I have cross stitched for years and have made many mistakes. I had never know there was a different way to stitch until 2 weeks ago when I decide I had enough of flipping my project to finish a thread so was looking for a way to finish from above. saw videos on parking but it looked like chaos but was really interested to understand what it was as I had just bought to mega solid image projects. you video made it click for me and I am so excited to use this method as I often get lost and make mistakes since losing sight in my right eye. have even sent a link to my BF who is about to start her first cross stitch project as she is always asking for advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video.
Carolyn, This is an excellent video on parking! This was super clear so that anybody who wants to learn this technique should be able to follow it. I've been doing it on a 10 x 10 grid like you do as well. I was glad to hear you say that you could stitch about 100 - 150 stitches per hour depending on the confetti. That's about the best I can do as well. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us! You're a terrific teacher!
idk why other people's parking method videos confused me so much, but yours is the one i actually understood, thank you for sharing im new to cross stitch but im eyeing a few full coverage pieces i wanna work on and use the parking method on!!
Started my first HAED yesterday and your parking technique is really easy! Thank you for this great video! I probably didn't dare to start a HAED without it!
I just discovered Floss Tube and Cross Stitch. I have needlepointed for years but wanted to "cross over" ;) and give counted cross stitch a try. This is my very first comment and I am not even sure what a "channel" is and how to create a photo in the box but I have adult children who can help me with it later. Anyway, I got overwhelmed with my first project and gridding. Your method looks PERFECT for me! And, parking seems to be a great option. If I didn't happen to see your videos, I would be somewhere with a ruler and pencil still trying to figure out how to grid!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. And your needlework is just BEAUTIFUL!
Love this video. I searched in vain for a parking method tutorial when I first started Mini Pearl in 2013 and really just couldn't find anything. Finally found a blog that described it in a way that made sense to me. But my methods have changed as I've learned. I love that you reiterate that this is your method and maybe it doesn't work for everybody else, but that's ok. :) The ultimate goal is to find something that works and we're just providing a few options. Someday, I'll figure how to record my own method to show just another possibility for people. As a side note, every time I see your Blue Dragon, I get so excited about HAED all over again. It makes me want to get back to work on mine. Your work is gorgeous. Truly amazing. :) Hugs, Jessie
Hi Jessie, Thank you so much! That's what I love about this community - the ability to share how we do things, tips, shortcuts, storage options, and of course......enabling lol! I get so many questions on IG, whenever I post a pic of the dragon and it's not the easiest thing to describe. So hopefully I can now just refer them to the video which will be easier to understand. I'd love to see how you park. The more possibilities we share with each other, the easier it will become for newbies and those wanting to try something new. Thank you for the kind comments, they're really appreciated :) Happy stitching x
I know you have had this video out for a while and the Flosstube world always refers back. Thank you. I have been eyeing some HAED's and I feel like I'm ready this tutorial really makes me want to get started. THank you for this video and all your others.
+TheRetrogirl369 My pleasure. I hope you do give it a try, and if you don't like it, that's totally fine. We're all different and I love the fact we have different ways of doing things. Who knows, you may even find a way to tweak it to suit your needs better. Best of luck! Happy stitching :) x
Recently returned to xstitch after many years and been cruising around and finding all sorts of "new" to me techniques and this was awesome to watch. Not sure if I'll try it as I am more taken at the moment with sampler style stitches but what I loved the best was to hear an Aussie accent :D
I’m starting w new project and it’s the first time i do my own drawing. I never planned or made a chart or anything. I just improvised. This is the first time i see a planning technique
your video was such a huge help! I've never hear of parking before, I'm guessing it would be easier to start this technique with a few thread for eg 5 threads for a 10 by 10. Thanks so much!! I too am in Aust so helpful to hear someone 'without' an accent talking and describing - its amazing how differently ppl from other countries communicate things.
Previous parking method videos have not made sence to me. Yours however I think I could do. Still building up myself up to do one lol. It won't be long nowthat I have watched your brilliant video. Thank you. Happy stitching☺
Great explanation but the back of the piece would drive me insane! When I first learned to cross stitch I learned from a tiny book that said the back of your piece should be as neat as the front and I live by that couldn't stitch this way. I love cross stitch because of its super neatness so I just cant even :P Great video though!
cortex19518 gees!! I am jealous!! Ive always heard that the back should be as neat as the front. So far Ive never even come close to accomplishing it. Is there some secret I ve missed???
Thank you thank you thank you! I'm working on a huge, completely filled in design and it has been a slog. I tried both your 10x10 grid technique with the parking last night, and I got SO much done! Brilliant!
MissCritiki That's awesome! I'm so happy you found it helpful and that it sped things up a bit for you. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback on this. Happy stitching :) x
This makes me want to pull out my HAED and work on it, but i REALLY need to finish Kairi's Stocking first, lol. Andrew is buying me a stand for Christmas too, so i hope i can start doing the two handed method at that point, it's slow goings stitching with only one hand! It's tough not having a proper stand right now, which i think is what has been discouraging me from working on that large project. Great video, much better than the parking videos i had seen when i first started my HAED! Loving following your Dragon's progress on instagram! :)
Thank you so much! I can't recall exactly when I got my first stand, but it was pretty early on in my stitching. I can't work for too long holding a hoop because my hand gets a bit cramped, and the stand just gave me that freedom to stitch all night long! What a great Christmas present :) You'll have nothing holding you back once you get it set up. Probably the worst thing about the stand (depending which one you get) is not being able to switch projects on it easily. My first couple of stands had to have the project attached to the fabric strips which were attached to the scroll bars - and because the stands were purchased second hand, I didn't have the option of buying additional scroll bars for other projects. Still, it suited me because I was a 1 project at a time person back then :) Thank you for the lovely comments and I'm glad I have inspired you to get back to that HAED. Happy stitching :) x
Thank you! I've got terrible vision, and have a very difficult time telling colors apart but won't allow that to stop me from stitching. I've never been able to park because I can't tell the colors apart when they are all hanging. This is something I can probably do. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks so much!!
Hi Carolyn, great video! I can't wait to try this technique. One question - I noticed that you are completing the X for each stitch, even if they are side by side (same color). Is that a better way than doing half stitches in a row and then crossing them coming back? Does it make a difference? Sorry for my lack of technical terms - I'm still a beginner. Thank you!
+Denise Melikian Hi Denise, so sorry for the extremely late response...... it appears there are quite a few comments here that I didn't get notifications for, so I apologise. There is no right or wrong way, only whichever way works best for you, so feel free to do however you like best. Happy stitching :) x
Great video!! Thank you so much for sharing. I think working in the 10 x 10 is the easiest way. When i see people with tons of threads i get worried. I don't like a lot of trrailing on my work if i trail i also like to run it under a few threads but that's just me.
Some grids I can have quite a few threads (when the confetti is really heavy), but it is manageable with the small grid method. Thanks so much for watching and happy stitching :) x
Thank you for sharing :) you did it in a very understanding way that made sense so thank you:( was just wondering though what HAEDs stands for? you mentioned it in one of your comments hun:)
I am new to flosstube, but I've been stitching for 30 years, so excuse my late comment on this video. Your explanation of parking made it click for me. Thank you! I came across it in a video a couple of days ago, but was not confident at all that I understood it, until I came across your video that is. I love the full coverage designs, but knew there had to be a quicker way, so one I get the complete hang of it I am sure it will be much faster. So once again, thank you for being such an excellent teacher!
Thanks! This was an excellent tutorial :D I am currently trying to find the parking method that works for me. Parking makes stitching a HAED much easier!
I agree Chloe. I stitched a Mystic Stitch piece years ago, and although it wasn't anywhere near as big as my dragon, it was still a sizeable piece. I stitched it how I would normally stitch, by colour over each page. I remember making so many mistakes because I mis-counted, and it took forever to stitch! If only I knew about this technique back then it would have been so much easier. Merry Christmas and Happy stitching :) x
Very helpful video! One thing I am wondering about and would love to more is how you use your ipad while you stitch. You mentioned that you keep track of your patter completion that way... I'd love to hear more about that! - NEVERMIND - just found your Jan 3 tutorial - heading over there right now!
I have crossed stitched for years, mostly small to medium project bought at the local craft store or walmart. I have always loved the bigger more intricate projects but have been intimidated by them. I always make a mistake in counting and either have to take out a lot of stitches or adjust. This is great! This would make it so much easier I might have to take the plunge and try a bigger pattern. I love the loop method also that seems so much easier and less messy! Thank you so much!
I've been cross stitching for more than 30 years and have just learned about this method. I'm super excited to try it but I really can't stand the idea of the messy back. My backs are almost as beautiful as my fronts. I wonder if there is a way to do this without making such a mess of the back of your work.
