Tutorial - How to Start a Cross Stitch Project
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- Опубликовано: 18 апр 2017
- I've demonstrated how to start a cross stitch project by showing you three of my recent starts. I show how to work on linen, evenweave, and aida cloth; how to start a project either in the center or the top left corner; how to find the starting point on your pattern and fabric; how to thread your needle; how to do the loop start; how to use half stitch; how to use blended threads and a variety of general advice on starting a project! Enjoy!
Double-Sided Floss Box: amzn.to/2os8DUf
Nantucket Rose: www.123stitch.com/item/Lavende...
Empress Eugenie: www.goldenkite.com/index.php/9...
Bodiam Castle: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodi...
@stitchinmommy on Instagram
Stitchin' Mommy on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/StitchinMommy
Your blend of parked and cross country stitching made so much sense to me. Add to that your method of marking the parked corners, and this was a great help to me. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are the first blogger to openly admit you lick the thread, but I bet lots of them do off camera a lot of the time. I certainly do. Thanks for such good tutorials.
Tara Fell For sure!!
Ive always licked my thread, not planning to rub my cross stitch on anyone’s face,lol!
You are an excellent teacher. I find all your videos so interesting because they are informative. I love to learn and your videos do that.
Really nice video. I learned a lot. I’m still new at this, and you answered a lot of questions. Thank you for your hard work.
Wow just a beginner love your videos Hoping to do samplers because right now that is what I am totally in love with right now. Admire your talent .
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much. This video has answered so many questions I've had about approaching a large project and how to do parking in a way that seems manageable. Excellent!
I'm so glad to hear that! Let me know if you have any other questions about large, full coverage pieces. I've started several, so, while I'm not an expert, I've already dove into the deep end and have experimented with different techniques. :)
Very nice tutorial. It's all about the same way that I start. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful tutorial! You explain things clearly and thoroughly. Am new stitcher and love learning to stitch. It is so therapeutic!!
Nancy Seefeldt Thank you! I’m glad this was helpful for you. Happy stitching!
Thank you I always feel my stitches are too large but actually they are not ...you take time to teach and you are sooo patient I am so frustrated trying to learn the higher count fabric, you made sense. Thank you!
I'm so glad this video was helpful! Let me know if you have any specific questions and I can try to answer. :)
I loved your tutorials. I'm not a new stitcher, but I watched because you never know what tips or tricks you might pick up from someone else. I'm curious about your castle and if you decided to stitch the whole thing with one or two strands. Keep us updated!
Thanks! I enjoy seeing other people's stitching styles also - there's often something new to learn or try!
I'm still working on that cream color on the castle, since I've been distracted by other projects the past few days. But I'm planning to work the rest of that color this coming week to figure out my game plan. I think, even if I run out of floss, if there are sections that aren't touching, I can just use DMC substitutions for the rest. I'll let you know in my next video what I find!
Thank you for this wonderful video. I have been cross stitching for a long time and I have always started in the middle and wanted to know how you would start at the corner for larger projects. You gave great advice.
You're welcome! I'm glad you found some helpful tips. :)
I always enjoy these videos. They are so helpful.
I just recently discovered your videos and I LOVE THEM! I love them because you DO NOT go on and on rambling like the majority of the other YTubers about their kids, their pets, their problems and waste the viewers time who came to their channel to ONLY hear about stitching. You stick strictly to the subject matter - cross stitching! You're very informative, relevant, you explain things beautifully, perfect lighting, and an absolute pleasure to see. I only have one complaint - please stop saying "uhm." You say it so much it's distracting. Nevertheless, your videos are wonderful, love looking at all your WIPS and the relaxing way you've made these videos. Hopefully, I'll catch up and see all your videos. You have inspired me because now I don't feel so guilty having a few WIPS. Thanks for uploading your vids!
Thank you for watching! I did notice quite a few ums on some of my earlier videos, but it was too time consuming to edit them out. It's one of those things that's hard to notice when you're actually talking. I'm not sure I say it as much now, but I could be wrong! I'll try to be more conscious of it. Thanks for the feedback. :) I have lots of WIPs because I like so many different things - it's fun to be able to switch to something different when your mood changes. Happy stitching! :)
You are absolutely lovely! Such a good attitude regarding feedback! You are obviously a very intelligent and well adjusted young woman, who happens to be a SUPER STITCHER! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to reply to me! I truly love your videos because they not only remind me of why I love cross stitch, but the enormous details you take into every aspect of the projects - "God is in the details!" From organization to fabric selection to the way you stitch. Love it all! A fan! Thanks again!
