When I first started cross stitching . . back in November maybe (I can’t remember), I liked it but I didn’t love it. I kept reading how relaxing it was and honestly, it felt quite frustrating to me. Several months later, I do find it relaxing. I love it and I know not to start cross stitching til everything else I need to get done for the day is done. If you’ve tried it and didn’t like it, maybe give it a bit longer or . . maybe not. There’s nothing wrong with not liking it and knowing when to walk away.
The first piece of linen I used was 28 count and I thought those holes were so small that I’d never figure out where to make my stitch. Then I moved up to 30 and 32 count . . not much different. 40 count is different but I love it. I am using a good magnifying lamp and that makes a huge difference.
Here are my questions:
#1: Do you prefer aida or linen and why?
#2: What count fabric do you prefer and why?
#3: How do you start and stop? Pin stitch? Going through threads on the back? Other?
#4: Do you wash or soak your piece when you’re finished stitching? Even if you’ve used overdyed floss?
#5: Which brand of needle do you prefer and why?
#6: Do you prefer paper charts or pdf?
Here are my answers:
#1: It doesn’t really matter. If using aida, I prefer hand dyed because it isn’t so stiff but since I also prefer higher count (36 or 40), I’m mostly ordering linen.
#2: My preference is 36 or 40 count. I haven’t used anything smaller than 40 but I love being able to use a single strand of floss.
#3: I still don’t trust my pin stitch starts/stops but that’s my preferred method.
#4: I have not washed or soaked anything yet and am probably too afraid of fading to do it.
#5: Sullivans is my first choice but I love Peacemakers too.
#6: My preference is pdf because I like stitching with the tablet but I have way more paper charts. I was going to say . . if power was out for an extended time, I’d be happy to have paper charts but if power was out, my magnifying lamp wouldn’t work so I doubt I’d be cross stitching.
I look forward to seeing any answers to my questions and other info anyone would like to share. Thanks!
Laura says
1. Prefer linen. Aida is too stiff and the holes are very obvious.
2. 32 count. It’s easy to see, especially with my magnifying lamp. Seems to work well with most charts.
3. I’ve never heard of a pin stitch. I go through the threads on the back.
4. I generally haven’t washed my work because I’m very fastidious about hand washing and keeping the piece clean. And I definitely wouldn’t wash a piece with overdyed floss – too risky.
5. John James.
6. I just recently started cross-stitching again after about a 15-year hiatus (quilting bug bit me!). So all my charts are printed, although I would be fine with a pdf on an iPad.
Janet Bland says
I agree with all Laura’s answers. We could be twins.
Laura says
Hi, twin!
Sarah Bussey says
#1: I’ve only used Aida so far and I have lots of it handed down to me so that’s what I use.
#2: I don’t know yet but I started with a small kit that was 14 count and it seemed so chunky when I was done I knew I wasn’t going to use that anymore. The kit I’m on now is 18 count and I like it better so I’m assuming I’ll like even finer.. at least until I can’t see anymore!
#3: I primarily start with a tail that I bury under my stitches moving the tail to weave under the stitches I’m making on top. Hard to explain but easy to do. I have also used the pin stitch but didn’t know it actually had a name, my grandmother taught me. She called it the “start stitch,” that’s pretty straight forward, lol. Once I have a lot of work done then I just go thru the threads on the back.
#4: Nope, never had a reason to but I’ve had plenty of quilts ruined by bad dyes that I wouldn’t even consider washing a cross stitch.
#5: Any needle that isn’t broken or bent or too short or too sharp! I have a whole box of different kinds of needles just randomly put into cloth to be “saved” so I just pick one and run with it.
#6: Paper charts because I put them in the bag with the project and it goes with me everywhere! I’m sure a tablet can, too, but I am just sick and tired of being chained to electronics.
P.S. I only started cross stitching again because of you, Judy. I hadn’t done it in maybe 20 years but I was getting antsy since I got bored with quilting and I am no good with knitting and so I was looking for a “new” hobby. I’m SO glad you started again and took me with you!!
Judy Laquidara says
I’m glad you started cross stitching again. I was so used to using Knit Companion for knitting and was a bit frustrated by all the pages and having to go back and forth on some projects so the tablet makes it easier for me but I usually print the pattern so I do have a paper copy too.
Marcie says
1-2. Aida and Hardanger, 14-22. Most of my work over the years has been Aida, except for self-designed Christmons done on white Hardanger, 22. I’ve never tried linen. I have too many projects from over the years plus quilting and knitting, so I’m in the phase of life of wanting to enjoy/use up what I already have. I’d like to try linen once, I think.