+Christine Doiron I wish I could say there was Christine, but I really don't think so. I used to feel exactly the same way and in fact I was very hesitant to try this method because every one I saw also had a messy front (due to using the waste knot on the front of the work). I decided to give it a try using the loop method start, so at least that got rid of one of the messy problems. It really didn't take me long to realise that this method is by far the fastest way to complete a full coverage design, and if it meant sacrificing a neat back then I was willing to do it. I just simply had to let it go.... after all, there's only 2 people that see the back anyway - myself and the picture framer. Even though I taught myself to cross stitch, I did learn along the way that the back should be a mirror reflection of the front.... and even though the back of my design wasn't as neat as it was using the normal method, I could still see the mirror reflection of my dragon... so that made me feel happy. Of course, designs with loads of confetti may not be able to make the same comparison. For me personally, it's more important to be enjoying what I'm doing and in a way that I can see steady progress than it is to have a neat back. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy this method of stitching. I do hope that you give it a try. Stitching HAEDs can take years... why not speed up the process a little :) Take care and happy stitching :) x
I really liked this video. I am a little confused. The threads that did not have a number are not going to be parked? And how do you know what the colors are in the next grid? Do you number them when you park them? Thank you.
Mary Weeks Hi Mary, the chart I drew up for the demonstration was just a portion of the original chart because copyright restricts me from showing the actual full pattern.... therefore I had to limit what I could actually show on the video. I had to come up with a way of showing how I parked without actually showing the real chart - so I used numbers and only the first 4 so I would not get into trouble doing so.... each number on my demo represented the actual symbol on the real chart. With this particular section of the grid there was probably a total of about 12 different colours, and yes each separate colour (or symbol) was then parked down below, in the next incidence of that colour. No, I don't number them - I follow the original chart and use the symbols as a reference point when I highlight them. I hope this explains my technique a little better for you. Happy stitching :) x
I just started parking and really need to start marking my chart where I parked. I started working on my project and forgot what was parked cuz the colors were so similar, live and learn. It is going a little better now and I wish i had started doing this a long time ago. Thank you for sharing! ;)
You know what astounds me? You made this video a year and a ½ ago! Yet, so many have watched just a few months ago! Your instructions are so easy to follow and your demonstration of the technique is very precise. Thank you for taking the time to teach and encourage us stitchers! (By the way... I don't think that back matters either. It's my love of project and knowing that my work will be a keepsake for my family.) Great job Carolyn! Thank you.
I'm so amazed at how smooth all of these colors are blending and how beautiful your stitches are. I'd never do this difficult of a piece, it's too much of a headache for me (watch me say this and then start doing haeds in a couple of years...) It amazes me how you have the patience and the brain power to do something this complicated.
Thank you very much for this extremely helpful guide. I’d not thought about using the parking technique, but was fascinated to see how it works. I’ve decided it would be very worthwhile to try this. Thanks again.
LOVE the fact that you emphasize that each stitcher and their techniques are unique and individual and that there's no right or wrong way :) Thanks for sharing your technique with us! I've found that when I park, not only do I make less mistakes, but I'm definitely able to stitch faster :) Your back looks so nice and neat!!! :D Thanks for the video!
Can you please tell me how long your freshly started, already looped floss is please? Also, because of the extra travelling done with the parking meth, how many extra skeins would you buy for a colour that originally called for two? Your video was very easy to understand. I will try parking and I am excited to use the loop method on the front! Your work is beautiful! I love your dragons! Happy stitching!
Joyce Robertson Hi Joyce, my already looped floss is the length of my elbow to the tip of my thumb :) The second question isn't as easy to answer. I only bought the recommended amount of floss initially, but of course I ran out of some colours eventually. Whether it was because they recommended 25ct, and I used 18ct or whether it was the parking, or even a combination of the two. Unfortunately I didn't keep a record of how much floss I did use, but I wish I had! If I had to do it again I would probably buy 3 skeins to their 1, but that would probably be more than needed. Sorry, I know that sounds kind of vague but that's a really tough question to answer. I'm so glad you found the video helpful, and I'm even happier that you're going to give it a try. Just remember to add in or remove things you do/don't like, to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Thank you for your kind words, and for watching the video. Happy stitching :) x
i was just rewatching your video to reaquaint myself. and i'm looking at your work. the tension is fantastic and i can't see any column or row lines. how do you keep your project so smooth. i had to switch to feathering on mine so as to avoid those lines. boo hoo what am i doing wrong
How do you determine where to start? Most of the time you start in the center but I've noticed that you started in top left corner.. Do you do the loop and parking method in every cross stitch project you do? Great did a great job in this video . Thank you
This video has been a real blessing to me! I have cross stitched all my life but never really had any good techniques. After watching this video, I started a (for me) difficult project and it is coming along really well. I learned several tips from you, Carolyn, that have made me feel really comfortable with parking. Thank you so much for taking the time to record this video!
Thank you for taking the time to show this. I am inspired to try the parking method after watching how easy you make it look.I have never tried a HAED but hope to soon. For now I have pulled out an ancient UFO which is a kit by Jannlyn with full coverage. It hasn't seen the light of day in 20 years and was put away because I just couldn't face the confetti stitching etc. Now I feel I can thanks to you.One question...I saw it mentioned that some people stagger the blocks of 10 as they say working he straight lines can leave a visible line afterwards. Do you find this has happened at all?Thank you,Margaret
+solstitches Hi Margaret! I'm so pleased to hear that you hope to stitch a HAED one day. They are simply stunning designs and I think all stitchers should do at least 1. They are, of course, a labour of love and take some time to complete. So a word of warning... don't do what I did and madly purchase a heap of them, because the chances are you will never get to complete them all ;) The parking technique is perfect for confetti stitching (in my opinion) as it's much easier to do a stitch here and there and park it for later, instead of ending it only having to restart it a short distance away. That is sooooo time consuming. When I discovered this technique, I knew it was for me :) As for staggering the blocks.... yes I would suggest you do that if the piece you are stitching has large blocks of single colour. If it's just lots and lots of confetti, then I don't think it is necessary. My dragon piece wasn't staggered at all.... and I have no indication of lines on my piece. The only issue I had was with the yellow orb that he's holding. I found that I could see (slightly), not so much the vertical lines, but instead where I had threaded the floss at the rear of my work to end it each time. I'm sure it was just me being super fussy, but there was no way I was going to have a piece this large sitting up on the wall where I would constantly be looking at it, and wishing I had fixed it. So based on that.... I would also suggest that if you have any light coloured stitches, that you don't have dark coloured threads trailing down behind where any light coloured threads are going to go, as it MAY show through. I was very careful with this with my Mermaid that I'm currently stitching. My current HAED (Mini Bathtime) is also being stitched in 10x10 columns, but instead of full crosses I'm using half stitches (using the continental tent stitch technique). This piece definitely does have vertical lines showing and the only way I'm going to be able to fix it, is to somehow whip stitch at the rear to cover up the indentation that has formed from doing the columns. I'm leaving that until the entire piece is finished. I really hope the whip stitching works because it will help others that also may have encountered the same problem. On a side note, I also believe that washing the finished design will help alleviate those pesky lines (except for my mermaid, because it's caused from the tent stitch and not so much the columns), because it fluffs up the stitches and fills up the gaps. So if you're not intending to wash your piece (I know a lot of stitchers don't like to), or if you're otherwise worried.... then I would suggest that you go ahead and stagger the stitching to completely eliminate the possibility of the lines forming. Staggering the stitching won't cause any drama's, so if in doubt that's what I would do. Hope this information has helped Margaret. Happy stitching and best of luck finished that Jannlyn design :) x
+Rosa Cefalu Thank you so much! I'm so happy that you found it helpful. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Happy stitching :) x
Such a great tutorial video on parking. When I first saw you working on this project with all those threads just hanging there it looked really intimidating, but you make it look simple and easy to learn. You also mentioned on your video that you use apps on your Ipad. I was wondering what apps you use and what do they do?
Thanks so much :) I agree it can look intimidating, and that was the aim of the video - to hopefully change that! I use GoodReader app (which is a paid app), or you can try Foxit (which is free), and there are others too. Basically the app enables you to view PDF charts on your iPad/iPad Mini/iPhone so that you can not only enlarge the pattern, making it easier to read, but also you can highlight the chart to show where you have stitched, making it easier to follow. I would suggest maybe trying Foxit to see if you like that type of thing. I would like to do a video showing how I use the app, but I can't show the chart (due to copyright reasons) - so I'll need to figure something else out before I can do that. Happy stitching :) x
Not sure if you check comments on this video anymore, but just in case... when you finish off the thread by tucking it into the back, do you flip over your work to do that or do you go by feel? I feel like it would be tricky to do it blind, but does it get easier with practice?
I honestly didn't think I was fast, just average. I think the 2 handed stitching has definitely sped things up a bit for me though. Thanks for watching, and happy stitching :) x
AKATheMrs It's taken me 20 years to try it, mainly because the tension on my frame was too loose and my spare hand was used to help hold it up! I recommend trying it, but only once you feel you're ready to learn it. It all takes time.... there's no rush :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo My work schedule doesn't allow for stitching right now but I will definitely be giving that method a try. I already use the loop method coming from the back.
But how do you know these are the shades you want? What if you change your mind about one shade? You cant take it off then can you? You’ll have to undo all the other stitches of that color?
