Late to the comments, but 100% agree on hoops. They constantly need fiddling with and readjusting because don’t hold tight, and they tend to stretch and dent your fabric. They’re probably fine for a little quick embroidered ornament on a garment or something, but for a substantial needlework project they’re a wreck. Qsnaps or scroll frames are the way to go IMO.
It disgusts me no end that these designers have bastardized the traditional word "chatelaine" to suit their GREED, no doubt thinking they would sell more than under the TRUE name of this category of design, which is SAMPLER. The word chatelaine, in stitchery, is a type of belt/sash which carries scissors, needles, thimble, thread, etc. LOOK THE WORD UP, AND STOP SPREADING DISINFORMATION.
It didn’t take long for me to get frustrated with hoops and Qsnaps not keeping my tension. It almost ruined cross stitching for me until I saw someone stitching in-hand with the sewing method and my mind was blown! it took a little bit to transition over, but I greatly prefer stitching in-hand now. I have far more tension control with my hand than a hoop or snap! I would rather do neither, but if I had to pick, I’d rather do french knots than backstitch. The rage that wells up inside me when I have to backstitch is unhinged :p it breaks my brain, so I just look for patterns without it. I don’t pay too much attention to what the back looks like, though if you saw my first piece, it looks like someone threw up their floss stash. I don’t use a parking method, just wing it when carrying my thread. sometimes this gets me into trouble with tangling, but more often than not it isn’t a big deal. I only really started caring what my backs looked like when I wanted to frame a piece, and it was hard to get it to lie completely flat. so i semi-pay attention to my backs now, but i don’t stress about it looking perfect at all. railroading is hit or miss for me. it’s how my mum taught me (though she didn’t have a name for it). it definitely makes my stitches look neater and more uniform, helps with full coverage, etc., but i’m also not all that bothered by twisty stitches. when i try to get too particular about it, it takes the fun out of stitching for me and makes me not want to pick up my wips. for that reason alone, i don’t really intentionally railroad. i’ve got a solid handful of wips, some i haven’t touched in over a year or two, others several months. i have one large, full coverage wip, and a bunch of smaller tabletop picture frame sized wips for when i don’t feel like working on my full coverage wip. i am fully prepared to take a decade to finish that one, and that’s okay :) I use bobbins exclusively, due to both laziness and that’s what i inherited from my mother. i’ve tried floss drops, and can’t stand them because they get so tangled. i’ve been doing just fine with my little bobbins! not a fan of winding them, though. stitching on anything other than aida at this point feels olympic level to me, though i’d like to try linen one day. texture-wise, it’s certainly a nicer fabric to hold. aida can be too stiff for my liking, but i found once i switched to stitching in hand, it got a lot softer and flexible from constant handling and easier to use.
Do you have any personal knowledge or general kn owledge on if Chatelaine patterns are compatible with Pattern Keeper or similar apps? I have an android (Samsung) tablet...
I am a full-coverage stitcher only and as for me I mainly stitch patterns of famous or unique paintings. I do it for two main reasons. 1-having something on my wall that I really love and is museum quality but wouldn't have the money to actually purchase ans 2-I really enjoy the process!!!
Hoop hoop hoop hoop hoop!! Working in the hand, especially with evenweave linen, will shrink the space between threads and alter the stitch count dimensions. I have done the same pattern once in the hand and once in a hoop, and the hoop is even, the fabric doesn't bulge between the motifs, and it matches the size estimate based on stitch count and threadcount. If you're going to frame a piece, you'll notice the difference. Hoops have the added benefit of not rubbing oils into the fabric, which are incredibly hard to clean out and will discolour the fabric and piece over time. Always look 10-20 years ahead. If you're stitching clothing or bedding or anything else that will be in constant contact with skin, go for in-the-hand if you prefer, but anything that's going to be on display or framed you want minimal contact with the surface. It's another reason why removing a piece from the hoop after stitching is important; I have a piece I never unhooped and touched in the same place on the left whenever I worked on it, and there's a curved stain in the upper right edge from my hand oils. Only took a couple of years between starting it and going back to finish it, and it's permanent. I've been stitching for 26 years and started taking it seriously 14 years ago.