3. When I work with two strands, which is my favorite, I like to pass the needle through the new active thread loop of a doubled thread on the back of the work, so no other technique is needed. If I am using two strands of thread that don’t have that loop on a fresh piece of thread (using up thread), I run the strands under 3-4 stitches on the back. I end by running the strands under the stitches in the same way. (When working with white floss on white Hardanger, the thicknesses of running under stitches shows through to the front, and I learned to do it vertically along the edge of the design section rather than horizontally.) I do not know what the pin stitch is.
4. I do not wash my fabric. I wash my hands a lot! I have not used overdyed floss. I have once in a while rinsed dark floss if the directions recommended it. (I tried to wash a completed project once after it had been stored in the basement by DH and got mildewed, and the Christmas Red ran and ruined the project.)
5. Whatever needle comes with the kit, or if using a pattern – whatever old needle is handy. I’m intrigued by your recommendation of name brand needles, and think I will order a pair!
6. I’ve only used printed patterns. I like paper patterns because if the pattern is complex or tiny like my current project, I can easily enlarge parts of the pattern as I go.
Jo Kramer says
#1: Do you prefer aida or linen and why? Linen. I prefer prim designs or sampler type designs and I think they look best on linen
#2: What count fabric do you prefer and why? 40 count. I like one thread stitching.
#3: How do you start and stop? Pin stitch? Going through threads on the back? Other? Pin stitch. I just started this and love it.
#4: Do you wash or soak your piece when you’re finished stitching? Even if you’ve used overdyed floss? No
#5: Which brand of needle do you prefer and why? Sullivans. I love the ball tip especially when I drag it to count stitches or drag to make sure my stitch lined up with another.
#6: Do you prefer paper charts or pdf? Paper all the way. I am not an electronic girl.
Kristin says
Hello! One more question – what type of magnifying lamp do you have? I am trying decide what to purchase and I can’t seem to make up my mind. ?
Carol H says
1: Do you prefer aida or linen and why? Neither. I prefer evenweaves like Jobelan and Lugana…i like the end result look of the unstitched areas better than aida and the weave seems more “stable” to me than many linens.
#2: What count fabric do you prefer and why? 28 and 36, stitched over two,; anything smaller I can’t “see”
#3: How do you start and stop? Pin stitch? Going through threads on the back? Other? Loop start if using two strands; going through stitches on back if one or three strands or 2 strands variegated.
#4: Do you wash or soak your piece when you’re finished stitching? Even if you’ve used overdyed floss? Never wash unless something was spilled. I take care to not stitch with food, drink, lotioned hands, etc. Will press, using white towels and a light pray of water on the towels.
#5: Which brand of needle do you prefer and why? John James, because that’s what I’ve always used.
#6: Do you prefer paper charts or pdf? I have been doing a lot of pdf lately; paper falls apart on folds too easily and magazines are a pain to keep open. But I will use paper if the chart is so detailed 5hat I neec to print and enlarge it…
patty says
1. evenweave or linen
2. not sure of the thread count
3. I use a loop method to start because I use two strands and then weave in the ends
4. I always wash my pieces when I am done to remove any dirt or oils.
5. John James
6. I have never used a PDF pattern, always paper.
Kelly Grace says
#1: Do you prefer aida or linen and why? I’ve been using aida on and off for over 35 years (learned to cross stitch when I was about 12) I have done a couple of projects on linen, but to me it’s harder to find the holes to stitch in.
#2: What count fabric do you prefer and why? I’ve always liked 18 count aida, to me it’s the perfect final stitched size.
#3: How do you start and stop? Pin stitch? Going through threads on the back? Other? I’ve always gone through threads on the back for start and stop, but recently I’ve started using the loop method to start and really like it.
#4: Do you wash or soak your piece when you’re finished stitching? Even if you’ve used overdyed floss? I’ve always at least soaked my projects when they are finished, air dry and iron from the back on towels.
#5: Which brand of needle do you prefer and why? Whatever needle I have that’s available. 🙂
#6: Do you prefer paper charts or pdf? I’ve always used paper charts, but recently found Pattern Keeper and I love it! I even bought MacStitch so I can transfer paper patterns into it and save the pdf files that will work with PK.
Diana says
1: Do you prefer aida or linen and why? aida because it’s cheaper
#2: What count fabric do you prefer and why? mostly 14 tried 18 not sure yet about it
#3: How do you start and stop? Pin stitch? Going through threads on the back? Other? mostly pin stitch
#4: Do you wash or soak your piece when you’re finished stitching? Even if you’ve used overdyed floss? yes never a problem
#5: Which brand of needle do you prefer and why? whichever one I grab
#6: Do you prefer paper charts or pdf? pdf all the way even turn the paper charts I have into pdf’s
Paula Philpot says
Judy I use Aida14 count and never trted any thing else. As for washing I never have and the stitching is still wonderful, no spots and look just like they did when I started which was in the early 1980’s. Im cataching up on some of your posts. Paula in KY
Judy Laquidara says
Great! I hope to never have to wash a piece after it’s stitched so I’m glad to hear that’s how it works for you.