A bit disappointed that your new fast way is the way I always stitched. 😆 This is how we learned in school. Can’t imagine doing it any other way, but was hoping you had an even faster way. Thanks for the tutorial though, seems like it helped a lot of people! 😊
I'm glad you never wasted a decade on the slow stitching like I did - lol. I don't know why I never saw this before I found it accidentally. I used to find cross stitching somewhat boring before. I think it was just way too slow the other, full X, way.
I cannot wait to start this. It is going to make my huge project go much quicker. I wish I would’ve found this video about 10 years ago and I appreciate you sharing.
Thanks! I hope it helps you a bit - I know it's been a TOTAL game changer for me. I not only get so many more projects done each year, but I enjoy the stitching process so much more now too. Please keep in touch and let me know how it works out for you! Happy stitching!
Just an FYI - I've been embroidering for over 50 years and I actually have been stitching in this faster method, what you call the new age of stitching, for this whole time. And yes it is so much quicker to stitch this way instead of what we use to call it "the stab method", which is definitely very tedious and slow. My mom was quite a stitcher and she taught me this method from the start. Love it!! Glad you found this method and happy stitching!
Yes - the stab method! It's sooooooooo slow. I just wish I had figured out this new way to do it sooner. I enjoy stitching so much more now. Thanks for your comments, Mary, and happy stitching!
So have I - I didn't realise everyone didn't do it this way. Except I'm doing it the Danish way from left to right, so I go from bottom left to top right and then directly to the next bottom left doing all the half stitches first before coming back.
@@pinkyssj4I like using the scroll. I think I may try this method, though. I’ll just have to use some latex gloves to prevent skin oils from getting on the fabric.
Saw this method several months ago but the first time I tried it I became very confused but I'm trying again and you were a great teacher. Thank you for sharing
What gaby said, I was like “what???” And I’m also a left to right stitcher…can this work the same way going the other direction? Would you happen to have a short video on how to do that? Thank you for sharing - this sounds like it will be a game CHANGER!!! I’m excited to try it out! (Just hoping I can do it left to right instead…)
@@Stitchy_Mermaid oh I’m sure you can do it the other way (I’m right handed so I would probably make it look horrible) but the idea is the same going in either direction. Let me know how it works out!
One reason for the two ways of sewing is that the sewing through the fabric, in general, makes the stitches more even in tension, whereas sewing from the top is faster. When you do it faster, you have to watch that you keep your tension the same from one area to a different area, and the same when you stitch your half-stitches across a row versus down.
That's a good point. I've never had issues with tension, but it may be due to the fact that I have my finished pieces stretched and framed, so it just pulls it back into shape. :)
Holy moly!!! I can't tell you how super happy i am that i came accross this tutorial video. I've only ever cross stitched on weekends bc of the time it takes to work on even a simple piece. I had to plan to sit for hours on end in order complete a few rows. I will certainly practice this technique so i can make more stuff
YES! That's fabulous! Please keep me posted and let me know what you think of the tips. I hope you really enjoy cross stitching in a new and exciting way. Thanks so much for your feedback and happy stitching!
Only 4 years later :) I so want to learn this sewing method but it messes with my brain so much the last times I've attempted. One more try before giving up! It sure would cut down on time for my big full coverage piece with has several BIG areas of the same color (sky, grass etc). Looked up a small kitty cat silhouette pattern I'm going to try with.
I have never seen the first example, so I’m going to give it a try. The second example I’ve been doing for years. I sorta stumbled upon it one day when I was looking at my project and thought there had to be a faster way. I started thinking about just doing a whole bunch of half stitches and then complete the cross. Definitely speeds things up!
Right?! I'm doing a silhouette piece now that uses only black (you can see my progress on my Bella Stitchery Facebook and Instagram if you'd like), and I've been doing entire chunks of pattern that way. There are areas of 100+ stitches all in a row, so I just zoom down in 1/2 stitches and then flip it to fill back the other way). Let me know what you think of the other process too. I use that one when there's lots of smaller areas of color or speckled color throughout. It's really quite handy. :)
Thank you for sharing this! I am a cross country stitcher but I wanted to learn how I could stitch faster like those that do the parking method. This is lovely.
Oh thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked the tutorial. I've never met a cross country stitcher before - that sounds amazing! Thanks for stitching with me today!
You look like you doing the Victorian Cross stitchway. It looks awesome, and it works for you. Looks awesome. I have seen some people do the Danish Cross-stitch way on u tube, and some do the English way. 😮
I am only 25 stitches into my first project so I’m happy I found you. One UA-camr turns his work over for every stitch. It’s dizzying! I live near Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts (1830s living museum-highly recommend) and sometimes they have a quilting bee frame set up in a large room of the Towne House - ladies would hand stitch quilts together by only sewing from above. Makes sense because the quilts are so big and pulled taught on the wooden frame. Thank you for explaining!
Oh yay! Welcome to cross stitching! I hope this helps make the process even more enjoyable. I find it so very relaxing and it's a great past-time for doing while watching shows or listening to audio books. I'm 100% jealous of your Massachusetts-ness! I'm sure there's so much amazing history there. My hubby's looking into grad school in that area, so maybe we'll be neighbors one day! :)
I have been cross stitching for years and have never know of the 1st method. I am in shock lol. I can't wait to try it. I also thought I had to use a hoop....I do however do consecutive 1/2 stitches in a row and then go back over. Excited to watch more of your videos.
Oh good! I'm so glad you could stitch with me this week - hope it helps! I hate using hoops, personally. It just feels in the way. The only time I'll use one is if it's a tiny project that fits entirely in the hoop. Even then though...