Great tutorial! I am going to post a link to your video on my blog if you don't mind, for anyone who is interested in learning how to park. I am parking on my haed but I had seen someone show how they were doing it diagonally... maybe Xstitch Judith ?...? I can't remember and I think she has gotten rid of her blog. Anyway I love parking, and I agree with you on losing the passion on these big projects. I am enjoying my big ones again since I started parking. It was really neat to see how you do it. And your stitching is beautiful!
Hi Khristine, that sounds fantastic.... thank you so much!!! :D Yes I also heard of the diagonal method, but I haven't seen it yet. So glad you're enjoying your stitching again - sometimes all it takes is a new method to spark that passion :) Thank you for the lovely comments, they are really appreciated :) Happy stitching :) x
ok i get how the parking of any number of threads work and how your changing from one parked thread to another by looping the thread thru the needle so no tieing of knots on the needle side. But how do you tie off the parked thread strains when your done with them. And how do you make the other side like the front side so the knots in back that you initially tie don't show. Or maybe the only way is this is only one sided embroidery technquie
+sam111880 To finish off a thread colour, there are a couple of ways you can do it. Up until just recently, I have always turned my work over and ran the threaded needle behind 4 or 5 completed stitches, therefore securing the thread, and then snipping it off. The other way, which I've only just begun trialling this week, does not require you to flip the work over at all (which I love!)... you simply run the thread underneath your work and pull it up again about 30 or so stitches away (depends whereabouts on the grid you are taking it from) on a parallel line, knot the thread on the front of the work and then snip it off. I don't expect this is easy to understand in words (it's quite difficult to write actually), so the best I can do is share this link to Pam's tutorial showing exactly how to do it here: ua-cam.com/video/F9nah4ZNbUI/v-deo.html Now to answer your other question regarding making it neat on the back.... there is no way the back will look like the front using the parking technique, at least not that I've experienced. It is definitely a one sided technique. But who sees the back anyway?... only you and the framer... so don't stress about it, instead just enjoy the technique for what it is. Hope this information has helped :) x
This has been the most helpful video I've watched on this topic. Thank you! I started a beautiful Scarlet Quince pattern (Medea, my first huge project) a few weeks ago, and was slowly being overwhelmed by the confetti. I knew I had to do something different, or I'd throw the whole project in the corner, frustrated beyond belief. I started using your method today after watching your video, and I'm enjoying it so much more. I have one question, though. If you are always working on a 10 x 10 grid, do you ever see the vertical lines between the grids on the finished work? I've read about other stitchers having this problem, so I was curious.
Kathryn Hollands That's great to hear Kathryn - in fact the reason you looked for something different was the exact same for me. I only have 1 UFO, and I was determined not to add to that! I haven't had the problem of vertical lines, but I have heard of it too. I think it's really only a danger of happening if you are stitching large blocks of colour. Sometimes I wonder too if it's more likely to happen when people have gridded their project. I've often wondered if the grid lines are in the way, if it has the potential to cause the stitch to sit slightly more to the left and/or right of the grid lines. Again I don't know for sure, as I've never gridded either. If it does concern you, I would suggest maybe instead of stitching the block of colour in a brick-like pattern i.e. 11 stitches on the top line, then 10 stitches on the next line, then 11 on the next, then 10 etc etc.... to form a jagged pattern, so as you won't get a straight line effect. I've seen stitchers that have tried this and it looks fine. Hope this helps, and thanks so much for watching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo Thanks for the advice - I think I'll try a couple of 10 x 10's, and if I can see a line, I'll rethink. I definitely grid almost all my work, with the finest of polymer line, so I don't think it affects the stitching (I hope, anyway). I'm looking forward to viewing your other UA-cams when I next have a moment. I am the only person I know that does cross stitch, so the online community is really important to me for tips and advice. Thanks again :))
Kathryn Hollands I only know 1 person in real life who cross stitches (or I should say "used to").... so I've latched onto this community and I'm not letting go of my "stitching buddies" lol :) I wish UA-cam was around when I was learning... I had no-one to teach me anything, just picked it up as I went along. Please keep me updated on your progress with the parking - I'd love to hear how it's going. Happy stitching :) x
Enjoyed video on parking. Thanks. You speak of using iPad with your charts. Do you photo your charts take shots of your charts with the IPad or use software?. Sorry to ask stupid questions but a lot of what I see from cross stitching ladies is new to me even though I have been stitching for a long time. However it's just recently that I'm catching up on new knowledge now that I'm retired and have time to watch UA-cam and read blogs.
Hi Shirley! I use PDF patterns with my iPad because taking photos doesn't work. Only the black & white PDFs seem to work though - I have a colour one, and although I can enlarge it to view it easier, I can't mark off what I've stitched..... which is a little annoying. I have had a lady ask me to do a video showing the app I use and how it works. If I can figure out how to make my own PDF pattern (and not breach anyone's copyright), then I certainly will be doing that. It won't be until December though, as I'm going away next week for some much needed rest & relaxation :) There's no such thing as a stupid question! I have been stitching for 20+ years myself and have learnt so many new things this year thanks to this fantastic community of stitchers willing to share their knowledge and ideas. Thanks to them my passion for cross stitching has been reignited much stronger than ever before. I don't ever see myself stopping now! Happy stitching :) x
Great video, I stitch the same way as you and did it from the very beginning before I even knew this was called parking . In my mind it was making sense to work this way .
Hi Carolyn, I need to pick your brain on parking! So I'm trying to work out whether to stitch each column (working in a 10x10 grid) or to stitch a 10x10 parking in the grid below and then stitch the 10x10 grid to its immediate right. I've just finished my first column and I've ended all my threads in the bottom grid. But I notice on yours and others there are threads parked in grids to the upper right of where you are working. Do you continue to park between pages or start new threads for each page? I hope my question makes sense!!
Pyrex Stitches Hi again, it's really up to you and what you feel comfortable with. I did try parking a few threads in the columns immediately to the right of my stitching columns because there was nowhere for me to park it below. Rather than end the thread, I looked for somewhere else nearby to park it. There are 2 reasons why I didn't continue with that method. 1) When I was looking for where to park it, I tried to find the first occurrence of that symbol in the other column, because it would defeat the purpose of parking if I had two parked threads of the same colour in the same column.... looking for this first occurrence wasted a lot of time. 2) There were many occasions where I thought I had found the first occurrence, only to discover when I finally got to that point (or nearby) in the column that I had actually parked it in the 2nd or 3rd occurrence. So for example.... in the new column I started a new thread (i.e. 310) got about 3 stitches done, then when I came to the 4th stitch I found I had parked my 310 there from the left column.... which meant I had to end one of the threads anyway. So I came to the conclusion that if I couldn't park it within about 2.5 grids below where I was currently stitching, then I would end the thread. Of course, if you want to park your threads that way, no-one is going to tell you not to.... it's totally your decision hun. That's what I love about parking.... it's something you decide on how you want to complete it. Hope this helps :) x
Love your tutorial. I'm about to start my first HEAD and this video was very helpfull. Thank you for sharing your technique. Best Regards. Sónia Verisismo
You're very welcome Sonia :) Your first HAED..... that is exciting! Which one are you going to do? I hope you find the technique helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Happy stitching :) x
Sónia Veríssimo That's a great choice, especially for learning Parking - as there's not a whole heap of colours, like some! I'm now following you on IG, so I don't miss out on those updates ;) I've been loving your progress on Red. She's on my list for 2015 (as a present for my Mum). Best of luck with the Parking.... if you need any help, advice (or even encouragement) just let me know. Happy stitching :) x
Parking has been quite confusing for me as I don't grid either. This has helped a lot, along many other of your videos. Could you tell us what apps you use or suggest? I didn't even know there were apps out there for cross stitching.
Jennifer Watkins Hi Jennifer, I have done videos on the apps I use for cross stitching. I use GoodReader for viewing and marking my charts digitally on my iPad: ua-cam.com/video/Gzl31rbUJDg/v-deo.html And I use XStitch Journal for keeping an inventory of all my cross stitch supplies, as well as noting the start and finish dates of all my projects: ua-cam.com/video/NnwIN-obL1c/v-deo.html Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and happy stitching :) x
+Sharonkay Schutjer So sorry, missed this comment somehow?? I have actually finished this project and framed it, so I'm unable to do another video on it, but I did show a picture of the back at the end of this video: ua-cam.com/video/OKao3e0hSxM/v-deo.html I stitched this one on 18ct Aida. Happy stitching :) x
Hi Carolyn :) this video was so helpful thank you! I have a couple of questions, do you ever find that by parking the sides of the grids are very obvious? Or do you know of a way to prevent this? Would you recommend parking for 18 count? I'm about to start my first huge project hence the questions!
