New cross stitcher here. Working on my first project! I've searched for a place, to learn all the tips, for over a year and then you popped up! You are an excellent instructor. I'm thrilled to have found you to get me going on my new journey. Thank you so much for all the helpful videos.
This is Soo helpful -I like the detail look of backstitching I am developing my own Technique when a pattern does not have outlining in it - thank you !
I'm new to cross stitch so I'm watching a lot of videos for tips. I've watched several of yours & subscribed cause you do such a great job explaining & demonstrating. Thank you so much for all you do for the stitching community! 💜
I think the reason I'm not crazy about backstitch is because sometimes the needle is difficult to pull up or push down if there is a lot of floss in the hole already. It does look great after it is completed!
Yeah that can be a pain, but a really simple workaround is to switch to a sharper finer needle (like an embroidery needle) for backstitch. Then it's a ton easier to go into areas where there's lots of threads at the back or in the hole. 🙂
OMG! This was so helpful! The pattern I have now has a lot more backstitching than I have had before. I would have never thought of all these tips you give in the video. Thank-you
Looks great, Dana, thank you! One of my current projects is VERY backstitch heavy, I'm glad to have your help before I get there. I dislike the tedium of backstitching, but the effort will be worth it.
Thank you for an excellent introduction to cross-stitching. It was very informative and gave me a sense of confidence. You are an excellent instructor. I look forward to joining you for more instruction.
Thanks so much for that interesting tutorial video. I am working on a project, where the back stitches are going over like 13 crosses. So I know now, that I have to divide them to like three or four smaller stitches...... I will try and see how i like it 👍
honestly... i just find long runs look a lot nicer. i like to do long runs and then go back and do a couple of subtle pin stitches to anchor the thread.
Nope not at all, my nails are naturally very strong and can grow quite long. I actually miss them when I have to cut them, like in my military service we had to have short nails when we were in the field (it's impossible to handle weapons and ammunition with longer nails). But stitching and daily life stuff, I have zero problems, probably because they are so strong. 😊
Hi Dana I chanced upon your tutorial.. thank you for taking the time to show us and I have learnt a better new set of skill! Look forward to your feeds and also signed up to your club!
Hi Magdalena! I'm glad the tutorial helped, I tend to use backstitch a little differently when I design so I wanted to help people figure out more intricate backstitch. And welcome to the Peacock Lounge, I hope you have a lot of fun! 🙂
Ahaha awesome! The ones I sell on my site are PDFs, so you can use them on a digital device (most of the patterns have a one-page pattern so you can just zoom in instead of flipping pages), or you can print them at home or at a copy centre. I do have some patterns available in printed format from various shops (or through distributors like Creative Poppy -- www.creativepoppypatterns.com/peacock-cross-stitch-charts-xsl-296_587.html), but they will be more expensive as they are printed versions so you're paying for the printing and shipping. 🙂
Peacock & Fig thank you. I prefer hard copies to keep it in my library I don’t mind paying. Also when the time comes I really like to have a signed copy of the pattern that you created. Is this a possibility?
Haha that's a neat idea, but it's not really possible as it would have to get shipped to me, then shipped to you, that would be a giant pain. I loooove seeing people's progress on their WIPs and their finished pieces though, if you post images in the Peacock Lounge Facebook group I always comment on them, so you're welcome to screenshot those and print them to include with your pattern. 🙂
Hi there! I'm not sure, I do max 5 just to make it easier for the stitcher, obviously for a lower thread count (like 14) you'll have fewer squares you can cross without it sagging than on a higher thread count (like 20) simply because the grids are bigger. I'm never too fussed for rules, just have a play and see what looks best for you. :)
What about words using back stitch,would you run your thread the whole way, example doing the letter T, would you go in each stitch or just do the whole letter. I'm using 2 over 2, I stopped doing the project because I couldn't find an answer.
Hi Lisa! I actually don't use a PDF reader usually for my patterns, I follow my patterns straight from my software (MacStitch/WinStitch), as then I can adjust the patterns as needed while stitching my test sample. I do use Adobe Acrobat on my computer to read PDFs though, that's free. 🙂
I'm finding your videos to be very helpful, even though I've been cross stitching for over 30 years. I've just started on a project that has me a little puzzled, though. There is a lot of single strand backstitch lettering, too far from any cross stitching to anchor the threads in the crosses. So, I'm not sure how to anchor my starts and stops. Any advice?