I’m today old finding this out. I have been working on one pattern for ten years now. I got bored with it because it was taking forever. Thank you for enlightening my life. ❤️
When I was learning to cross stitch many years ago, I too had pulled it through the front. I was told not to do that because of the tension would give me uneven stitches and the needle could damage the fabric and enlarge the holes or pull the holes. And yet your stitches look great! I think I will go back to my old way and see what happens! Thanks for the info!!!!
I’ve never had an issue with either thing. I always have mint tapestry stretched and framed when I’m done anyway, so it will straighten out any issues I may have had. Let me know how it works for you! 🥰
I've been stitching for a few years, so glad I came across your video. I'm about to start a rather large project, this stitch will probably cut my time in half. Can't wait to get started. Many thanks!
I am so excited to start my Outlander pattern. Great techniques in this video I had forgotten about. I haven’t stitched in 15 years. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and I can't WAIT to see your finished Outlander! Please keep me updated with work in progress pics! Happy stitching, my friend!
Oh I’m so glad you liked it! I hope this makes the stitching process even more enjoyable for you (I know it did for me). Welcome back to cross stitching and thanks for crafting with me today! 🪡🧵❤️
So, I cross stitched years ago and just yesterday I got out my unfinished projects to think about finishing or giving away. This is interesting because I remember when I learned, I was told that all your x's have to be done the same, i.e. either right to left top to bottom first then left to right top to bottom to complete the x or any combination you want but I was told that if you change it up throughout your piece, it will look uneven and ragged and unprofessional. So have you noticed that you can tell a difference when you do all half stitches then all the other side of half stitches in a row or when you do a row of complete x's?
I hope you finish the projects you started - I need to get back to mine too. It's been awhile since I've done much stitching (too many crafts, too little time). I haven't had any issues with changing up the way I stitch throughout, but I always have them stretched and framed, so it all evens out that way anyway. :)
I love to cross stitch!!! I have been crossstitching for a long time and have not seen this done this way!! This is awesome!!! I can't wait to try it!! Thank you!!!!
Oh yay!!! It’s always so much fun to share this technique- you’re not going to believe how much faster you stitch this way! I posted a little 20 second clip of me stitching on my Bella Stitchery Facebook page yesterday too, if you want to see more. Happy stitching and please keep in touch! ✂️🧵
I was shown this way a few weeks ago and my mind was BLOWN! Thank you for explaining the stitch. I will have to watch you do that multiple times in order to get it!
Oh, that was helpful! Newbie here. I kept thinking there had to be a less cumbersome way to stitch but never ran across this in any of the beginner tutorials I was watching. Thank you 😊
Welcome to the faster stitching club!! I can’t wait for you to see how many more projects you zip through now! It also keeps stitching interesting and is much more fun 🤩
I really like to do all the half-stitches on a big one-colour part than close all of them. I don't know how much it gonna take me to do a project if I would go closing every cross every time. It's really good idea.
Yep! I’m doing a project now that’s a silhouette piece all in black. I do an entire row in half stitches and then flip it to finish the X. It’s sooooo much faster when you have large sections in one color 👍🏻🥰
Thanks, just starting and this seems a lot faster and less fluffing around with frames/hoops. One thing I don't fully understand is how to tie the tail/finish the thread. I might be doing it wrong but using this method the threads are ending up horizontal rather than vertical so I can't tie the tail as I normally would, and finishing there's less places to thread the end under.
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the tutorial! I just tuck the thread under several stitches on the back with my needle before cutting it. Sometimes I'll loop around a few rows if there isn't a bulk of threaded areas in the back. They always stay in place just fine. Just don't knot them, otherwise you may have a lumpy tapestry at the end of your project. :)
Awesome! I am a long time cross stitcher and just now saw this technique. I have not watched a couple videos on it, love yours!!! I will be trying this on a new project I am starting. Thank you for posting this video!
Oh my word!! I have heard of this method but never knew how to do it. You have shown it so good!! Thank you so much!! Im going to go pull out my things started and not finished!!!!
Oh yes!! That’s the best news - I’m so glad you liked the tutorial and I hope it really makes a difference for you. I cannot express how much faster (and more enjoyable) my stitching has been ever since. Keep in touch and happy stitching!
Thanks for sharing this. This is how I've stitched for a long time but I always felt like I was cheating and that somehow my work wasn't as good because of it. It makes me feel good to know that a great stitcher like you thinks it's a good technique!
Oh my gosh!!!! This blew my mind!!! I just ordered a massive farm scene and this is going to make it soooo much easier! I can’t wait to start! Thank you
Thanks for the great video and time saving techniques! I was wondering how you design your cross stitch patterns and if you test stitch them before you put them in your shop?
Thank you so much for your comments and kind words! I use a software program called PC Stitch and it gives me a digital version of what they will look like stitched. I have stitched several of my patterns (maybe close to a dozen?) but certainly not all 1,000+ lol. I love getting updated finished project photos from customers so I can see lots of different tapestries that way and share them on social media. I keep a file on my computer of buyer's finished project pics.
Oh yes!! These techniques should really help. I probably stitch 3-4 times faster than I used to. Let me know how it works for you! Thanks for crafting with me today and happy stitching!
Oh my gosh! Why am I just now discovering this?! I never realized that stitching could be done without going through the back. Thank you so much for making this video and sharing this tip with others. I will definitely be using this, starting with a project that's taking me a year to complete.
