This afternoon I started cross stitching the Playful Cats chart. The pattern sample used 32 count but I’m using 25 count. The fabric calculator said to use three strands over 2 threads. I used three strands but thought it looked too thick. I skipped over a few stitches and started using two strands over the two threads and I think it looks better.
The stitches on the left are done with three strands and the stitches on the right are done with two.
Hopefully I’ll make some good progress before bed time.
Sherry Bobak in NC says
It looks like you did some gridding to help with your counting. If so, how did you do yours? Did you use thread or a washable pen type of thing? I want to restart a fairly large project (for me) and need some help keeping track of stitches. Y’all encouraged me to get my stash out and try to cross stitch again.
Judy Laquidara says
I used Signature Masterpiece cotton piecing thread, mainly because it’s the first thing I found that I thought was thin enough not to cause spaces when I removed it. I’m not a fan of washable pens.
Holly Garemore says
My best cross stitching hack is to use three strands (on 18 count) and do all half cross stitches. That stitch has a name, but I don’t remember it. (tent stitch maybe). I love the look, and it goes so much faster.
JustGail says
I’ve used sewing thread to grid as well. I just recently saw a tip about using fishing line to grid, as no way you will snag that with a needle while stitching. As far as 3 threads vs 2 threads, it depends on the floss brand and the linen, and *sometimes* the color of floss. Sometimes the darker colors seem to be thicker. Back in the days of newsgroups, it was quite a discussion as to whether it was due to more dye absorbed.
Anyone else remember the rec.crafts.textiles.needlework newsgroup? And their annual discussions on licking floss – yes or no, does floss have a direction, mayo vs miracle whip, and other such highly divisive and important issues?
Judy Laquidara says
I do remember some of those discussions. I was always amazed at how many feuds started over such trivia. Alex Anderson had a great quilting forum and I met so many people on there that I’ve now met in person and am still friends with but oh, my . . the arguing and bickering that took place in that group!
So, you’re saying that if I’m stitching on 25 count and one color/brand might look too thick with three strands but the next color might be perfect with three stands? Would you ever, while working on the same piece, use three stands for some colors and two for others?
JustGail says
If I needed to add or remove 1 strand to keep the coverage the same, absolutely. Who will ever know unless they unpick your stitches? Or use a microscope?
Jimi says
You are a bad influence for my checking account ?. So far over the years I have followed you through many kitchen gadgets, books, quilts, and on and on. You inspired me to look at counted cross stitch again, looking for Nativity project found instead kneeling Santa. Ordered be here today, had bright idea that I would now have graph and I could change it to a quilt, have most of the fabric already so double win for me. Keep on sharing.?
Judy Laquidara says
I never mean to cause anyone to do things they’ll regret but I believe in enjoying every minute of every day and I love sharing my obsessions! 🙂
Using the chart or a quilt sounds amazing. Please share it when you get it made.
Jim says
Got the pattern it is not practical to do as quilt would be 160 x 190 inches using 1 in squares. Didn’t check size before I ordered ?. So after I take pattern and have it enlarged will start the cross stitch. Have a wonderful New Year.
Nelle Coursey says
Thank you for sharing the gridding! I would have never thought of that and now that I know, I will be doing that on all my counted projects from now on.
Peggy B says
‘ Could you tell me the name a color of your fabric? Thanks and happy new year!
Karen says
Judy, I use Cajun Red fishing line for my grid-ing. Super easy to see and super easy to remove.
Judy Laquidara says
I’ve read about people using fishing line but I’m not sure I want a monofilament type line in there. The thin cotton thread works fine and I know it won’t cause any damages.