Thanks for being here Caterpillar Crew! Please like and subscribe and don't forget to claim your 8 FREE cross stitch patterns by tapping here: manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=UPA9pP&g=Ud7upB Sally and Ford x
THIS A MUST Tutorial for beginners and a great reminder for those of us who may have forgotten some things…..my TIP is to just relax if Your cross stitching mojo seems to slow down…..or even disappear…….after making a number of biscornus for my Grandchildren’s Legacy boxes for their Birthdays I was out of ANY mindful cross stitching…,,so I picked up my vanilla sock knitting pattern and slowly the SPIRIT of cross stitching seeped back into my life….ps also when You are overly tired or rushed….thats a good time to walk away for a breather…..Thanks Ford for this chance to be part of a community Merry Christmas
Ball tip needles weren’t around when I started stitching 50 yrs ago, but I love them now! Stitching on a standing frame is great, especially when you teach yourself to use both hands. Then you’ll work twice as fast.
I am in my in my 60s and have been cross stitching since I was in elementary school. This is the first time I've heard of using the loop method to secure your thread. Mind officially blown! What a game changer.
Thank you about the back of the fabric. When I first learned to cross stitch, I read online and saw Flosstube videos where people showed off their perfect backs. That was so dang stressful. And, doing a HAED where there is a ton of confetti, well, I just gave up on trying to make the back perfect. I'm so glad you talked about that here. I hope new cross stitchers quickly find this video so they can learn this tip right away.
The first cross stitch I did was a large Precious Moments pattern. I took it to a big box store to be framed and when the man brought it out to me he said it had been very hard to frame because the back looked like a child had done it. He asked me if I wanted to pay for it or just let him throw it in the trash can. I cried all the way home and threw it in the trash myself. It has taken me years to pick up my needle since. My suggestion to new cross stitchers is to use all of these tutorial videos you can find and start on a small piece and don't let any body discourage you. Happy stitching.
Great tips! My favorite is the loop start! I would be interested in a back stitch tutorial for when you have to run those over blank canvas and tie in ends, et cetera!
I haven’t done cross stitching for several decades. When I did it before I had no idea of anything you talked about here. I’m thinking about doing a small design but want to learn more first. I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you.
I, too, cross stitched several decades ago,, and took it up when we started streaming and binge watching tv shows. I needed something to keep my hands busy while sitting for a few hours. It’s also a great project while visiting someone since it’s not as rude to cross stitch while conversing, but it is to read! You’ll find lots of good information here. YT has many useful channels.
Yes, this is what I do too now. I showed the old way because if someone is just learning it it's easier to understand what's happening that way. Thanks for watching!
I do railroading on the top stitch only. Saves a lot of time and I don’t see a difference. Obviously for half cross stitches, I railroad that single stitch. I also STRONGLY suggest loosening your frame a bit when you’re finished stitching for the day. Keeps hoop burn from happening.
I use Q-Snaps. When I mount the fabric, I place the frame on the front side. Clipping the fabric so that holding the excess fabric, I am touching the back side, not the front of the fabric. The extra benefit is that you have a ‘well’ created. Great for when that needle slips off the floss. It will usually drop into the ‘well’. Also great for holding those ‘splinter’ tweezers for pulling out ‘unwanted fabric’ such as cat hairs, etc.. or if you have to remove a misplaced stitch. Those sharp points allow you to grab the floss without creating a problem. I also buy waist-band elastic. Measure around two sides of the frame, cut one inch shorter and hand stitch the overlap. The elastic helps to hold the excess rolled up fabric so it’s out of your way. Neat and tidy. You only need two elastic bands, one horizontal, one vertical.
Great tip! Would love to see a pic of it, of where you position the elastic. Big fabric is always my problem and I dont own a sewing machine so I cant make a grime guard, thats why I think the elastik would help. Thanks!
Finding out about the loop start was a game changer for me! But, I do it right in the front. No need to turn over my hoop and do it on the back. It makes no difference that I can see..🤔 Also, I was tired my using my cheap wooden hoops and purchased 2 “ Nurge “ Hoops. They are the best on the market in my opinion. Like you described, they hold the fabric nice and tight and the hardware is very good to get and keep it that way! 👍🏻Also they dont leave a big impression on the fabric when removed so I can leave them on the fabric longer. 😁. Tks for your video! 👏🏻👩🏻🦰🇨🇦
I always railroads when using white floss. I think it makes a big difference in how the stitch lays particularly when I stitching white next to a dark color.
I've been stitching for a few months now and I've picked up most of these, but I wasn't aware of the railroad stitch. This hopefully will be a huge help in keeping my stitches neat. Two things I do are: I use a fine sharp tip quilting needle to stitch outlines, as I find it much easier to accurately pierce through a stitch and fabric for fiddly outlines. I also prefer to stitch with a single thread, but I only put one end through the needle eye and then I pull it through so the two tails are together, and the middle of the thread is at the needle eye (the same as using double thread to hand sew). It's essentially the same as using two threads as the tails have to be weaved through at both the start and finish, but when I've finished stitching and weaved the needle through some stitches at the back, I snip off the excess and the remaining thread is still looped on the needle and ready to immediately stitch in a new area. It also means I can stitch until almost all the thread is used, and those last few stitches don't fray and looks messy.