Thank you so much for this video, super helpful! I learned to cross stitch with your first technique, but when I saw everyone going from front to back, I thought I was doing it wrong... so thanks for reassuring!
You were great. I love the way you explained it and I stitch in the same direction as you. It was nice to see someone show it your way; a big help. Very helpful. THANK YOU.
Oh yay! That’s so nice to hear. I hope it makes all the difference in your stitching. I probably stitch 3x faster now and enjoy it so much more! Keep in touch and let me know how it works for you! ✂️🧵🪡
I work lower left to top right, then lower right to top left, working across the row before turning back. Is there an advantage to the way you do it? How do you keep skin oils from discoloring the fabric?
For me, it's just a matter of what's comfortable to handle and stitch. I always wash and dry my hands before taking anything out of my cross stitch bag, so I've never had issues with staining or discoloration. I make sure not to have any kind of lotion on too.
It’s weird that we all r so careful about washing our hands before stitching, and then I see the Colorado stitcher showing her finished items not seeming to be worried at all about handling her little finished pillows, etc squeezing and handling her items without a care about hand oils.
@@5877user Indeed! I in particular have to be very careful as I (apparently) have very very very oily fingers. I never understood it but I turn needles black in only a couple days, can take ink off of paper, and wore out\smooth the plastic on my keybaord in only 2 months. So, ya. I'm pretty careful about washing my hands alot XD
i've been stitching like this since i was a child. when i started watching videos of ppl stitching with a hoop, going to the back of the fabric all the time, i thought it was kinda funny because it seems to take so much longer..
Why didn't I meet you years ago?! I'm glad to hear you haven't been spending decades on every single project. :) I probably get 3x more done every year. It's amazing!
Didn't know I could stitch this way. I will have to give this a try. Someone showed me the half stitch method once, but I always was told to use a hoop or frame. So the technique really didn't work well for me. I really like the first method you shared. I will give it a try next time without a hoop or frame. Thanks.
This was so helpful thank you so much for taking some time out of your day to share these tips! I’m gutted I just bought a few embroidery hoops, won’t be using them now that I know this 😅 thanks again, have a nice day!
lol - well, you never know. You might like using them (I just can't have anything get in the way of my super stitching speed!) Let me know which way works best for you - I'd love to hear what you think!
I don't wash mine. I have it stretched and framed at the craft store. I know some people have handwashed theirs in cold water (if you plan on washing it, you may want to consider pre-washing your floss before stitching. I know some colors - especially red shades - can bleed from time to time).
The only rule I follow is be consistent in which way I start and end a stitch, the under stitch is lower left corner to upper right (or visa versa) and then the top stitch is lower right to upper left (or again reversed if it’s convenient.)
I enjoy stitching from the front like this, usually with smaller pieces and it does feel a lot faster. You're essentially doing two movements in one or a cross stitch in two moves rather than four. But this method means your fabric gets dirtier with hand oils over time, you will likely get hand cramp holding the fabric for a long time and the stitches are more likely to look uneven because they're not stitched on taught fabric. I have managed to train myself to use two hands when stitching though, so one hand is underneath my frame and one on top. This has made it easier because my right hand isn't repeatedly going from the top to underneath the frame, which can make my arm ache. I find that to be a pretty fast method and doesn't hurt as much! But for those people who never use frames or hoops, this method is the go to one imo for faster stitching.
Thanks for your feedback! I haven't had issues with soiled fabric, but I'm super careful to wash my hands before handling any of my projects (especially if there's white Aida background like on the Alice silhouette I'm doing now). I have had some slight bunching with this method (but I don't use a hoop), although it straightens out when I have it stretched and framed, so it's really not a big deal for me.
New to me! I learned in 4H years ago - way too many to count lol. I'm so happy to learn this new way, thank you! I have a poster of a HULK I'm working on that's taking forever.
That is awesome! I'm so happy this helps! It's been a total game-changer for me too. I can now usually make 2-3 projects a year (it used to take me about 2-3 years to make ONE!) lol
I only just discovered the sewing method within the last year. I had also stopped using hoops around that same time. It makes my stitching go so much faster.
Hi! It works out pretty well. All Aida is super stiff at first, but it softens a BUNCH with use (maybe about a week or so after starting your project?) I've been working on mine now for almost a year and the Aida is like butter. :)
I have been watching all sorts of videos on hand stitchery. I am struggling with which hole to come up thru to make the fist stitch or even the second one. Can you please explain to me like I am a 5yo.
Hi friend! For your first stitch, you're going to come up through the bottom/left hand side of your square and then across to the top right so your stitch looks like this: / Then you finish it from the top left side to the bottom right side so it looks like: \ Does that make sense? You want all your top stitches going the same way so it looks smooth when you're finished. :)
Like you I use paper pattern where I enlarge at FedEx to a comfortable size to see the symbols and symbol sheets better bc some symbols can be very similar to another. I too use markers first to mark off a symbol in a 2-3 row area so that I can create a pathway instead of starting and stopping for a few stitches.Then I mark off in another color as I start to stitch the symbol to show where I am along the path. Very useful especially w a lot of confetti. I don’t park bc it’s too messy to me. I use loop method to begin and thread through stitching on the back to end.
I don't know how I would keep track of my pattern without highlighting. My sister doesn't mark up her paper charts, and it blows my mind how she knows where she is.
