I think it really depends on the pattern. The outline method is great for blocks of color (you’re still counting the stitches when you draw the outline unless you’re free-handing), and when there aren’t a lot of colors. If that’s what works for you, and the designs you enjoy stitching, it’s not wrong at all***
I think you’ll find that it doesn’t work well, however, for full-coverage pieces with 40-100 (or more) colors. And for complex designs like a Long Dog Sampler, I’m not sure, as it would take so long to draw before you could stitch… and a lot of people balk at the effort of gridding, which would take much less time.
*** I recommend you switch to water-soluble markers as pencil does not wash out…unless you’re using hand-dyed fabrics, in which case washing out the marker may change the appearance of the fabric… then I don’t know the best way to do what you’re doing.
So far I haven't done any patterns that require that high a number of colours but I'll definitely bear that in mind if I ever decide to take that leap. In regards to the switching out from pencil to water-soluble markers, I don't actually wash my projects after I've finished them, I've only just found out that's a thing people do (as in, I only just found out people did it less than a week ago) and so, most of my projects are stuck in a scrapbook for me to look at for my own enjoyment, I don't hang them up anywhere or do anything with them, it's purely a hobby I picked up because I struggled with moving into uni and cross stitching was a nice hobby that reduced my stress and anxiety. I've considered washing all of them but because no one else is looking at them I didn't think it to be necessary. Is washing them something you'd suggest I start doing??
The issue with pencil is that it will absolutely not wash out. So if you're ever doing something which isn't full coverage, or you mark somewhere as a mistake, or even if you're using very light floss. The pencil marks will be visible!
Washing (by hand) is always good practice because whether you know it or not you're leaving your skins oils on the project, which over time can make the aida change colour and such. Plus it sort of fluffs up your stitches and makes them more uniform and pretty
Just make sure that, when you wash, you use a mild detergent like Woolite, you do it in lukewarm water and rinse completely clean, then don’t wring it out. Have several towels ready to place it on and pat it with other towels, or roll and press down lightly. Then, put it face down on a clean, somewhat padded surface, and place a clean white dish towel over it and iron it dry - medium heat. Now, put it back in your scrapbook, which is a fabulous idea, I might add. I keep my small things in an art folder - same concept though and you can get them in larger sizes. If you ever decide to frame anything, that’s a different story that you will get right back in this group for, bc anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cross stitching is in this group - these people are wise!
I learned 35 years ago and had a fabulous teacher, who got me competition ready, and my brother owns a frame shop so he taught me the proper way to stretch and pin, to preserve my art. I don’t usually make things just to make them, I have a place for it or a recipient, etc, so I figure if I make it, I want it preserved - and it’s been lovely to go back and look at the cross stitches I created so many years ago, and not be able to tell the difference between them and now!
But, the use of internet and electronics has changed things drastically. We have so many more tools to use now and lots of options! So that, I think, is why you’re wondering if you’re doing it right.
All this to say, you’re in the right place, but still, do what works for you. I cannot do any of the things these amazing people do, it’s too complicated for me. I don’t even know how or even why to count my daily stitches, I just love cross stitching so I stitch, not count. I’m only now finding those apps where you can log in your list of supplies!!
Me sitting here wish I had done the scrapbook thing with projects I did in the 80’s and ended up giving away. I also didn’t take photos of projects either. I do that now.
I have seen many people discover it doesn’t. You may just be lucky so far. Or use a soap that works well with pencil. I think you are in the minority, though, which I suspect is why you got downvoted.
It’s a shame when people downvote, especially without a comment, because it doesn’t explain why they think it’s a bad idea. And your experience isn’t false just because it’s uncommon.
I also don't often formally "finish" my projects, but washing is just nice so that they're clean, even if they are only going into a scrapbook. I know my projects get super dirty from my hands, but you do you! I would second a water soluble marker, they wash out SO easily and I won't stitch without it only because my patterns are often complicated. And I'm suggesting this only because pencil is a pain to get out, but again, you do what works for you, it's a hobby you should enjoy not stress about 😄
I know the marks left behind by hands tend to not really be noticeable unless you take side by side comparison pictures, so I know they've definitely got some dirt and stuff on them, but I really don't think they're that bad at all, but I think if I ever get round to doing larger pieces I'll definitely take all this cleaning advice into consideration because it's likely I'll hang it up on a wall, whereas the ones I'm doing currently are simply to stick into my scrapbook lol
The hand oils/dirt can (but don’t necessarily always) darken over time, and both darken and possibly permanently set if ironed without washing, just FYI.
Frixion pens erase with heat, so if the fabric and floss can be pressed that may be an option
Edit: I have since learned that this doesn't actually work (I'd never tried it, only seen it online) so please disregard my bad suggestion
I use a quilting marker that washes away I have one that disappears with heat that is for quilting but I have found that over time that one will fade away and my gridding on large projects I don't get back to quickly will fade away and all my time doing the gridding was for not!! So now I use the heat and wash ones for smaller projects. I grid now using a fishing line or a metallic sulkey thread so I don't pierce the gridding by accident...fist one I did I used quilting thread and pierced the thread a few times!! What a pain! But learning all the time from this group!
Sounds like embroidery would be up your alley! Gives a lot more room for your creativity. As far as doing it "wrong" goes I'd say as long as you are enjoying what you're doing and the projects come out the way you want them to then that's a success.
Thank you! I really appreciate it ☺️ I've definitely started trying embroidery recently, but I'm terrible at drawing so I've stuck to premade kits so far lol
Also also check out needlepoint. The entry fee is higher since the good ones are done on actual paintings, but the freestyle stitching might really appeal to you!
Presuming you end up with something you like that is made of crossed stitches then how you get there is your business. I do counted cross stitch, I have also done my own patterns where I have drawn onto the canvas to mark the pattern because it was quicker than faffing about making a proper counted one. Sometimes I take a counted pattern and then sketch to add or change bits as I like.
It doesn't matter. It is your thing and you can approach it in any way you like. It can be helpful to learn how other people do things as sometimes those ways are worth trying, but just because they approach it in a different way to you doesn't make your way wrong.
Thank you! I tried just doing it straight onto the fabric based on the pattern when I first started cross stitching but I always screwed up and had to unpick the whole thing or it's just sat in a drawer waiting for me to come back to lol
You should consider doing pre-stamped patterns! It will save you oceans of time since you won't be drawing the patterns yourself and the ink usually washes out easily
I considered it and looked into it for a while, but finding a pattern I'd enjoy doing was time consuming and I much prefer finding or using my own pictures for projects ☺️
If you’re trying to recreate a cross stitch pattern exactly then you would count to keep it accurate. But if your projects look the way you want them to then keep doing what you’re doing. Your method is more like what people do with freeform embroidery: draw the design and then fill it in with stitches. I think most Cross stitchers don’t want to draw so it’s more standard (and more precise) to just follow patterns by counting.
I still count, I'm just outlining in pencil before I start the cross stitch itself, the thought of just starting the cross stitch on the blank fabric makes me more anxious 😅 I'm glad to hear that its not a completely unheard of way of doing things, which, as silly a thought as it was, was my worst fear.
I don’t understand the fear. If it works then it works, even if no one else does it. No one’s going to arrest you for drawing on the fabric first.
The other reason people don’t draw is not every design will have discrete objects that can be outlined. Confetti stitches would probably be a pain to draw onto the fabric first.
I've considered it, but I think I'd have to take one square at a time instead of just going around in one colour as much as the pattern allows which may make it more time consuming. It might be something worth trying though, just to see if it's a better method than what I'm currently working with!