And I love your hair style...lol
@@StitchinMommy Your videos are fabulous because you stick to the topic of cross stitching. Thank you for the care you take to bring content that all cross stitchers can relate to.
Saw your tutorials. they are very helpful!
Thank you for the tutorial I can't wait til you do another! I'm interested in the one you mentioned about starting in the corner.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I share three different projects all in this video. The one where I start in the corner starts just after the 24 minute mark, if you wanted to jump directly to that one. I hope to do more tutorials in the future as well!
I had no idea you could cross stitch without a frame or hoop! I am a "needlepointer" who is starting my very first cross stitch. I bought a rather detailed kit and started without watching any videos and thought I needed no instructions because of my experience with needlepointing. Boy was I wrong. Working with a blank canvas and trying to grid overwhelmed me, plus I got lost and forget where I was when I wanted to start again. I must have completed about 3 10 by 10 blocks and already made a ton of mistakes. Watching your videos has helped me tremendously! I won't be gridding and your parking method will help me to mark my place! Now I don't know whether to just rip all my stiches out or just throw everything away and start a new kit. Another thing, I never knew. Who knew you could start more than one project at a time!! Wonderful!! Also , I don't know how to put a picture on here yet and I am mad I used my real name, but I didn't know what I was doing when I created my channel. Whatever that is. Ha! Hopefully my daughter can help me this weekend. She crochets. Again, thank you for your videos.
I'm so happy you've found this video helpful! I'm a bit of a rogue cross stitcher in not using a hoop, but that's how I was taught and I find it so much easier. I'm able to keep a nice tension without the aid of a frame, which is key. The majority of stitchers do prefer working with those, so you're in good company! :)
I'm also a bit naughty in starting so many projects, but it does keep things from getting boring. I think I probably have too many started already, but I still have a few important ones kitted that would be nice to start. Then, I can rotate between them without having to go through the starting process.
Highlighting definitely helps when stitching detailed patterns! Even if I'm not parking, I'll highlight completed stitches on a pattern if it's complicated, simply to help me keep things straight and to know where I'm at when I pick it back up after awhile.
I'm pretty frugal, so if I were you, I might rip out the stitching on that pattern you've got and restart it using some of the new tricks you've picked up. I have a pattern (my first HAED) that I started in a way I'm not currently happy with, and I'm planning to rip out what's done on that one and start over on the same fabric. But it might depend on how much you love the kit you have - whether or not the work is worth the beauty. :)
You are right and I do love the kit. It's a cottage with lots of flowers and a sunset! It would be a waste to throw it away. I just felt like it, cause I messed up so bad and I know it's hard to rip it all out. I ruined the Aida cloth because it was folded the wrong way when I took it out of the kit so I steamed it. What a mess it made, the cloth must have been starched and it got gooey and started bagging and becoming wavy and then dried wavy and hard. OMGOODNESS!!! I gave it to my friend who is an excellent Ironer and she ironed it back into shape for me. I started stitching before I had ever discovered Flosstube! But, I am adamant about learning counted cross stitch because it is soo detailed and I love that. And I know if I take it out of the kit and it's folded wrong to just stich over it and it will come out? Anyway, I am so happy to have found floss tube. I am a homebody and don't know anyone that loves to stitch. NOW, I have found a whole community!! :) My adult daughter loves to crochet but won't try needlework. She said she needs to see fast results. :( Not me, I LOVE to stitch!! And the more detailed the better! :) Thank you again for your videos.
