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
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.
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!
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 another excellent video. I have learnt some brilliant tips from you this year. I think one great thing about watching videos about cross stitch is that it has shown me that there are many ways of doing this hobby. Even how to make a cross stitch differs between people. And the community is so positive and supportive. Looking forward to learning more in 2025 😊
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 😅
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 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.
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.
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 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!
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 🎄
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 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
Hi, question: opinion on full coverage 2 strand work. When stitching blends have you ever stitched one leg one color and then stitched the other color. Want to cut size on project.
Yes, I did one project this way with an eye to achieving a specific look. I was making a pattern of Mr Bean's Teddy and wanted to create a knit/crochet texture, so I did the first leg of all the stitches in a dark brown and then the second leg of each in a dark, medium, or light brown. It worked really really well and I like the texture I achieved a lot, but I don't know if it would work for every project.
@SonovaStitch thank you so much. No one has been able to answer me. And you just can't try a spot to see if you like. What count was this. Do you have a picture or video on piece?
I had to learn on my own and picked up loop start, pin stitch, railroading, floss types,...as I went. Wish I had known these, too, from the start. I still wish I knew how to do the most efficient or better stitch journey or path. I love the look of snowflakes, but I don't know of a path to quickly/easily stitch them. So frustrating...feel like I'm jumping all over the place on them. Also, waves of the ocean with a varigated floss. Stitch journey? Up and down or across or in bits here and there. Ugh! 🤔
I learned the loop start from Jane Greenoff, in one of her many books or magazines. I have all of her Jane Greenoff cross stitch magazines and still re- read them. I am the only stitcher in the family, and at 71 years young, wonder what to do with all my cross stitch gear when I die. It's an age thing. Any ideas?
I think it works for some and not others. I agree it takes a little more time. We do have a video dedicated to railroading that you find here : ua-cam.com/video/ZijzORt93tk/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
I actually stepped on a needle once when I set a project on the floor. 1 year of antibiotics for a bone infection and a surgery later, I learned not to do that! 😅
My advice...change out your needle when its bent, corroded or not gliding through the fabric smoothly anymore. Needles are the cheapest tool for us needleworkers and yet it seems many of us want to hold on to a needle as long as possible, Also, if you use multiple sizes, I label needle tins with what size the needle is so I can easily grab a new #26 for example. And on another note, one of my goals for 2025 is to finally try evenweave and stitching over 2.
Don't start with the dark colored floss. Do your light colors first. Needles left in your fabric will stain it, sometimes as quickly as overnight. Thimbles can save your fingers. Don't do someone else's project for them. Photocopy your pattern, and double check it before you start. I can go on.😉
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!
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.
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!
Omg loop start! Thank you for sharing I have been doing off and on for the last 25-30 YEARS!
Great video! I'm excited to watch more of your content
I never knew these tps. Thank you. ❤
Pin stitch, absolutely the pin stitch saved my sanity on several projects. ESPECIALLY when using variegated flosses or playing thread chicken.
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 another excellent video. I have learnt some brilliant tips from you this year. I think one great thing about watching videos about cross stitch is that it has shown me that there are many ways of doing this hobby. Even how to make a cross stitch differs between people. And the community is so positive and supportive. Looking forward to learning more in 2025 😊
Thanks for the tips!
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 😅
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?
Railroading is something I need to try! Thank you!
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 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.
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!
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 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!
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!
Great advice I will try railroading next time. Merry Christmas
Thanks for watching! Merry Christmas to you too!
This is an excellent video, I wish I’d had this as a beginner.
Thank you for watching!
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.
This was a super helpful post.
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!
Good information.
Thanks for watching!
Great lessons! Thanks Ford!
Happy Christmas Nugget!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well! Thanks for watching!
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!
gamer chopsticks or 'cheat' chopsticks are great for those of us with less dexterity :D
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.
Hi, question: opinion on full coverage 2 strand work. When stitching blends have you ever stitched one leg one color and then stitched the other color. Want to cut size on project.
Yes, I did one project this way with an eye to achieving a specific look. I was making a pattern of Mr Bean's Teddy and wanted to create a knit/crochet texture, so I did the first leg of all the stitches in a dark brown and then the second leg of each in a dark, medium, or light brown. It worked really really well and I like the texture I achieved a lot, but I don't know if it would work for every project.
@SonovaStitch thank you so much. No one has been able to answer me. And you just can't try a spot to see if you like. What count was this. Do you have a picture or video on piece?
I had to learn on my own and picked up loop start, pin stitch, railroading, floss types,...as I went. Wish I had known these, too, from the start.
I still wish I knew how to do the most efficient or better stitch journey or path. I love the look of snowflakes, but I don't know of a path to quickly/easily stitch them. So frustrating...feel like I'm jumping all over the place on them.
Also, waves of the ocean with a varigated floss. Stitch journey? Up and down or across or in bits here and there. Ugh! 🤔
We'll add this to our list :) Merry Christmas!!
Is it possible to use the loop start using 3 strands?
Mind blown. I have never heard of loop start! 🤯 wow
Complete game changer isn't it! Merry Christmas!
I learned the loop start from Jane Greenoff, in one of her many books or magazines. I have all of her Jane Greenoff cross stitch magazines and still re- read them. I am the only stitcher in the family, and at 71 years young, wonder what to do with all my cross stitch gear when I die. It's an age thing. Any ideas?
Find a local craft club - they will definitely appreciate your stash!
I've found that railroading is time consuming and does not net super reSults. Am I missing something?
I think it works for some and not others. I agree it takes a little more time. We do have a video dedicated to railroading that you find here : ua-cam.com/video/ZijzORt93tk/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
I learned to start a cross stitch with a pin stitch.
I actually stepped on a needle once when I set a project on the floor. 1 year of antibiotics for a bone infection and a surgery later, I learned not to do that! 😅
Ouch, that is a painful less you're not likely to forget in a hurry! Thanks for watching!
Um... loop start only works for 2 strand needed ... 3 strands or mix colors or thread types if would be very VERY problematic
True, but for the things it works for it's indespensible! Thanks for watching!
You can use a loop method for one thread. Stitcherista has a good video on it. It's a game changer 😊
My advice...change out your needle when its bent, corroded or not gliding through the fabric smoothly anymore. Needles are the cheapest tool for us needleworkers and yet it seems many of us want to hold on to a needle as long as possible, Also, if you use multiple sizes, I label needle tins with what size the needle is so I can easily grab a new #26 for example.
And on another note, one of my goals for 2025 is to finally try evenweave and stitching over 2.
Great tips! Good luck with trying out evenweave. We have a video you might find helpful here: ua-cam.com/video/z6-5Bl-VYG8/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Don't start with the dark colored floss. Do your light colors first.
Needles left in your fabric will stain it, sometimes as quickly as overnight.
Thimbles can save your fingers.
Don't do someone else's project for them.
Photocopy your pattern, and double check it before you start.
I can go on.😉
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
🎅
C'mon now, my beard isn't THAT white!
Thanks for watching!
@@SonovaStitch *yet. :P
I have undone projects