Very good beginner video. Folding the fabric like you did that shows the center so well will alao help if the stitcher wants to begin the project with the pattern's center
Love that grime guard. So adorable! I have sweaty palms so this would definitely help with keeping the cross stitch fabric clean and white while I stitch!
Me as well, I learned more than 50 years ago from a master stitcher to always begin in the middle. Avoiding what could be a mess if you calculate wrong and start from a corner😮.
@@leisa1495 If I'm stitching on a piece of fabric that doesn't have a ton of extra space around the edges, I will start a few stitches in the center and then count out to the left and right, and up and down just to make sure I have enough room. The last thing you want to do is run short!
I love your site and have used it for years. Just discovered this video series. I love the patterns for cross stitch, but always seem to get lost in the "counting" factor with cross stitch. I can do complicated stamped European cross stitch kits with no problem. Is there something I am missing with this counting business? I have tried lots of "tools" to help but still get lost. Am I hopeless or is there something I can do to "learn" to appropriately function with a cross stitch pattern? I do so appreciate any help you can give me. I have done embroidery for a long time, but would like to be able to do cross stitch as there is a wealth of charming patterns available. Thanks again for any help!
Hello! I think the biggest factor in counted cross stitch is that you need to "count' often. By that I mean you need to always double check yourself. If you need to stitch 8 black X's across, not only do I count them a second time, I also make sure they line up with other stitches. I am also a big fan of using an erasable highlighter to mark off my pattern as I stitch (like this one - www.123stitch.com/item/Pilot-Pen-Erasable-Highlighter-Pen-Yellow-Pilot-FriXion/PILOT-46502). These line keepers by It's Sew Emma are also perfect for keeping your place on a pattern (www.123stitch.com/item/Lori-Holt-Its-Sew-Emma-Cross-Stitch-Line-Keepers/ISE-807). I hope these tips help but I'll also be doing an video on this topic soon so watch for it!
my last project I thought I would try gridding with frixon pens every 10 stitches, game changer! I often find that I make mistakes in counting and by gridding my fabric I have a secondary method to keep my project on track.
Thank you for your question! To start stitching, it’s always best to begin in the center of your fabric, whether you're using Aida, evenweave, or linen. You can find the center by folding the fabric in half lengthwise and widthwise, and where the folds meet will be your center square. The center of your pattern can be located by following the arrows provided. Hope that help.
Thank you for the video! I love the way you start your stitching! I will definitely try it. I'm still unclear why you marked three inches on one side of the fabric, if you could explain further. Keep the videos coming!
Thank you for your kind words. When calculating my fabric size, I add 3 inches for my finishing. I almost always start on the left side at my top left border. By marking it, I know I have my 3-inch border on the left and top sides. I am pretty sure that piece will be square. Deborah
Can you recommend a good resource to use for teaching beginners to stitch in a homeschool co-op setting? I would like to teach them the history of cross-stitch, history of samplers, beginning to stitch, etc. These would be 4th grade up to possibly as high as high school seniors. Thank you in advance. 😊
Thank you for your kind words. On 123Stitch.com, under the Calculators & Conversion tab, there is a tab called How To Cross Stitch. From a historical perspective, Mary Hickmott's "Cross-Stitch: The Ultimate Guide" offers a thorough history of cross-stitch and practical tips and patterns. It provides historical context and explains how cross-stitch evolved over the years. A good reference book would be The Proper Stitch: A Guide for Counted Thread by Darlene O'Steen Deborah
FYI: Using 1 long (18-35") floss strand, folded in half, threading the needle so the 2 loose ends hanging are shorter than the floss end with the loop in it is called "Using the Loop Method" to start the stitches. There is another method, that has no loop. With this floss style, it's best to, on the back, weave the threads under previously completed stitches, up to 5 stitches, then, using the threaded needle, push it up through the fabric in the starting hole, gently pull until the long tail end is just beginning to be pulled underneath those chosen 5 stitches... then begin your stitching. If there are no previous stitches completed, hold onto the tail on the back, start the first stitch up through the back to the front . Stich thr other half of the X [ if you are stitching a whole X, or move onto the nrxt hole, if you are stitching a half stitch.] Make certain your 2nd & future stitches are over the 2.5" tail on the back, until covered/secured by 5 stitches. When you finish that length (18") of floss, weave the needle, on the back under the last five stitches and pull the thread snugly. Trim the ends so they are even with the stitched floss. The Best Practice is to hold the Scissor blades parallel to the fabric and cut. Playing Thread Chicken, can cause stitches to be too tight, just to do.."1 more stitch", and in reality, does not look nice.
Thank you for going step by step on how to get started. It was very helpful. What did not understand where do you start you pattern. How do you know where to start the pattern.
@@carmenguzman7991 Many people start in the middle. That spot is usually marked on the pattern and she showed how to find it in your fabric. I prefer to start in an upper corner, which I find by counting from the center point. As mentioned in another comment, that can be tricky because there's the potential to miscount. It helps if you've gridded your fabric.