@@bellastitchery8043 Yes, I totally agree. Even w every fiddly thing I do, I still make little mistakes. But pregridded fabric is a lifesaver for me. I even number the columns on the fabric w the washable blue marker. Now THAT REALLY REALLY helps me keep track of where I’m going. No one is in the room but I often count outloud like, “ lower right diagonal” or “skip two stitch one,” etc. lol
@@5877user I've never heard of pregridded fabric! WHAT?! Do the lines show up on the finished piece? How does that work? Is it Aida cloth or some other brand? I'll definitely have to look that up.
A bit disappointed that your new fast way is the way I always stitched. 😆 This is how we learned in school. Can’t imagine doing it any other way, but was hoping you had an even faster way. Thanks for the tutorial though, seems like it helped a lot of people! 😊
I'm glad you never wasted a decade on the slow stitching like I did - lol. I don't know why I never saw this before I found it accidentally. I used to find cross stitching somewhat boring before. I think it was just way too slow the other, full X, way.
I have been trying to get this technique sorted out. Now, I think I get it. Thank you!
Oh great! I'm so glad you found it helpful - happy stitching!
Just came across this and it made my jaw, I have never seen this before totally gonna try this.
Oh that's great! Let me know how it works out for you!
I cannot wait to start this. It is going to make my huge project go much quicker. I wish I would’ve found this video about 10 years ago and I appreciate you sharing.
Wow, I've never seen this type of stitching before! I'm such a slow stitcher and it gets frustrating. I'm going to try this - thank you!
Thanks! I hope it helps you a bit - I know it's been a TOTAL game changer for me. I not only get so many more projects done each year, but I enjoy the stitching process so much more now too. Please keep in touch and let me know how it works out for you! Happy stitching!
I am with you. Stitching off and on for years, still slow, and this is new to me. Going to give this a go for sure!
Stitching in hand and the sewing method. What I always use.
It just feels so much more comfortable to me too
Just an FYI - I've been embroidering for over 50 years and I actually have been stitching in this faster method, what you call the new age of stitching, for this whole time. And yes it is so much quicker to stitch this way instead of what we use to call it "the stab method", which is definitely very tedious and slow. My mom was quite a stitcher and she taught me this method from the start. Love it!! Glad you found this method and happy stitching!
Yes - the stab method! It's sooooooooo slow. I just wish I had figured out this new way to do it sooner. I enjoy stitching so much more now. Thanks for your comments, Mary, and happy stitching!
So have I - I didn't realise everyone didn't do it this way. Except I'm doing it the Danish way from left to right, so I go from bottom left to top right and then directly to the next bottom left doing all the half stitches first before coming back.
I use embroidery scroll, too bad I can't do this method
@@pinkyssj4I like using the scroll. I think I may try this method, though. I’ll just have to use some latex gloves to prevent skin oils from getting on the fabric.
Saw this method several months ago but the first time I tried it I became very confused but I'm trying again and you were a great teacher. Thank you for sharing
Oh thanks so much! That really means a lot to me. Happy stitching and thanks for crafting with me!
Wow!!! Game changer to flip the fabric upside down!!! Thank you so so so much
Oh fantastic! Thanks so much for stitching with me today! ❤️✂️
The first tip blew my mind!!! Also, I'm right handed but I typically work left to right. I will try your way and see how it goes. Thanks for sharing!
Oh yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it - let me know what you think once you try it out! 🌟
What gaby said, I was like “what???” And I’m also a left to right stitcher…can this work the same way going the other direction? Would you happen to have a short video on how to do that? Thank you for sharing - this sounds like it will be a game CHANGER!!! I’m excited to try it out! (Just hoping I can do it left to right instead…)
@@Stitchy_Mermaid oh I’m sure you can do it the other way (I’m right handed so I would probably make it look horrible) but the idea is the same going in either direction. Let me know how it works out!
One reason for the two ways of sewing is that the sewing through the fabric, in general, makes the stitches more even in tension, whereas sewing from the top is faster. When you do it faster, you have to watch that you keep your tension the same from one area to a different area, and the same when you stitch your half-stitches across a row versus down.
That's a good point. I've never had issues with tension, but it may be due to the fact that I have my finished pieces stretched and framed, so it just pulls it back into shape. :)
I've never seen this before, but I'm pretty new at it. I've only been cross stitching for a few months.
Welcome to cross stitching! Hope this video helps. It's such a relaxing practice for me, and I just love it so much.
Holy moly!!! I can't tell you how super happy i am that i came accross this tutorial video. I've only ever cross stitched on weekends bc of the time it takes to work on even a simple piece. I had to plan to sit for hours on end in order complete a few rows. I will certainly practice this technique so i can make more stuff
YES! That's fabulous! Please keep me posted and let me know what you think of the tips. I hope you really enjoy cross stitching in a new and exciting way. Thanks so much for your feedback and happy stitching!
😮 my brains just exploded! That needle usage is very embroidery style. Love it! Ty!
Oh yay! I love creative exploding brains :) Thanks so much for crafting with me today and happy stitching!
Love this ... can't wait to try it...been a stitch for almost 40 years
Oh thank you so much! I hope you love it! Happy stitching!
I love it!!!, But How would I do it for a lefty ? 😂😂😂
Actually.... if you flip it upside down it works for Lefty's 😁
Oh good to know! @@jammiknox1339
I do the half stitches as well.
Doesn't it make it zip by so much quicker?
Only 4 years later :) I so want to learn this sewing method but it messes with my brain so much the last times I've attempted. One more try before giving up! It sure would cut down on time for my big full coverage piece with has several BIG areas of the same color (sky, grass etc). Looked up a small kitty cat silhouette pattern I'm going to try with.
Wishing you luck! I encourage you to keep trying and find what works best for you. Happy stitching!