This will be beautiful when completed ❤️
Thank you for your video. I haven't stiched in many years, but am reinspired. The friend who taught me uses a loop start. Great thing. I used light sticking masking tape to avoid fraying then remove it when finished for framing. My favorite project was 2 coordinating elephant heads on black Aida. They were a gift for a now deceased aunt who collected elephants. I don't remember the pattern brand w/o looking for it. Has anyone else out there worked that one? Licking. 😁 Absolutely!! Just makes it more personal if gifting. Right? Agree with you about 2 threads on the kit. Never tried full coverage. Looks intimidating. Might be dead before finishing. Need advice on beginning a border on a piece where the body is completed. Concerned it won't end meeting up correctly. Thanks again for the refresher. Wish I could sit and stitch with you. My friend, who moved, and I would stitch into the wee hours. Sometimes weekend trips to out of town stitch shops. Thank you for the inspiration. So much so I've never before RUclips commented.
I'm happy to provide some inspiration to get back into stitching! I suppose with the border, it should meet up if you've counted correctly on the rest of the piece. If you think there might be inconsistencies from the pattern, maybe do a small part of the border all the way around before filling in extra colors, etc. to make sure it will fit properly. :)
Thank you for the border advice.
Great tutorial!
I'd love to be able to stitch in hand, but my joints just won't let me 😞
Looking forward to seeing your progress on each piece you started.
hugs Dee xxx 💕
Thank you!
Oops hit a wrong key. Thanks for a wonderful example of how to start a first stitch. 😀. Please ignore whatever the face was that I mistyped. I'm off to stitch a new start with you.
Oh fun! New starts are sort of magical. Too bad they take so long to finish! :P
The other way to make sure your needle goes into an empty hole, when you start in the middle, is to simply turn the pattern and the fabric upside down and work it that way.
The reason why it’s important to work from the top down, especially when working in hand, is that as you stitch, you cover the fabric that you have been handling, so everything stays cleaner and fresher. Working an area from the bottom up means your arms and hands can rub a lot over the top of completed stitches. In a large pattern, taking months, that can be a lot of rubbing.
I like the castle. I do my cross stitching in 14ct Aida,iam good at the cross stitching
thanks for this starting video.
You're welcome! I hope it had some helpful tips in it for you. :)
Thanks for the tutorial. A question please, on 28 ct even weave do you stitch 2 over 2? I’m usually and Aida stitcher but am wanting to try even weave and maybe attempt linen. Thanks again. Maria
Maria Franco Hi Maria! Yes, I like 2 over 2 on 28ct evenweave or linen. I also like 1 over 1 on 28ct, but if you’re just trying evenweave for the first time, definitely go with 2 over 2. I’m currently working on a few pieces that are done 2 over 2 on 28ct evenweave - I show one on my most recent video - the football piece. Enjoy!
Good tutorial. Thanks! ~Tamara (thisnanastitches)
Before starting a project, I make a working photocopy of the pattern for personal use only, then return the original pattern to its packet for safekeeping and future use. That way, I can mark up or alter the copy instead of damaging the original. The copy gets shredded once the project is completed and framed.
I do that too. Also enlarge the picture
Hi was watching your tutorial and have a question. I understand you stitch in columns with the parked threads in the adjacent column, however, how do you prevent the parked threads from becoming a tangled mess. Especially since you stitch in hand. Thanks for all the tips.
Hi Maida!
I tend to just comb through the parked threads with my fingers if they start to get tangled and they straighten out again. It's more preventative than anything - not to let them get very bad in the first place. I watched Carolyn Mazzeo's parking tutorial to learn how to park, and she shows how she combs through the threads: ruclips.net/video/Zdp4-traCo4/видео.html. If you stitch with a frame or something, you can try using a needle minder to hold your parked threads out of the way - I've seen a lot of stitchers have success with that.
Hey I have a question on your floss box , do all the dmc colours fit in it? I like your way of having all the dmc in one box. I have many projects and have bought threads for all of them, but there are the same colour in many projects. I love your you tube channel:)
Eva Nordmark Yes! The double sided thread organizer will hold all of the 450+ main DMC colors. I have other brands and other types of DMC - variegated, etoile, etc - in separate boxes. I love working from a master set - it’s so handy. I keep my duplicates in numbered baggies in plastic shoeboxes, that I’ll check first before buying more. 👍🏻
H.ave a question I'm gonna get my first cross stitch project soon and was wondering how many strands of floss do I need to use?
