!
You are so welcome!
Ref back stitching, I love the Long Dog Samplers, but most have back stitching, and I don’t consider a page completed until I do the back stitching. This way, it doesn’t feel overwhelming and it decreases missing any back stitch, especially in a large monochrome sampler.
Thanks for illustrating the difference between a back and long stitch. One of my full coverage stitching in my next 24 hour rotation has both long and back stitching, now that makes more sense to me.
The carousel is a beautiful memory. Have a great week.
Those Long Dog Samplers are amazing and I think you are wise to back stitch as you go. I'm so happy to know the episode helps you!
I wanted to say I love your work and also thank you always for your informative tips. It’s always enjoyable to learn from you ;)
You are so welcome!
Jean, I ordered the giant Christmas stocking from your Etsy shop last night. This will be my third stitching project. Waiting for it's arrival so I can order linen to stitch it on (need size). I can hardly wait! Thank you so much for starting your flosstube channel!
Wonderful! I see that I neglected to state the stitch count in the Etsy description. It is 158 across and 448 down. Thanks to your comment, I have gone back and edited the listing. Thanks!
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks Thank you so much, Jean!
Thank you again! I was struggling with some long stitches and backstitches. I know how to approach them now. I love your Christmas carousel . I have one we set up every Christmas, too. It brings back sweet memories for me.
Glad it was helpful! Aren't these carousels beautiful?
Another great video, I’m learning so much from you. My pieces are looking better. Thank you
That's music to a teacher's ears!
Thank you. Good timing foe me. I’m just starting some two-sided small Christmas ornaments for my grandsons with your America - Land That I Love chart. I’m putting Maryland on one side and Utah on the other. They are train enthusiasts and have visited the Golden Spike trains here several times. For MD, one gets the duck, the other the crab fro
From Alaska, or perhaps the ship to represent the Chesapeake Bay. Thank you for the inspiration.
What a wonderful idea!
Wonderful video! I have it "saved" to my playlist for when I need to do any back, running or long stitching.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you another great class on your you tube channel. I have learned so much from you.
Thank you again.. Debbie
You are so welcome
Thank you so much for this tutorial I had a wip I absolutely loved but got stumped when it came to back stitching, I’ve gotten back into cross stitch after years of not doing it I was originally taught by my mom but unfortunately she can’t teach me any of her cross stitch techniques anymore and I’ve tried watching multiple backstitch videos and couldn’t get it and your explanation and tutorial just clicked and I can’t explain how much this means to me right now.. thanks to you my draculas confession from lindy stitches will be finished and hanging up by Halloween this year
I am so happy to know it helped you. Stitch on!
I can’t believe you’ve only been a Flosstuber since August, I feel like I’ve been learning from you much longer than that. The Carousel is beautiful!
Wow, thank you!
Love your flosstube videos. Just watched three. I learned great tips from you. Thanks.
You are so welcome!
Thankyou for bringing the subject of colour choices. I agree that a stitcher should be able to make their own choices with regard to threads and colour choices. I recently had this issue with some making an issue of my thread choices. It wasn't nasty but it made me feel bad , but I am a longtime stitcher but still have a limited budget. I am stitching with similar solid colours and not the called for overdyed threads. Thankyou Jean loving your videos and am amazed how helpful they are. ♥️🇦🇺
I'm sorry that you felt badly about your choice ... color choice is a personal thing! Thanks for watching.
The carousel is so sweet! Thank you so much for sharing it and your knowledge as well. Backstitching has always been a sore subject with me but I have a piece that I'm ready to finish and I'll try it on it. I don't =have to tell you that I am looking forward "to getting my hands' on an 'updated' version of Roxana Corson. It's one of your designs that I have not purchase because I felt it was too 'faded. By the way, you do you so well!'
Thank you so much. I'm excited about a refreshed Roxana!
Thank you for another great video. Always learn something from you. Thank you Jean.
You are so welcome!
Another fabulous video full of expert advice. Thanks Jean!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this video on back stitch and long stitch. One question that I have is, looking at my pattern, how can I tell if I must do a longer backstitch (like the example you showed us in the bonnet) or the long stitch (for example in your hen pattern). I must say this confuses me a lot. I will certainly look at this video one more time. Again, thank you and your Christmas carrousel is absolutely gorgeous!
I hope that in my designs I am clear when it's backstitch and when it is long stitch. If there were some industry standards (there are not) then it would be a requirement. If the designer doesn't state which is which, I would look at the photo and see if that gives a hint. If not, then use your own judgement. Is it a line that is defining a space? Then it is probably backstitch. Is it representing an object like hair or grass that will give the look of the thing with a long stitch, then do that even if the designer didn't plan for it.
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks Thank you for your reply!