I have watched other stitching videos where they mention the loop method, but until I saw your demonstration, I didn’t understand it. Today I used my first loop method to start a new project! Thank you!
100% agree on the back of the fabric tip. I learned cross-stitching when I was still a kid with my mom and back then it seems they were more concerned with the back than with the front lol. Now I couldn't care less what the back looks like as long as the front looks good. No one will ever see the back and if they do they'll know a human did it, not a machine.
Hi Ford, Great flosstube for all cross stitchers ! "Inherited wisdom" , not only in cross stitch ! I had to smile when you mentioned that :) Loop start is a game changer ! And pulling out one thread at a time is like magic !
I'm new to your video... very good advice!! I've been stitching for almost 50 years and you actually made me think of things I never gave much thought to... Thank You😊
I wish I had known: 🪡 that there is a flat side and a curved side on the eye of your needle. Sometimes if you are having difficulty threading it, flip the needle over and try from the other side 🪡 that if your thread isn't laying flat and seems to be twisted while you stitch, let it hang (attached to the needle) from underneath your project and it will naturally unwind itself. 🪡 How much fun cross stitch camps or day events are and how much I would learn from people at my table, 🪡 that cutting a small piece of rubber shelf liner would help keep your fabric from slipping in a hoop.
This is the most important tip honestly. I need snacks to keep me going and focused! And as CPCX said, there are training chopsticks and even "snack chopsticks." You could probably use long tweezers if chopsticks seem daunting.
Good evening. I haven't done cross stitch in some years and am now going to pick it up again tomorrow. This is the first ever video I've watched for cross stitch as I self-taught. Thanks for the great tips things I wish I knew earlier.
These are great tips! I somehow learned the loop start thing early on. But railroading is going to change my current project that I have been working on for years (not consistently, I let life and kids get the better of me). One thing I have done to try and keep my project clean, I have issues with my hands sweating, is a cotton glove on the hand I hold the piece with. I tried wearing them on both but just didn't like holding my needle with the glove.
Loop start is really cool but it can be even cooler. Instead of bringing your needle up from the back, start from the front and bring your needle up for your first leg, thread needle thru the loop and take your needle back down in the same hole you began in. Give a gentle tug and the loop moves to the back. Then either continue making the first half of your stitch or complete each stitch as you go. This is particularly useful if you are using a stitching frame.
I learned cross stitch on my own and when I first started would keep my work in the hoop. BIG mistake!!! I found out the hard way after a project sat for many months like that, that getting the creases out was impossible. Now I take my project off the hoop & stretch it out a bit when I finish for the evening. A few years ago I started using the Q Snap frames which I love. The frame is square and pieces can be added to make it larger. The frame itself is rounded with half round pieces to lock the fabric onto the frame. These can be easily turned to tighten the fabric as needed. These frames do not leave sharp creases which I like. Only drawback is they a little heavier than the standard hoop, especially when they are larger. I just learned the loop start from you a few months ago--mic drop!!! I won't start my thread any other way if I can help it. Thank you!!
I wish I had know about the pin stitch when I first started cross stitching. That has been a helpful stitch when working with confetti stitches and multiple color changes in a 10x10 on my grids.
I'm looking forward to the coming video about gridding that I heard mentioned in this video! I just came across this after stitching for years, and I'm finding it awesome, but I wish I knew the best way to do it and what to do when my thread is about to cover/cross the grid threads...
Great video for beginner stitchers! Loved this! Three things I wish I had known about in the beginning are the loop start, pin stitch and two-handed stitching. Both the loop start and pin stitch are wonderful because you don't have to turn your projects at all. I do my loop start from the front and just pull it through to the back of the fabric. I RARELY have to turn my work now which is great since I enjoy larger projects and use stands to hold my work. Love all your videos and I still learn so much from them and CCS community. 💚
My mom taught me the loop method and I do it from the front - even when as now I am actually just repairing an old patchwork project. I learnt lots of other things though so thank you.
You can loop start from the front of the project without having to flip back and forth. Thread the needle that same way, Insert down into corner hole, leave the loop sticking up about an inch, come up opposite corner hole, insert needle in the loop, go back down in the same opposite corner hole you came up in. Then you have your half stitch. 💁🏽♀️
I find when I thread my needle by pushing a loop through the eye then pulling the needle thru the loop to basically secure the thread to the needle with a slip knot was the best thing for me, I was constantly dropping my needles before doing this. Tracking my pattern on a tablet is fantastic &, since I stitch on linen, learning from a Jean Farish tutorial about where to start your project against a vertical thread (aka leaning against a post) has been helpful too.
