Stitching Color-on-Color

[wtalon]

I'm currently working on two projects where I'm needing to stitch pretty much the exact color of the thread on the same color fabric- one is white-on-white, and one is black-on-black. Does anybody have any tricks for doing so better? Because I can't see the stitches as well, I end up being unhappy with the way they turn out (tension) and then frog them and such.

[Serinde]

I think the only answer is to go carefully. I'd also do both the variations after I'd put in the colours around the areas to be stitched. That way you'll see them better and not be so distracted by having to count at the same time.

What design is it?

[kell]

Black on black? Ouch! Very good light is needed. And definitely stitch the surrounding colours first (in both cases) so you can see a bit better.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Definitely careful counting, and stitch any other colours first as Serinde advised. And don't stitch when you're tired!

[rcperryls]

I haven't done much black on black, but lots of white on white and creamy colors on beige fabrics etc. I also like to do more contrasting colors first. They serve as a kind of bookmark to better count from so that I don't get confused. And I agree, these are best done in good light and when you aren't tired.

Carole

[MaggieM1750]

I haven't done any black on black (yet) only because I don't often stitch on black fabric. But I've done plenty of white on white.
I really only try to stitch those areas during the day surrounded by all that bright natural sunlight (I frequently stitch over my lunch break in my car.. which has perfect lighting). And I also try to have contrasting fabric in my lap. When I stitch on light fabric, I try to have a dark towel in my lap. When stitching on dark fabric, I have a dishtowel across my lap. Sometimes just the contrasting color helps me to see my stitches better.
I second the tips the others have said.. don't stitch when your tired, do the surrounding stitches first, use a hoop or frame of some sort to keep the same tension on your fabric.

[BizzieLizzie]

I second MaggieM1750.

I recently started a project that is various shades of mid- to dark blue on 18ct dark blue aida and the only way I could see what I was doing was to drape a white pillowcase over my knees to show up the holes. It helped enormously.

Good luck!

Lizzie

[purvislets]

I've done a black stitching on black aida before and it was tough! I used a desk lamp as close as I could to the top and then also shined a flashlight through the back so I could see the holes and where I was going. It was really tough on my eyes!

[Ketta]

One of my current projects is on black (with plenty of black on it), plus the fabric has a bit of a sheen to it. All I can suggest is to make sure you have really good lighting that you can adjust the angle of. Whenever I'm counting, I tend to do it 3 or 4 times to make sure I'm on the right spot. I also use my needle to count (by feeling the 'bumps' of each stitch). Even when my lighting is very, very good it's sometimes hard to tell if a black stitch is in a spot or if it isn't, and again the best way to tell is to feel with my needle.

Until you get used to stitching black on black (or white on white), try only short periods of stitching time, and move to another project for a while. The last thing you want is straining your eyes so much you do damage over time, or give yourself headaches.

[Theresay]

What I do is finish other colors first, then all I need to do is fill in the blanks.