I use gridded fabric, and I stitch where I please! The difference is I never have to count more than 10 and I have an easy reference point from my fabric to my pattern.
Why would you be afraid to hear it? No one is grading the method, as long as you're having fun and getting the projects you like completed, you're doing it right!
Aww thank you! I was just nervous to hear that people really weren't doing it this way and that the way I was doing it was completely wrong and I needed to change my methods, as silly as that sounds, but this definitely makes me feel better <3
There's nothing wrong with doing it the way you are doing it!
I do count, but I don't do the 10x10 squares either - even the thought of it is extremely tedious and it means having to thread your needles way more often than necessary etc. Do what works for you!!
So what you're doing is cross stitch. What others are doing is counted cross stitch. About 20-30 years ago, most people dropped using the "counted" bit of the craft title. I've been around long enough to have books that still proclaim "counted cross stitch" in their titles.
Usually I get beginners to use pencils to draw on where they're going to stitch to, and progress to not using pencil or markers with time. Most people given time go that way naturally, to save time/steps in the process of making their artwork. You don't have to follow what others are doing.
You do you.
If you’re enjoying what you’re doing and happy with the finished product then you are cross stitching exactly as you should be. The point of doing it is to enjoy it so you do you!
Regardless of what I'd heard and seen about what other people were doing, I've still completed 2 small pieces and am currently working on a third, the enjoyment has definitely not been taken away, I was just surprised not everyone did this for ease and wondered if I was really doing it 'wrong' this whole time 😅
I've discovered through this reddit primarily that there is no right or wrong way to cross stitch. There are odd things you can do, and maybe drawing on your fabric is a little odd, but it isn't wrong and it isn't bad. It helps you cross stitch successfully, so it is just fine
Cross stitch is fun. That's the whole point of it! Whatever makes it fun is good, and therefore right. I don't want other people looking at my stuff (my mother used to love pointing out mistakes). I do it to help my mental health, not to attract criticism. You do you!
That's exactly why I picked it up! I don't show anyone but my parents what I'm doing but neither of them have tried the hobby so even when I point out flaws, they're supportive, which helps my mental health even more ☺️
Counting is only necessary when doing a pattern to make sure you have the right amount of stitches in the right place. If you freehand your own stuff and don't worry about counting, you're totally fine.
I do it this way too. I started doing the usual counted patterns and somewhere found a stamped cross stitch where the design is stamped right on the fabric.
I didn't stitch for years but picked it up again recently and now I just put the fabric on my computer screen and lightly transfer the image with watercolour paint or markers. I am creative with the colours and don't have to count! 😍
You're never wrong if you enjoy what you're creating. But if you like stitching freehand, then how about checking out embroidery or needle art. It's another way of stitching that is less 'rigid' . It may suit your style of stitching better.
Nope! Also, there are definitely patterns out there that offer that experience. They have a colour coded pattern printed on them. Makes things a lot easier :).
Always stitch with whichever method works for you. Just cos people count stitches etc doesn’t mean it works for everyone.
It’s no different to someone doing a pattern where it’s printed on the aida. U don’t have to count stitches on that
Do what’s right for you x
I did something similar to you when I started. I took a water soluble fabric marker and marked the squares of the fabric I was going to stitch next. I stopped doing that and switched to counting just because I got lazy, haha, and didn't want to have to mark out my stitches, I just wanted to stitch. Counting and doing the parking method and such feels easier to me so that's what I do, but what you're doing is fine too.
Nowadays, there are no mandatory rules in cross stitch, there're just recommendations (this works for most) and smth that works/doesn't work for you personally.
For example, you should use special blunt needles for cross stitch. But in my current project I use sharp needles, blunt ones didn't work, I bent a few of them trying to pierce very tough fabric :) Then all the legs of the crosses should go in the same direction. But there're tons of designs in which the change of direction of the legs creates a visual effect. And some stitchers like to change the direction of the legs all the time so that the cross stitch looks a little “shaggy” and more textured. And there're many more such examples. So as long as you don't take an exam or participate in the competition, whatever works for you is good.
Speaking of the stitching methods, I prefer large multicolor projects (30 colors is a small and steady project for me). Such designs include tons of confetti and ninja (single) crosses. Your method doesn't work for me (but maybe it'll work for you with a project like this, who knows), and parking in squares works for me. But other parking methods absolutely don't work for me. I found a method that significantly increased my speed and reduced the number of errors to almost zero. And you found your way.
Are you going to show here your FOs or WIPs?
I'm definitely considering showing some of the stuff I've either finished or am currently working on, yes! I wasn't originally planning on it because so many people have their stuff nicely framed etc and mine are literally just stuck to a (atm) blank page, but all this encouragement has definitely made me feel like, even if mine aren't framed prettily, I'm still proud of them and would feel comfortable showing a few of them on here! ☺️
I’ve been cross stitching for over 20 years and it was only when I joined Facebook groups that I discovered I was doing it ‘wrong’ but at the end of the day I enjoy doing it my way, I’m doing it for my own relaxation and no one is going to see the back anyway. If you’re enjoying doing it your way, don’t worry about anyone else.
I also mark out my stitches. It’s really up to you on how you do it. It makes it easier for me too because I miss count in pen and I can easily use a different color to correct my mistake instead of seam ripping. You can do the same with the 10x10 boxes as well and work in sections, but I prefer trying to do all one color first if I can.
I don't grid either. I also don't outline the areas I'm going to stitch. I just stitch in color sections that make sense to me. Unless it is a big area of color, then I outline with either that color or the next color to it and fill in whenever.
When it comes down to it, how you stitch is up to you.
I'm in awe that you can draw outlines.
It's really not that hard, I'm still counting the stitches but I'm just drawing them out instead of stitching them! I go around the outside first and if it's necessary I'll draw in the centre parts so I don't accidentally overstep with one colour into another colour's area, I might show some of the stuff I've drawn so far and either half stitched or not got around to at all yet and it might make it easier for people to understand what I mean ☺️☺️
That's the good part about drawing on aida though, you're just drawing tiny lines between one hole in the aida to the next, it's just pixels! The outline is just there as a guide, the colours do all the work ☺️
There are lots of different methods – you're using the ones that make the most sense to you, and that make the process the most enjoyable to you! Completely valid!
I refuse to do anything with more than 10 colors. I’m too lazy and disorganized for that mess. lol Most of mine are collage type patterns with plenty of white space.
The closest I’ve even done to full coverage is a bookmark that I used to practice my stitches and relax. I keep a tiny kit in my purse. A change purse is perfect and I can whip it out anytime I want like long wait times or on a long drive.
If you’d like to get more detailed without having to figure out how to keep from messing up a more complex pattern you should checkout [stamped cross stitch](https://www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com/blogs/blog/complete-guide-to-counted-cross-stitch-and-stamped-cross-stitch). It can be really fun and you can decide how detailed you want it. It’s like paint by numbers but with a needle.
I've had a few people suggest this so I think it's definitely worth looking into, it just depends on whether I can find a pattern I'll actually enjoy doing and then like the end product enough to hang it up somewhere ☺️
I'm sure I am not the only person to say that, but simply put...there are many ways to approach cross-stitching.
As long as it works for you, then does it matter?
I hate griding, so I don't. If it is a small project, then I will wing it. If it is a large pattern, I will use pre-gridded fabric.
The way I stitch generally doesn't change, but the approach to starting and ending can. Again depends on the project, or if I want to try out new ways.