I have never seen the first example, so I’m going to give it a try. The second example I’ve been doing for years. I sorta stumbled upon it one day when I was looking at my project and thought there had to be a faster way. I started thinking about just doing a whole bunch of half stitches and then complete the cross. Definitely speeds things up!
Right?! I'm doing a silhouette piece now that uses only black (you can see my progress on my Bella Stitchery Facebook and Instagram if you'd like), and I've been doing entire chunks of pattern that way. There are areas of 100+ stitches all in a row, so I just zoom down in 1/2 stitches and then flip it to fill back the other way). Let me know what you think of the other process too. I use that one when there's lots of smaller areas of color or speckled color throughout. It's really quite handy. :)
I love this. And didn't expect to laugh so hard when you said, "it's usually not so dangerous, but now it is!!" 🤣
😂😂😂😂I like to live a bit dangerously 😂😂😂😂
So glad you liked it! Thanks for crafting with me! 🪡🧵
I’ve completely lost my mind! Amazing technique!
Oh, that's so nice to hear - thanks so much for your kind words, they really made my day. :)
That was really helpful. I have been doing cross stitch for years and didn't know these tricks! Thanks!
Oh that’s great! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Happy stitching!!
Thank you for sharing this! I am a cross country stitcher but I wanted to learn how I could stitch faster like those that do the parking method. This is lovely.
Oh thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked the tutorial. I've never met a cross country stitcher before - that sounds amazing! Thanks for stitching with me today!
I neeeeeeed to start highlighting. I start from the center.
Oh definitely! I can't even imagine stitching w/o my highlighter. I get confused enough as it is lol
Thanks for the tip of simply turning your project upside down to finish the cross stitch! So simple but genius!
Linda Taylor oh Hahn I’m glad you found it helpful! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
You look like you doing the Victorian Cross stitchway. It looks awesome, and it works for you. Looks awesome. I have seen some people do the Danish Cross-stitch way on u tube, and some do the English way. 😮
Oh that's fun to learn! Who knew there were so many ways to make tiny X's? :)
I’ve been cross stitching for 35 years and I’ve never used a hoop. . This is a great video, thanks.
Right?! Isn't it so much easier to work with w/o the hoop? Thanks for your feedback and for stitching with me!
I am only 25 stitches into my first project so I’m happy I found you. One UA-camr turns his work over for every stitch. It’s dizzying! I live near Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts (1830s living museum-highly recommend) and sometimes they have a quilting bee frame set up in a large room of the Towne House - ladies would hand stitch quilts together by only sewing from above. Makes sense because the quilts are so big and pulled taught on the wooden frame. Thank you for explaining!
Oh yay! Welcome to cross stitching! I hope this helps make the process even more enjoyable. I find it so very relaxing and it's a great past-time for doing while watching shows or listening to audio books. I'm 100% jealous of your Massachusetts-ness! I'm sure there's so much amazing history there. My hubby's looking into grad school in that area, so maybe we'll be neighbors one day! :)
I love OSV! One of my favorite places but haven't got to go in a few years. I should plan another visit.
I have been cross stitching for years and have never know of the 1st method. I am in shock lol. I can't wait to try it. I also thought I had to use a hoop....I do however do consecutive 1/2 stitches in a row and then go back over. Excited to watch more of your videos.
Oh good! I'm so glad you could stitch with me this week - hope it helps! I hate using hoops, personally. It just feels in the way. The only time I'll use one is if it's a tiny project that fits entirely in the hoop. Even then though...
I’m today old finding this out. I have been working on one pattern for ten years now. I got bored with it because it was taking forever. Thank you for enlightening my life. ❤️
Oh yay!! That’s great to hear. I hope it helps make it fun again ❤️
When I was learning to cross stitch many years ago, I too had pulled it through the front. I was told not to do that because of the tension would give me uneven stitches and the needle could damage the fabric and enlarge the holes or pull the holes. And yet your stitches look great! I think I will go back to my old way and see what happens! Thanks for the info!!!!
I’ve never had an issue with either thing. I always have mint tapestry stretched and framed when I’m done anyway, so it will straighten out any issues I may have had. Let me know how it works for you! 🥰
I've been stitching for a few years, so glad I came across your video. I'm about to start a rather large project, this stitch will probably cut my time in half. Can't wait to get started. Many thanks!
This is the best tutorial I have seen on this. I get it now. Thank you 😊
Oh that’s so nice to hear! Thank you so much - please share this video with your friends too! I love video referrals from my crafty friends! 🥰❤️
I am so excited to start my Outlander pattern. Great techniques in this video I had forgotten about. I haven’t stitched in 15 years. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and I can't WAIT to see your finished Outlander! Please keep me updated with work in progress pics! Happy stitching, my friend!
Bella
Just got back into cross stitch after 30+ years and wow! You have taught me something I never knew. What a time-saver! Thanks a million 🪡
Oh I’m so glad you liked it! I hope this makes the stitching process even more enjoyable for you (I know it did for me). Welcome back to cross stitching and thanks for crafting with me today! 🪡🧵❤️
So, I cross stitched years ago and just yesterday I got out my unfinished projects to think about finishing or giving away. This is interesting because I remember when I learned, I was told that all your x's have to be done the same, i.e. either right to left top to bottom first then left to right top to bottom to complete the x or any combination you want but I was told that if you change it up throughout your piece, it will look uneven and ragged and unprofessional. So have you noticed that you can tell a difference when you do all half stitches then all the other side of half stitches in a row or when you do a row of complete x's?