Great tips to share! I try to be clear on why we do certain things when teaching anyone. A friend I recently taught still puts her needles in her mouth even after giving her a needle minder 😅
Hoops in general actually! I started stitching on very small projects, like 2"x3" or around there, so a hoop wasn't really necessary or even particularly practical in a lot of those cases. Then I started trying to do temperature projects that were at least 12"x12" and suddenly realized exactly why people use hoops and stretcher frames for cross stitch (I've done a little of other embroidery where they're much more necessary regardless of project size).
Great tips!! I have unfortunately had to learn some of these on my own. I agree that being a part of a stitching community is wonderful!! Not just because of advice, but if you have someone checking on you every so often, it holds you accountable to keep in schedule.
Thanks for providing this insight! I am just getting started in cross stitching after over 25 years of not, and before I had barely scratched the surface for Xmas ornaments.
Gridding. It improved my stitching 100%. It is very easy for me to miscount. Now, I have a smaller area to count and have several close spots to double-check where my needle goes. A LOT fewer mistakes are made! And I don't have to start in the center (not always a logical spot).
I have been cross stitching since I was 14 years old only counted cross stitching since the 1990's. I only found out about railroads and the loop start this year. BTW I am now 65 years old. So I've been stitching a long time. I also only found out about needle minders a couple years ago when I got one in a SAL pack and didn't know what it was. I now must have over 10! Thanks for the video. This Christmas i also set up a couple of small and hope easy project for someone who is 48 and never stitched. She has eyesight problems so I found 6 count aida. Hope it helps!
I do freehand embroidery, but I’ve never seen that loop start! Definitely useful for when you need 2,4, or 6 strands. Especially since I make use of spools of machine embroidery thread to make the length more custom without feeling like you waste thread
Love your video. I’ve also learned some of these great ideas on my own. The loop stitch I’ve learned from you. Thank you so much. Love this so simple idea 😊 Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎄
I learned to cross-Stitch from a lady that owned a cross-stitch store so I was fortune to learn a lot of these “tips” from the beginning unfortunately because of my eyesight I can’t no Longer enjoy this wonderful hobby anyone that is able to should embrace the hours of satisfaction they can achieve from this amazing experience
I so agree with you Ford and with Sherry Zimmerman. This is a MUST tutorial. I wish I had learned the "railroad" stitching. I will be using it from now on. Also the size and type of needle is so important. Thank you for taking the time to share this information.
great tips! oh and weaving the needle in to the Adia also not only stretches it but if left can also leave rust marks ! my mom found this out the hard way and it was runed and it was almost done!
Nicola Parkman of Hands Across the Sea has a video where she shows how she stitches. Start with pin stitch and how she ends with pin stitch. Very helpful.
I have no idea what drew me to cross stitch. I was an avid quilter but no longer have much interest in it. I had no one to teach me so all I've learned has come from UA-cam. I do know I love the Nurge hoops, and I much prefer a rectangle or square hoop, especially for close to the edge of the fabric when starting or finishing. I'll be starting a project in January on Lugana, which was impossible two years ago. Hoping I can do it this time. For now, I'll go watch your video about evenweave fabric which is in the list of recommendeds on my right.
Great tips. Merry holidays! Besides loop start on the front, the best "game changer" for me was learning about threading a needle by rubbing the eye across the thread which is pulled tight across a finger. It is hard to put into words. I never could thread floss just by "licking" and so I used a threader, which is time consuming. Then Sheri of Antique Needleworkers showed threading that way and ...bam....it is so much faster! Sometimes it doesn't work so I have threaders handy but usually it does. Also pinching the floss so that a tiny hump sticks up between fnger and thumb to insert in the needle eye sometimes works for me.
I recently started cross stitching after giving up for 2 years. What I wish I had known from the beginning is that hoops aren’t for everyone. I found out about “frames” on a UA-cam video for beginners and it’s been a game changer for me since I have severe arthritis and holding a narrow hoop hurt way too much.
I figured out the keyhole thread technique about a year ago, I can't believe how much time and energy I wasted over the years trying to block my starting thread.
One thing I wished I knew when I first started was how to finish your thread from the front without turning your work (Needle Ninja). Game changer for large full coverage.
If you can, go paperless! I aquired a tablet and pattern keeper software when i was challenged at keeping the page changes straight! Now i use markup rxp for charts that pattern keeper doesnt work with. If you dont want to pay for an app, i know that some stitchers bring their pdfs into a "notes" app and use the highlighter pen to mark off stitches. That's 1 thing, the other is, if you have any kind of floor or lap frame or stand that holds your hoop/qframe/scroll rods, learn to stitch 2-handed!
Hi, I enjoyed this so much. I learned trial and error, too. The only disappointed time I had was ... joined a crossstitch guild. I was working on a large 10"x18" canvas floral themed. I thought about using different textures of stitches to accent foliage. The lead instructor was not pleased, in front of the whole group. Thankfully 3 nice ladies understood what I was trying to do. I didn't finish and really don't know what happened to that project.