Victoria Williams How many strands you use depends on what count fabric you’re using. Most beginners start on 14 count fabric. I like to use 2 strands of floss on that fabric, but some people prefer 3 strands to ensure no fabric shows through. I also use 2 stands on 16 and 18 count Aida, so when in doubt, try 2 strands! 😁
Question: At 31:20, you’re starting at the top left of your fabric (3” in from the top and left), however, when you displayed the pattern, it shows row 130(ish) with the previous page’s stitches above it. Did you start at the wrong spot in your pattern, or was that intentional? Not sure if you caught it at a later point in the video, but just wanted to understand your method, or if there was an issue with the pattern.
Oh yes! I'm cropping off the top two rows of pages on this design, since it was just background. I talk about that a little bit when I first introduce this pattern around minute 24. So the 130th row was now going to be the first row of my cropped version. :)
Fantastic job on the explanations. 🙂
Thank you!
Not sure if you told us and i missed it, but how do you store your wips, and where did you get that amazing floss holder? Love you videos, always learn something new, bless!🥰
I store my projects in tubes, which I keep in a blueprint organizer: amzn.to/35dDXyk
The double sided floss holder is actually meant to be a sewing thread organizer, and you can find those on Amazon as well, or at some craft stores: amzn.to/2KVvwAX
Great video! Can you use Fraycheck instead of serging?
Jnet Tee I haven’t used Fraycheck on cross stitch fabric, but I think it should work for you. 👍🏻
Thank you so much! Lavender and lace patterns are extremely hard to do. I have a Christmas tree pattern. One row changes seven different shades of green. I have difficulty remembering which shade is what as I try to do several rows at the same tome. How do you deal with that?
dont know if anyone cares but if you are bored like me during the covid times you can watch pretty much all the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been watching with my gf for the last couple of weeks =)
@Vihaan Landry Yup, I have been using InstaFlixxer for years myself :D
@Vihaan Landry Definitely, I've been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself :D
@Vihaan Landry Yup, I've been watching on instaflixxer for months myself :D
@Vihaan Landry Definitely, I've been using instaflixxer for since december myself =)
do you iron or size the fabric b4 you use it?? I needed this video so badly... thank you.
I usually iron my fabric before starting a new pattern - and if I have time, I'll also serge the edges to keep it from fraying. Sometimes, I'll go back after I've started and serge the edges because my start was too last minute. :)
Thank you... I'm gonna serger my mine now. Great idea.
New subbie here..where did U purchase ALL of the dmc floss? Thanks for stitchin
I started collecting my DMC floss when I worked at Joann Fabrics in high school. When they would go on sale I'd gather up more along with my employee discount until I had a full set before I went off to college. Now, I just buy more as I run low on colors to restock. :)
@@StitchinMommy ok cool
I’m a beginner..some folks makes grids on their fabric. How important is that? Or do you really need to do so?
I never grid my fabric, partly because I don't want to take the time to do the gridding, but also because I tend to be a fairly accurate counter. A lot of stitchers need a grid to keep them on track, but I would suggest just trying cross stitch without a grid and see how you like it. If you find you are constantly making counting errors, a grid may help you. Otherwise, enjoy stitching without bothering with a grid! :)
nice video for starters. You shoulda mentioned railroading for much neater stitches.
Thanks for watching! I don't railroad when I stitch, as I haven't noticed it being enough of a benefit to warrant the extra time and thought it takes. But that's just my opinion - I know several other stitchers who probably always railroad. So, I'm not experienced enough with that technique to share it with others. :)
Is there a charge to go to these sites to learn to stitch etc ? almarie reed
All of my videos are free to view. I hope you find some useful tips!
Hi thank you and was watching your tutorial would you do a tutorial on 1 over 1 stitch on a 28 count?
Thanks for watching! I have one project going right now that is 1 over 1 on 28 count. I have filmed one demo video with that piece which you can find here: ruclips.net/video/N3iLVYEdaRY/видео.html&index=9&list=PL54kifyea7N2G56--hvipIY--eftvdUg2 I'm using a little bit more involved method with that one, but you can easily use any method. I recently finished a small HAED using 1 over 1 on 28ct, where I stitched parts of it cross country and parts of it with parking. :)
Thank you so much for the trouble of the links.. I will be watching/saving the feeds.