I hope you finish the projects you started - I need to get back to mine too. It's been awhile since I've done much stitching (too many crafts, too little time). I haven't had any issues with changing up the way I stitch throughout, but I always have them stretched and framed, so it all evens out that way anyway. :)
I love to cross stitch!!! I have been crossstitching for a long time and have not seen this done this way!! This is awesome!!! I can't wait to try it!! Thank you!!!!
Oh yay!!! It’s always so much fun to share this technique- you’re not going to believe how much faster you stitch this way! I posted a little 20 second clip of me stitching on my Bella Stitchery Facebook page yesterday too, if you want to see more. Happy stitching and please keep in touch! ✂️🧵
I was shown this way a few weeks ago and my mind was BLOWN! Thank you for explaining the stitch. I will have to watch you do that multiple times in order to get it!
Thanks! I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for stitching with me today and feel free to let me know if you have any questions. :)
Oh, that was helpful! Newbie here. I kept thinking there had to be a less cumbersome way to stitch but never ran across this in any of the beginner tutorials I was watching. Thank you 😊
Oh that’s great to hear! I’m so glad you liked the tutorial and I hope it helps! ❤️
OMG the 1st tip is an eye opener😳 I was following gramma moses too. Thank you for this!
Welcome to the faster stitching club!! I can’t wait for you to see how many more projects you zip through now! It also keeps stitching interesting and is much more fun 🤩
@@bellastitchery8043 lpo0 pp poop pp pp poop pp p pp
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@@bellastitchery8043 0pp0 pp p0 pp pp pp pp pp 0 pp p pp
I really like to do all the half-stitches on a big one-colour part than close all of them. I don't know how much it gonna take me to do a project if I would go closing every cross every time. It's really good idea.
Yep! I’m doing a project now that’s a silhouette piece all in black. I do an entire row in half stitches and then flip it to finish the X. It’s sooooo much faster when you have large sections in one color 👍🏻🥰
Stitching from the top omg this changed everything for me! Thank you!
Oh fabulous! I hope you enjoy stitching in a whole new way. Thank you for crafting with me, and for your feedback! :)
Such a great explanation of how to sew faster. I had never thought of highlighting the pattern.
Oh yay! I'm so glad you found that helpful. Thanks so much for crafting with me and happy stitching!
Thanks, just starting and this seems a lot faster and less fluffing around with frames/hoops. One thing I don't fully understand is how to tie the tail/finish the thread. I might be doing it wrong but using this method the threads are ending up horizontal rather than vertical so I can't tie the tail as I normally would, and finishing there's less places to thread the end under.
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the tutorial! I just tuck the thread under several stitches on the back with my needle before cutting it. Sometimes I'll loop around a few rows if there isn't a bulk of threaded areas in the back. They always stay in place just fine. Just don't knot them, otherwise you may have a lumpy tapestry at the end of your project. :)
I always take my pattern to Staples to get laminated then I use a dry erase pen.
Oh, I never would have thought of that! :)
Awesome! I am a long time cross stitcher and just now saw this technique. I have not watched a couple videos on it, love yours!!! I will be trying this on a new project I am starting. Thank you for posting this video!
Oh good! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the tutorial! Let me know how it works out for you - happy stitching!
OH MY GOSH!!! I'm so impressed. I have never seen this technique before. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! 😁
Oh yay! That’s so nice to hear. I hope you enjoy cross stitching even more now going forward. I know I do!
Thank you finally someone I can understand and learn from.
Oh wow! Thank you so much - that made my day ❤️❤️🥰
Oh my word!!
I have heard of this method but never knew how to do it.
You have shown it so good!!
Thank you so much!!
Im going to go pull out my things started and not finished!!!!
That’s wonderful! Thank you for being a part of my crafting community - I’m so glad you enjoyed my tutorial ❤️🥰🥰
FABULOUS!! Just saw your tip and all I can say is Thank You, Thank You, Thank You this is going to be a game changer for me.
Oh yes!! That’s the best news - I’m so glad you liked the tutorial and I hope it really makes a difference for you. I cannot express how much faster (and more enjoyable) my stitching has been ever since. Keep in touch and happy stitching!
Best tutorial ever ! Subscribed
Awwww! Thank you so much! ❤️
Thank you! I am just starting my first cross stitch.
That's awesome! I hope you have lots of fun with it! Happy stitching!
Thanks for sharing this. This is how I've stitched for a long time but I always felt like I was cheating and that somehow my work wasn't as good because of it. It makes me feel good to know that a great stitcher like you thinks it's a good technique!
Oh yeah! Time saving isn't cheating in my book. There's just so many things I want to stitch - no time to lollygag around! :)
Yes, me too!!
Work smarter not harder!
@@olive.i.a exactly! 😉
Yes, wow, never knew about this type of stitch. will have to watch again. :-) thank you for sharing
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for crafting with me and happy stitching! ✂️
Oh my gosh!!!! This blew my mind!!! I just ordered a massive farm scene and this is going to make it soooo much easier! I can’t wait to start! Thank you
Awesome!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy stitching!
Thanks for the great video and time saving techniques!
I was wondering how you design your cross stitch patterns and if you test stitch them before you put them in your shop?
Thank you so much for your comments and kind words! I use a software program called PC Stitch and it gives me a digital version of what they will look like stitched. I have stitched several of my patterns (maybe close to a dozen?) but certainly not all 1,000+ lol. I love getting updated finished project photos from customers so I can see lots of different tapestries that way and share them on social media. I keep a file on my computer of buyer's finished project pics.
@@bellastitchery8043Thanks for the response!