Two things I've learned that have made my stitching better: 1. I now cross each stitch as I go, instead of stitching a number of half stitches and then going back to cross those stitches. This has helped my floss wear evenly. The only time I don't do this is when a border calls for a long row of stitches. What I do in that case is stitch 9 diagonal or half stitches, fully cross the 10th stitch, and repeat all around. Then, I continue the border crossing all those half stitches. This helps me keep track of the number of stitches in that border without having to constantly stop and count. 2. I trap my needle in my thread. In other words, I cross stitch just like I sew a hem. I don't lose needles anymore. The only time I don't do this is when I'm starting a project, which is when I use the loop stitch. However, I loop from the front, and once that strand is secure, I insert my needle through the hole, gently moving the looped strand to the back, and I continue to stitch. The looped strand will move to the back of the fabric without my having to move the hoop/nurge/ or whatever, back and forth. I'm old.
I completely agree with the Loop Start being a game changer! I really wish I knew about it sooner!! Why aren't they teaching this in the instructions with the kits?! Lol
All of our Stitch-a-Longs are suitable for beginners. We don't include and fractional or speciality stitches and there's no back stitch. For a beginner we recommend a 14ct aida kit. Here's our latest SAL starting on 22nd January www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com/products/positivity-blooms-cross-stitch-a-long Choose the kit only or one of the bundles from the drop down menu on the listing
Thanks for being here Caterpillar Crew! Please like and subscribe and don't forget to claim your 8 FREE cross stitch patterns by tapping here: manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=UPA9pP&g=Ud7upB Sally and Ford x
THIS A MUST Tutorial for beginners and a great reminder for those of us who may have forgotten some things…..my TIP is to just relax if Your cross stitching mojo seems to slow down…..or even disappear…….after making a number of biscornus for my Grandchildren’s Legacy boxes for their Birthdays I was out of ANY mindful cross stitching…,,so I picked up my vanilla sock knitting pattern and slowly the SPIRIT of cross stitching seeped back into my life….ps also when You are overly tired or rushed….thats a good time to walk away for a breather…..Thanks Ford for this chance to be part of a community Merry Christmas
Yes! Hobbies are supposed to be relaxing and fun!
Thank you for being here, and thanks for watching!
Ball tip needles weren’t around when I started stitching 50 yrs ago, but I love them now!
Stitching on a standing frame is great, especially when you teach yourself to use both hands. Then you’ll work twice as fast.
The loop start is honestly such a game-changer.
Absolutely! 100%
I am in my in my 60s and have been cross stitching since I was in elementary school. This is the first time I've heard of using the loop method to secure your thread. Mind officially blown! What a game changer.
I told you I was about to change your life. Thanks for watching!
It really is isn't it!!
Thank you about the back of the fabric. When I first learned to cross stitch, I read online and saw Flosstube videos where people showed off their perfect backs. That was so dang stressful. And, doing a HAED where there is a ton of confetti, well, I just gave up on trying to make the back perfect. I'm so glad you talked about that here. I hope new cross stitchers quickly find this video so they can learn this tip right away.
Dear god, the loop stitch is already a game changer for me. I think I am subscribing just so i can learn better techniques period at this rate oml.
This is what we like to hear! We love being able to teach tips and tricks to make life easier for our stitchers :)
The first cross stitch I did was a large Precious Moments pattern. I took it to a big box store to be framed and when the man brought it out to me he said it had been very hard to frame because the back looked like a child had done it. He asked me if I wanted to pay for it or just let him throw it in the trash can. I cried all the way home and threw it in the trash myself. It has taken me years to pick up my needle since. My suggestion to new cross stitchers is to use all of these tutorial videos you can find and start on a small piece and don't let any body discourage you. Happy stitching.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. That was an awful thing for the framer to say. The back isn't seen and you can let it be messy if you want to.
Great tips! My favorite is the loop start! I would be interested in a back stitch tutorial for when you have to run those over blank canvas and tie in ends, et cetera!
I haven’t done cross stitching for several decades. When I did it before I had no idea of anything you talked about here. I’m thinking about doing a small design but want to learn more first. I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you.
I, too, cross stitched several decades ago,, and took it up when we started streaming and binge watching tv shows. I needed something to keep my hands busy while sitting for a few hours. It’s also a great project while visiting someone since it’s not as rude to cross stitch while conversing, but it is to read! You’ll find lots of good information here. YT has many useful channels.
I use loop stitch from the front instead of the back.
Yes, this is what I do too now. I showed the old way because if someone is just learning it it's easier to understand what's happening that way. Thanks for watching!
Me too, th en I don’t have to flip my work
Yep, me too. Every trick I can use so I don’t have to flip my work, the better I stitch.
@@SonovaStitchhow do you do that? I understand a loop stitch from the front, but would love tips for "not quite beginners". Tips part 2??
I do railroading on the top stitch only. Saves a lot of time and I don’t see a difference. Obviously for half cross stitches, I railroad that single stitch.