Alice Victoria Hi Alice, sorry for the late reply but I've been away on holiday. I didn't have any problems with the grid sides being obvious, but I have heard that it can be noticeable if you're stitching large blocks of one colour. To avoid this you can try stitching the rows in a brickwork-like pattern. i.e. 10 stitches on one row, 11 stitches on the next row, 10 stitches on the next row, 11 stitches on the next row.... etc etc or something similar just to break up the straight line. I've seen stitchers do this without any problems at all. Parking for 18 count?... absolutely ...... that's what I stitched my Blue Dragon on, and I loved it. Best of luck with your project. If you have any further questions, please ask. Happy stitching :) x
I can't wait to try parking! I just started my first HAED (I'm about 3000 stitches in), and all of the starting and stopping was driving my crazy and taking so long! SOOOOOO glad I found your video!!! It will take a bit for me to get used to a messy back, but it will definitely be worth it for the time this is going to save. Now I have to watch your video on using GoodReader on my iPad so that I can keep track of what I'm doing!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing your gift. I was wondering when should I start parking my threads? I mean, in the begin ? Another question, if the fabric calls for 25 ct and I have a 28 ct. How much different in size will it be ? Love watching you work. Thanks again !
This is the first time I fully understand how parking works, thanks! One question: how do you know which color you've parked? Or do you just trust that you've parked the right color in the right place? Given that you have a bunch of strands dangling from your work without their dmc number or symbol attached.
I'm just getting back into x-stitch so I'm looking for helpful videos because I only used Aida and simpler designs. I love the Mirabilia mermaids which made me want to start again. This was very helpful. I'm still searching for a demo of 2 over 2 on Laguna, Belfast or something similar. My stitches just look twisted and I'm trying the railroad method which slows me down but if it would look neat, it would be worth it. I just learned the loop method and now I'm excited to try it from the front! Thanks.
It is the best video I've seen up To now......I thought it was VERY complicated, but your explanations are really easy to understand and it makes sens..........Wow...thanks a lot..... Eln, QC, Canada
So does your pattern have the 123, or you just renumbered them for the grid?I like the way you do this but I have to get this parking method in my brain, so I can start mine this way. Thanks and you have some very beautiful work!
Hey Carolyn! I love this video! I do the diagonal parking method. But I have heard other flosstubers who also use your method. But I was wondering what was the fabric and count this project was done on? I think I am going to try your technique on my next full coverage project. Thank you for this video. I am going to do a youtube search for more of your videos.
This was so interesting. Kudos to you for stitching with your non-dominant hand for us! I've never tried parking but the organization of your system appeals to me. I've also never seen anyone park without gridding - I won't ever grid either so I was happy to see this :) Awesome job! McKenzie
Thanks so much McKenzie - it wasn't easy, I'm not ambidextrous like my husband and my right hand did manage to take over at one stage LOL. I know you stitch in hand, and I'm not sure how you'd go with parking that way.... but hey, never say never! I do hope you give it a try one day :) x
Has to come back and watch again. This really makes me want to work on my BAP now and try parking! But I have the save the stitches sal starting tomorrow and Peter Rabbit which I must finish in two weeks. Then I can try parking. Thanks again, loved your video :)
Haha! So glad I can encourage you - that's what I'm here for :) I started my STS SAL in the early hours this morning - not sure about my choice of black fabric... but maybe my eyes are just still tired. If you have any questions re: parking, feel free to ask. Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for your great video. I learned how to park from you for the HAED parking challenge. I was only new to stitching and never heard of it so those challenges helped a lot. Your video was the easiest to follow and understand. I kept up parking since then and on all my new starts. I recommend your video to everyone who is trying to figure it out but can't. Thanks for taking the time to do it!
Hi Carolyn! I am about to start my first HAED project. Where did you get your scroll frame from. I bought my current one on amazon and the width isn't long enough.
Thanks for this video! Very clearly described :) I've tried parking and didn't like it but your video has inspired me to give it another try on my BAP. Love your videos and your work. Happy New Year!! :)
Thanks! That was the purpose of the video.... there are so many different techniques and hopefully seeing a new one will encourage someone to give it a go. I'm all for trying things a new way to make it easier. Happy New Year to you too :) x
hi I am working on this too, on 16 count. but I am getting a lot of white showing through. and some times my stitches are not laying nice and flat. your stitching is beautiful I love dragons and when I saw your video on it i had to stitch it. i love the design and colours but I can't seem to get the tension right. 2-1 on 16 count. I realize this is a couple years a go but I had to say great work there its beautiful. being such a large chart I been trying this method as well but haven't quite got the hang of it yet, I learned to work with one colour and thread at a time. :) I just remembered that I am stitching on 16 would that make a difference in how much white showing though?
Carolyn, this is fantastic! Great tutorial on your method, and you do make parking seem less intimidating than it has looked thus far to me. I felt good enough about parking after watching this that I finally went to the HAED website this morning and made an account so I could start a wishlist. I think after the new year (I won't call it a resolution, but...yeah) I'll get one of those patterns kitted up give it a go. Thanks for posting this.
Just one?!?!? Hahaha you should see my HAED wish list..... and not to mention the one's I've already bought! Oh dear! Thank you so much - it's a great feeling when you give someone a sense that they CAN do it and to at least give it a try. When I first saw parking I thought "What on earth is that? What is all that thread hanging off their fabric? Are they crazy? Is there some new way of stitching, that I've been missing out on?" Curious as I am, I had to investigate further. That process led me to HAEDs and a whole new world of stitching opened up for me. I can't tell you how happy I am with my stitching journey now. It's definitely re-ignited my passion. Have fun on the HAED website - and remember to check your watch occasionally...... because time does fly on there lol! All the best on trying this technique, and if you have any further questions I'll be more than happy to help, if I can. Happy stitching :) x
Hi, I really enjoy your videos. Your dragon is absolutely stunning. I have just taken on the largest project I have ever done and realized I would need to learn parking. I watched a few other videos and found it very confusing for some reason. Your video made it crystal clear. I have started it and find it easy to get used to. Thank you very much!!
Hi, this is a great video! I was wondering how to do this. How long does it take to do a 10 x 10 grid like this, roughly? I'm a little nervous to try this as I don't know if I could remember which thread is which colour but on my next haed project I might give it a go. :-) thanks again for the great tutorial. P.s. Are you on Twitter at all?
Hi! It really depends on the amount of confetti stitching within the grid. On average it takes me around 30 mins to 1 hour to complete one grid. I'm actually experimenting at the moment doing 2 grids at a time - 10x20 and that seems to be even quicker for me (prob because I'm threading the needle less often), but because I don't grid there's a higher chance of being off with my counting and making mistakes. Yes I'm on Twitter, but I only use it for entering competitions and viewing world news. Merry Christmas and happy stitching :) x
I just started watching youtube videos on counted cross stitch last week. I've been a cross stitcher for almost 30 years but it never dawned on me to watch videos about it. I couldn't help but giggle to myself when I saw this parking technique. When I started cross stitching all those years ago I was self taught and didn't know what to do with my threads so I did something similar to what you are doing now but I had no idea that it was a thing and that the thing is called parking! You learn something new every day!!! I enjoy your videos, thank you!
Just wanted to let you know that this video on your parking technique has helped me achieve better stitching and enjoy the process. I am using the ten stitch columns. How do I become of your newer videos as they are released.
Just wanted to add my thanks and say that this is one of the best tutorials on parking I watched. You make it very clear.
Best video seen in a very long time,so clear on your demonstration thank you
I've been so intimidated to start any projects with this many colors, but your video was so clear and gave me much needed confidence to give it a try.
anterwilliger That's awesome! Thanks so much for the feedback..... you made my day :) x
I have cross stitched for years and have made many mistakes. I had never know there was a different way to stitch until 2 weeks ago when I decide I had enough of flipping my project to finish a thread so was looking for a way to finish from above. saw videos on parking but it looked like chaos but was really interested to understand what it was as I had just bought to mega solid image projects. you video made it click for me and I am so excited to use this method as I often get lost and make mistakes since losing sight in my right eye. have even sent a link to my BF who is about to start her first cross stitch project as she is always asking for advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video.
Carolyn, This is an excellent video on parking! This was super clear so that anybody who wants to learn this technique should be able to follow it. I've been doing it on a 10 x 10 grid like you do as well. I was glad to hear you say that you could stitch about 100 - 150 stitches per hour depending on the confetti. That's about the best I can do as well. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us! You're a terrific teacher!
Thank you so much! :)
idk why other people's parking method videos confused me so much, but yours is the one i actually understood, thank you for sharing im new to cross stitch but im eyeing a few full coverage pieces i wanna work on and use the parking method on!!
Started my first HAED yesterday and your parking technique is really easy! Thank you for this great video! I probably didn't dare to start a HAED without it!
Thanks so much for this video. It's the best explanation I've seen so far.
Thanks so much Lorna, I'm glad you liked it :) x
I just discovered Floss Tube and Cross Stitch. I have needlepointed for years but wanted to "cross over" ;) and give counted cross stitch a try. This is my very first comment and I am not even sure what a "channel" is and how to create a photo in the box but I have adult children who can help me with it later. Anyway, I got overwhelmed with my first project and gridding. Your method looks PERFECT for me! And, parking seems to be a great option. If I didn't happen to see your videos, I would be somewhere with a ruler and pencil still trying to figure out how to grid!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. And your needlework is just BEAUTIFUL!