Hi there. Thanks for this video--you answered some questions I didn't even know I had. :-) I do still have a question for you. How do you avoid your floss twisting and knotting? I noticed you do several stitches and your floss doesn't try to twist into itself. For me, I have to untwist every three stitches or it knots up on me. What's your secret?
I'm not sure I have a secret. I do need to dangle my thread on occasion to untwist it, but it's not a frequent thing. I have heard that if you have your strands going the same direction, that helps them stay smooth, although now that I've learned the loop start, they will naturally be going in opposite directions. Nel at Little Yellow House Crafts here on Flosstube mentioned one time that she twists her needle after each stitch as part of her stitching method, and that helps her avoid tangled thread. I'm curious if I unconsciously do that?
Thanks for your reply! It's funny that since I began using the loop start in the last couple of days, my tangles are less frequent. I think it may be related to how long the floss I'm using is. My boss ordered a kit for me online and it came from overseas. I'm not sure how long the floss is cut (it's on a board) but if I try to separate two strands out, it's longer than my full arm stretch by about four inches. And I'm not short. :-) I've tried doing the needle twist after every stitch but I invariably twist the wrong direction. I think the true answer is using floss that isn't too long and that's what I'll be doing as soon as I start a kit from scratch, cutting my own floss. In the meantime, I'll do the loop start so the floss is half the length. Happy stitching!!
That's a good point I had forgotten about! Floss length can definitely be a factor. Some specialty threads, like metallic and wisper need to be quite short or they cause lots of trouble. When I get kit thread that is super long, before I knew about the loop start, I would just cut them all in half at the very beginning, so I would have more workable lengths.
:-)
I am learning how to cross stitch I took my 14 count Aida and I folded it in half and I started basically in the middle and I have done some and it seems like now that it seems to be too far down and and not enough up toward the top do I take it out and start all over do I take it out my chart I started from the top and can like do a countdown and I am definitely too far down but did fold it in half and that's where I started but it doesn't look right do I keep on going and see what it looks like or rip it out and start all over again can you help me
Trina Portner Hi Trina! Are you using kit fabric or did you purchase your pattern and fabric separately? When you started in the middle of the fabric, did you also make sure you found the middle of the chart by using the center markings? You can count down to the edges of the design from where you are to double check where the stitching will stop. You can still get away with even 1 inch of border if you get creative. If you determine that there really is no way the design will fit, perhaps the fabric was cut the wrong size, or maybe you started in the wrong direction - horizontally instead of vertically, for example. Then, your only recourse would be to either only stitch a cropped portion of the chart or restart it in a newly determined spot (assuming the fabric is actually the correct size) or on a new piece of fabric. Let me know if you need help figuring out fabric size.
Stitchin' Mommy thank you I got it from 1 23 stitch it came with the pattern in the 14 count Cloth yes I did I took it and folded it in half and then folded it in half again and I found my centerpoint and put a mark on it so I guess just keep on going and see what it looks like
Trina Portner Definitely try counting down to the edge from where you are currently stitching to see where the edge of the pattern will fall. If I’m counting a long way, I like to use sewing pins to mark every 10 squares so I don’t lose track.
Stitchin' Mommy from my pattern I can count from the edge down 11 squares down to my last stitch but when I take my closet off of my scroll frame and from the edge counting down it's telling there's 101 squares down to the last stitch so I am taking it that it's not centered right because there is so much material up at the top is that making any sense I don't know anybody in Sterling in rock Falls area across stitches so I turn to RUclips and find my questions there don't know if it matters the The pattering I got from123stitch it was really small print so I took it to a friend and she kind of made it bigger for me so now I have like two sheets of paper does that make a difference or done that matter
Stitchin' Mommy sorry I went up and got the paper that came with it and it says my design size is 100 stitches high 71 stitches wide and the cloth was a 14 count ivory clock hope I'm not confusing you
Plz help me understand fractionals on chart
fiza raza I have another video here on my channel that demonstrates fractional stitches - showing both the chart and the fabric. Let me know if that helps!
Where do u get ur fabric from
It varies where I get my fabric. A lot of the time, I'll try to use fabric I can get inexpensively at the local craft stores, like Joanns, Michaels & Hobby Lobby. If I need something I can't get there, I'll check www.needleworkplus.com/index.html or www.123stitch.com/. Sometimes, I'll even have success on ebay or amazon. :)
Question!...are ALL stitches the "x"????