I also STRONGLY suggest loosening your frame a bit when you’re finished stitching for the day. Keeps hoop burn from happening.
Thank you for sharing your tips :)
The loop start is even better when you start it from the front. No flipping and flopping the hoop. Best for people using a stand.
Thankyou for a great video. So nice to learn some new techniques to help me enjoy stitching even more
Thanks for watching!
I use Q-Snaps. When I mount the fabric, I place the frame on the front side. Clipping the fabric so that holding the excess fabric, I am touching the back side, not the front of the fabric. The extra benefit is that you have a ‘well’ created. Great for when that needle slips off the floss. It will usually drop into the ‘well’. Also great for holding those ‘splinter’ tweezers for pulling out ‘unwanted fabric’ such as cat hairs, etc.. or if you have to remove a misplaced stitch. Those sharp points allow you to grab the floss without creating a problem.
I also buy waist-band elastic. Measure around two sides of the frame, cut one inch shorter and hand stitch the overlap. The elastic helps to hold the excess rolled up fabric so it’s out of your way. Neat and tidy. You only need two elastic bands, one horizontal, one vertical.
These are great tips! I stitch "in the well" too and I'm a big proponent of it, even though people think it's weird.
Great tip! Would love to see a pic of it, of where you position the elastic. Big fabric is always my problem and I dont own a sewing machine so I cant make a grime guard, thats why I think the elastik would help. Thanks!
Finding out about the loop start was a game changer for me! But, I do it right in the front. No need to turn over my hoop and do it on the back. It makes no difference that I can see..🤔 Also, I was tired my using my cheap wooden hoops and purchased 2 “ Nurge “ Hoops. They are the best on the market in my opinion. Like you described, they hold the fabric nice and tight and the hardware is very good to get and keep it that way! 👍🏻Also they dont leave a big impression on the fabric when removed so I can leave them on the fabric longer. 😁. Tks for your video! 👏🏻👩🏻🦰🇨🇦
Thanks for watching! :)
I always railroads when using white floss. I think it makes a big difference in how the stitch lays particularly when I stitching white next to a dark color.
Great tip! Thank you for sharing :)
I've been stitching for a few months now and I've picked up most of these, but I wasn't aware of the railroad stitch. This hopefully will be a huge help in keeping my stitches neat.
Two things I do are:
I use a fine sharp tip quilting needle to stitch outlines, as I find it much easier to accurately pierce through a stitch and fabric for fiddly outlines.
I also prefer to stitch with a single thread, but I only put one end through the needle eye and then I pull it through so the two tails are together, and the middle of the thread is at the needle eye (the same as using double thread to hand sew).
It's essentially the same as using two threads as the tails have to be weaved through at both the start and finish, but when I've finished stitching and weaved the needle through some stitches at the back, I snip off the excess and the remaining thread is still looped on the needle and ready to immediately stitch in a new area.
It also means I can stitch until almost all the thread is used, and those last few stitches don't fray and looks messy.
Fantastic tips! Thank you for sharing!
I love starting and ending with a loop. I'm just starting my journey again after learning to cross stitch as a child.
How do you end with a loop?
@@m0ther0neI haven’t done it, but there are YT videos on it. I’d link them here if I knew how.
Pin stitch, absolutely the pin stitch saved my sanity on several projects. ESPECIALLY when using variegated flosses or playing thread chicken.
Thanks!
I have watched other stitching videos where they mention the loop method, but until I saw your demonstration, I didn’t understand it. Today I used my first loop method to start a new project! Thank you!
That's amazing to hear! Thanks for sharing :)
100% agree on the back of the fabric tip. I learned cross-stitching when I was still a kid with my mom and back then it seems they were more concerned with the back than with the front lol. Now I couldn't care less what the back looks like as long as the front looks good. No one will ever see the back and if they do they'll know a human did it, not a machine.
Amazing way to look at it :)
Omg loop start! Thank you for sharing I have been doing off and on for the last 25-30 YEARS!
Hi Ford, Great flosstube for all cross stitchers ! "Inherited wisdom" , not only in cross stitch ! I had to smile when you mentioned that :) Loop start is a game changer ! And pulling out one thread at a time is like magic !
Thank you for watching :)
I'm new to your video... very good advice!! I've been stitching for almost 50 years and you actually made me think of things I never gave much thought to... Thank You😊
Thank you for watching!
I wish I had known:
🪡 that there is a flat side and a curved side on the eye of your needle. Sometimes if you are having difficulty threading it, flip the needle over and try from the other side
🪡 that if your thread isn't laying flat and seems to be twisted while you stitch, let it hang (attached to the needle) from underneath your project and it will naturally unwind itself.
🪡 How much fun cross stitch camps or day events are and how much I would learn from people at my table,
🪡 that cutting a small piece of rubber shelf liner would help keep your fabric from slipping in a hoop.