Love this video. I searched in vain for a parking method tutorial when I first started Mini Pearl in 2013 and really just couldn't find anything. Finally found a blog that described it in a way that made sense to me. But my methods have changed as I've learned.
I love that you reiterate that this is your method and maybe it doesn't work for everybody else, but that's ok. :) The ultimate goal is to find something that works and we're just providing a few options. Someday, I'll figure how to record my own method to show just another possibility for people.
As a side note, every time I see your Blue Dragon, I get so excited about HAED all over again. It makes me want to get back to work on mine. Your work is gorgeous. Truly amazing. :)
Hugs, Jessie
Hi Jessie, Thank you so much! That's what I love about this community - the ability to share how we do things, tips, shortcuts, storage options, and of course......enabling lol!
I get so many questions on IG, whenever I post a pic of the dragon and it's not the easiest thing to describe. So hopefully I can now just refer them to the video which will be easier to understand.
I'd love to see how you park. The more possibilities we share with each other, the easier it will become for newbies and those wanting to try something new.
Thank you for the kind comments, they're really appreciated :)
Happy stitching x
I know you have had this video out for a while and the Flosstube world always refers back. Thank you. I have been eyeing some HAED's and I feel like I'm ready this tutorial really makes me want to get started. THank you for this video and all your others.
+TheRetrogirl369 My pleasure. I hope you do give it a try, and if you don't like it, that's totally fine. We're all different and I love the fact we have different ways of doing things. Who knows, you may even find a way to tweak it to suit your needs better. Best of luck!
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for making this video! I have a much better understanding of how to park now, and will try this method for my newest project. :)
Recently returned to xstitch after many years and been cruising around and finding all sorts of "new" to me techniques and this was awesome to watch. Not sure if I'll try it as I am more taken at the moment with sampler style stitches but what I loved the best was to hear an Aussie accent :D
Thanks heaps for sharing your technique! I was against parking until I watched your video and I'm keen to try it out in my next project. Thank you :-)
Thank you so much for filming this & especially for showing the back!
I am tempted to try this, bit nervous about trying this. But you have explained it the best!
I’m starting w new project and it’s the first time i do my own drawing. I never planned or made a chart or anything. I just improvised. This is the first time i see a planning technique
Thank you for this video. Great explainations for parking which I have never done. I have heard of the loop method but never used it but I will now.
your video was such a huge help! I've never hear of parking before, I'm guessing it would be easier to start this technique with a few thread for eg 5 threads for a 10 by 10.
Thanks so much!! I too am in Aust so helpful to hear someone 'without' an accent talking and describing - its amazing how differently ppl from other countries communicate things.
good explanation on parking.
Thank you, and thanks for watching :) x
Previous parking method videos have not made sence to me. Yours however I think I could do. Still building up myself up to do one lol. It won't be long nowthat I have watched your brilliant video. Thank you. Happy stitching☺
Great explanation but the back of the piece would drive me insane! When I first learned to cross stitch I learned from a tiny book that said the back of your piece should be as neat as the front and I live by that couldn't stitch this way. I love cross stitch because of its super neatness so I just cant even :P Great video though!
cortex19518 gees!! I am jealous!! Ive always heard that the back should be as neat as the front. So far Ive never even come close to accomplishing it. Is there some secret I ve missed???
@@nancydubin9328 use the 'loop' method to start...
Great tutorial Carolyn, I never grid any of my work either( I am old school) look forward to your next videos happy stitching xx
Thank you, and thanks for watching :) x
What frame are you using? Great video!
Thank you thank you thank you! I'm working on a huge, completely filled in design and it has been a slog. I tried both your 10x10 grid technique with the parking last night, and I got SO much done! Brilliant!
MissCritiki That's awesome! I'm so happy you found it helpful and that it sped things up a bit for you. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback on this. Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for your quick response to my question.
Joyce Robertson You're very welcome Joyce :) x
This makes me want to pull out my HAED and work on it, but i REALLY need to finish Kairi's Stocking first, lol. Andrew is buying me a stand for Christmas too, so i hope i can start doing the two handed method at that point, it's slow goings stitching with only one hand! It's tough not having a proper stand right now, which i think is what has been discouraging me from working on that large project. Great video, much better than the parking videos i had seen when i first started my HAED! Loving following your Dragon's progress on instagram! :)
Thank you so much! I can't recall exactly when I got my first stand, but it was pretty early on in my stitching. I can't work for too long holding a hoop because my hand gets a bit cramped, and the stand just gave me that freedom to stitch all night long! What a great Christmas present :) You'll have nothing holding you back once you get it set up. Probably the worst thing about the stand (depending which one you get) is not being able to switch projects on it easily. My first couple of stands had to have the project attached to the fabric strips which were attached to the scroll bars - and because the stands were purchased second hand, I didn't have the option of buying additional scroll bars for other projects. Still, it suited me because I was a 1 project at a time person back then :)
Thank you for the lovely comments and I'm glad I have inspired you to get back to that HAED.
Happy stitching :) x
Wonderful tutorial - thank you so much!
Thank you! I've got terrible vision, and have a very difficult time telling colors apart but won't allow that to stop me from stitching. I've never been able to park because I can't tell the colors apart when they are all hanging. This is something I can probably do. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks so much!!
kjgmommy My pleasure! I hope it works out for you - and good on you for not giving in :) x
Hi Carolyn, great video! I can't wait to try this technique. One question - I noticed that you are completing the X for each stitch, even if they are side by side (same color). Is that a better way than doing half stitches in a row and then crossing them coming back? Does it make a difference? Sorry for my lack of technical terms - I'm still a beginner. Thank you!
+Denise Melikian Hi Denise, so sorry for the extremely late response...... it appears there are quite a few comments here that I didn't get notifications for, so I apologise.
There is no right or wrong way, only whichever way works best for you, so feel free to do however you like best.
Happy stitching :) x
perfect! I was wondering how to start the loop on the front, thanks :)
+Coleen Perkins My pleasure.... great little tip, that has saved me time :) x
Great video!! Thank you so much for sharing. I think working in the 10 x 10 is the easiest way. When i see people with tons of threads i get worried. I don't like a lot of trrailing on my work if i trail i also like to run it under a few threads but that's just me.
Some grids I can have quite a few threads (when the confetti is really heavy), but it is manageable with the small grid method. Thanks so much for watching and happy stitching :) x
Loved this
Thank you so much for your help and advice it's been really helpful.
Thank you for sharing :) you did it in a very understanding way that made sense so thank you:( was just wondering though what HAEDs stands for? you mentioned it in one of your comments hun:)
I am new to flosstube, but I've been stitching for 30 years, so excuse my late comment on this video.
Your explanation of parking made it click for me. Thank you! I came across it in a video a couple of days ago, but was not confident at all that I understood it, until I came across your video that is. I love the full coverage designs, but knew there had to be a quicker way, so one I get the complete hang of it I am sure it will be much faster.
So once again, thank you for being such an excellent teacher!
Really helpful video - thanks. I'm new to your channel and I've just subscribed : )
Thank you this video helped me a lot with parking thread. I will definitely use this technique when I do my next big project.
+Tetellia I'm so glad you found it helpful. Best of luck, and if you have any questions when you start, please don't hesitate to contact me :) x
Thanks! This was an excellent tutorial :D I am currently trying to find the parking method that works for me. Parking makes stitching a HAED much easier!
I agree Chloe. I stitched a Mystic Stitch piece years ago, and although it wasn't anywhere near as big as my dragon, it was still a sizeable piece. I stitched it how I would normally stitch, by colour over each page. I remember making so many mistakes because I mis-counted, and it took forever to stitch! If only I knew about this technique back then it would have been so much easier.
Merry Christmas and Happy stitching :) x
Very helpful video! One thing I am wondering about and would love to more is how you use your ipad while you stitch. You mentioned that you keep track of your patter completion that way... I'd love to hear more about that! - NEVERMIND - just found your Jan 3 tutorial - heading over there right now!
Thanks Shana - hope you find the other video helpful too :)
Happy stitching :) x
I have crossed stitched for years, mostly small to medium project bought at the local craft store or walmart. I have always loved the bigger more intricate projects but have been intimidated by them. I always make a mistake in counting and either have to take out a lot of stitches or adjust. This is great! This would make it so much easier I might have to take the plunge and try a bigger pattern. I love the loop method also that seems so much easier and less messy! Thank you so much!
I've been cross stitching for more than 30 years and have just learned about this method. I'm super excited to try it but I really can't stand the idea of the messy back. My backs are almost as beautiful as my fronts. I wonder if there is a way to do this without making such a mess of the back of your work.
