topic Re: Cross Stitching in Among Friends

Cross Stitching

Winkk — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:23:48 GMT

I have decided to start cross stitching but I have no experience. In looking around I see that you can do it by counting stitches or get a pre-stamped pattern. It seems like a pre-stamped pattern might be easier but I'm not sure.

Does anyone do cross stitching? Any suggestions. Thanks.

Re: Cross Stitching

wagirl — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:28:29 GMT

I would google it and start with pre printed projects. Maybe Michales or Joannes has some kits too. I did counted crosstitch that way then did it using a blank canvas and a chart. I also did candlewicking which is a type of embroidery, that I loved. Also taught myself to needlepoint and even did some petite point. Haven't done any of that in a hundred years-- but really enjoyed it.

Re: Cross Stitching

software — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:31:58 GMT

Have you ever done any kind of crafts in the past?

I learned how to knit at a young age while a Girl Scout.

When I tried cross stitch, I did really well using the plain fabric.

Fold in half one way then the other to find center. Start counting from there.

My eyesight is not good enough to cross stitch now but I loved it.

I still knit.

There's a lot more to it than just counting stitches.

But using a pre-printed fabric may be the way to start.

Are you going to teach yourself?

Re: Cross Stitching

Lilysmom — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:36:43 GMT

@Winkk, I am a quitter but have never done cross stitch. YouTube will have lots of videos of beginner cross stitching. Check it out. LM

Re: Cross Stitching

dusty523 — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:37:14 GMT

I cross stitch; not nearly as much time as I used to. With that being said, you should probably start out with a small pre-printed pattern. But, once you start on a cross stitch that is without a pattern, it's very easy, because it's all counting rows. Start with something small and then progress up. Before I even start stitching, I separate all of my floss. I usually take a strip of cardstock and use a paper hole puncher and put my floss in that. This way your floss won't get tangled. Read the instructions for each section because sometimes you use three strands, which is normal and sometimes they want you to use four. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Re: Cross Stitching

Winkk — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:53:32 GMT

@dusty523 wrote:
I cross stitch; not nearly as much time as I used to. With that being said, you should probably start out with a small pre-printed pattern. But, once you start on a cross stitch that is without a pattern, it's very easy, because it's all counting rows. Start with something small and then progress up. Before I even start stitching, I separate all of my floss. I usually take a strip of cardstock and use a paper hole puncher and put my floss in that. This way your floss won't get tangled. Read the instructions for each section because sometimes you use three strands, which is normal and sometimes they want you to use four. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice @dusty523

Re: Cross Stitching

drizzellla — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:56:37 GMT

Our company moved and I found myself with an hour and a half to two hour commute one way. So we formed a carpool. And we decided to learn to do counted cross stitch during the commute.

I never tried the preprinted pattern. We all just started with small and relatively easy patterns. They had just a few colors. And we were off and running. When we completed one we would try an bigger and harder one the next time.

My last kit was about 12" X 24". It was a medieval lady with the saying "Gather Ye Rosebuds" and there was another one in the set of a knight.

The lady is about 80% done. Her dress has about 13 different shades of pink and that is all I have to finish. But it has been years since I did that commute or touched the counted cross stitch. I did quite a few for my son's room, when he was a little guy. And they really looked so nice.

Please give it a try. It isn't hard and it does look so nice.

Re: Cross Stitching

151949 — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:54:19 GMT

I've been doing cross stitch for years.I prefer the counted stitch method, but I have a friend who prefers the pre printed projects. I'm currently making a mermaid project that I'll finish into a pillow for my living room. It is a long project though - 22 stitches per inch , and will be 18" x 12 " when finished - so that's a ton of sewing! I had a bunch of finished projects that I'd never made into anything sitting in a drawer and a friend took them to a craft fair and sold them for me. I made approx $40 per project. I also do some backstitch projects where I'll actually draw a picture on the fabric with a fabric pencil then stitch the picture in back stitch. I sold a few of those too, for $250 each.Such a simple thing but people love them.

I don't do them specifically to sell though. Actually I do it to keep from snacking!

Re: Cross Stitching

Winkk — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:55:45 GMT

@software wrote:
Have you ever done any kind of crafts in the past?

I learned how to knit at a young age while a Girl Scout.
When I tried cross stitch, I did really well using the plain fabric.
Fold in half one way then the other to find center. Start counting from there.
My eyesight is not good enough to cross stitch now but I loved it.
I still knit.

There's a lot more to it than just counting stitches.
But using a pre-printed fabric may be the way to start.

Are you going to teach yourself?

I was planning on teaching myself @software. I may go into YouTube and see what they have. Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Cross Stitching

Winkk — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:59:32 GMT

@151949 wrote:
I've been doing cross stitch for years.I prefer the counted stitch method, but I have a friend who prefers the pre printed projects. I'm currently making a mermaid project that I'll finish into a pillow for my living room. It is a long project though - 22 stitches per inch , and will be 18" x 12 " when finished - so that's a ton of sewing! I had a bunch of finished projects that I'd never made into anything sitting in a drawer and a friend took them to a craft fair and sold them for me. I made approx $40 per project. I also do some backstitch projects where I'll actually draw a picture on the fabric with a fabric pencil then stitch the picture in back stitch. I sold a few of those too, for $250 each.Such a simple thing but people love them.
I don't do them specifically to sell though. Actually I do it to keep from snacking!