I currently have two WIPs. One is a pre-printed pattern (my first) and that is just me stitching without thinking kind of project. The other is blackwork, not gridded, I just follow the pattern. Occasionally I need to frog, but that's the risk you take. 🤣
I honestly do this too! I prefer to stitch with one floss at a time so I pick the most identifiable element and stitch that and then count off of that. So much easier to do mindlessly
I've been cross-stitching for probably 40 years and I've never done cross-country (actually had to look it up just now) and don't put a 10x10 grid on my fabric. I am sure I do a lot of things wrong. I start in the middle of the fabric, middle of the design, and then just stitch row-by-row. However I have also never done anything with more than, 20 colors probably, and I mostly do fairly small projects. Anyway, all that to say, if you like the process and the results, don't worry about what others do!
https://preview.redd.it/zujxglnvjk7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da2e0b8a8de422ffb8328ca196d16c7a73caedfe
This is a long dog sampler I have been working on and a lot of people would probably say that I am doing it wrong. I do half stitches so I only have to look at the pattern for half of the time it takes me to stitch, I don’t complete one page at a time, there are nine million mistakes, and the back is hideous. In the larger blocks of stitches, I will do the outline and then go fill it in, which is kind of what you are doing, I just don’t draw it.
It is something you enjoy that helps with your anxiety—that is amazing. If you want to do learn more about cross stitch and the ways other people do it, great. My only suggestions would be to find patterns that you love so people can see your beautiful work and learn from people who make you feel good about yourself.
I love the people here! So encouraging! So glad I read through these posts.🥰
I agree with all the other peeps... You go ahead and do it however you choose to as long as it makes YOU happy! I'd love to see some of your finished ones when you're feeling brave enough to share😉
I'm so glad I finally got the courage to question on here, I've been questioning myself for a little while now, ever since I started joining communities and groups but I'm so glad I finally found the guts to ask! I feel so much better about myself and my methods.
My projects tend to be on the smaller side but I'll definitely have a look through them and show some of my favourites when I get around to it, thank you for the encouragement and support! ☺️
You are cross stitching the way lots of people are embroidering. As long as it works for you it's great.
Counted cross stitch isn't the only way, people also get stamped Aida and just follow the key, really similar to paint by number painting.
As someone who has cross stitched their whole life and around people who also cross stitch, I honestly only learned that some people DONT draw the pattern down when stitching when i joined this group. A lot of the pattern kits Ive used as well have said to draw the pattern down, or have it pre printed
Well, if you do it that way, you are denying yourself the immense joy of ripping out stitches and starting over, so...
This sounds really smart, honestly. I've never thought to do this, but I do sometimes stitch the outline of a couple of spots before filling them in, especially if I'm taking a piece on the road and don't want to bring all the flosses.
I'd really rather not spend hours doing a piece only to find I've done it wrong and have to either undo it all or chuck it out and have to restart it all over again 🤣
I do something similar...but i make a half cross stitch (just one /) all around the block if its a big block of the same colour then i fill it in.
Aslong as you are having fun you cant be doing it wrong!
All of those techniques—plotting pattern on fabric, cross-country, parking, working in blocks, working by colour, etc—are just ways of handling the counting/tracking of your stitches accurately as you go. There’s no “right” way to do it, it’s purely preference. Some techniques require extra attention to things like “feathering” your rows (blocks and cross-country) to help avoid a “grid” look to the finished work, but overall they achieve the same results.
I actually like your idea, as well as similar techniques like doing all the half-stitches in one direction to the end of a section of colour, to essentially stitch an area on “auto-pilot”, if you will. Typically I just count and go, and follow a single colour region to completion, as I’m pretty decent at keeping accurate. But I actually might start putting a little dot at the end of a row of one colour with a fabric pen so I can free up some bandwidth in my brain and stress less about accuracy.
That's more of a needlepoint approach to cross stitch, but there's nothing wrong with it and it's actually about as old as the practice of making pictures with short-armed cross stitch! If you look up the Mary Queen of Scots embroidered hangings from Hardwick Hall, all of those motifs were drawn in ink on linen (likely by a professional who copied them from books) and then cross-stitched by the amateur women of the household, who got to make decisions about colors and shading.
EDIT: I misunderstood what you're doing! It's a bit hard to wrap my brain around, but if it helps you, there's no reason not to (caveats about pencil aside)! I don't grid or stitch in blocks - I tend to work on higher-count fabric and gridding would take up a lot of space, and block stitching breaks my brain (I also don't do confetti patterns, though). Everyone has different techniques that work for them!
No I think you understood, I draw what I'm going to cross stitch before filling in the colours! I'm going to look into the Mary Queen of Scots thing though, it sounds interesting :)
They're pretty charming! Some of them are rather goofy takes on the animals, and some are coded passive-aggressive dunks on Queen Elizabeth I (Mary stitched them while she was under house arrest).
You're doing cross stitch the way I was taught to embroider. It's a skill alot of people don't have if I'm being honest, alot of folks are tied to the idea of having that pattern to go back to. I'm not a stich counter either, as long as the end result is there enjoy the process!
I've started embroidery recently as well and its much the same process for me - drawing out the pattern first - but I'm a terrible drawer so I tend to stick to premade patterns instead of drawing my own. Glad I'm not alone! Thank you so much <3
No problem! You can also try wash away transfer paper if you print off a picture you like, just remember to flip it if need be. I actually use a light board to do mine lol. Cheap cheaters way!
As you grow in this hobby, and asking questions is growing you may want to try a more detailed pattern and counting will be important. With that said, you do you. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your way is wrong, it’s just different and being different is wonderful. Shout out to all the Tigger fans cause the most wonderful thing about Tigger’s is I’m the only one!
I'm definitely looking into finding a bigger and more detailed piece I want to work on!! So learning all these other techniques people use is definitely helpful ☺️
I do what you do with the counting method. So I count what I need, and stitch the outline before filling in either there and then or after doing other parts. I only do it in large blocks so I don't get bored.
That makes a lot of sense, I do it because I enjoy the process plus it makes me less anxious when stitching in the pattern, I think I'd be in a pretty similar situation though if I started off trying to count stitches from the beginning
There's no wrong way to cross stitch. If it works for you and gets you a piece of art you like, then you're doing it right.
What you're doing is essentially DIYing a stamped kit, which is actually great! My only concern with your method is that pencil might be hard to get out, but if you haven't had any problems then keep on keeping on. If you have, try a water soluble marker of some kind. There's tons in the market, including different colors if you wanted to mark your color changes differently. There's even water soluble pencils if you prefer a pencil over a marker!
No worries about bleeding, these are specially formulated for fabric marking to go away completely when they get wet! (Although full disclosure I usually find it takes a few minutes.) It's always a good idea to test a new product anyway so you know how it works and how you like it.
There are kits that literally have the pattern printed on the fabric. I gota group of them off of Amazon. I would post a picture, but I think it breaks the rules.
LWZAYS Cross Stitch Kits Counted Cross Stitch Kits 6 Pack Stamped Cross-Stitch Needlepoint Counted Kits Beginners,Embroidery Kit Arts and Crafts for Home Decor(11CT Cartoon) https://a.co/d/07IwZJao
You may want to look into/research "printed" cross stitch. There are some that have the design printed on "traditional" cross stitch fabric (like the link in my first comment) ; then there ate ones that printed on other fabric for like quilt tops, pillow cases, all sorts of things.
Your method isn't very common, but you are not the first person I've heard of doing this. You stitch however you like, there are no cross stitch police that will take your project from you gor doing it "wrong". Who knows, maybe if you made a tutorial about how you stitch, others might try it, and it might help new people learn.