+Christine Doiron I wish I could say there was Christine, but I really don't think so. I used to feel exactly the same way and in fact I was very hesitant to try this method because every one I saw also had a messy front (due to using the waste knot on the front of the work). I decided to give it a try using the loop method start, so at least that got rid of one of the messy problems. It really didn't take me long to realise that this method is by far the fastest way to complete a full coverage design, and if it meant sacrificing a neat back then I was willing to do it. I just simply had to let it go.... after all, there's only 2 people that see the back anyway - myself and the picture framer. Even though I taught myself to cross stitch, I did learn along the way that the back should be a mirror reflection of the front.... and even though the back of my design wasn't as neat as it was using the normal method, I could still see the mirror reflection of my dragon... so that made me feel happy. Of course, designs with loads of confetti may not be able to make the same comparison. For me personally, it's more important to be enjoying what I'm doing and in a way that I can see steady progress than it is to have a neat back. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy this method of stitching. I do hope that you give it a try. Stitching HAEDs can take years... why not speed up the process a little :)
Take care and happy stitching :) x
Christine - Every Stitch a Pleasure how to you make the back of your work look as neat as the front?
I really liked this video. I am a little confused. The threads that did not have a number are not going to be parked? And how do you know what the colors are in the next grid? Do you number them when you park them? Thank you.
Mary Weeks Hi Mary, the chart I drew up for the demonstration was just a portion of the original chart because copyright restricts me from showing the actual full pattern.... therefore I had to limit what I could actually show on the video. I had to come up with a way of showing how I parked without actually showing the real chart - so I used numbers and only the first 4 so I would not get into trouble doing so.... each number on my demo represented the actual symbol on the real chart. With this particular section of the grid there was probably a total of about 12 different colours, and yes each separate colour (or symbol) was then parked down below, in the next incidence of that colour. No, I don't number them - I follow the original chart and use the symbols as a reference point when I highlight them. I hope this explains my technique a little better for you. Happy stitching :) x
I just started parking and really need to start marking my chart where I parked. I started working on my project and forgot what was parked cuz the colors were so similar, live and learn. It is going a little better now and I wish i had started doing this a long time ago. Thank you for sharing! ;)
I'm so glad you found it helpful Theresa - it's so wonderful we can all share our helpful tips and advice with each other :)
Happy stitching :) x
You know what astounds me? You made this video a year and a ½ ago! Yet, so many have watched just a few months ago! Your instructions are so easy to follow and your demonstration of the technique is very precise. Thank you for taking the time to teach and encourage us stitchers! (By the way... I don't think that back matters either. It's my love of project and knowing that my work will be a keepsake for my family.) Great job Carolyn! Thank you.
I'm so amazed at how smooth all of these colors are blending and how beautiful your stitches are. I'd never do this difficult of a piece, it's too much of a headache for me (watch me say this and then start doing haeds in a couple of years...) It amazes me how you have the patience and the brain power to do something this complicated.
Thank you very much for this extremely helpful guide. I’d not thought about using the parking technique, but was fascinated to see how it works. I’ve decided it would be very worthwhile to try this. Thanks again.
LOVE the fact that you emphasize that each stitcher and their techniques are unique and individual and that there's no right or wrong way :) Thanks for sharing your technique with us! I've found that when I park, not only do I make less mistakes, but I'm definitely able to stitch faster :) Your back looks so nice and neat!!! :D Thanks for the video!
Can you please tell me how long your freshly started, already looped floss is please? Also, because of the extra travelling done with the parking meth, how many extra skeins would you buy for a colour that originally called for two? Your video was very easy to understand. I will try parking and I am excited to use the loop method on the front! Your work is beautiful! I love your dragons! Happy stitching!
Joyce Robertson Hi Joyce, my already looped floss is the length of my elbow to the tip of my thumb :) The second question isn't as easy to answer. I only bought the recommended amount of floss initially, but of course I ran out of some colours eventually. Whether it was because they recommended 25ct, and I used 18ct or whether it was the parking, or even a combination of the two. Unfortunately I didn't keep a record of how much floss I did use, but I wish I had! If I had to do it again I would probably buy 3 skeins to their 1, but that would probably be more than needed. Sorry, I know that sounds kind of vague but that's a really tough question to answer.
I'm so glad you found the video helpful, and I'm even happier that you're going to give it a try. Just remember to add in or remove things you do/don't like, to make it as easy on yourself as possible.
Thank you for your kind words, and for watching the video.
Happy stitching :) x
i was just rewatching your video to reaquaint myself. and i'm looking at your work. the tension is fantastic and i can't see any column or row lines. how do you keep your project so smooth. i had to switch to feathering on mine so as to avoid those lines. boo hoo what am i doing wrong
How do you determine where to start? Most of the time you start in the center but I've noticed that you started in top left corner.. Do you do the loop and parking method in every cross stitch project you do? Great did a great job in this video . Thank you
This video has been a real blessing to me! I have cross stitched all my life but never really had any good techniques. After watching this video, I started a (for me) difficult project and it is coming along really well. I learned several tips from you, Carolyn, that have made me feel really comfortable with parking. Thank you so much for taking the time to record this video!
This is the best tutorial for parking, I will definitely try a full coverage design now. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️❤️❤️
Loved the video! What app are you using?
Thank you for taking the time to show this. I am inspired to try the parking method after watching how easy you make it look.I have never tried a HAED but hope to soon. For now I have pulled out an ancient UFO which is a kit by Jannlyn with full coverage. It hasn't seen the light of day in 20 years and was put away because I just couldn't face the confetti stitching etc. Now I feel I can thanks to you.One question...I saw it mentioned that some people stagger the blocks of 10 as they say working he straight lines can leave a visible line afterwards. Do you find this has happened at all?Thank you,Margaret
+solstitches Hi Margaret! I'm so pleased to hear that you hope to stitch a HAED one day. They are simply stunning designs and I think all stitchers should do at least 1. They are, of course, a labour of love and take some time to complete. So a word of warning... don't do what I did and madly purchase a heap of them, because the chances are you will never get to complete them all ;)
The parking technique is perfect for confetti stitching (in my opinion) as it's much easier to do a stitch here and there and park it for later, instead of ending it only having to restart it a short distance away. That is sooooo time consuming. When I discovered this technique, I knew it was for me :)
As for staggering the blocks.... yes I would suggest you do that if the piece you are stitching has large blocks of single colour. If it's just lots and lots of confetti, then I don't think it is necessary. My dragon piece wasn't staggered at all.... and I have no indication of lines on my piece. The only issue I had was with the yellow orb that he's holding. I found that I could see (slightly), not so much the vertical lines, but instead where I had threaded the floss at the rear of my work to end it each time. I'm sure it was just me being super fussy, but there was no way I was going to have a piece this large sitting up on the wall where I would constantly be looking at it, and wishing I had fixed it.
So based on that.... I would also suggest that if you have any light coloured stitches, that you don't have dark coloured threads trailing down behind where any light coloured threads are going to go, as it MAY show through. I was very careful with this with my Mermaid that I'm currently stitching.
My current HAED (Mini Bathtime) is also being stitched in 10x10 columns, but instead of full crosses I'm using half stitches (using the continental tent stitch technique). This piece definitely does have vertical lines showing and the only way I'm going to be able to fix it, is to somehow whip stitch at the rear to cover up the indentation that has formed from doing the columns. I'm leaving that until the entire piece is finished. I really hope the whip stitching works because it will help others that also may have encountered the same problem.
On a side note, I also believe that washing the finished design will help alleviate those pesky lines (except for my mermaid, because it's caused from the tent stitch and not so much the columns), because it fluffs up the stitches and fills up the gaps.
So if you're not intending to wash your piece (I know a lot of stitchers don't like to), or if you're otherwise worried.... then I would suggest that you go ahead and stagger the stitching to completely eliminate the possibility of the lines forming. Staggering the stitching won't cause any drama's, so if in doubt that's what I would do.
Hope this information has helped Margaret.
Happy stitching and best of luck finished that Jannlyn design :) x
This is the best parking video ever! Thank you so much. I finally understand how this can work.
+Rosa Cefalu Thank you so much! I'm so happy that you found it helpful. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Happy stitching :) x
Best tutorial ever! Thank you sooo much!
Such a great tutorial video on parking. When I first saw you working on this project with all those threads just hanging there it looked really intimidating, but you make it look simple and easy to learn.
You also mentioned on your video that you use apps on your Ipad. I was wondering what apps you use and what do they do?
Thanks so much :) I agree it can look intimidating, and that was the aim of the video - to hopefully change that!
I use GoodReader app (which is a paid app), or you can try Foxit (which is free), and there are others too. Basically the app enables you to view PDF charts on your iPad/iPad Mini/iPhone so that you can not only enlarge the pattern, making it easier to read, but also you can highlight the chart to show where you have stitched, making it easier to follow. I would suggest maybe trying Foxit to see if you like that type of thing.
I would like to do a video showing how I use the app, but I can't show the chart (due to copyright reasons) - so I'll need to figure something else out before I can do that.
Happy stitching :) x
wow that starting technique was very helpful!!
Thank you Ebbie - I'm glad you found it helpful. I hope you give it a try one day.
Thanks for watching and happy stitching :) x
Not sure if you check comments on this video anymore, but just in case... when you finish off the thread by tucking it into the back, do you flip over your work to do that or do you go by feel? I feel like it would be tricky to do it blind, but does it get easier with practice?
I'm in awe at how quick you are!!! I'm a newbie working on my first WIP :) Thanks for sharing this technique :)
I honestly didn't think I was fast, just average. I think the 2 handed stitching has definitely sped things up a bit for me though.
