My very first HAED

[lisa-b79]

Right I'm going to take the plunge and try a HAED. There is one Ive looked at a few times for my brother in law and his girlfriend for their wedding. It's called 'you make my heart melt'. Do you think it is best to grid these when you stitch them? I've never gridded before so how do I do it? And what is the best thing to use?
Any other tips that regular HAED stitchers have? There are a few designs I love and if I enjoy this one then I will do more.
Thank you.
Lisa xx

[kerbear879]

I didn't grid mine..but I did start at the top left hand corner (basically page 1). I found that's the easiest way to keep track of where I am at. I do mine on 18ct aida with full crosses also but that's completely a preference thing. I just don't like stitching on anything with a count higher than 18.

[crafterglen]

I have just finished Wolfish Friend, it is absolutely stunning, his eyes seem to watch you where ever you are. I did him on 18 count and am really pleased with him. It was the first time I had ever gridded a piece and believe me even though it took a bit of time to do it was sooooooo worth it, I just used any sewing cotton in my work box and it was absolutely fine, just use a light shade if you are using a light colour of aida. As for the other tips, so long as you love the design then you will finish it, and just get stuck in, so many people keep thinking about doing a HAED and just never take the plunge, trust me and plenty of other HAED fans, they are amazing.
Happy Stitching

[Lizzy]

I used pre gridded 18ct dmc aida and its been a god send.
The aida is very stiff though at first and doesnt seem to soften up as much as ordinary aida. The haed pattern Im doing is very "bitty" with loads of confetti sts so the gridding has really helped. If I grid in the future I will use a water washable pen. I bought mine from Sewandso.
Hope you enjoy stitching your haed

Glen would love to see a pic of your Wolfish friend please

[Becca]

I haven't gridded mine and i haven't had any problem with keeping my place, so it's not necessary if you're happy with counting and mark of your chart.

I hope their wedding is a long way off because these charts are huge and take an awful long time to stitch! (my one i'm estimating 4 or 5 years)

[megandmog]

I've just started my first project using gridding (water soluble fabric pen - comes straight off with a bit of water) and it is very useful, especially on a fiddly design. Although it hasn't stopped me making three mistakes so far! :-S

[crafterglen]

Hi Lizzy,

I am absolutely no good with computers, I am trying! I will get my DH to figure out how to post a pic of my WOLF
Happy Stitching