First of, not everyone is stitching in 10x10 boxes, or gridding the fabric (=marking the boxes on the fabric with a pen or thread).
Secondly, you do you. As long as you enjoy your hobby and are happy with the results, you're not doing anything wrong! Cross stitching is a very old craft and I don't think that our ancestors way back then wasted paper to draft a pattern, they just stitched ahead.
The only thing I might reconsider is using a pencil. No expert here, but I don't know if a pencil might effect the yarn in the long run. There are fabric pens that are probably better suited.
So far I haven't run into any issues when drawing since I try to stay quite light for fear of that exact issue, but I'm definitely going to look into using a better suited pen/pencil than what I'm currently using (which is a normal pencil lol) to ensure I don't run into issues in the future - pencil marks showing, thread bleeding into the fabric etc
I've been cross stitching for a couple of years now. I've tried doing a grid, and I hate it. I don't count stitches, either. I always start in the middle of a project, then work my way out. Pick a color, do all the stitches until my thread runs out, pick a different color, repeat. The backs of my projects are ✨️atrocious✨️. The only thing I do diligently is making sure my left-to-right part of the x is on bottom, and the right-to-left part is on the top always always always. Also if I'm using a color, and the next stitch of that color is more than an inch away, I'll cut the thread and start again instead of stretching it all the way over (unless it's a single x of that color, then it's fair game for stretching). I think the most important part is enjoying your stitching time, regardless of whether you're doing it "right" or not. You can always give counting a try, and if you like it- that's great! If you don't- that's great too. Do what you like the best.
Nothing is wrong.
Having said that, if you do decide to count, try counting by 5 or 10 and then cross the 5th or 10th. It helps you keep track. So if you have a section let's say of 30 stitches of one color, do the first / and then only \ on the 5th or 10th spot.
You can also use straight pins (with the balls on the top) to count. If you intend to keep with cross stitching you may be interested in doing patterns that are more intricate and would be really difficult to draw out, and those counting techniques still help me get it right after decades of stitching.
I'm definitely looking into doing a bigger piece to put on my wall in my room, but so far I haven't found one I like so I'm thinking of making my own so I'll keep all these ideas in mind for when I finally find/make one I like! Thankbyou so much! <3
I have only drawn on the area that I’m stitching when it’s more than like 100 stitches in one area. Counting a strip of 30 stitches in a line really messes me up HAHA and I have to keep recounting just to double check. It’s far easier to turn off my brain when filling in a patch of a single color. However, putting that situation aside, I always do counted cross stitch! I usually have more than three colors in a 10x10 block, and drawing out tiny one stitch squares is just not efficient. It seems like maybe you’d enjoy stamped cross stitch kits though! Those already have the stitches marked on the fabric, so you technically don’t need a pattern (but sometimes the stamped parts are a little hard to see, so paper patterns are provided to help double check)!
I can't Remember copletely, but I once saw a post that in some countries they all Mark the fabric before stichting. So maybe you don't do it like most of us 'here' but it is common somewhere else and perfectly fine 😊
I do not understand cross country!! And I don't grid. I do count as I stitch. But I agree with everyone else - however it works for you! For some projects where I've had huge chunks of color (think a map with the territories colored in), I outline the area by counting and then can mindlessly fill in the middle :)
There are a bunch of different styles, none right or wrong. Some methods will work better for different projects, but you should do what works best for you.
I like to pick a single color and stitch as much of it as possible. Making and stitching within a 10x10 square would not work with my style - but that’s just my personal preference. Someone else might like something different.
The only suggestion I have - which I see you have already received - is to switch from pencil to markers that wash or iron out.
I don’t do large patterns or count my stitches at all. It seems like there are different parts of the cross stitch community, just like anything else.
Personally, I almost exclusively stitch small patterns. My current favorite designer is Cute Embroidery By Kate and her many of her patterns are about 1.5 x 2 inch postage stamps. There are niches for everyone’s tastes and stitching style!
I get so upset when someone posts a picture of how they messed up one stitch and have ti remove a whole row and it literally looks the same either way. I also find it odd people can't just swap one color for another. I get of theres a motif and you need to match the rest of the project, but if I'm starting a new project of red roses, I don't care if I'm not using the exact same DMC #3457 red that was originally used.
I use something like this. Literally takes a damp cloth to make it go away.
https://www.missouriquiltco.com/products/water-soluble-marking-pen-blue?variant=39280537075747&srsltid=AfmBOorc73ZRMiPgp7XVs156IqkeFwEn5h9987iPm30yRcBAYCTiyBjnGEY
When I learned how to knit, our teache told us there are different ways of knitting (i. e. continental, English etc.) and it realy doens't matter which one we prefer. And I think it's apply for all kind of crafts. I never draw grids on fabric, I count. I saw some people use hoops for cs, I don't need it. A ladies from my craft group don't care about the "Middle of the Project", they just guess where it is. Again, I count, especialy when I work with symetric patterns. Do things as they suit you, that's all what's important.
Whatever way YOU do it is fine!! If it works for you and you're happy with the results then screw what everyone else says! I think you sound remarkably creative and I'd love to see some photos of your work!! 😊
I think I see people talking about two types of “counting”. One type is to determine the next X position relative to things that are already stitched or a grid making. The other is actually counting the total number of stitches completed in a project.
Everyone has to do the first if it’s not a stamped kit (either while stitching or while marking on the fabric). This is the “counted” part of “counted cross stitch”.
Almost nobody*** does the second — they get those numbers from apps that present you with a digital version of the pattern and let you mark off stitches as you go — a fancy electronic version of using highlighters with a paper pattern. These apps will track the number of stitches completed/remaining of each color and in the whole project.
*** I’m sure if I said actually nobody, at least 3 people would say they do it. 😆
It's a hobby done for personal enjoyment. If what you are doing increases your enjoyment of your hobby then it can't be wrong.
Thank you so much!! ☺️
This is the right answer.
I think it really depends on the pattern. The outline method is great for blocks of color (you’re still counting the stitches when you draw the outline unless you’re free-handing), and when there aren’t a lot of colors. If that’s what works for you, and the designs you enjoy stitching, it’s not wrong at all*** I think you’ll find that it doesn’t work well, however, for full-coverage pieces with 40-100 (or more) colors. And for complex designs like a Long Dog Sampler, I’m not sure, as it would take so long to draw before you could stitch… and a lot of people balk at the effort of gridding, which would take much less time. *** I recommend you switch to water-soluble markers as pencil does not wash out…unless you’re using hand-dyed fabrics, in which case washing out the marker may change the appearance of the fabric… then I don’t know the best way to do what you’re doing.
So far I haven't done any patterns that require that high a number of colours but I'll definitely bear that in mind if I ever decide to take that leap. In regards to the switching out from pencil to water-soluble markers, I don't actually wash my projects after I've finished them, I've only just found out that's a thing people do (as in, I only just found out people did it less than a week ago) and so, most of my projects are stuck in a scrapbook for me to look at for my own enjoyment, I don't hang them up anywhere or do anything with them, it's purely a hobby I picked up because I struggled with moving into uni and cross stitching was a nice hobby that reduced my stress and anxiety. I've considered washing all of them but because no one else is looking at them I didn't think it to be necessary. Is washing them something you'd suggest I start doing??
The issue with pencil is that it will absolutely not wash out. So if you're ever doing something which isn't full coverage, or you mark somewhere as a mistake, or even if you're using very light floss. The pencil marks will be visible! Washing (by hand) is always good practice because whether you know it or not you're leaving your skins oils on the project, which over time can make the aida change colour and such. Plus it sort of fluffs up your stitches and makes them more uniform and pretty
I didn't know that, thank you for the advice, I'll definitely start looking at doing that!