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing :)
Chopsticks!! Love this! I’m not great at them but my desire to snack and also keep my work clean is strong 😋
You can get training chopsticks ;)
This is the most important tip honestly. I need snacks to keep me going and focused! And as CPCX said, there are training chopsticks and even "snack chopsticks." You could probably use long tweezers if chopsticks seem daunting.
Good evening. I haven't done cross stitch in some years and am now going to pick it up again tomorrow. This is the first ever video I've watched for cross stitch as I self-taught. Thanks for the great tips things I wish I knew earlier.
Enjoy your stitching! Thank you for watching :)
I’ve only been stitching 2 years this is very useful
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching :)
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I want to pick up any hints that will make my projects look better. I do enjoy count cross stitching for fun.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
I wish I had had this Video back in 2019. Thank you so much for these tips.
You're welcome :) Thank you for watching!
I appreciate your advice, and style of delivery!
Thanks for watching!
These are great tips! I somehow learned the loop start thing early on. But railroading is going to change my current project that I have been working on for years (not consistently, I let life and kids get the better of me).
One thing I have done to try and keep my project clean, I have issues with my hands sweating, is a cotton glove on the hand I hold the piece with. I tried wearing them on both but just didn't like holding my needle with the glove.
That's a great tip!
Loop start is really cool but it can be even cooler. Instead of bringing your needle up from the back, start from the front and bring your needle up for your first leg, thread needle thru the loop and take your needle back down in the same hole you began in. Give a gentle tug and the loop moves to the back. Then either continue making the first half of your stitch or complete each stitch as you go. This is particularly useful if you are using a stitching frame.
Thank you for sharing :)
I learned cross stitch on my own and when I first started would keep my work in the hoop. BIG mistake!!! I found out the hard way after a project sat for many months like that, that getting the creases out was impossible. Now I take my project off the hoop & stretch it out a bit when I finish for the evening. A few years ago I started using the Q Snap frames which I love. The frame is square and pieces can be added to make it larger. The frame itself is rounded with half round pieces to lock the fabric onto the frame. These can be easily turned to tighten the fabric as needed. These frames do not leave sharp creases which I like. Only drawback is they a little heavier than the standard hoop, especially when they are larger. I just learned the loop start from you a few months ago--mic drop!!! I won't start my thread any other way if I can help it. Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing! We're glad you are finding Fords videos helpful :)
I wish I had know about the pin stitch when I first started cross stitching. That has been a helpful stitch when working with confetti stitches and multiple color changes in a 10x10 on my grids.
Thank you for watching :)
I'm looking forward to the coming video about gridding that I heard mentioned in this video! I just came across this after stitching for years, and I'm finding it awesome, but I wish I knew the best way to do it and what to do when my thread is about to cover/cross the grid threads...
Gridding, for me, was a God-send!
We do have a beginner guide here: ua-cam.com/video/Wv1pHzAsqok/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Great video for beginner stitchers! Loved this! Three things I wish I had known about in the beginning are the loop start, pin stitch and two-handed stitching. Both the loop start and pin stitch are wonderful because you don't have to turn your projects at all. I do my loop start from the front and just pull it through to the back of the fabric. I RARELY have to turn my work now which is great since I enjoy larger projects and use stands to hold my work. Love all your videos and I still learn so much from them and CCS community. 💚
Thank you - we're so pleased you are enjoying being a part of our community!
My mom taught me the loop method and I do it from the front - even when as now I am actually just repairing an old patchwork project. I learnt lots of other things though so thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Great video, Ford! Thank you and see you next time!
Such a great video with so many little important points, thank you! I so enjoyed this:)
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching :)
You have come up with some good advice & tips! Thankyou
Thanks for watching :)
Um, wow, loop stitch is a life changer... thank you!!!!
That's exactly how we feel too! You're very welcome!
You can loop start from the front of the project without having to flip back and forth. Thread the needle that same way, Insert down into corner hole, leave the loop sticking up about an inch, come up opposite corner hole, insert needle in the loop, go back down in the same opposite corner hole you came up in. Then you have your half stitch. 💁🏽♀️
Going to the back helps with your oh no's.
Thank you for sharing :)
I find when I thread my needle by pushing a loop through the eye then pulling the needle thru the loop to basically secure the thread to the needle with a slip knot was the best thing for me, I was constantly dropping my needles before doing this. Tracking my pattern on a tablet is fantastic &, since I stitch on linen, learning from a Jean Farish tutorial about where to start your project against a vertical thread (aka leaning against a post) has been helpful too.
That's a great tip! Thank you for watching!
Thank you!
I really like your loop start idea. I've been cross stitching for 40 years, and I'm gonna try this. Thanks!
It's a true gamechanger! Thank you for watching!
There's also a loop end and MIND BLOWING.
Great tips to share! I try to be clear on why we do certain things when teaching anyone. A friend I recently taught still puts her needles in her mouth even after giving her a needle minder 😅
Thank you for watching :)
Hoops in general actually! I started stitching on very small projects, like 2"x3" or around there, so a hoop wasn't really necessary or even particularly practical in a lot of those cases. Then I started trying to do temperature projects that were at least 12"x12" and suddenly realized exactly why people use hoops and stretcher frames for cross stitch (I've done a little of other embroidery where they're much more necessary regardless of project size).