Some patterns have too many items in them. Example I have a pattern of an old barn. Off to the side of the barn is two small figures. I would like to remove them. Is it possible to continue the pattern on one side to connect it with the pattern on the other?
i’m autistic and i have loved cross stitching since i was about 6 or 7. i have a lot of unpopular cross stitch opinions, for example, i have to finish ALL of one colour before moving onto the next, and backstitching is my favourite part because it beings it all together
How do you stitch from the front like that? I pull the needle down to the back, them up in a new hole. I see you doing stitches without going through the back and it looks efficient! I'm a newbie
I do what I feel comfortable and don't even care about the method or name or opinion. Seriously, this activity is a brainless relaxing time for me. Why I have to debate with anyone about this?
Backstitching & french knots are the bestest. They're the details, in _so_ many projects, that bring it all to life! We've worked so hard, for so long & now we finally get to _see_ everything POP! I only cross stitch so that I get to backstitch that means we're in the home stretch & we're almost finished that 3 year project. 😂😂
Im the same about bobbins for storage and floss drops for using! I want to find some bobbin shaped floss drops so I can wind them up for the best of both
I don't necessarily WANT to have multiple projects going at once but the ADHD dictates that I need a billion things started at once -- and that goes for most things like books and other projects too😅
Very informative and entertaining video. I am just getting back into cross stitching, did just a bit years ago. I am trying to learn proper methods for starting and stopping, so my work is neater. I haven’t tried railroading, but hope to give it a try on my next project to see if it really makes a difference. It might test my patience if it slows me up too much. I currently am using a hoop, but think I will try stitching in hand so I can use the sewing method. Thanks again for a great video.😊
Owl Forest schemes are gorgeous, I love the colors (especially with hand-dyed flosses) and the little details. I got the "Snail Houses. Pumkin" kit as a present this year, finished it already and plan to frame the embroidery and hang it on the wall. And now I am stitching Seabuckthorn Summer.
I'm not afraid to start one, I'm afraid to order one. Before I heard about European Cross Stitch, I pictured my self ordering from the Chadelaine site, and getting a thousand little packages coming in from this shop and that shop at different times and dates on the calendar. How will I know if I have all I need. What a nightmare. I've heard of people having to source their own beads and what-not bc the shops on the Chadelaine list were out of stock. OH Man, no thank you. But I'll take a look at European XStitch.
I have completed two full coverage cross stitches that are poster size - one is 180,000 stitches and the other 120,000 stitches. The back looked awful before they were stretched and framed. The one I am doing now is 90,000 stitches and is separated into 35 panels and uses 76 colors. I do one entire color on one panel (about 3,300 stitches per panel). It is refreshing to watch this video
Im a q snap girly. Not a hoop girly. The q anap allows me to easliy and quicly adjust the tension if needed unlike hoops that thate forcer to adjust. And i dont like stitching in hand
Great video! Could certainly use some of that "perseverance" energy cuz man. Frames and stands are bloody expensive - yet stitching in hand? I'm a wreck everytime
Hey, I hear you on the stand. They're nice BUT, be sure to take into account where you want to stitch. If you want to stitch in your living room as you watch TV remember you'll be working on that project for a very long time. Will you and your family mind it being left out for months at a time, day in and day out. Will it be in the way? I'd like to get one, but sadly, I don't have the room - sigh. The Q-Snap may be all you need.
I really, really, really dislike stitching in hand largely because my hands end up sweating all over my work. I did a piece where there was no way for me to hold it in hand without holding onto some stitches already done in Blanc and my (clean, freshly washed hands) discolored the thread so much I had to wash it twice 🤢. Much prefer using q-snaps with a grime guard so I can prop it against a table or my knee and work two handed with minimal touching of the completed work. Idk, I see so many other people working in hand that I wonder if I'm the only one with this problem, do I just have weirdly sweaty palms? I dont know how to ask other stitchers this in natural conversation? 😂
I am discovering I'm not near as good at embroidery as I think I am. Oh man, have I got a long way to go. LOL! I started my stitching journey as a free hand stitcher. I make my own designs by importing my own photos of my plants in strong sunlight into EasyGrapher software. I chart the leaves and blooms on the page in a pleasing composition. So there's lots of shading and (learned a new term today) confetti stitching in a (another term I learned today) full coverage design. Well, You are super cute and I loved listening to you. Interesting opinions, I have all of them!