Thanks for watching, and happy stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo I still stitch one handed, so it looked lightning fast to me lol ;)
AKATheMrs It's taken me 20 years to try it, mainly because the tension on my frame was too loose and my spare hand was used to help hold it up! I recommend trying it, but only once you feel you're ready to learn it. It all takes time.... there's no rush :) x
Thank you so much for this video Carolyn!! What a help!!! Can I ask you what fabric and count you are using? Thank you again!!!
Heidi Cran Thank you Heidi. Its 18 count stitched 2 over 1. Glad you enjoyed it :) x
Came here from thereallifeofmi's video. The front loop method is at 15:46.
Hi there and welcome :) Did you find the front loop method helpful?
Thank you so much for watching and happy stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo My work schedule doesn't allow for stitching right now but I will definitely be giving that method a try. I already use the loop method coming from the back.
That's fantastic! I hope it works out for you. Please let me know how you go.
Happy stitching :) x
But how do you know these are the shades you want? What if you change your mind about one shade? You cant take it off then can you? You’ll have to undo all the other stitches of that color?
This is the best tutorial I have found on Parking. Thank You!! :-)
+Crystal West Thank you so much, that is so lovely of you to say :) x
Just wonder what happened to you? I don’t see any new updates.
Love your stitching and tutorials.
Great tutorial! I am going to post a link to your video on my blog if you don't mind, for anyone who is interested in learning how to park. I am parking on my haed but I had seen someone show how they were doing it diagonally... maybe Xstitch Judith ?...? I can't remember and I think she has gotten rid of her blog. Anyway I love parking, and I agree with you on losing the passion on these big projects. I am enjoying my big ones again since I started parking. It was really neat to see how you do it. And your stitching is beautiful!
Hi Khristine, that sounds fantastic.... thank you so much!!! :D
Yes I also heard of the diagonal method, but I haven't seen it yet. So glad you're enjoying your stitching again - sometimes all it takes is a new method to spark that passion :)
Thank you for the lovely comments, they are really appreciated :)
Happy stitching :) x
ok i get how the parking of any number of threads work and how your changing from one parked thread to another by looping the thread thru the needle so no tieing of knots on the needle side. But how do you tie off the parked thread strains when your done with them. And how do you make the other side like the front side so the knots in back that you initially tie don't show. Or maybe the only way is this is only one sided embroidery technquie
+sam111880 To finish off a thread colour, there are a couple of ways you can do it. Up until just recently, I have always turned my work over and ran the threaded needle behind 4 or 5 completed stitches, therefore securing the thread, and then snipping it off. The other way, which I've only just begun trialling this week, does not require you to flip the work over at all (which I love!)... you simply run the thread underneath your work and pull it up again about 30 or so stitches away (depends whereabouts on the grid you are taking it from) on a parallel line, knot the thread on the front of the work and then snip it off. I don't expect this is easy to understand in words (it's quite difficult to write actually), so the best I can do is share this link to Pam's tutorial showing exactly how to do it here: ua-cam.com/video/F9nah4ZNbUI/v-deo.html
Now to answer your other question regarding making it neat on the back.... there is no way the back will look like the front using the parking technique, at least not that I've experienced. It is definitely a one sided technique. But who sees the back anyway?... only you and the framer... so don't stress about it, instead just enjoy the technique for what it is.
Hope this information has helped :) x
This has been the most helpful video I've watched on this topic. Thank you! I started a beautiful Scarlet Quince pattern (Medea, my first huge project) a few weeks ago, and was slowly being overwhelmed by the confetti. I knew I had to do something different, or I'd throw the whole project in the corner, frustrated beyond belief. I started using your method today after watching your video, and I'm enjoying it so much more.
I have one question, though. If you are always working on a 10 x 10 grid, do you ever see the vertical lines between the grids on the finished work? I've read about other stitchers having this problem, so I was curious.
Kathryn Hollands That's great to hear Kathryn - in fact the reason you looked for something different was the exact same for me. I only have 1 UFO, and I was determined not to add to that!
I haven't had the problem of vertical lines, but I have heard of it too. I think it's really only a danger of happening if you are stitching large blocks of colour. Sometimes I wonder too if it's more likely to happen when people have gridded their project. I've often wondered if the grid lines are in the way, if it has the potential to cause the stitch to sit slightly more to the left and/or right of the grid lines. Again I don't know for sure, as I've never gridded either.
If it does concern you, I would suggest maybe instead of stitching the block of colour in a brick-like pattern i.e. 11 stitches on the top line, then 10 stitches on the next line, then 11 on the next, then 10 etc etc.... to form a jagged pattern, so as you won't get a straight line effect. I've seen stitchers that have tried this and it looks fine.
Hope this helps, and thanks so much for watching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo Thanks for the advice - I think I'll try a couple of 10 x 10's, and if I can see a line, I'll rethink. I definitely grid almost all my work, with the finest of polymer line, so I don't think it affects the stitching (I hope, anyway).
I'm looking forward to viewing your other UA-cams when I next have a moment. I am the only person I know that does cross stitch, so the online community is really important to me for tips and advice. Thanks again :))
Kathryn Hollands I only know 1 person in real life who cross stitches (or I should say "used to").... so I've latched onto this community and I'm not letting go of my "stitching buddies" lol :)
I wish UA-cam was around when I was learning... I had no-one to teach me anything, just picked it up as I went along.
Please keep me updated on your progress with the parking - I'd love to hear how it's going.
Happy stitching :) x
First time I feel like I can do this --- at last! Thank you.
How Come your stitche are looping so perfect 😍 how do you do that ??
Enjoyed video on parking. Thanks. You speak of using iPad with your charts. Do you photo your charts take shots of your charts with the IPad or use software?. Sorry to ask stupid questions but a lot of what I see from cross stitching ladies is new to me even though I have been stitching for a long time. However it's just recently that I'm catching up on new knowledge now that I'm retired and have time to watch UA-cam and read blogs.
Hi Shirley! I use PDF patterns with my iPad because taking photos doesn't work. Only the black & white PDFs seem to work though - I have a colour one, and although I can enlarge it to view it easier, I can't mark off what I've stitched..... which is a little annoying.
I have had a lady ask me to do a video showing the app I use and how it works. If I can figure out how to make my own PDF pattern (and not breach anyone's copyright), then I certainly will be doing that. It won't be until December though, as I'm going away next week for some much needed rest & relaxation :)
There's no such thing as a stupid question! I have been stitching for 20+ years myself and have learnt so many new things this year thanks to this fantastic community of stitchers willing to share their knowledge and ideas. Thanks to them my passion for cross stitching has been reignited much stronger than ever before. I don't ever see myself stopping now!
Happy stitching :) x
Great video, I stitch the same way as you and did it from the very beginning before I even knew this was called parking . In my mind it was making sense to work this way .
Hi Carolyn, I need to pick your brain on parking! So I'm trying to work out whether to stitch each column (working in a 10x10 grid) or to stitch a 10x10 parking in the grid below and then stitch the 10x10 grid to its immediate right.
I've just finished my first column and I've ended all my threads in the bottom grid. But I notice on yours and others there are threads parked in grids to the upper right of where you are working. Do you continue to park between pages or start new threads for each page? I hope my question makes sense!!
Pyrex Stitches Hi again, it's really up to you and what you feel comfortable with. I did try parking a few threads in the columns immediately to the right of my stitching columns because there was nowhere for me to park it below. Rather than end the thread, I looked for somewhere else nearby to park it. There are 2 reasons why I didn't continue with that method. 1) When I was looking for where to park it, I tried to find the first occurrence of that symbol in the other column, because it would defeat the purpose of parking if I had two parked threads of the same colour in the same column.... looking for this first occurrence wasted a lot of time. 2) There were many occasions where I thought I had found the first occurrence, only to discover when I finally got to that point (or nearby) in the column that I had actually parked it in the 2nd or 3rd occurrence. So for example.... in the new column I started a new thread (i.e. 310) got about 3 stitches done, then when I came to the 4th stitch I found I had parked my 310 there from the left column.... which meant I had to end one of the threads anyway. So I came to the conclusion that if I couldn't park it within about 2.5 grids below where I was currently stitching, then I would end the thread. Of course, if you want to park your threads that way, no-one is going to tell you not to.... it's totally your decision hun. That's what I love about parking.... it's something you decide on how you want to complete it. Hope this helps :) x
Love your tutorial. I'm about to start my first HEAD and this video was very helpfull. Thank you for sharing your technique. Best Regards.
Sónia Verisismo
You're very welcome Sonia :) Your first HAED..... that is exciting! Which one are you going to do? I hope you find the technique helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Happy stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo I'll do Mini Snow Whites Fall. thanks for thlie support. When I start I'll post on Instagram @sonialimaverissimo
Sónia Veríssimo
That's a great choice, especially for learning Parking - as there's not a whole heap of colours, like some!
I'm now following you on IG, so I don't miss out on those updates ;) I've been loving your progress on Red. She's on my list for 2015 (as a present for my Mum).