This is Brilliant! Thank-you for sharing. I just started on a 20x25 Thomas Kincaid that I would love to get done in this lifetime
Oh yes!! These techniques should really help. I probably stitch 3-4 times faster than I used to. Let me know how it works for you! Thanks for crafting with me today and happy stitching!
Oh my gosh! Why am I just now discovering this?! I never realized that stitching could be done without going through the back. Thank you so much for making this video and sharing this tip with others. I will definitely be using this, starting with a project that's taking me a year to complete.
Oh yay! Let me know how it works out for you. It’s all I ever do now and it has made a HUGE difference for me 🥰
Fantastic makes my journey into cross stitch so much easier Thank you
That’s awesome! Thank you so much! Let me know how it works for you 🥰
Thank you so much for this video, super helpful! I learned to cross stitch with your first technique, but when I saw everyone going from front to back, I thought I was doing it wrong... so thanks for reassuring!
Thank you for your kind words - I’m so glad you found the tutorial helpful! Happy stitching!
You were great. I love the way you explained it and I stitch in the same direction as you. It was nice to see someone show it your way; a big help. Very helpful. THANK YOU.
Oh wonderful! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the tutorial!
Pure genius. I'm brand new to this cross stitching so this definitely helped
Oh thank you so much!!! Welcome to cross stitching- please keep in touch!
I might have to try this with my 14"x8" Severus Snape silhouette. This has been eye opening and I've been cross stitching most of my life. Thank you!
Oh yay! That’s so nice to hear. I hope it makes all the difference in your stitching. I probably stitch 3x faster now and enjoy it so much more! Keep in touch and let me know how it works for you! ✂️🧵🪡
Yes.
Thanks for stitching with me!
the first tip has saved me so much time! thank you so much!
Oh yay! I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for stitching with me!
Excellent many thanks x
Thank you - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Happy stitching!
Thank you! This does help. I’ve been doing the halfstitch rows but the long way. I’ll give this a try tonight
Oh good! Let me know what you think! Happy stitching!
I work lower left to top right, then lower right to top left, working across the row before turning back. Is there an advantage to the way you do it? How do you keep skin oils from discoloring the fabric?
For me, it's just a matter of what's comfortable to handle and stitch. I always wash and dry my hands before taking anything out of my cross stitch bag, so I've never had issues with staining or discoloration. I make sure not to have any kind of lotion on too.
Brilliant tips. Thanks so much 👍
Oh yay! Thanks so much! I’m so glad you liked it ✂️🧵🪡
Thanks so much for validation that other people use these methods❣️
Loretta Henderson oh great! Thank you so much for your note and for crafting with me today ✂️✂️✂️
My mom taught this way of stitching and it's much easier for me than the regular way
Right?! So much more enjoyable too!
You're not the only one who didn't know about this 0.o Glad you shared! Thank you
I’m always glad to hear I’m not alone 😂
Thanks so much for stitching with me!
It’s weird that we all r so careful about washing our hands before stitching, and then I see the Colorado stitcher showing her finished items not seeming to be worried at all about handling her little finished pillows, etc squeezing and handling her items without a care about hand oils.
@@5877user Indeed! I in particular have to be very careful as I (apparently) have very very very oily fingers. I never understood it but I turn needles black in only a couple days, can take ink off of paper, and wore out\smooth the plastic on my keybaord in only 2 months. So, ya. I'm pretty careful about washing my hands alot XD
@@5877user some people like to live dangerously 😂 - I just don’t want to risk a stain on my tapestry, especially after months of work 😅😅😅
i've been stitching like this since i was a child. when i started watching videos of ppl stitching with a hoop, going to the back of the fabric all the time, i thought it was kinda funny because it seems to take so much longer..
Why didn't I meet you years ago?! I'm glad to hear you haven't been spending decades on every single project. :) I probably get 3x more done every year. It's amazing!
Didn't know I could stitch this way. I will have to give this a try. Someone showed me the half stitch method once, but I always was told to use a hoop or frame. So the technique really didn't work well for me. I really like the first method you shared. I will give it a try next time without a hoop or frame. Thanks.
Thanks! So glad you liked it - let me know what you think when you have a chance to try it out. The hoops never work well for me 🤷🏻♀️
This was so helpful thank you so much for taking some time out of your day to share these tips! I’m gutted I just bought a few embroidery hoops, won’t be using them now that I know this 😅 thanks again, have a nice day!
lol - well, you never know. You might like using them (I just can't have anything get in the way of my super stitching speed!) Let me know which way works best for you - I'd love to hear what you think!
WHAT?! Oh, I'm going to be busting out the patterns fast now! Thank you!
Oh yay!! Let me know how it works out for ya!
Thank you so much I'm going to try this I'm new with cross stitch
Wonderful - let me know how it works out✂️
Thanks for making this video. I had no idea about stitching this way! I will definitely try this out.
Oh yay! I’m so glad you liked it - it’s the only way I stitch now 👍🏻
This was great, Bella! Thank you! Even an old dog can learn new tricks!
Teresa Boyer oh yay! That’s so great to hear - I’m glad you enjoyed it
This is amazing! How did I go so long without knowing this. Thank you for the tutorial.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it - happy stitching!!
I’ve been cross stitching since I was 13 and I never knew this. Thanks for this tip!
Oh that’s awesome! I’m so glad I’m not the only one 🥰🧵🪡✂️
After you work is finished, how do you wash your fabric?
I don't wash mine. I have it stretched and framed at the craft store. I know some people have handwashed theirs in cold water (if you plan on washing it, you may want to consider pre-washing your floss before stitching. I know some colors - especially red shades - can bleed from time to time).