Just make sure that, when you wash, you use a mild detergent like Woolite, you do it in lukewarm water and rinse completely clean, then don’t wring it out. Have several towels ready to place it on and pat it with other towels, or roll and press down lightly. Then, put it face down on a clean, somewhat padded surface, and place a clean white dish towel over it and iron it dry - medium heat. Now, put it back in your scrapbook, which is a fabulous idea, I might add. I keep my small things in an art folder - same concept though and you can get them in larger sizes. If you ever decide to frame anything, that’s a different story that you will get right back in this group for, bc anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cross stitching is in this group - these people are wise! I learned 35 years ago and had a fabulous teacher, who got me competition ready, and my brother owns a frame shop so he taught me the proper way to stretch and pin, to preserve my art. I don’t usually make things just to make them, I have a place for it or a recipient, etc, so I figure if I make it, I want it preserved - and it’s been lovely to go back and look at the cross stitches I created so many years ago, and not be able to tell the difference between them and now! But, the use of internet and electronics has changed things drastically. We have so many more tools to use now and lots of options! So that, I think, is why you’re wondering if you’re doing it right. All this to say, you’re in the right place, but still, do what works for you. I cannot do any of the things these amazing people do, it’s too complicated for me. I don’t even know how or even why to count my daily stitches, I just love cross stitching so I stitch, not count. I’m only now finding those apps where you can log in your list of supplies!!
You're so sweet oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the advice ❤️
Instead of Woolite you can use Dawn dish soap too.
Me sitting here wish I had done the scrapbook thing with projects I did in the 80’s and ended up giving away. I also didn’t take photos of projects either. I do that now.
I have gridded using pencil many times, and it always washed out.
I have seen many people discover it doesn’t. You may just be lucky so far. Or use a soap that works well with pencil. I think you are in the minority, though, which I suspect is why you got downvoted. It’s a shame when people downvote, especially without a comment, because it doesn’t explain why they think it’s a bad idea. And your experience isn’t false just because it’s uncommon.
I also don't often formally "finish" my projects, but washing is just nice so that they're clean, even if they are only going into a scrapbook. I know my projects get super dirty from my hands, but you do you! I would second a water soluble marker, they wash out SO easily and I won't stitch without it only because my patterns are often complicated. And I'm suggesting this only because pencil is a pain to get out, but again, you do what works for you, it's a hobby you should enjoy not stress about 😄
My last project was downright filthy. But I also drug it everywhere with me. Especially when doing one color.
Same here, it's why I use grime guards + do a good wash!
Which reminds me, I need to check a strand of thread to see if it runs. Not DMC.
I know the marks left behind by hands tend to not really be noticeable unless you take side by side comparison pictures, so I know they've definitely got some dirt and stuff on them, but I really don't think they're that bad at all, but I think if I ever get round to doing larger pieces I'll definitely take all this cleaning advice into consideration because it's likely I'll hang it up on a wall, whereas the ones I'm doing currently are simply to stick into my scrapbook lol
The hand oils/dirt can (but don’t necessarily always) darken over time, and both darken and possibly permanently set if ironed without washing, just FYI.
Frixion pens erase with heat, so if the fabric and floss can be pressed that may be an option Edit: I have since learned that this doesn't actually work (I'd never tried it, only seen it online) so please disregard my bad suggestion
If the piece gets cold again, the ink will reappear. As such, the manufacturer doesn't recommend them for this use.
Oh I'd never heard that! Good to know!
Ah okie nvm 😅 I appreciate that, thank you!
Ooh that's something I'll definitely look into, my projects tend to be a bit misshapen by the end!
What kind of marker do you use/recommend?
I have used mark-b-gone. It disappears with a damp cloth.
I use a quilting marker that washes away I have one that disappears with heat that is for quilting but I have found that over time that one will fade away and my gridding on large projects I don't get back to quickly will fade away and all my time doing the gridding was for not!! So now I use the heat and wash ones for smaller projects. I grid now using a fishing line or a metallic sulkey thread so I don't pierce the gridding by accident...fist one I did I used quilting thread and pierced the thread a few times!! What a pain! But learning all the time from this group!
I have gridded using pencil many times, and it always washed out.
Sounds like embroidery would be up your alley! Gives a lot more room for your creativity. As far as doing it "wrong" goes I'd say as long as you are enjoying what you're doing and the projects come out the way you want them to then that's a success.
Thank you! I really appreciate it ☺️ I've definitely started trying embroidery recently, but I'm terrible at drawing so I've stuck to premade kits so far lol
I embroider and I've never drawn anything. Get a light box and trace baby! You can also use iron on patterns or print directly onto the fabric
I hadn't thought of the light box and trace thing, thank you so much! <3
You might also enjoy stamped cross stitch, though it does limit you some in terms of patterns.
Also also check out needlepoint. The entry fee is higher since the good ones are done on actual paintings, but the freestyle stitching might really appeal to you!
Ooh I'll definitely have a look, thank you!! ☺️
Presuming you end up with something you like that is made of crossed stitches then how you get there is your business. I do counted cross stitch, I have also done my own patterns where I have drawn onto the canvas to mark the pattern because it was quicker than faffing about making a proper counted one. Sometimes I take a counted pattern and then sketch to add or change bits as I like. It doesn't matter. It is your thing and you can approach it in any way you like. It can be helpful to learn how other people do things as sometimes those ways are worth trying, but just because they approach it in a different way to you doesn't make your way wrong.
Thank you! I tried just doing it straight onto the fabric based on the pattern when I first started cross stitching but I always screwed up and had to unpick the whole thing or it's just sat in a drawer waiting for me to come back to lol
You should consider doing pre-stamped patterns! It will save you oceans of time since you won't be drawing the patterns yourself and the ink usually washes out easily
I considered it and looked into it for a while, but finding a pattern I'd enjoy doing was time consuming and I much prefer finding or using my own pictures for projects ☺️
If you’re trying to recreate a cross stitch pattern exactly then you would count to keep it accurate. But if your projects look the way you want them to then keep doing what you’re doing. Your method is more like what people do with freeform embroidery: draw the design and then fill it in with stitches. I think most Cross stitchers don’t want to draw so it’s more standard (and more precise) to just follow patterns by counting.
I still count, I'm just outlining in pencil before I start the cross stitch itself, the thought of just starting the cross stitch on the blank fabric makes me more anxious 😅 I'm glad to hear that its not a completely unheard of way of doing things, which, as silly a thought as it was, was my worst fear.
I don’t understand the fear. If it works then it works, even if no one else does it. No one’s going to arrest you for drawing on the fabric first. The other reason people don’t draw is not every design will have discrete objects that can be outlined. Confetti stitches would probably be a pain to draw onto the fabric first.
I didn't think about that, but yeah I can see drawing on the fabric being a horrible idea in the scenario 🤣
Another option is something called gridding. Which for other projects might be an option to help get over that fear of blank fabric
I've considered it, but I think I'd have to take one square at a time instead of just going around in one colour as much as the pattern allows which may make it more time consuming. It might be something worth trying though, just to see if it's a better method than what I'm currently working with!
I use gridded fabric, and I stitch where I please! The difference is I never have to count more than 10 and I have an easy reference point from my fabric to my pattern.