Craig Littleworm Hi! I’m glad you’re starting your first cross stitch! Yes, for the most part, all stitches are an X. Some patterns will call for a half cross, which is basically just the first / of the X. Some will also use outlining stitches, called backstitching. There are some great diagrams for the different stitches on www.better-cross-stitch-patterns.com/how-to-cross-stitch.html. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I saw how much likes...so I just liked..lol. but am starting my first cross stitch, I am so confused as to how to start...lol
How do you keep your place on the pattern without a ruler and marking what you have done
Peggy McCrystal I have just gotten used to comparing the blocks of symbols on the pattern to the blocks of stitches on my fabric, so that I can figure out what I’ve done & what’s left to do. I do highlight finished stitches when I’m doing a full coverage design because those stitches are less obvious as to what’s what. 😊
I’m from Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. What is a serger?
A serger is an overlock machine. It uses 4 threads to create a secure edging stitch, which is nice for keeping your fabric or seams from unraveling. :)
😆
What is 2 over 2
2 over 2 refers to when you stitch with 2 strands of thread over 2 threads of the fabric. When you stitch on Aida cloth, you form your X's over the squares on the fabric, but when you stitch on evenweave or linen, you often stitch over 2 threads in the weave of the fabric. Sometimes, you can stitch over just one fabric thread, and different stitchers and patterns use different strands of floss, so that's why we share that information. :)
What is parking
Parking refers to when you're focusing on stitching the symbols in a smaller area, then you come up where that color next appears in a section outside the focus area and you leave the thread hanging, waiting for you to come back when you get to that section. I made a few videos that include parking if you're interested in seeing what that looks like:
ruclips.net/video/k9FxDLH4P58/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/wJjwGRN0IQ4/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/N3iLVYEdaRY/видео.html
@@StitchinMommy Thanks. I've been "parking" threads all over the place for decades, but never heard the term until now LOL I'd much rather bury "floater" threads under other stitches whenever possible, than have a bunch of starting & ending tails to weave in :-)
This is the first video I've watched. Why is it that you aren't using a hoop?
I learned how to stitch by rolling the fabric in my hand, and that is how I stitch most comfortably. I share my technique in this video: ruclips.net/video/fgXC6UCl_w0/видео.html
@@StitchinMommy On my way to watch, thanks.
hahaha so sorry! I sent a comment to the wrong channel. Please disregard. I don't know how to remove it.
Not a problem! 😊
Ich fange doch nicht mit einem weißem Faden an auf einem weißem Stickstoff um die Stiche zu zeigen 🙄
How on earth do you rip out stitches?? My stitches are so secure and I have been picking at it for over an hour! I would like to see how the heck people do this! Anyway, I WILL learn!!! :0 :/ :)
I usually first try to take out my stitches using just my needle. I'll go to the last stitch I made and take out the tail of thread that I tucked under the back of the stitches, then pull out each stitch one at a time with my needle. When the used thread starts getting long, it may catch on the fabric as I'm pulling it through, so I'll clip the thread down to a little bit again and keep pulling the stitches out. If there are stubborn spots, or if I can't find where the tail of the thread is, I'll clip the top leg of a stitch with a seam ripper or fine tipped scissors, then pull out the surrounding stitches with my needle from there. I try to keep any sharp instruments away from the fabric because I don't want to accidentally clip the fabric. I couldn't find a good tutorial about ripping out cross stitches - I'll have to make one!
i used to crosstitch but nit anything ovetly advanced. I wsd totally lost watching this. I am in despair that i stopped this long ago. I will go get started with something simple. I am not new to needlecrafts, but lost my mojo with crosstitch. Sniffle.
I'm glad you're interested in cross stitching again! It's a very fun past time. I'm sorry my video wasn't very helpful for you. I hope you can find some other tutorials that cover the basics a little better. I like this website that has descriptions and pictures: www.better-cross-stitch-patterns.com/getting-started.html
Stitchin' Mommy oh my, I loved your video, and thanks for the link. I will be back, when my brain engages better.:-)
Oh wonderful! I must have misunderstood you. I hope you enjoy picking up cross stitching again! There are so many new patterns out now that I find it hard to choose sometimes. :)