Whoop Whoop I always hated doing back stitch at the end of a project now I can do it after the crosses it's a great Christmas present.
Hi Jean! I love all your Christmas stitching!!
Thank you so much!
Thank you again for a very informative video. As it happens, I am stitching the "America I Love" and will soon be doing the two states you used as a demonstration for back stitching. I'm one of those oddities that actually enjoy backstitching. It seems like it brings the motif to life. I do all the backstitching once I have completed that particular state I'm working on. However, there are times that I backstitch while I am cross stitching and have not competed the whole motif; because it would get very confusing if I left it until I completed the whole state for placement of the back stitch. Missouri with the covered wagon and New York with the apples come to mind.
That makes sense!
This video was so helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Love love watching your videos so very informative and fun
So glad!
Thank you for another wonderful learning experience!
Thank you for watching!
Carousel...so sweet...thank you for a great tutorial
You are so welcome!
Thank you. The sewing method for backstitch! What a great tip. So much faster. I'll use it.
What is the longest run you would use for the long stitch like for a clothes line on Raise the Roof Santa's Clothes?
This would best be done as "couching" ... I would skip the stair step stitches at each end and take one long stitch from pole to pole. I wouldn't firmly anchor the end until I had couched it. When I stitched the clothes pins, I would catch the "clothes line" under the stitches to couch it. Once all the clothes pins are stitched, I would arrange the line to get that curve at each end. Alternatively, stitch everything except for the clothes line and slip the clothes line under the clothes pins stitches ... basically the same effect but in the reverse which may be easier. If needed, take a couple of teeny tiny stitches to anchor the curve.
Roxana is my very first sampler I bought - I still haven't finished her but I love her just the way she is although I do love pinks too!
She's a sampler full of quirky change-ups but that's part of her charm!
Thank you for showing the backstitch. I never really understood what to do.
You are so welcome!
I am glad you addressed the color discussion. I am of the same mind-I really do not like real primitive colors and many samplers are nice but not something I stitch due to the colors. Love the carousel (spelling?)
Thanks!
Thanks for your prompt response. I went to your Etsy shop and purchased the long stocking and the round All Hearts Come Home...I hope the lessons on this piece will continue to be available after the holiday. Is it possible to stitch the stocking into something other than the stocking shape?I want to venture out into linen and need instruction. Thanks for all your help.
The video lessons for Hearts Come Home at Christmas will remain in place for future stitchers. You'll find specific linen instructions on a video titled "Stitching Over Two on Linen." As far as making the Down Home Christmas ABC Stocking into something else, I don't have anything planned but I'll give it some thought.
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks I was thinking of something simplest- like a scroll type sampler. Or is the pattern really too long for that? If I have to turn it into a stocking that would be OK. My son would would probably love a stocking that long- just think of the possibilities!😻
Love the video. Thank you. Love the little pillow behind you. Do you have the pattern for an ‘M’?
I don't know what you mean ... just an M? or a monogram for an M?
As always, wonderful teaching. (Love the blue sweater, and it is a great color on you!) Could you address using metallic thread? I love the look, hate thee process. Also, I am working on a piece (on aida) that calls for a lot of fractional stitching. The stitches just don't look right for me. They seem to disappear or don't look right somehow. Can you help?
Fractional stitches and metallics are on my list of topics to cover. Somehow I just can't find enough hours!
Thanks for another great lesson. I loved the piece you showed as a door decoration. Is this pattern available?
I haven't made it into a pdf yet but I do still have some of the original publications left. I'll put them in my Etsy shop. The price will include Priority Mail to a US address.
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks thanks so much . I will watch for it.
Hello Jean, Every single one of your episodes is inspiring in some way. Today, I've so enjoyed and improved my backstitching efforts. As an aside, I am wondering if you designed the "C is for Christmas" pillow displayed behind you? Or know which pattern it is? Again , thank you for your so accessible videos.
Yes, that is one of my designs. I'll have more to say about it next week.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I wanted to learn and found your tutorials. I just made my first two SMALL projects and have one question. I'm still unclear about how tight to make the stitches. I tend to waver right now lol. I needed to backstitch over one of the projects and ran into a problem with the cross stitch being loose and harder to make the backstitched words look right. Any advise is very much appreciated!!!
You are right in that loose cross stitches make back stitch difficult. I am seeing many questions about stitch tension so I think it's time for me to chat about that topic in an episode. Meanwhile, my best advice is to practice on a doodle cloth. Stitch really, really tight for a short row of stitches, then do another short row a little bit looser, and repeat until they look too loose. Look over the results and choose the tension that looks best.
Thank you for this tutorial. I would like to know how to start and end the thread when you are doing lettering with no other stitching around the area.