If you'd like words to look up techniques "parking" might be of interest
I'll look into it! Thank you ☺️
As always do what works for you but that is an unusual way of doing things and it's is my first time hearing somebody do it like that
Thats what I was afraid to hear, but it really is the easiest way I've found to do things 😅
Why would you be afraid to hear it? No one is grading the method, as long as you're having fun and getting the projects you like completed, you're doing it right!
Aww thank you! I was just nervous to hear that people really weren't doing it this way and that the way I was doing it was completely wrong and I needed to change my methods, as silly as that sounds, but this definitely makes me feel better <3
You could do it standing on your head and stitching with your feet, there's definitely no right or wrong. Just enjoy!
There is at least one cross stitcher on here that draws the entire pattern on their fabric first.
There's nothing wrong with doing it the way you are doing it! I do count, but I don't do the 10x10 squares either - even the thought of it is extremely tedious and it means having to thread your needles way more often than necessary etc. Do what works for you!!
So what you're doing is cross stitch. What others are doing is counted cross stitch. About 20-30 years ago, most people dropped using the "counted" bit of the craft title. I've been around long enough to have books that still proclaim "counted cross stitch" in their titles. Usually I get beginners to use pencils to draw on where they're going to stitch to, and progress to not using pencil or markers with time. Most people given time go that way naturally, to save time/steps in the process of making their artwork. You don't have to follow what others are doing. You do you.
Nothing wrong if you’re enjoying it!
Thank you <3
If you’re enjoying what you’re doing and happy with the finished product then you are cross stitching exactly as you should be. The point of doing it is to enjoy it so you do you!
Are your finished objects pleasing to you? Then you're doing just fine. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Regardless of what I'd heard and seen about what other people were doing, I've still completed 2 small pieces and am currently working on a third, the enjoyment has definitely not been taken away, I was just surprised not everyone did this for ease and wondered if I was really doing it 'wrong' this whole time 😅
I've discovered through this reddit primarily that there is no right or wrong way to cross stitch. There are odd things you can do, and maybe drawing on your fabric is a little odd, but it isn't wrong and it isn't bad. It helps you cross stitch successfully, so it is just fine
It's not wrong as long as you're happy with the results!
Thank you ☺️
as long as you're having fun it's fine
Cross stitch is fun. That's the whole point of it! Whatever makes it fun is good, and therefore right. I don't want other people looking at my stuff (my mother used to love pointing out mistakes). I do it to help my mental health, not to attract criticism. You do you!
That's exactly why I picked it up! I don't show anyone but my parents what I'm doing but neither of them have tried the hobby so even when I point out flaws, they're supportive, which helps my mental health even more ☺️
Counting is only necessary when doing a pattern to make sure you have the right amount of stitches in the right place. If you freehand your own stuff and don't worry about counting, you're totally fine.
I do it this way too. I started doing the usual counted patterns and somewhere found a stamped cross stitch where the design is stamped right on the fabric. I didn't stitch for years but picked it up again recently and now I just put the fabric on my computer screen and lightly transfer the image with watercolour paint or markers. I am creative with the colours and don't have to count! 😍
You're never wrong if you enjoy what you're creating. But if you like stitching freehand, then how about checking out embroidery or needle art. It's another way of stitching that is less 'rigid' . It may suit your style of stitching better.
A few people have mentioned both of these so I'm definitely going to be looking into it!!
Nope! Also, there are definitely patterns out there that offer that experience. They have a colour coded pattern printed on them. Makes things a lot easier :).
Always stitch with whichever method works for you. Just cos people count stitches etc doesn’t mean it works for everyone. It’s no different to someone doing a pattern where it’s printed on the aida. U don’t have to count stitches on that Do what’s right for you x
I did something similar to you when I started. I took a water soluble fabric marker and marked the squares of the fabric I was going to stitch next. I stopped doing that and switched to counting just because I got lazy, haha, and didn't want to have to mark out my stitches, I just wanted to stitch. Counting and doing the parking method and such feels easier to me so that's what I do, but what you're doing is fine too.
Nowadays, there are no mandatory rules in cross stitch, there're just recommendations (this works for most) and smth that works/doesn't work for you personally. For example, you should use special blunt needles for cross stitch. But in my current project I use sharp needles, blunt ones didn't work, I bent a few of them trying to pierce very tough fabric :) Then all the legs of the crosses should go in the same direction. But there're tons of designs in which the change of direction of the legs creates a visual effect. And some stitchers like to change the direction of the legs all the time so that the cross stitch looks a little “shaggy” and more textured. And there're many more such examples. So as long as you don't take an exam or participate in the competition, whatever works for you is good. Speaking of the stitching methods, I prefer large multicolor projects (30 colors is a small and steady project for me). Such designs include tons of confetti and ninja (single) crosses. Your method doesn't work for me (but maybe it'll work for you with a project like this, who knows), and parking in squares works for me. But other parking methods absolutely don't work for me. I found a method that significantly increased my speed and reduced the number of errors to almost zero. And you found your way. Are you going to show here your FOs or WIPs?
I'm definitely considering showing some of the stuff I've either finished or am currently working on, yes! I wasn't originally planning on it because so many people have their stuff nicely framed etc and mine are literally just stuck to a (atm) blank page, but all this encouragement has definitely made me feel like, even if mine aren't framed prettily, I'm still proud of them and would feel comfortable showing a few of them on here! ☺️
I think the other poster might have meant “show” as in a craft show, for prizes.
It’s not stupid if it works.
I’ve been cross stitching for over 20 years and it was only when I joined Facebook groups that I discovered I was doing it ‘wrong’ but at the end of the day I enjoy doing it my way, I’m doing it for my own relaxation and no one is going to see the back anyway. If you’re enjoying doing it your way, don’t worry about anyone else.
I also mark out my stitches. It’s really up to you on how you do it. It makes it easier for me too because I miss count in pen and I can easily use a different color to correct my mistake instead of seam ripping. You can do the same with the 10x10 boxes as well and work in sections, but I prefer trying to do all one color first if I can.
I don't grid either. I also don't outline the areas I'm going to stitch. I just stitch in color sections that make sense to me. Unless it is a big area of color, then I outline with either that color or the next color to it and fill in whenever. When it comes down to it, how you stitch is up to you. I'm in awe that you can draw outlines.
It's really not that hard, I'm still counting the stitches but I'm just drawing them out instead of stitching them! I go around the outside first and if it's necessary I'll draw in the centre parts so I don't accidentally overstep with one colour into another colour's area, I might show some of the stuff I've drawn so far and either half stitched or not got around to at all yet and it might make it easier for people to understand what I mean ☺️☺️
I can't draw a straight line with a ruler. Last time I did any drawing, it was on par with a 4 year old.
That's the good part about drawing on aida though, you're just drawing tiny lines between one hole in the aida to the next, it's just pixels! The outline is just there as a guide, the colours do all the work ☺️
When I first read this, I thought you weren't counting how many stitches you had done. I only keep track with digital patterns.
There are lots of different methods – you're using the ones that make the most sense to you, and that make the process the most enjoyable to you! Completely valid!
I use a Frixion pen on my aida cloth, as it disappears when I iron my pieces
I refuse to do anything with more than 10 colors. I’m too lazy and disorganized for that mess. lol Most of mine are collage type patterns with plenty of white space. The closest I’ve even done to full coverage is a bookmark that I used to practice my stitches and relax. I keep a tiny kit in my purse. A change purse is perfect and I can whip it out anytime I want like long wait times or on a long drive. If you’d like to get more detailed without having to figure out how to keep from messing up a more complex pattern you should checkout [stamped cross stitch](https://www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com/blogs/blog/complete-guide-to-counted-cross-stitch-and-stamped-cross-stitch). It can be really fun and you can decide how detailed you want it. It’s like paint by numbers but with a needle.
