Jermys or cross stitchers - a question

[Deleted]

I want to make a retro denver broncos cross stitch.

I am using a generator.

Dumb question, but how do I use the pattern? like, how do I get it on the fabric, or am I just eying it next to me?

I am using this. How many stitches? 40? 80?

[Deleted]

Wait- what about making one with this? Ignore the previous attachment.

stitchboard.com/pages/pattern/freePatternWizard.php

[spindle92]

This is what I call counted cross stitch.
You start with a blank canvas, find the middle and then count the stitches from the pattern.

[wowhead]

I've been meaning to ask some questions too.

What are your must haves for cross stitch?

So far I have a scroll frame, lap stand and needle threader. I've been getting kits so far so the standard stuff is included.

[jenna]

I fold the fabric into forths to find the center. Then I put 1 cross stitch to mark the center - if needed (if I want to start with a color that's not the center stitch.)

Then just count the squares - working from the center of the pattern outwards.

[Deleted]

How the hell did I post this twice?

I wasn't that impatient, I swear. Oops.

[jenna]

Jan 13, 2014 16:24:59 GMT -5 wowhead said:

I've been meaning to ask some questions too.

What are your must haves for cross stitch?

So far I have a scroll frame, lap stand and needle threader. I've been getting kits so far so the standard stuff is included.

I've always just used a hoop, unless the pattern is really small.

You need a good pair of scissors - small and sharp.

ETA:  I also had a way to organize my threads.  Small pieces of cardboard, and the thread is wound on the cardboard.  Write the number of the thread at the top of the cardboard, then  it's stored in a small plastic box in numerical order.

Sort of like this, but I kept them by number so I could find them easily.

[wowhead]

Jan 13, 2014 16:28:01 GMT -5 jenna said:

Jan 13, 2014 16:24:59 GMT -5 wowhead said:

I've been meaning to ask some questions too.

What are your must haves for cross stitch?

So far I have a scroll frame, lap stand and needle threader. I've been getting kits so far so the standard stuff is included.

I've always just used a hoop, unless the pattern is really small.

You need a good pair of scissors - small and sharp.

ETA:  I also had a way to organize my threads.  Small pieces of cardboard, and the thread is wound on the cardboard.  Write the number of the thread at the top of the cardboard, then  it's stored in a small plastic box in numerical order.

Sort of like this, but I kept them by number so I could find them easily.

I've done hoops before but decided to go with the scroll frame and lap stand so I could use only one hand.  I've been having wrist/thumb issues for a bit now.

I love the color box idea!!  I may need to copy you on that one.

[Jermys]

I will never use a hoop again. I now have two scroll frames (one big and one small) and I can't go back.

[Jermys]

I also have the boxes of floss, arranged by number. Which makes me slightly insane, because they're not by color, but since they're by number, I can deal. It also makes me crazy that there are numbers missing because GET IT TOGETHER, DMC!

[wowhead]

Another question. Is there an easy way to separate the floss into strands? That part annoys the living hell out of me.

[walterismydog]

I want to make one too!! Can we have a cross stitch party??

[zozo]

I have never used one of the scroll frames before, just hoops. What about the scroll frames makes them so much easier to use? Just that the excess fabric is tucked away? I may have to try one out.

I use cardboard and labels to keep my thread as well. However, my storage system isn't nearly as tidy and organized as the one above. I have a new mini-project!

[Jermys]

zozo, it keeps everything SO much neater. The excess fabric is out of the way and the fabric doesn't get all stretched out and wrinkled. I love it.

[wowhead]

This is my work in progress on the scroll frame and lap stand. 



It's much easier to move the work around on the scroll and created fewer wrinkles IMO. 

[txgrandma]

That's gorgeous.

[zozo]

Nice work, wowhead!

I've seen these frames in the store before but they've never really registered with me. I'm old school, yo! I like feeling like a Victorian lady working on her embroidery. Or not!

[Jermys]

pagas, I love that! wowhead, I love projects worked on black fabric!

[cinderbella]

Holy shit this just made my seven year old friendship bracelet making self squeal with excitement. Ha ha ha

[Deleted]

Wow, ladies!

I have the hoop. What is this scroll thing?

I had a rough time starting. I googled some videos and I was using double strands. then you couldn't tell they were "X"s. I had to pick it out and do it with a single strand.