Hi Tricia! You have two main options -- a pin stitch or a waste knot. I don't have a tutorial for a waste knot, but basically you put a knot on the top of your fabric along the path you will travel (a few inches away from the start), go back to the beginning of where your line of backstitch will start, and start stitching towards the knot. As long as you make sure to catch the floss at the back with your stitches, by the time you get to your waste knot you can trim it off the surface of your fabric, the thread will have been anchored. I have a couple of tutorials for a pin stitch -- depending on what type of fabric you're using, you may be able to hide a tiny pin stitch right at the beginning of your backstitch, like either as the first backstitch or underneath your first stitch. I hope that helps! 🙂
Hi Rebecca! In this tutorial I'm demonstrating using the pattern in the software I made it with (MacStitch), whether you choose to read the PDF on your device or print it out is totally up to you. 🙂
New cross stitcher here. Working on my first project! I've searched for a place, to learn all the tips, for over a year and then you popped up! You are an excellent instructor. I'm thrilled to have found you to get me going on my new journey. Thank you so much for all the helpful videos.
You're so welcome! Happy stitching! 😊
This is Soo helpful -I like the detail look of backstitching I am developing my own Technique when a pattern does not have outlining in it - thank you !
You're very welcome Mary Lou! 😊
I'm new to cross stitch so I'm watching a lot of videos for tips. I've watched several of yours & subscribed cause you do such a great job explaining & demonstrating. Thank you so much for all you do for the stitching community! 💜
Aww you're very welcome Amy! Happy stitching! 😊❤️
A half cross stitch that has kind of got navigational issues! I love this description!
Ahahaha thanks very much, glad you like it! :D
I think the reason I'm not crazy about backstitch is because sometimes the needle is difficult to pull up or push down if there is a lot of floss in the hole already. It does look great after it is completed!
Yeah that can be a pain, but a really simple workaround is to switch to a sharper finer needle (like an embroidery needle) for backstitch. Then it's a ton easier to go into areas where there's lots of threads at the back or in the hole. 🙂
@@peacockandfig Thanks Dana!
Welcome! 🙂
Multumesc mult pentru ajutor.
You're very welcome Ana! ❤️
OMG! This was so helpful! The pattern I have now has a lot more backstitching than I have had before. I would have never thought of all these tips you give in the video. Thank-you
You're very welcome Melissa! :)
Looks great, Dana, thank you! One of my current projects is VERY backstitch heavy, I'm glad to have your help before I get there. I dislike the tedium of backstitching, but the effort will be worth it.
Glad it helped Dovie! I'm sure your project will look great when it's done. 🙂
I have 2 Ariel cross stitch kits (make a splash and follow your heart) and a sweet cow kit and this helps out a lot.
Wonderful Alice, happy stitching! 🙂
Thank you for an excellent introduction to cross-stitching. It was very informative and gave me a sense of confidence. You are an excellent instructor. I look forward to joining you for more instruction.
So glad you found it helpful Judi! :)
Thanks so much for that interesting tutorial video. I am working on a project, where the back stitches are going over like 13 crosses. So I know now, that I have to divide them to like three or four smaller stitches...... I will try and see how i like it 👍
You can do it Gabriela! 🙂
Thank you so much for the wonderful information! I owe much of my cross stitching skill set to you!
Awww you're very welcome Marissa! You're the one doing all the practice though, I'm glad to hear you're having fun! 🙂
honestly... i just find long runs look a lot nicer. i like to do long runs and then go back and do a couple of subtle pin stitches to anchor the thread.
Yep I agree, long runs look smoother. :)
It's amazing that you don't find it hard to stitch with such long nails..
Nope not at all, my nails are naturally very strong and can grow quite long. I actually miss them when I have to cut them, like in my military service we had to have short nails when we were in the field (it's impossible to handle weapons and ammunition with longer nails). But stitching and daily life stuff, I have zero problems, probably because they are so strong. 😊
Thank you for the tips and the videos,very helpful.