A year after your video, but the if the back can't be neat because of so many colors and stitches in a small area or confetti, just iron on the lightest weight stabilizer on the back after the project is completed, this means washing & pressing, before stabilizer. It's a big help to the framer and if you use the project in a pillow or quilt or as a wall hanging. I like to put patchwork around the piece as a border, then do it as a wall hanging without the expense of framing. There are so many borders to piece, modern ones, vintage style, geometric, or just a fabric that echoes the cross stitch design. I plan to make a red & white quilt with red surface embroidery blocks.
Hello from California! Just found your channel…love your kitty! Your interests and experiences are so fascinating to me. Looking forward to your other vids.
With embroidery hoops, I have found that it is how you tension it to how you like. I am working on a big piece of Aida that is otherwise uncomfortable to work on in hand, and I have been able to get the hoop tension on the fabric just riight to where it is perfect for what I am currently liking to do. Smaller projects however I do think that a Hoop can be unneccessary.
One thing I've learned from stitching off and in for 40+ years. Do what you want, what brings you comfort and is fun. It's YOUR journey. If you want to learn different ways to stitch. Or ways that make the finished product look better...go for it. If not, don't judge yourself. 90% of those that I know stitch for stress relief. Bonus, you have something cute, fun or meaningful when you are done. I recently switched from aida over to evenweave and then linen. I adore linen and won't ever go back to aida.
I just happened to watch your video and it was FUN! I have been stitching for 40 years and I think I have gone through every fad. Hoop- most of the time Linen or Aida- both Railroading- never ever Multiple projects- one big one and some smalls in between It's supposed to be relaxing and restorative, more self-care than following rules. Thank you for your thoughts!
is it normal for the back to look horrific.😶 I'm pretty new to cross stitching and the worst is when I try to run the ends through the back so they don't come out and it looks like a mess 🥲
I’ve been stitching for about a year and just started stitching in hand for a bigger project and it feels like such less of a hassle than using the hoop (which I’d been doing before). Also I am a backstitch hater but a French knot enjoyer,,, is that more or less popular hahaha.
Yes, you could just print the photo. On the other hand, that goes for any embroidery. You could just print out the pattern and hang the print on your wall. I think anyone who does embroidery would understand that printing out the pattern and hanging it on the wall isn't what we embroider for.
The reason messy backs are bad is because it effects framing. Too lumpy and it won't sit straight. But if you don't frame then no worries. I use thread organisers. - bit of cardboard with holes down one side. And each colour per hole.
I really enjoyed your video & learned quite a bit. I’m almost 70 yrs old & started counted cross stitch back in my mid twenties. Back then, it seems there was a rule that you started in the middle of the aida cloth, then made your first stitch in the bottom left of the X, crossing over to the upper right, 0:46 continuing down the row, & then came back to the right crossing all the stitches. Cross stitching was put aside in my mid thirties when I went back to college, adopted my 2 daughters, & then became a teacher. Fast forward until now. I’m retired & have completed a few diamond paintings, but would like to start cross stitch again. I was so surprised to learn how things have changed! Now it seems it’s anything goes with where you start. Am I right about this? Do you think I had it wrong previously & has it always been ok to start wherever? You’re much younger, so maybe it’s always been that way since you’ve been cross stitching. Forgive this long comment, but hearing the different terms & watching you show a few examples has really piqued my interest. Due to my poor eyesight, I’ve ordered a lighted magnifying floor lamp which will hopefully be a huge benefit with diamond painting & cross stitch. I’m thinking of buying a stamped kit to familiarize myself again. Are there websites to buy cross stitch kits just as there is in diamond painting? Thanks for any advice or tips you can give me if you’re able to reply.
I think the only “rule” that’s important in cross stitch is making your Xs the same way consistently. Doesn’t matter what order just that they are all the same. If you’re okay with calculating the size of the project and size of fabric you can start where ever on the pattern. Starting in the middle is just easy with precut fabric kits. You can get kits a lot of places. I like top knot stitcher!
It’s difficult to decipher the correct color on the embroidery projects such as Dimension kits like the Dragonfly. Just so many times it’s hard to determine exactly which color goes where
Thanks for your helpful & informative videos. Please tell me about your lap stand, brand, where to purchase etc. I’m having a shoulder issue & I think this could make my stitching more comfortable. Again, thanks for all the info.
I’m a hoop stitcher! I did in hand for a few projects but ended up going to stitching in the hoop. For me, my stitches are more even this way. I have never tried a q-snap and definitely want to someday!