Best of luck with the Parking.... if you need any help, advice (or even encouragement) just let me know.
Happy stitching :) x
Carolyn Mazzeo thank you for all your support :D
Sónia Veríssimo You're very welcome..... anytime :)
Thank you for sharing, I will have to try this method.
Parking has been quite confusing for me as I don't grid either. This has helped a lot, along many other of your videos. Could you tell us what apps you use or suggest? I didn't even know there were apps out there for cross stitching.
Jennifer Watkins Hi Jennifer, I have done videos on the apps I use for cross stitching. I use GoodReader for viewing and marking my charts digitally on my iPad: ua-cam.com/video/Gzl31rbUJDg/v-deo.html And I use XStitch Journal for keeping an inventory of all my cross stitch supplies, as well as noting the start and finish dates of all my projects: ua-cam.com/video/NnwIN-obL1c/v-deo.html Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and happy stitching :) x
Like to see back of project while doing this parking. Also what count is fabric?
+Sharonkay Schutjer So sorry, missed this comment somehow?? I have actually finished this project and framed it, so I'm unable to do another video on it, but I did show a picture of the back at the end of this video: ua-cam.com/video/OKao3e0hSxM/v-deo.html
I stitched this one on 18ct Aida.
Happy stitching :) x
Hi Carolyn :) this video was so helpful thank you!
I have a couple of questions, do you ever find that by parking the sides of the grids are very obvious? Or do you know of a way to prevent this? Would you recommend parking for 18 count? I'm about to start my first huge project hence the questions!
Alice Victoria Hi Alice, sorry for the late reply but I've been away on holiday. I didn't have any problems with the grid sides being obvious, but I have heard that it can be noticeable if you're stitching large blocks of one colour. To avoid this you can try stitching the rows in a brickwork-like pattern. i.e. 10 stitches on one row, 11 stitches on the next row, 10 stitches on the next row, 11 stitches on the next row.... etc etc or something similar just to break up the straight line. I've seen stitchers do this without any problems at all. Parking for 18 count?... absolutely ...... that's what I stitched my Blue Dragon on, and I loved it.
Best of luck with your project. If you have any further questions, please ask. Happy stitching :) x
I hate gridding also, but I love the way it makes it easier for me. So I started buying pre-gridded Aida. lol
What type and count of fabric are you using please
I can't wait to try parking! I just started my first HAED (I'm about 3000 stitches in), and all of the starting and stopping was driving my crazy and taking so long! SOOOOOO glad I found your video!!! It will take a bit for me to get used to a messy back, but it will definitely be worth it for the time this is going to save. Now I have to watch your video on using GoodReader on my iPad so that I can keep track of what I'm doing!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing your gift. I was wondering when should I start parking my threads? I mean, in the begin ? Another question, if the fabric calls for 25 ct and I have a 28 ct. How much different in size will it be ? Love watching you work. Thanks again !
This is the first time I fully understand how parking works, thanks! One question: how do you know which color you've parked? Or do you just trust that you've parked the right color in the right place? Given that you have a bunch of strands dangling from your work without their dmc number or symbol attached.
I'm just getting back into x-stitch so I'm looking for helpful videos because I only used Aida and simpler designs. I love the Mirabilia mermaids which made me want to start again. This was very helpful. I'm still searching for a demo of 2 over 2 on Laguna, Belfast or something similar. My stitches just look twisted and I'm trying the railroad method which slows me down but if it would look neat, it would be worth it. I just learned the loop method and now I'm excited to try it from the front! Thanks.
It is the best video I've seen up To now......I thought it was VERY complicated, but your explanations are really easy to understand and it makes sens..........Wow...thanks a lot.....
Eln, QC, Canada
So does your pattern have the 123, or you just renumbered them for the grid?I like the way you do this but I have to get this parking method in my brain, so I can start mine this way. Thanks and you have some very beautiful work!
Hey Carolyn! I love this video! I do the diagonal parking method. But I have heard other flosstubers who also use your method. But I was wondering what was the fabric and count this project was done on? I think I am going to try your technique on my next full coverage project. Thank you for this video. I am going to do a youtube search for more of your videos.
This was so interesting. Kudos to you for stitching with your non-dominant hand for us! I've never tried parking but the organization of your system appeals to me. I've also never seen anyone park without gridding - I won't ever grid either so I was happy to see this :) Awesome job!
McKenzie
Thanks so much McKenzie - it wasn't easy, I'm not ambidextrous like my husband and my right hand did manage to take over at one stage LOL.
I know you stitch in hand, and I'm not sure how you'd go with parking that way.... but hey, never say never! I do hope you give it a try one day :) x
Has to come back and watch again. This really makes me want to work on my BAP now and try parking! But I have the save the stitches sal starting tomorrow and Peter Rabbit which I must finish in two weeks. Then I can try parking. Thanks again, loved your video :)
Haha! So glad I can encourage you - that's what I'm here for :) I started my STS SAL in the early hours this morning - not sure about my choice of black fabric... but maybe my eyes are just still tired.
If you have any questions re: parking, feel free to ask.
Happy stitching :) x
Thank you for your great video. I learned how to park from you for the HAED parking challenge. I was only new to stitching and never heard of it so those challenges helped a lot. Your video was the easiest to follow and understand. I kept up parking since then and on all my new starts. I recommend your video to everyone who is trying to figure it out but can't. Thanks for taking the time to do it!
Hi Carolyn! I am about to start my first HAED project. Where did you get your scroll frame from. I bought my current one on amazon and the width isn't long enough.
Thanks for this video! Very clearly described :) I've tried parking and didn't like it but your video has inspired me to give it another try on my BAP. Love your videos and your work. Happy New Year!! :)
Thanks! That was the purpose of the video.... there are so many different techniques and hopefully seeing a new one will encourage someone to give it a go. I'm all for trying things a new way to make it easier.
Happy New Year to you too :) x
hi I am working on this too, on 16 count. but I am getting a lot of white showing through. and some times my stitches are not laying nice and flat. your stitching is beautiful I love dragons and when I saw your video on it i had to stitch it. i love the design and colours but I can't seem to get the tension right. 2-1 on 16 count. I realize this is a couple years a go but I had to say great work there its beautiful. being such a large chart I been trying this method as well but haven't quite got the hang of it yet, I learned to work with one colour and thread at a time. :)
I just remembered that I am stitching on 16 would that make a difference in how much white showing though?
Carolyn, this is fantastic! Great tutorial on your method, and you do make parking seem less intimidating than it has looked thus far to me. I felt good enough about parking after watching this that I finally went to the HAED website this morning and made an account so I could start a wishlist. I think after the new year (I won't call it a resolution, but...yeah) I'll get one of those patterns kitted up give it a go. Thanks for posting this.
Just one?!?!? Hahaha you should see my HAED wish list..... and not to mention the one's I've already bought! Oh dear!
Thank you so much - it's a great feeling when you give someone a sense that they CAN do it and to at least give it a try.
When I first saw parking I thought "What on earth is that? What is all that thread hanging off their fabric? Are they crazy? Is there some new way of stitching, that I've been missing out on?" Curious as I am, I had to investigate further. That process led me to HAEDs and a whole new world of stitching opened up for me. I can't tell you how happy I am with my stitching journey now. It's definitely re-ignited my passion.
Have fun on the HAED website - and remember to check your watch occasionally...... because time does fly on there lol! All the best on trying this technique, and if you have any further questions I'll be more than happy to help, if I can.
Happy stitching :) x
Hi, I really enjoy your videos. Your dragon is absolutely stunning. I have just taken on the largest project I have ever done and realized I would need to learn parking. I watched a few other videos and found it very confusing for some reason. Your video made it crystal clear. I have started it and find it easy to get used to. Thank you very much!!
Really interesting video... Had never heard the term parking in Cross stitch... You learn something new everyday! :-)
Hi, this is a great video! I was wondering how to do this. How long does it take to do a 10 x 10 grid like this, roughly? I'm a little nervous to try this as I don't know if I could remember which thread is which colour but on my next haed project I might give it a go. :-) thanks again for the great tutorial. P.s. Are you on Twitter at all?
Hi! It really depends on the amount of confetti stitching within the grid. On average it takes me around 30 mins to 1 hour to complete one grid. I'm actually experimenting at the moment doing 2 grids at a time - 10x20 and that seems to be even quicker for me (prob because I'm threading the needle less often), but because I don't grid there's a higher chance of being off with my counting and making mistakes.
Yes I'm on Twitter, but I only use it for entering competitions and viewing world news.
Merry Christmas and happy stitching :) x
I just started watching youtube videos on counted cross stitch last week. I've been a cross stitcher for almost 30 years but it never dawned on me to watch videos about it. I couldn't help but giggle to myself when I saw this parking technique. When I started cross stitching all those years ago I was self taught and didn't know what to do with my threads so I did something similar to what you are doing now but I had no idea that it was a thing and that the thing is called parking! You learn something new every day!!! I enjoy your videos, thank you!
Just wanted to let you know that this video on your parking technique has helped me achieve better stitching and enjoy the process. I am using the ten stitch columns. How do I become of your newer videos as they are released.