I just started on a project. I haven't cross-stitched from a pattern in like forever. Two questions:
1. Any good suggestions for keeping track of counts of long runs of stitches? Do you measure with a ruler or do you physically count? (Ha, can you tell I'm mathy?)
2. Any suggestions for ways to prevent my threads from knotting up while I'm stitching?
I haven't cross stitched in years, but I always counted. If you find it easier, you can subdivide the runs into sets of 10. As for knotting, I would occasionally drop the needle/thread to let it unwind.
Post by emoflamingo on Jun 19, 2012 17:26:04 GMT -5
I always counted, but if it was a LONG run and I have a tendency to stop in the middle of them, then I took the piece of paper I was working off of (copied if it was a pattern I couldn't reprint -- like something not from the internet) and used a highlighter or a red pen to mark a line through it.
I just used short floss to combat that. I know it's nicer and flatter with long floss because it won't have as many knots on the back, but this works just as well.
Emo-- I can count fine on the paper. My problem is when I have to count stitches on the fabric. 91 stitches. Oy.
I made my thread shorter and it seems to be helping. Maybe I was just overly stressed yesterday because all my threads were getting tangled up and knotted. Today's been better.
Post by emoflamingo on Jun 19, 2012 18:32:59 GMT -5
For 91, I would just do increments. Do like 10 and pause, then do 10 more. Whatever works.
This post makes me want to cross stitch.
Another option would be getting an air soluble (is that the right word?) marker. It goes away after awhile. Or water soluble, but you have to wash that.
I am an avid cross sticher and lurker on this board. One thing that helps me with long stitches is to count out where I need to stop and place another needle in that spot. Or you can always make a temporary stitch there and undo it when you come to it. Once you do your first long row, it should be easier b/c you can base your next row off of your first one.
Post by brittmk0922 on Jun 19, 2012 22:21:57 GMT -5
Its been ages since I did it! Lol I used to reprint/copy the pattern and I would count and highlight as I went, so if I had to stop in the middle of a section it was easy to see the highlighted ones were done and those that weren't highlighted weren't done
Hey I know I'm late to the party but I wanted to mention that you might want to try beeswax or Thread heaven. I have a little tub of thread heaven and it's been super helpful, especially when working with metallics or rayon flosses. It basically coats your thread and makes stitching smoother. Ir's usually around $5 and I've used it for 2 lrge + 1 med size projects and still have 80% left. As for counting, I usually count the stitches and work in sections of 10, maybe marking those off on the chart as I go.