That is brilliant!!! I was taught to start in the middle and work out. But the stitching technique is a game changer.
Cate Lamb oh yay!!! I was taught to begin in the middle too, but this is so much easier and quicker for me. I’ll never look back! 🤩🤩🤩
This is amazing can’t wait to try it Thanks so much for sharing 8:11
Oh that's so great to hear! I'm so glad you like it and thanks for stitching with me this week!
How did I never think of doing that method!!!
Movies! You never know what you'll learn when you watch movies. :)
The only rule I follow is be consistent in which way I start and end a stitch, the under stitch is lower left corner to upper right (or visa versa) and then the top stitch is lower right to upper left (or again reversed if it’s convenient.)
Same - that's the way I do it too. :)
Thanks for this tip. A major game changer.
Oh yay! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Happy stitching!
I just started cross-stitching so thank you so much for this!
Oh great!! I’m so glad you liked it!
I finally get it! Mike drop!! You rock! Thanks 🙏🏼
Oh yay! So glad you liked it! Thanks for stitching with me today! 🧵🪡✂️
Love this tip, I am definitely going to do this, thanks so much, loved the video! Amazing !
Awesome! Thanks so much and please stay in touch!
I enjoy stitching from the front like this, usually with smaller pieces and it does feel a lot faster. You're essentially doing two movements in one or a cross stitch in two moves rather than four. But this method means your fabric gets dirtier with hand oils over time, you will likely get hand cramp holding the fabric for a long time and the stitches are more likely to look uneven because they're not stitched on taught fabric. I have managed to train myself to use two hands when stitching though, so one hand is underneath my frame and one on top. This has made it easier because my right hand isn't repeatedly going from the top to underneath the frame, which can make my arm ache. I find that to be a pretty fast method and doesn't hurt as much! But for those people who never use frames or hoops, this method is the go to one imo for faster stitching.
Thanks for your feedback! I haven't had issues with soiled fabric, but I'm super careful to wash my hands before handling any of my projects (especially if there's white Aida background like on the Alice silhouette I'm doing now). I have had some slight bunching with this method (but I don't use a hoop), although it straightens out when I have it stretched and framed, so it's really not a big deal for me.
Thanks so much for this! I’m a newbie and am looking for such information! 😃
Oh great! I'm so glad you found it helpful - happy stitching!!!
New to me! I learned in 4H years ago - way too many to count lol. I'm so happy to learn this new way, thank you! I have a poster of a HULK I'm working on that's taking forever.
That is awesome! I'm so happy this helps! It's been a total game-changer for me too. I can now usually make 2-3 projects a year (it used to take me about 2-3 years to make ONE!) lol
I'd love to see your work in progress photos! Please keep in touch on my Bella Stitchery FB page and send pics. :)
I finished a death star a few years back. Its my favorite to date.
@@margaretbraun4618 Wow! I bet that looked AMAZING
You literally just blew my mind!!!
Oh that’s awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed this tutorial!
I only just discovered the sewing method within the last year. I had also stopped using hoops around that same time. It makes my stitching go so much faster.
Right?! So much faster without a hoop!
I am so amazed!!! Thank you so much for this video, I just started cross stitching and you have helped me tremendously! ❤
Oh yay! Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it and welcome to cross stitching! ❤️✂️
How does that technique work on stiff Aida cloth? I have a stamped cross stitch kit I purchased from Amazon and the cloth is very stiff.
Hi! It works out pretty well. All Aida is super stiff at first, but it softens a BUNCH with use (maybe about a week or so after starting your project?) I've been working on mine now for almost a year and the Aida is like butter. :)
I have been watching all sorts of videos on hand stitchery. I am struggling with which hole to come up thru to make the fist stitch or even the second one. Can you please explain to me like I am a 5yo.
Hi friend! For your first stitch, you're going to come up through the bottom/left hand side of your square and then across to the top right so your stitch looks like this: / Then you finish it from the top left side to the bottom right side so it looks like: \ Does that make sense? You want all your top stitches going the same way so it looks smooth when you're finished. :)
Wholly Cow!!!! That's amazing!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
My pleasure! Thanks so much for crafting with me! 🥰
Thank you for the video, very helpful.
Oh great! I’m so glad 🥰
Thank you for the reply Bella.
@@alikc25 My pleasure! Please stay in touch!
Like you I use paper pattern where I enlarge at FedEx to a comfortable size to see the symbols and symbol sheets better bc some symbols can be very similar to another. I too use markers first to mark off a symbol in a 2-3 row area so that I can create a pathway instead of starting and stopping for a few stitches.Then I mark off in another color as I start to stitch the symbol to show where I am along the path. Very useful especially w a lot of confetti. I don’t park bc it’s too messy to me. I use loop method to begin and thread through stitching on the back to end.
I don't know how I would keep track of my pattern without highlighting. My sister doesn't mark up her paper charts, and it blows my mind how she knows where she is.
@@bellastitchery8043 Yes, I totally agree. Even w every fiddly thing I do, I still make little mistakes. But pregridded fabric is a lifesaver for me. I even number the columns on the fabric w the washable blue marker. Now THAT REALLY REALLY helps me keep track of where I’m going. No one is in the room but I often count outloud like, “ lower right diagonal” or “skip two stitch one,” etc. lol
@@5877user I've never heard of pregridded fabric! WHAT?! Do the lines show up on the finished piece? How does that work? Is it Aida cloth or some other brand? I'll definitely have to look that up.