Great tip regarding hoops, thank you for watching :)
Great tips!! I have unfortunately had to learn some of these on my own. I agree that being a part of a stitching community is wonderful!! Not just because of advice, but if you have someone checking on you every so often, it holds you accountable to keep in schedule.
Yes, Stitchalong groups can be great for that too! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for providing this insight! I am just getting started in cross stitching after over 25 years of not, and before I had barely scratched the surface for Xmas ornaments.
Thank you for watching! We're pleased this has helped :)
Gridding. It improved my stitching 100%. It is very easy for me to miscount. Now, I have a smaller area to count and have several close spots to double-check where my needle goes. A LOT fewer mistakes are made! And I don't have to start in the center (not always a logical spot).
Great to hear that gridding has helped :)
I have been cross stitching since I was 14 years old only counted cross stitching since the 1990's. I only found out about railroads and the loop start this year. BTW I am now 65 years old. So I've been stitching a long time. I also only found out about needle minders a couple years ago when I got one in a SAL pack and didn't know what it was. I now must have over 10! Thanks for the video. This Christmas i also set up a couple of small and hope easy project for someone who is 48 and never stitched. She has eyesight problems so I found 6 count aida. Hope it helps!
How lovely, your friend will enjoy it I'm sure! Merry Christmas and thanks for watching!
Really great tutorial
Glad you enjoyed it :)
Loved seeing the railroading. Gonna give that a shot
Good luck!! Thanks for watching :)
This is an excellent video, I wish I’d had this as a beginner.
Thank you for watching!
I do freehand embroidery, but I’ve never seen that loop start! Definitely useful for when you need 2,4, or 6 strands. Especially since I make use of spools of machine embroidery thread to make the length more custom without feeling like you waste thread
Glad it was helpful!
Absolute game changer tips ✨
Thank you 💚
Awesome to hear! Thanks for watching!
Love your video. I’ve also learned some of these great ideas on my own. The loop stitch I’ve learned from you. Thank you so much. Love this so simple idea 😊
Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎄
Merry christmas and thanks for watching!
I learned to cross-Stitch from a lady that owned a cross-stitch store so I was fortune to learn a lot of these “tips” from the beginning unfortunately because of my eyesight I can’t no Longer enjoy this wonderful hobby anyone that is able to should embrace the hours of satisfaction they can achieve from this amazing experience
Thank you for watching! :)
I so agree with you Ford and with Sherry Zimmerman. This is a MUST tutorial. I wish I had learned the "railroad" stitching. I will be using it from now on. Also the size and type of needle is so important. Thank you for taking the time to share this information.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!
Thank you for watching :)
Ball tip needles saved my sanity working on black aida, and made stitching on 18ct possible again. (I'm in my 60s and my eyes aren't good.)
Thank you for sharing what works for you :)
great tips! oh and weaving the needle in to the Adia also not only stretches it but if left can also leave rust marks ! my mom found this out the hard way and it was runed and it was almost done!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! This is really helpful :)
I wish I had learned how to start with a pin stitch sooner. I still don’t have a hang on ending with the pin stitch but I’m learning. Great video.
I'll have to look at this!
I've tried that with little luck. I'll have to give it another whirl! Thanks for watching!
Nicola Parkman of Hands Across the Sea has a video where she shows how she stitches. Start with pin stitch and how she ends with pin stitch. Very helpful.
@ will definitely check it out, thank you.
I have no idea what drew me to cross stitch. I was an avid quilter but no longer have much interest in it. I had no one to teach me so all I've learned has come from UA-cam. I do know I love the Nurge hoops, and I much prefer a rectangle or square hoop, especially for close to the edge of the fabric when starting or finishing. I'll be starting a project in January on Lugana, which was impossible two years ago. Hoping I can do it this time. For now, I'll go watch your video about evenweave fabric which is in the list of recommendeds on my right.
Thank you for sharing!
Very helpful!!!!!
Like the 2 strand method but what do you do for 3 strand requirements?
Me encantó! I loved it!
Thanks!
Great tips. Merry holidays!
Besides loop start on the front, the best "game changer" for me was learning about threading a needle by rubbing the eye across the thread which is pulled tight across a finger. It is hard to put into words. I never could thread floss just by "licking" and so I used a threader, which is time consuming. Then Sheri of Antique Needleworkers showed threading that way and ...bam....it is so much faster! Sometimes it doesn't work so I have threaders handy but usually it does. Also pinching the floss so that a tiny hump sticks up between fnger and thumb to insert in the needle eye sometimes works for me.
Great tips! Thank you!
I recently started cross stitching after giving up for 2 years. What I wish I had known from the beginning is that hoops aren’t for everyone. I found out about “frames” on a UA-cam video for beginners and it’s been a game changer for me since I have severe arthritis and holding a narrow hoop hurt way too much.