@151949 people do like cross stitched items. It sounds like the ones you made are really nice. Yes, less snacking is also a good incentive. I like to read but I can snack and read. I need to keep my hands busy.

Re: Cross Stitching

151949 — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:01:10 GMT

@Winkk wrote:
@151949 wrote:
I've been doing cross stitch for years.I prefer the counted stitch method, but I have a friend who prefers the pre printed projects. I'm currently making a mermaid project that I'll finish into a pillow for my living room. It is a long project though - 22 stitches per inch , and will be 18" x 12 " when finished - so that's a ton of sewing! I had a bunch of finished projects that I'd never made into anything sitting in a drawer and a friend took them to a craft fair and sold them for me. I made approx $40 per project. I also do some backstitch projects where I'll actually draw a picture on the fabric with a fabric pencil then stitch the picture in back stitch. I sold a few of those too, for $250 each.Such a simple thing but people love them.
I don't do them specifically to sell though. Actually I do it to keep from snacking!
@151949 people do like cross stitched items. It sounds like the ones you made are really nice. Yes, less snacking is also a good incentive. I like to read but I can snack and read. I need to keep my hands busy.

YES you don't want to get your sewing dirty so you can't be eating and sewing at the same time.

Re: Cross Stitching

NickNack — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:04:02 GMT

I have cross stitched a lot but don't do it now. I have never used a pre-printed pattern. If you start with an easy project it's not hard to do the counted cross stitch method.

Re: Cross Stitching

carol-lamb — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:08:26 GMT

I have been an avid counted cross stitcher for about 35 years. I taught myself when I was in my 20’s. I still stitch (currently working on two pictures), but it takes me a lot longer because my aging eyes have a harder time seeing up close! I have had to get stronger readers just for my stitching and I have to use a magnifying glass often. I would suggest learning to cross stitch on plain cloth using a pattern. I think the finished product is so much nicer than stitching on a stamped pattern. I started that way, but I found that you could still see the stamped “x” under the floss. I didn’t care for that so I bought a cross stitch booklet and taught myself. With you tube, you won’t have any problem finding videos to be able to teach yourself. I would start out with a small easy picture. You always start stitching in the center and work your way out.

Re: Cross Stitching

151949 — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:11:33 GMT

It is hard on the aging eyes! I use a magnifier with a light that I wear around my neck. It helps a lot.

Re: Cross Stitching

ALRATIBA — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:13:03 GMT

I learned cross stitch and other types of embroidery from my mother when I was a little girl.

Now - there are lots of YouTube videos out there ... check them out!

Re: Cross Stitching

CelticCrafter — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:14:51 GMT

I only do counted cross stitch.

I don't care for the pre-stamped because the stitches are not even or consistent in size and don't like the look of the finished project.

I don't know why but against my better judgement, I started a pre-stamped apron not too long ago, I think I got maybe 10 stitches into it and ditched the whole thing. Hated it.

Re: Cross Stitching

Puppy Lips — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 17:22:36 GMT

Oh yes !!! But I have not done it in years. I used to make a lot of things - designs that I framed, baby bibs, ornaments, etc. My first grand daughter was born two months ago. I should make her a birth sampler. I never did the pre-printed ones, I only used a pattern.

It takes patience and careful counting. I am very particular and if I make a mistake, I will undo a large section if I have to, to make it right. Have fun!

Re: Cross Stitching

CelticCrafter — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:50:20 GMT

@Puppy Lips wrote:
Oh yes !!! But I have not done it in years. I used to make a lot of things - designs that I framed, baby bibs, ornaments, etc. My first grand daughter was born two months ago. I should make her a birth sampler. I never did the pre-printed ones, I only used a pattern.

It takes patience and careful counting. I am very particular and if I make a mistake, I will undo a large section if I have to, to make it right. Have fun!

@Puppy Lips - me too, even though most times we could fudge our way around the mistake and probably be the only one who knew there was a mistake.

Re: Cross Stitching

Cakers3 — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:55:42 GMT

Self-taught and I do prefer counted cross-stitch.

All the craft stores have little mini-kits -try a few of those to get your feet -er-fingers wet.

Enjoy!

Re: Cross Stitching

Puppy Lips — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:51:33 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@Puppy Lips wrote:
Oh yes !!! But I have not done it in years. I used to make a lot of things - designs that I framed, baby bibs, ornaments, etc. My first grand daughter was born two months ago. I should make her a birth sampler. I never did the pre-printed ones, I only used a pattern.

It takes patience and careful counting. I am very particular and if I make a mistake, I will undo a large section if I have to, to make it right. Have fun!
@Puppy Lips - me too, even though most times we could fudge our way around the mistake and probably be the only one who knew there was a mistake.

@CelticCrafterHaha. I can only remember ONE time where I found a mistake and went over it with the right color. It was in a huge project that had two dog heads in it and it was for a friend. There were many colors intertwined and no one would have known any different. But I would have known (and been compelled to point it out). Sometimes I think my need for perfection in making things has held me back from doing more. I can be my own worst enemy at times!