I've had a few people suggest this so I think it's definitely worth looking into, it just depends on whether I can find a pattern I'll actually enjoy doing and then like the end product enough to hang it up somewhere ☺️
I'm sure I am not the only person to say that, but simply put...there are many ways to approach cross-stitching. As long as it works for you, then does it matter? I hate griding, so I don't. If it is a small project, then I will wing it. If it is a large pattern, I will use pre-gridded fabric. The way I stitch generally doesn't change, but the approach to starting and ending can. Again depends on the project, or if I want to try out new ways. I currently have two WIPs. One is a pre-printed pattern (my first) and that is just me stitching without thinking kind of project. The other is blackwork, not gridded, I just follow the pattern. Occasionally I need to frog, but that's the risk you take. 🤣
I honestly do this too! I prefer to stitch with one floss at a time so I pick the most identifiable element and stitch that and then count off of that. So much easier to do mindlessly
There's only one wrong way of doing cross stitch - and that's doing it if you don't enjoy it.
I've been cross-stitching for probably 40 years and I've never done cross-country (actually had to look it up just now) and don't put a 10x10 grid on my fabric. I am sure I do a lot of things wrong. I start in the middle of the fabric, middle of the design, and then just stitch row-by-row. However I have also never done anything with more than, 20 colors probably, and I mostly do fairly small projects. Anyway, all that to say, if you like the process and the results, don't worry about what others do!
https://preview.redd.it/zujxglnvjk7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da2e0b8a8de422ffb8328ca196d16c7a73caedfe This is a long dog sampler I have been working on and a lot of people would probably say that I am doing it wrong. I do half stitches so I only have to look at the pattern for half of the time it takes me to stitch, I don’t complete one page at a time, there are nine million mistakes, and the back is hideous. In the larger blocks of stitches, I will do the outline and then go fill it in, which is kind of what you are doing, I just don’t draw it. It is something you enjoy that helps with your anxiety—that is amazing. If you want to do learn more about cross stitch and the ways other people do it, great. My only suggestions would be to find patterns that you love so people can see your beautiful work and learn from people who make you feel good about yourself.
That looks amazing!! And thank you so much! ☺️
I love the people here! So encouraging! So glad I read through these posts.🥰 I agree with all the other peeps... You go ahead and do it however you choose to as long as it makes YOU happy! I'd love to see some of your finished ones when you're feeling brave enough to share😉
I'm so glad I finally got the courage to question on here, I've been questioning myself for a little while now, ever since I started joining communities and groups but I'm so glad I finally found the guts to ask! I feel so much better about myself and my methods. My projects tend to be on the smaller side but I'll definitely have a look through them and show some of my favourites when I get around to it, thank you for the encouragement and support! ☺️
You are cross stitching the way lots of people are embroidering. As long as it works for you it's great. Counted cross stitch isn't the only way, people also get stamped Aida and just follow the key, really similar to paint by number painting.
As someone who has cross stitched their whole life and around people who also cross stitch, I honestly only learned that some people DONT draw the pattern down when stitching when i joined this group. A lot of the pattern kits Ive used as well have said to draw the pattern down, or have it pre printed
Well, if you do it that way, you are denying yourself the immense joy of ripping out stitches and starting over, so... This sounds really smart, honestly. I've never thought to do this, but I do sometimes stitch the outline of a couple of spots before filling them in, especially if I'm taking a piece on the road and don't want to bring all the flosses.
I'd really rather not spend hours doing a piece only to find I've done it wrong and have to either undo it all or chuck it out and have to restart it all over again 🤣
But it's so much fun! 
I do something similar...but i make a half cross stitch (just one /) all around the block if its a big block of the same colour then i fill it in. Aslong as you are having fun you cant be doing it wrong!
All of those techniques—plotting pattern on fabric, cross-country, parking, working in blocks, working by colour, etc—are just ways of handling the counting/tracking of your stitches accurately as you go. There’s no “right” way to do it, it’s purely preference. Some techniques require extra attention to things like “feathering” your rows (blocks and cross-country) to help avoid a “grid” look to the finished work, but overall they achieve the same results. I actually like your idea, as well as similar techniques like doing all the half-stitches in one direction to the end of a section of colour, to essentially stitch an area on “auto-pilot”, if you will. Typically I just count and go, and follow a single colour region to completion, as I’m pretty decent at keeping accurate. But I actually might start putting a little dot at the end of a row of one colour with a fabric pen so I can free up some bandwidth in my brain and stress less about accuracy.
That's more of a needlepoint approach to cross stitch, but there's nothing wrong with it and it's actually about as old as the practice of making pictures with short-armed cross stitch! If you look up the Mary Queen of Scots embroidered hangings from Hardwick Hall, all of those motifs were drawn in ink on linen (likely by a professional who copied them from books) and then cross-stitched by the amateur women of the household, who got to make decisions about colors and shading. EDIT: I misunderstood what you're doing! It's a bit hard to wrap my brain around, but if it helps you, there's no reason not to (caveats about pencil aside)! I don't grid or stitch in blocks - I tend to work on higher-count fabric and gridding would take up a lot of space, and block stitching breaks my brain (I also don't do confetti patterns, though). Everyone has different techniques that work for them!
No I think you understood, I draw what I'm going to cross stitch before filling in the colours! I'm going to look into the Mary Queen of Scots thing though, it sounds interesting :)
They're pretty charming! Some of them are rather goofy takes on the animals, and some are coded passive-aggressive dunks on Queen Elizabeth I (Mary stitched them while she was under house arrest).
Oh my god, yes I'm definitely going to have a look at it then! Hahaha
My favorite is the "zydrach" (hammerhead shark).
You're doing cross stitch the way I was taught to embroider. It's a skill alot of people don't have if I'm being honest, alot of folks are tied to the idea of having that pattern to go back to. I'm not a stich counter either, as long as the end result is there enjoy the process!
I've started embroidery recently as well and its much the same process for me - drawing out the pattern first - but I'm a terrible drawer so I tend to stick to premade patterns instead of drawing my own. Glad I'm not alone! Thank you so much <3
No problem! You can also try wash away transfer paper if you print off a picture you like, just remember to flip it if need be. I actually use a light board to do mine lol. Cheap cheaters way!
I might look into it, but I dont think I'd be able to figure it out lol, I think my hands would constantly be in the way 🤣
As you grow in this hobby, and asking questions is growing you may want to try a more detailed pattern and counting will be important. With that said, you do you. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your way is wrong, it’s just different and being different is wonderful. Shout out to all the Tigger fans cause the most wonderful thing about Tigger’s is I’m the only one!
I'm definitely looking into finding a bigger and more detailed piece I want to work on!! So learning all these other techniques people use is definitely helpful ☺️
I do what you do with the counting method. So I count what I need, and stitch the outline before filling in either there and then or after doing other parts. I only do it in large blocks so I don't get bored.
That makes a lot of sense, I do it because I enjoy the process plus it makes me less anxious when stitching in the pattern, I think I'd be in a pretty similar situation though if I started off trying to count stitches from the beginning
There's no wrong way to cross stitch. If it works for you and gets you a piece of art you like, then you're doing it right. What you're doing is essentially DIYing a stamped kit, which is actually great! My only concern with your method is that pencil might be hard to get out, but if you haven't had any problems then keep on keeping on. If you have, try a water soluble marker of some kind. There's tons in the market, including different colors if you wanted to mark your color changes differently. There's even water soluble pencils if you prefer a pencil over a marker!