Thank you for sharing! That's a great tip!
I cross stitched for over 20 years before I learned the loop start! No books or charts back in the day ever mentioned it.
It makes such a difference doesn't it!
Aprendí de muy niña a bordar pero no le vi lo divertido por ser obligada, pero hoy ya mayor lo veo distinto
Great tutorial.
Great advice I will try railroading next time. Merry Christmas
Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas to you too!
I found this film really helpful.
Great to hear! Thank you for watching :)
As always Ford, another interesting and informative video - Merry Christmas 😊
Thank you for watching and a Merry Christmas right back :)
I figured out the keyhole thread technique about a year ago, I can't believe how much time and energy I wasted over the years trying to block my starting thread.
Thankyou Ford 👏👏
Thanks for watching :)
Glad I found you, thank you.
Thanks for watching :)
One thing I wished I knew when I first started was how to finish your thread from the front without turning your work (Needle Ninja). Game changer for large full coverage.
Thanks!
Railroading is something I need to try! Thank you!
Good Luck :)
If you can, go paperless! I aquired a tablet and pattern keeper software when i was challenged at keeping the page changes straight! Now i use markup rxp for charts that pattern keeper doesnt work with. If you dont want to pay for an app, i know that some stitchers bring their pdfs into a "notes" app and use the highlighter pen to mark off stitches. That's 1 thing, the other is, if you have any kind of floor or lap frame or stand that holds your hoop/qframe/scroll rods, learn to stitch 2-handed!
Fantastic tips! Thank you :)
Great video! I'm excited to watch more of your content
Thank you for watching :)
I’ve been cross stitch for 50 years. My cross stitching is so neat and precise I don’t need to railroad. 😊
That's great news!
Hi, I enjoyed this so much. I learned trial and error, too. The only disappointed time I had was ... joined a crossstitch guild. I was working on a large 10"x18" canvas floral themed. I thought about using different textures of stitches to accent foliage. The lead instructor was not pleased, in front of the whole group. Thankfully 3 nice ladies understood what I was trying to do. I didn't finish and really don't know what happened to that project.
I'm sorry you had that experience. We very much believe that it's your project and you can adapt as you wish! Merry Christmas!
@@CaterpillarCrossStitch thanks, be safe and one stich keep teaching.
Two things I've learned that have made my stitching better: 1. I now cross each stitch as I go, instead of stitching a number of half stitches and then going back to cross those stitches. This has helped my floss wear evenly. The only time I don't do this is when a border calls for a long row of stitches. What I do in that case is stitch 9 diagonal or half stitches, fully cross the 10th stitch, and repeat all around. Then, I continue the border crossing all those half stitches. This helps me keep track of the number of stitches in that border without having to constantly stop and count. 2. I trap my needle in my thread. In other words, I cross stitch just like I sew a hem. I don't lose needles anymore. The only time I don't do this is when I'm starting a project, which is when I use the loop stitch. However, I loop from the front, and once that strand is secure, I insert my needle through the hole, gently moving the looped strand to the back, and I continue to stitch. The looped strand will move to the back of the fabric without my having to move the hoop/nurge/ or whatever, back and forth.
I'm old.
Fantastic tips! Thank you so much for sharing and watching :)
Awesome information and very helpful ❤
Thanks for watching! We're glad you found it helpful :)
Flaming hot Cheetos! Hahahaha the chopsticks are a great tip! Thanks for all your awesome videos Ford. Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎄
Thank you for watching! We hope you had a great Christmas :)
Would a regular magnet serve the same purpose as a needle minder?
You would need two magnets but yes!
Awesome tips! Thanks!❤
I completely agree with the Loop Start being a game changer! I really wish I knew about it sooner!! Why aren't they teaching this in the instructions with the kits?! Lol
I'm not sure what kits you use, but I learned loop starting from the instructions in kits. Before that, everyone taught me to start with a knot.
All great information!
Thank you for watching :)
Very great info! Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Where would you suggest i look for a pattern i bought in the 90s and have since lost?
My best guess would be if you have the name / designer info looking online or contacting the designer directly :)
@CaterpillarCrossStitch it was a kit I got from TheStitchery
Great ideas!
Thanks for watching :)
Like the loop method will have to try. Did fried green tomatoes cafe took me a year to make it someone offered me 25.00
This was a super helpful post.
How do you know how much floss to use for a certain color? Is gauging that just something that will eventually become second nature?
Yes it will, you will learn what works best for you as time goes on.
Thank you for the tips😊
Thanks for watching :)
Wow
Are there any stitch alongside on this site for very very beginners?
All of our Stitch-a-Longs are suitable for beginners. We don't include and fractional or speciality stitches and there's no back stitch. For a beginner we recommend a 14ct aida kit. Here's our latest SAL starting on 22nd January
www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com/products/positivity-blooms-cross-stitch-a-long
Choose the kit only or one of the bundles from the drop down menu on the listing