@@carmenguzman7991 Patterns generally have an arrow on the left side of your pattern and on the top of the pattern. Follow those two arrow lines until they meet, and you have the center. The easiest thing to do when you are starting, is to start in the center of your design.
You mentioned that if buying aida from you , you would serge it if we ask in the notes section when we order!! Does it cost anything more for this? If so how much more? I have placed many orders but never knew you offered this!! I love your company and have always had great experiences with my orders!! Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!! 🥰💙
Show me how to count stitches easier. Maybe count once then mark with a marker? I am using 14-16 Aida but would like to try other fabric but it seems so small. Help!
Hi! I find that an erasable marker is a great way to mark off the pattern as I stitch. We have this one by Pilot on our website - www.123stitch.com/item/Pilot-Pen-Erasable-Highlighter-Pen-Green-Pilot-FriXion/PILOT-46513. Another helpful tool for keeping your place on the pattern are the Cross Stitch Line Minders by It's Sew Emma (www.123stitch.com/item/Lori-Holt-Its-Sew-Emma-Cross-Stitch-Line-Keepers/ISE-807). The are magnetic so will stay on your pattern until you move to the next line. With all cross stitch, it's important to count often to make sure you don't get off track and have to frog some of the stitches. I hope this helps! Try a smaller count fabric and let us know how it goes!
Thank you for the tutorial. You reminded me of the snag nab it that I have tucked away somewhere!!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for this tutorial! Please consider adding a second camera above the table for zoomed-in shots of the stitching parts.
Agreed. The camera wasn't zoomed in enough for most of this tutorial.
Starting X-stitch again after many years away. I needed a refresher, this was perfect. Thank you ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Very good beginner video. Folding the fabric like you did that shows the center so well will alao help if the stitcher wants to begin the project with the pattern's center
Yes, you are right!
Thank you for sharing, this was very helpful 😊!
I'm glad it was helpful!
Love that grime guard. So adorable! I have sweaty palms so this would definitely help with keeping the cross stitch fabric clean and white while I stitch!
Totally!
Lovely introduction to the cross stitch hobby!
Thank you! 😊
I have crossed stitched for years & was always taught to start in the middle.
Starting in the middle is a good way to begin as well. It's just a matter of preference :)
I start on the corner. For some reason, stitching in the middle first confuses me and I make mistakes.
Me as well, I learned more than 50 years ago from a master stitcher to always begin in the middle. Avoiding what could be a mess if you calculate wrong and start from a corner😮.
@@leisa1495 If I'm stitching on a piece of fabric that doesn't have a ton of extra space around the edges, I will start a few stitches in the center and then count out to the left and right, and up and down just to make sure I have enough room. The last thing you want to do is run short!
Great tips. My mum is a cross stitch fiend. Her tip is to do one colour at a time, and she does the darkest colours first.
Thank you for the tips! Very helpful!
Wonderful tutorial again from 123 Stitch. Thank you for listing the products you used. I have added a few to my shopping basket ❤️
Super helpful!! Thank you for making this video 😊
You're so welcome!
I didn't know I could ask for serging the edges. I love the square hoops. I'll have to check out the magnetic case.
Thanks for the tips! You have such a cute case 😀
Thank you!! 😊
Great video for beginner stitchers. Please do more
Thank you
Thank you for this tutorial. It’s very helpful ❤
Thank You. Great information
That was a great video! Thank you for sharing!
I love your site and have used it for years. Just discovered this video series. I love the patterns for cross stitch, but always seem to get lost in the "counting" factor with cross stitch. I can do complicated stamped European cross stitch kits with no problem. Is there something I am missing with this counting business? I have tried lots of "tools" to help but still get lost. Am I hopeless or is there something I can do to "learn" to appropriately function with a cross stitch pattern? I do so appreciate any help you can give me. I have done embroidery for a long time, but would like to be able to do cross stitch as there is a wealth of charming patterns available. Thanks again for any help!
Hello! I think the biggest factor in counted cross stitch is that you need to "count' often. By that I mean you need to always double check yourself. If you need to stitch 8 black X's across, not only do I count them a second time, I also make sure they line up with other stitches. I am also a big fan of using an erasable highlighter to mark off my pattern as I stitch (like this one - www.123stitch.com/item/Pilot-Pen-Erasable-Highlighter-Pen-Yellow-Pilot-FriXion/PILOT-46502). These line keepers by It's Sew Emma are also perfect for keeping your place on a pattern (www.123stitch.com/item/Lori-Holt-Its-Sew-Emma-Cross-Stitch-Line-Keepers/ISE-807). I hope these tips help but I'll also be doing an video on this topic soon so watch for it!
my last project I thought I would try gridding with frixon pens every 10 stitches, game changer! I often find that I make mistakes in counting and by gridding my fabric I have a secondary method to keep my project on track.