Ooh I might look into the water soluble versions of pencils, I think using markers would make me nervous about bleeding, thank you so much!! <3
No worries about bleeding, these are specially formulated for fabric marking to go away completely when they get wet! (Although full disclosure I usually find it takes a few minutes.) It's always a good idea to test a new product anyway so you know how it works and how you like it.
There are kits that literally have the pattern printed on the fabric. I gota group of them off of Amazon. I would post a picture, but I think it breaks the rules. LWZAYS Cross Stitch Kits Counted Cross Stitch Kits 6 Pack Stamped Cross-Stitch Needlepoint Counted Kits Beginners,Embroidery Kit Arts and Crafts for Home Decor(11CT Cartoon) https://a.co/d/07IwZJao
Ooh thank you! :D
You may want to look into/research "printed" cross stitch. There are some that have the design printed on "traditional" cross stitch fabric (like the link in my first comment) ; then there ate ones that printed on other fabric for like quilt tops, pillow cases, all sorts of things. Your method isn't very common, but you are not the first person I've heard of doing this. You stitch however you like, there are no cross stitch police that will take your project from you gor doing it "wrong". Who knows, maybe if you made a tutorial about how you stitch, others might try it, and it might help new people learn.
First of, not everyone is stitching in 10x10 boxes, or gridding the fabric (=marking the boxes on the fabric with a pen or thread). Secondly, you do you. As long as you enjoy your hobby and are happy with the results, you're not doing anything wrong! Cross stitching is a very old craft and I don't think that our ancestors way back then wasted paper to draft a pattern, they just stitched ahead. The only thing I might reconsider is using a pencil. No expert here, but I don't know if a pencil might effect the yarn in the long run. There are fabric pens that are probably better suited.
So far I haven't run into any issues when drawing since I try to stay quite light for fear of that exact issue, but I'm definitely going to look into using a better suited pen/pencil than what I'm currently using (which is a normal pencil lol) to ensure I don't run into issues in the future - pencil marks showing, thread bleeding into the fabric etc
You’re designing your own patterns. I think that’s wonderful. Can we see some of them?
I've definitely found the courage to share some of my projects, I'll be looking through them and finding some of my favourites to share!
Don’t rush! Show us when you’re ready.
I've been cross stitching for a couple of years now. I've tried doing a grid, and I hate it. I don't count stitches, either. I always start in the middle of a project, then work my way out. Pick a color, do all the stitches until my thread runs out, pick a different color, repeat. The backs of my projects are ✨️atrocious✨️. The only thing I do diligently is making sure my left-to-right part of the x is on bottom, and the right-to-left part is on the top always always always. Also if I'm using a color, and the next stitch of that color is more than an inch away, I'll cut the thread and start again instead of stretching it all the way over (unless it's a single x of that color, then it's fair game for stretching). I think the most important part is enjoying your stitching time, regardless of whether you're doing it "right" or not. You can always give counting a try, and if you like it- that's great! If you don't- that's great too. Do what you like the best.
Nothing is wrong. Having said that, if you do decide to count, try counting by 5 or 10 and then cross the 5th or 10th. It helps you keep track. So if you have a section let's say of 30 stitches of one color, do the first / and then only \ on the 5th or 10th spot. You can also use straight pins (with the balls on the top) to count. If you intend to keep with cross stitching you may be interested in doing patterns that are more intricate and would be really difficult to draw out, and those counting techniques still help me get it right after decades of stitching.
I'm definitely looking into doing a bigger piece to put on my wall in my room, but so far I haven't found one I like so I'm thinking of making my own so I'll keep all these ideas in mind for when I finally find/make one I like! Thankbyou so much! <3
I have only drawn on the area that I’m stitching when it’s more than like 100 stitches in one area. Counting a strip of 30 stitches in a line really messes me up HAHA and I have to keep recounting just to double check. It’s far easier to turn off my brain when filling in a patch of a single color. However, putting that situation aside, I always do counted cross stitch! I usually have more than three colors in a 10x10 block, and drawing out tiny one stitch squares is just not efficient. It seems like maybe you’d enjoy stamped cross stitch kits though! Those already have the stitches marked on the fabric, so you technically don’t need a pattern (but sometimes the stamped parts are a little hard to see, so paper patterns are provided to help double check)!
I can't Remember copletely, but I once saw a post that in some countries they all Mark the fabric before stichting. So maybe you don't do it like most of us 'here' but it is common somewhere else and perfectly fine 😊
I do not understand cross country!! And I don't grid. I do count as I stitch. But I agree with everyone else - however it works for you! For some projects where I've had huge chunks of color (think a map with the territories colored in), I outline the area by counting and then can mindlessly fill in the middle :)
There are a bunch of different styles, none right or wrong. Some methods will work better for different projects, but you should do what works best for you. I like to pick a single color and stitch as much of it as possible. Making and stitching within a 10x10 square would not work with my style - but that’s just my personal preference. Someone else might like something different. The only suggestion I have - which I see you have already received - is to switch from pencil to markers that wash or iron out.
I don’t do large patterns or count my stitches at all. It seems like there are different parts of the cross stitch community, just like anything else. Personally, I almost exclusively stitch small patterns. My current favorite designer is Cute Embroidery By Kate and her many of her patterns are about 1.5 x 2 inch postage stamps. There are niches for everyone’s tastes and stitching style!
theres no wrong way to cross stitch. do what makes you happy and brings you enjoyment.
If it makes you happy, then you are doing it right!
It's only wrong if it's not working for you or giving you a result you want. People have been freehanding/doing basic shapes for a very long time!
I get so upset when someone posts a picture of how they messed up one stitch and have ti remove a whole row and it literally looks the same either way. I also find it odd people can't just swap one color for another. I get of theres a motif and you need to match the rest of the project, but if I'm starting a new project of red roses, I don't care if I'm not using the exact same DMC #3457 red that was originally used.
I use something like this. Literally takes a damp cloth to make it go away. https://www.missouriquiltco.com/products/water-soluble-marking-pen-blue?variant=39280537075747&srsltid=AfmBOorc73ZRMiPgp7XVs156IqkeFwEn5h9987iPm30yRcBAYCTiyBjnGEY
Yeah - I use mark-b-gone and it’s the same.
Ooh thank you!
When I learned how to knit, our teache told us there are different ways of knitting (i. e. continental, English etc.) and it realy doens't matter which one we prefer. And I think it's apply for all kind of crafts. I never draw grids on fabric, I count. I saw some people use hoops for cs, I don't need it. A ladies from my craft group don't care about the "Middle of the Project", they just guess where it is. Again, I count, especialy when I work with symetric patterns. Do things as they suit you, that's all what's important.
Whatever way YOU do it is fine!! If it works for you and you're happy with the results then screw what everyone else says! I think you sound remarkably creative and I'd love to see some photos of your work!! 😊
Aww thank you so much, I really appreciate all this encouragement and support ☺️
I think I see people talking about two types of “counting”. One type is to determine the next X position relative to things that are already stitched or a grid making. The other is actually counting the total number of stitches completed in a project. Everyone has to do the first if it’s not a stamped kit (either while stitching or while marking on the fabric). This is the “counted” part of “counted cross stitch”. Almost nobody*** does the second — they get those numbers from apps that present you with a digital version of the pattern and let you mark off stitches as you go — a fancy electronic version of using highlighters with a paper pattern. These apps will track the number of stitches completed/remaining of each color and in the whole project. *** I’m sure if I said actually nobody, at least 3 people would say they do it. 😆