Do you cross stitch? Need advice

[phorsenuf]

So I decided to try cross-stitching. I did needlepoint way back when but I've been eyeballing a cross stitch pattern for years and decided to give it a go.

It's so maddening! How do you prevent the floss from knotting up. I have the aida cloth on a stand up scroll frame. It's great when it goes smooth but then boom, knots on the backside.

Help!

 

[NAB]

How long are the threads. I sometimes cut them in half if they are too long , they are easier to work with.

But it does happen to me some times too.

 

[kimblebee]

Every once in a while, while the thread is on the backside of your piece let go of your needle and let the thread unwind. Also keep your threads nice and short.

 

[phorsenuf]

They seem to be about 40".

 

[NAB]

They seem to be about 40".

There is your problem cut it in half....mine are about a foot or so

 

[kimblebee]

You are using 40" of thread all at once? That is waaaay too long. Cut it so it is about 12-14" long. That should help a lot.

 

[clh2]

It has been years since I cross-stitched...How many strands of floss are you using, and IIRC, you are supposed to separate every single strand of thread, and then "put them back together". Boy that sounds odd - I hope it makes sense.

Another thing, don't start with floss that is too long.

Good Luck

 

[kimblebee]

I think we can all agree the thread is too long lol

 

[NAB]

I think we can all agree the thread is too long lol

 

[phorsenuf]

Ok, my floss is too long. That makes sense. (They should tell you that in the directions. LOL)

There seems to be 6 strands of floss in a "bundle" It says to use 2 strands of floss. I've been separating those out.

Another question. Are floss colors universal? So if I ran out of a color (which I doubt I will but just in case) can I just hit a store and get the same color by the floss number listed on my sheet?

 

[kimblebee]

As long as it is the same brand you can go to any store to get more thread. The two main types are DMC and Anchor. The instructions should tell you what kind you are using. How are you securing new thread to the back of the fabric?

 

[stm61]

it depends on what you're using. Do your instructions or charts say DMC or another name along with the number of the color? Maybe at the top of the color chart? If it does, you can match the thread by manufacturer and number. If not, call the manufacturer of the kit. They'll usually send you more if you run short.

 

[phorsenuf]

As long as it is the same brand you can go to any store to get more thread. The two main types are DMC and Anchor. The instructions should tell you what kind you are using. How are you securing new thread to the back of the fabric?

I looked at the directions and it says DMC, so that's good to know. As for securing I'm not knotting the end but stitching over the end on the backside. Does that make sense?

I have a few stitches that seems to be darker in area, probably a boo-boo but I think I'll leave it. Don't feel like tearing it all out. It adds character, right?

 

[kimblebee]

All the pieces I have done have one or two very minor mistakes. I always think it makes the piece my own lol

A trick that I was taught for securing the thread is to take one long piece of thread ( 10-15") and match the ends up making a loop at the other end. Thread the needle with the 2 ends and pull the needle to the top of the fabric as usual. When you go back down, pull the needle through the loop of the thread on the backside of the thread. When you go back up again the thread will catch itself and will hold secure. Does that make sense? It makes the back of the fabric look a lot neater and it's easier than always having to make sure that you are catching the tail end of the thread in the first few new stitches.

 

[MnMomtoboys]

I've used that long of a thread if I'm working a big area. Just use one of your fingers to hold the thread when you are pulling it thru the cloth

And yes stitch the ends so the knots don't make a bump.

 

[phorsenuf]

All the pieces I have done have one or two very minor mistakes. I always think it makes the piece my own lol

A trick that I was taught for securing the thread is to take one long piece of thread ( 10-15") and match the ends up making a loop at the other end. Thread the needle with the 2 ends and pull the needle to the top of the fabric as usual. When you go back down, pull the needle through the loop of the thread on the backside of the thread. When you go back up again the thread will catch itself and will hold secure. Does that make sense? It makes the back of the fabric look a lot neater and it's easier than always having to make sure that you are catching the tail end of the thread in the first few new stitches.

Thank you! That makes great sense. It's tricky trying to secure the back, which at the moment is a bit messy.

After I finish, if I finish, is there something I can put on the back side to like 'seal' the threads. Like the stuff you would put on puzzles, that kind of idea.

 

[NAB]

I have never ran out of thread. Usually have a ton left. Only way you may run out is if you used the wrong colour somewhere.

I just the Gold kits and the colours are so close you can only separate the colours in the day time because they are so close.

As for the back, I know they tell you not to knot but I always do for the first stitches then, I go under the other stitches when I am done with that colour. Never had a problem when I went to get them framed.

I would not use glue or anything on the ends of your strings. That might go through to your picture at the front. The back is not that important if it looks messy.

 

[scdak]

I think the previous posts hit the nail on the head with all the tips, keep in mind that if you use the techinque described to secure the thread on the back using the loop method (much easier and prettier) that you will still want the thread to be 12-14 inches long to stitch with but you will cut 1 strand twice that long to be able to double it when you thread the needle and use the loop to secure it, that will leave you 12 or so inches to stitch with and it also in essence seperates the thread as others have told you to do. Its also easy with this technique to use a shorter piece of floss if you need to do just a few stitches in a small area, less wastage of thread esp if you are starting run low. Allowing the needle to unwind as suggested is a great way to eliminate the tangles and knotting too. AND don't worry about a few mistakes, I have done over 100 projects and have never NOT made a mistake, and I am the only one that knows its not perfect. Stitch your heart out and enjoy the finished piece!

 

[phillmolly]

aww, you guys are making me miss cross stitching so much! I used do it all the time but now if I even look at a needle my carpal tunnel starts to act up.

 

[RNMOM]

I miss it too. Arthritis is my curse.

Don't forget if you are using any shade of red floss, wash it with a mild soap and water FIRST. Really, that stuff will run and ruin your cloth. You know you are supposed to wash the project when you are all done and iron it on the back side with a towel on the ironing board? I learned that at a class. The aida cloth will shrink up and the stiches will stand out more and make it look so nice. Try to iron the cloth nice and square or round or whatever shape it is meant to be. You iron it till it is dry to touch and allow it to finish drying out of the sunlight.

I was taught to cut my threads to 18" and hold the 6 strand bunch pinched loosly in your index finger and thumb on one hand. Take one thread at a time and gently pull it from the bunch, laying it aside. Do this to all the threads until you get the number you need. Doing this raises the fibers on the thread and "puffs" it up. It also helps a great deal with the twisting.

*I don't wash it in the machine, I gently squeeze mild suds through and rinse well without wringing. Squeeze dry in a towel then iron on the back side using a dry towel to pad the ironing board. Sorry if that wasn't clear. I agree, the machine would make a mess and probably unravel the knots.

Have fun with your project.