If I am stitching with two strands, I use the loop method to start. I carry my thread from letter to letter, covering the shortest distance between them and on the diagonal when possible. I bury the tail under the last stitches. I hope this helps.
I love your teaching and maybe I missed this topic but I saw you mention pinning your work to acid free foam core. I have several to do and was wondering how much tension to use to make it look it’s best. I basted the edges and have my foam core cut to size. I have laced in the past but this seems so much less fussy. What do you use to hold down the fabric edges. Thanks, Marlys
The tension is something you have to practice to get it just right. Think in terms of "taut" ... it's like Goldilocks ... not too loose and not too tight. On the back, I either use acid free tape to tape down the excess or I stitch the excess fabric in the corners and leave the rest just folded to the back, or a combination of the two. I think I need to do an episode just on this topic. I have been putting it off while I improve my camera techniques. I think that I am ready!
Hi Jean,
I love your cross stitch channel. I love the ABC Christmas stitch. Is it available now? I looked on your Etsy channel. I didn’t see it. Please help. I love the way you explain the cross stitch techniques.
I sold out of the original chart booklets and have not yet converted it to a PDF.
I love the colors of Roxana. That why I bought it.
The original is very sweet and serene. I love it, too!
When do you know where to backstitch a pattern…I’m doing Teresa Kogut Psalm 91 and just unsure whether it needs backstitch and if I do where would it make a difference?
I only backstitch when the designer calls for it.
🤗 Thank you Jean!🎄
You are so welcome!
Backstitch looks much easier on the fabric you are using than Aida ,l just cannot get the right shape ,unless l couch stitch sometimes .thankyou for this very informative video Jean.
You are welcome!
Hi Jean I wanted to ask why you don't use pin stitches when loop start is not possible. I love your videos thank you for sharing your expertise.
I find it works with a single strand but not so well with two strands. I am not an expert in all things and I will practice, practice, practice, until I get it right. I won't show any technique I don't use myself. When I master it, I will show it.
I needed that tutorial! Thank you.
Great timing!
Love the vertical Christmas sampler. Is the chart available?
Do you mean the long stocking? I haven't made it into a pdf yet but I do still have some of the original publications left. I'll put them in my Etsy shop. The price will include Priority Mail.
Thank you For your very informative videos. Could you show how to use blending filament in a future video? Thank You!
Great suggestion! I'll add it to my list.
Where do you get all of your patterns? I love the America one behind you
They are all my designs. "America Land That We Love" is a PDF chart pack in my Etsy store:
www.etsy.com/shop/JeanFarish
brighten the colors to your liking After everything else that has happened this year in my life, changing or tweaking the colors or design you are stitching is a very minor hurdle to cross. I tweak designs, color combos, fabric colors and counts to fit what I want it to look like. I am a handicapped stitcher and I have been stitching for 40+ years. I have learned to do many different types of stitching and stitches on various foundations through the years. But I have never done anything on linen.
It sounds like you have found the style of stitching you love, and that is the best thing ever!
Thank you for another great video
My pleasure!
The stocking so cute
Thank you for the advice 😁
You're so welcome!
Dear Jean, I always appreciate your common sense comments.
Thanks!
Do you have the pattern for the stocking?
I haven't converted that one into a PDF. I may still have some of the original booklets left.
Thank you thank you!!!
You are so welcome!
Is the chart for the long stocking still available?
I haven't yet made it into a pdf but I do still have some of the original booklets somewhere.
I'll put them in my Etsy shop. The price will include Priority Mail to a US address.
I found and purchased the chart for the “Down Home ABCs - framed version . It was a PDF on your Etsy, so I currently have it. Is there any instructions you used to convert it to stocking form?
@@minniegray-allxxs9332
They are actually two totally different designs with the same theme. The Down Home Christmas ABC's is all Christmas objects.
Thank you, I will go back to Etsy for the Christmas version later. Thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it.
Thankyou 🎅🏻
Thank you too!
Caroline from Off the Grid Needlearts needs help on cleaning g a sampler that is probably 150 years old. Perhaps you can reach out to her? I suggested the same to her. You know everything.
I appreciate the accolade but I really don't have any experience on cleaning a sampler. I leave that to the restoration experts! :)
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks I seem to remember a video where you used a bowl with a particular chemical/soap. I guess I was mistaken.
The only thing I can think of is when I washed a new sampler in a plastic basin using Orvus soap. It was a reproduction of an old sampler that I used to demonstrate how I wash cross stitch projects when I finish stitching them.
@@JeanFarishNeedleworks yep that was it!
How about Roxanna revamped?
I ended up simply calling it "Roxie" :)
What are those books behig you? Blue , yellow, pink,Teresa
They are oldie but goodie VHS tapes from a video series I did in the 90's ... a sort of precursor to FlossTube!