[Jermys]

I have this one and I love it - www.amazon.com/Edmunds-Sit-On-Needlework-Quilt-Frame/dp/B000OCUAJA/ref=sr_1_7?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1389672536&sr=1-7&keywords=scroll+frame

[walterismydog]

I'm just going to highjack your thread here, @gypsy

So this is something I am teaching myself. Does anyone have a really helpful website for total beginners? I bought what looks like an easy pattern and I'm pretty crafty generally, so hopefully I can pick it up without a problem. I'm starting out with some flour sack towels - good idea?

[walterismydog]

Is there a big difference between cross stitch and embroidery? Sorry if that's an idiotic question.

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2014 23:06:09 GMT -5 pagas said:

Jan 13, 2014 22:58:32 GMT -5 @gypsy said:

Wow, ladies!

I have the hoop. What is this scroll thing?

I had a rough time starting. I googled some videos and I was using double strands. then you couldn't tell they were "X"s. I had to pick it out and do it with a single strand.

What count fabric are you using?  Are you separating the floss (6 strands) into 2 strands?

I am using 14. I wasn't sure which to get and decided that was larger and okay?

I got the embroidery thread that is DMC cotton perle. It was right next to the 6 strand kind but already spun into 2 strands.

Do you know what I am talking about?

Should I stop and go get the other stuff? I have only done 6 stitches total. (lol)

[Jermys]

Jan 13, 2014 23:13:55 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

I'm just going to highjack your thread here, @gypsy

So this is something I am teaching myself. Does anyone have a really helpful website for total beginners? I bought what looks like an easy pattern and I'm pretty crafty generally, so hopefully I can pick it up without a problem. I'm starting out with some flour sack towels - good idea?

I LOVE Jenny at Sublime Stitching and I think she has great tutorials sublimestitching.com/ 

YouTube is also a great resource!

[walterismydog]

Jan 13, 2014 23:15:54 GMT -5 Jermys said:

Jan 13, 2014 23:13:55 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

I'm just going to highjack your thread here, @gypsy

So this is something I am teaching myself. Does anyone have a really helpful website for total beginners? I bought what looks like an easy pattern and I'm pretty crafty generally, so hopefully I can pick it up without a problem. I'm starting out with some flour sack towels - good idea?

I LOVE Jenny at Sublime Stitching and I think she has great tutorials sublimestitching.com/ 

YouTube is also a great resource!

Thank you! I liked your page on the 'book without knowing it was you and recommended it to a lot of my friends before I knew. Hope that's not creepy. LOL 

[Jermys]

Jan 13, 2014 23:16:04 GMT -5 pagas said:

Jan 13, 2014 23:14:59 GMT -5 @gypsy said:

I am using 14. I wasn't sure which to get and decided that was larger and okay?

I got the embroidery thread that is DMC cotton perle. It was right next to the 6 strand kind but already spun into 2 strands.

Do you know what I am talking about?

Should I stop and go get the other stuff? I have only done 6 stitches total. (lol)

14 shouldn't need single strand.  I am not familiar with cotton perle, so I am no help there.  I hope someone else is able to assist!

I know nothing about the cotton perle either.  I use the regular 6 strand DMC.  And Pagas is right, you shouldn't need a single strand for 14 count.  I don't go down to single strand until I hit 20 count or higher.  Maybe even 18, but it's been a while since I've used 18.

[Jermys]

Jan 13, 2014 23:17:30 GMT -5 walterismydog said:

Jan 13, 2014 23:15:54 GMT -5 Jermys said:

I LOVE Jenny at Sublime Stitching and I think she has great tutorials sublimestitching.com/ 

YouTube is also a great resource!

Thank you! I liked your page on the 'book without knowing it was you and recommended it to a lot of my friends before I knew. Hope that's not creepy. LOL 

Not at ALL creepy!  Thank you!

[5thofjuly]

Where do you find cool patterns? I would like to cross stitch again (I haven't for years!) but it seems like all I'm finding are the kinds of things my mom made in the 80s.

[Deleted]

Jan 13, 2014 23:19:58 GMT -5 Jermys said:

Jan 13, 2014 23:16:04 GMT -5 pagas said:

14 shouldn't need single strand.  I am not familiar with cotton perle, so I am no help there.  I hope someone else is able to assist!

I know nothing about the cotton perle either.  I use the regular 6 strand DMC.  And Pagas is right, you shouldn't need a single strand for 14 count.  I don't go down to single strand until I hit 20 count or higher.  Maybe even 18, but it's been a while since I've used 18.

The stupid app isn't working for me to upload pics.

I am going to hold off and go back and get the 6 strand. I just thought this stuff looked nicer. But I didn't realize that I actually would want it to be thinner.