My pleasure Lily! 🙂
Thank you for the reply.
Hi Dana I chanced upon your tutorial.. thank you for taking the time to show us and I have learnt a better new set of skill! Look forward to your feeds and also signed up to your club!
Hi Magdalena! I'm glad the tutorial helped, I tend to use backstitch a little differently when I design so I wanted to help people figure out more intricate backstitch. And welcome to the Peacock Lounge, I hope you have a lot of fun! 🙂
Peacock & Fig thank you once I’m finished with my project I’m going to buy a pattern from your site. Btw do the patterns come in hard copies?
Ahaha awesome! The ones I sell on my site are PDFs, so you can use them on a digital device (most of the patterns have a one-page pattern so you can just zoom in instead of flipping pages), or you can print them at home or at a copy centre. I do have some patterns available in printed format from various shops (or through distributors like Creative Poppy -- www.creativepoppypatterns.com/peacock-cross-stitch-charts-xsl-296_587.html), but they will be more expensive as they are printed versions so you're paying for the printing and shipping. 🙂
Peacock & Fig thank you. I prefer hard copies to keep it in my library I don’t mind paying. Also when the time comes I really like to have a signed copy of the pattern that you created. Is this a possibility?
Haha that's a neat idea, but it's not really possible as it would have to get shipped to me, then shipped to you, that would be a giant pain. I loooove seeing people's progress on their WIPs and their finished pieces though, if you post images in the Peacock Lounge Facebook group I always comment on them, so you're welcome to screenshot those and print them to include with your pattern. 🙂
Another great video!
Thanks Annette! 🙂
Very helpful. Thank you!!
You're very welcome Debra! :)
Great tutorial! Question - how many squares can you go over without it lagging or sagging? Im always afraid of this.
Hi there! I'm not sure, I do max 5 just to make it easier for the stitcher, obviously for a lower thread count (like 14) you'll have fewer squares you can cross without it sagging than on a higher thread count (like 20) simply because the grids are bigger. I'm never too fussed for rules, just have a play and see what looks best for you. :)
Peacock & Fig Perfect! Thank you!!
What about words using back stitch,would you run your thread the whole way, example doing the letter T, would you go in each stitch or just do the whole letter. I'm using 2 over 2, I stopped doing the project because I couldn't find an answer.
Hi Janet! It's best to go down each hole for consistency, but you don't have to. Experiment and see what looks best to you. :)
Thanks for doing this video. What PDF reader program do you use?
Hi Lisa! I actually don't use a PDF reader usually for my patterns, I follow my patterns straight from my software (MacStitch/WinStitch), as then I can adjust the patterns as needed while stitching my test sample. I do use Adobe Acrobat on my computer to read PDFs though, that's free. 🙂
I'm finding your videos to be very helpful, even though I've been cross stitching for over 30 years. I've just started on a project that has me a little puzzled, though. There is a lot of single strand backstitch lettering, too far from any cross stitching to anchor the threads in the crosses. So, I'm not sure how to anchor my starts and stops. Any advice?
Hi Tricia! You have two main options -- a pin stitch or a waste knot. I don't have a tutorial for a waste knot, but basically you put a knot on the top of your fabric along the path you will travel (a few inches away from the start), go back to the beginning of where your line of backstitch will start, and start stitching towards the knot. As long as you make sure to catch the floss at the back with your stitches, by the time you get to your waste knot you can trim it off the surface of your fabric, the thread will have been anchored. I have a couple of tutorials for a pin stitch -- depending on what type of fabric you're using, you may be able to hide a tiny pin stitch right at the beginning of your backstitch, like either as the first backstitch or underneath your first stitch.
I hope that helps! 🙂
Peacock & Fig thank you so much - I understand now!
Perfect, glad that helps! 🙂
Do you use computer screen or printouts?
Hi Rebecca! In this tutorial I'm demonstrating using the pattern in the software I made it with (MacStitch), whether you choose to read the PDF on your device or print it out is totally up to you. 🙂
How many thread did u use on ur aida cloth
Hi Wilma! I use two strands on 14 count Aida. :)
I think it is pronounced Uh-EE- da cloth
Both are correct, how you're "pronouncing" it is how I say the opera of the same name. 😊