Love your tutorial. It was very helpful. What I don’t understand is where to start your pattern. How do you where to start the design? Can you help me
Thank you for your question! To start stitching, it’s always best to begin in the center of your fabric, whether you're using Aida, evenweave, or linen. You can find the center by folding the fabric in half lengthwise and widthwise, and where the folds meet will be your center square. The center of your pattern can be located by following the arrows provided. Hope that help.
Great informative video TYFS (Pauline S)
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the video! I love the way you start your stitching! I will definitely try it. I'm still unclear why you marked three inches on one side of the fabric, if you could explain further. Keep the videos coming!
Thank you for your kind words. When calculating my fabric size, I add 3 inches for my finishing. I almost always start on the left side at my top left border. By marking it, I know I have my 3-inch border on the left and top sides. I am pretty sure that piece will be square.
Deborah
I'll HAVE to subscribe to my favorite cross stitch store! Love you guys! Ah, you have the same needle minder I have, great minds right? 10:02
Ha ha, yes!
Great !!!! I suggest including size of the cardboard used for Weeks.
Thank you for your kind words - The cardboard size will depend on the length of floss you are comfortable stitching with.
Deborah
Can you recommend a good resource to use for teaching beginners to stitch in a homeschool co-op setting? I would like to teach them the history of cross-stitch, history of samplers, beginning to stitch, etc. These would be 4th grade up to possibly as high as high school seniors. Thank you in advance. 😊
Thank you for your kind words. On 123Stitch.com, under the Calculators & Conversion tab, there is a tab called How To Cross Stitch.
From a historical perspective, Mary Hickmott's "Cross-Stitch: The Ultimate Guide" offers a thorough history of cross-stitch and practical tips and patterns. It provides historical context and explains how cross-stitch evolved over the years.
A good reference book would be The Proper Stitch: A Guide for Counted Thread by
Darlene O'Steen
Deborah
FYI: Using 1 long (18-35") floss strand, folded in half, threading the needle so the 2 loose ends hanging are shorter than the floss end with the loop in it is called "Using the Loop Method" to start the stitches.
There is another method, that has no loop. With this floss style, it's best to, on the back, weave the threads under previously completed stitches, up to 5 stitches, then, using the threaded needle, push it up through the fabric in the starting hole, gently pull until the long tail end is just beginning to be pulled underneath those chosen 5 stitches... then begin your stitching.
If there are no previous stitches completed, hold onto the tail on the back, start the first stitch up through the back to the front . Stich thr other half of the X [ if you are stitching a whole X, or move onto the nrxt hole, if you are stitching a half stitch.] Make certain your 2nd & future stitches are over the 2.5" tail on the back, until covered/secured by 5 stitches. When you finish that length (18") of floss, weave the needle, on the back under the last five stitches and pull the thread snugly. Trim the ends so they are even with the stitched floss. The Best Practice is to hold the Scissor blades parallel to the fabric and cut.
Playing Thread Chicken, can cause stitches to be too tight, just to do.."1 more stitch", and in reality, does not look nice.
Thank you for going step by step on how to get started. It was very helpful. What did not understand where do you start you pattern. How do you know where to start the pattern.
@@carmenguzman7991 Many people start in the middle. That spot is usually marked on the pattern and she showed how to find it in your fabric. I prefer to start in an upper corner, which I find by counting from the center point. As mentioned in another comment, that can be tricky because there's the potential to miscount. It helps if you've gridded your fabric.
@@carmenguzman7991 Patterns generally have an arrow on the left side of your pattern and on the top of the pattern. Follow those two arrow lines until they meet, and you have the center. The easiest thing to do when you are starting, is to start in the center of your design.
This was very helpful information! Thank you so much!
What is the black mesh just outside of your arm
It's a book stand/letter stand that we picked up at an office supply store
You mentioned that if buying aida from you , you would serge it if we ask in the notes section when we order!! Does it cost anything more for this? If so how much more? I have placed many orders but never knew you offered this!! I love your company and have always had great experiences with my orders!! Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!! 🥰💙
No extra charge!
Show me how to count stitches easier. Maybe count once then mark with a marker? I am using 14-16 Aida but would like to try other fabric but it seems so small. Help!
Hi! I find that an erasable marker is a great way to mark off the pattern as I stitch. We have this one by Pilot on our website - www.123stitch.com/item/Pilot-Pen-Erasable-Highlighter-Pen-Green-Pilot-FriXion/PILOT-46513. Another helpful tool for keeping your place on the pattern are the Cross Stitch Line Minders by It's Sew Emma (www.123stitch.com/item/Lori-Holt-Its-Sew-Emma-Cross-Stitch-Line-Keepers/ISE-807). The are magnetic so will stay on your pattern until you move to the next line. With all cross stitch, it's important to count often to make sure you don't get off track and have to frog some of the stitches. I hope this helps! Try a smaller count fabric and let us know how it goes!
👍🏼
Does Joanne still own this company? I would imagine she’s retired by now.
Semi-retired but still here! Hello!