Better ways of counting?

[BizzieLizzie]

gridding is really the only way to go for larger projects

Not necessarily. It's true that most people seem to like gridding and hate parking, but I'm the opposite. I park in 10 stitch wide columns working top to bottom, left to right. I started gridding a large project because, like you, it seemed to be the "thing to do" but it got so tedious I lost the will to live and tore it all out. I have never gridded and I have (almost) never lost count because I'm only working a 10x10 block at a time and any miscounting is quickly spotted and rectified.

I recently printed off a spare copy of my Lioness Profile because I'm not stitching the 10x10 blocks in the order I normally do, and it's tricky keeping count of what I've done. So now, at the end of each stitching session I mark on the copy pattern in the last 10x10 block that has been fully stitched how many stitches I've got up to. That way, the next time I do some stitching on it I only have to count the number of 10x10 blocks I've done that day, add that to the old total (which is already written on the spare pattern) and then write the new total in the block I've just completed. Sorry, I'm waffling a bit - it's still too early in the morning and I need more

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[MaudL]

I don't stitch over the thread - but if I did it wouldn't matter as the sulky sliver I use is a flat ribbon like polyester thread that you can't pierce and slips out really easily.

I was thinking of using that sulky sliver. Would you be able to tell me if it's narrow enough for higher count fabrics (32-40ct)?
Thanks

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

I don't stitch over the thread - but if I did it wouldn't matter as the sulky sliver I use is a flat ribbon like polyester thread that you can't pierce and slips out really easily.

<BR sab="677"><BR sab="678">I was thinking of using that sulky sliver. Would you be able to tell me if it's narrow enough for higher count fabrics (32-40ct)?<BR sab="679">Thanks

I've just done a little test few 10x10 blocks on 32ct and it looks fine for that - would take a pic but the metallic wouldn't show up properly! I haven't got any 40ct to test, but even if it was a bit tight on that you could do 20x20 blocks. I'm assuming you are stitching over 1 but if you were stitching over 2 you would want to grid 20 x 20 anyway. If you decide to go with sulky, some stitchers have reported that darker colours like red can stain the fabric - but others have found it to be fine, just thought I would mention it!

[MaudL]

Wow thanks Amanda! Stitching a test really was going the extra mile
Here is a as a thank you

By the way, I'm starting to look into Chatelaine mandalas, I might have to pester you with questions soon

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

Wow thanks Amanda! Stitching a test really was going the extra mile <BR sab="679">Here is a as a thank you <BR sab="680"><BR sab="681">By the way, I'm starting to look into Chatelaine mandalas, I might have to pester you with questions soon

You're welcome! Feel free to pester me with questions anytime - however odd they seem I probably asked them myself! Before I start any new type of design or type of stitching I love to do my research so pick up little tidbits here and there.......!

[Nachstenliebe]

I'm not a gridder.. I just can't get into it lol. After years of stitching virtually non stop I really don't need to count so much anymore.. I can eye the design and know.. lol sounds a bit Jedi Good luck with gridding.. it works well for a lot of people!
Faith

[carolanne]

When I do baste a grid, I clip out sections as I get to it. It does help me to see that stitches are where they are supposed to be. I would have never depended on a stitch ruler, they always seemed to be a bit off. I count a lot.

[karenstitches]

Thanks, everyone, again.
Another question (Sorry; i'm still new to the forum and to cross-stitching in general):
What's "parking"? Do I understand it to be working 10x10 blocks at a time? Thx.

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

Thanks, everyone, again.<BR sab="674">Another question (Sorry; i'm still new to the forum and to cross-stitching in general):<BR sab="675">What's "parking"? Do I understand it to be working 10x10 blocks at a time? Thx.

Yes sort of is the answer to your question! Here is the Scarlet Quince tutorial on parking - I use a version of this method and it will give you an idea of what we mean! I've recently started using the parking method and what I do is work all of a colour in a 10 x 10 block, then if the colour appears in the next block below I "park" the thread in the hole where I will becoming up to stitch that colour next - just leaving the thread hanging. Here's a pic to show you what I mean:

All those threads you see hanging are ready for me to carry on stitching with when I work the next row of 10 x 10s on my page. It is a way of not having to keep ending threads so much and helps in confetti heavy areas! There are plenty of other (better!) explanations on here re parking - if you do a search loads of info will come up!

HTH and hasn't confused you further!

[karenstitches]

thanks, Amanda and everyone! I'm on my way now.

[paul]

I don't grid I do it the old fashioned way ... Counting

I think a big part of the problem is the chart.
I count the squares along on the chart but where the chart can be so small at times I go boss eyed and loss track, even though I count using my needle as a kind of pointer. I forgot if I've counted the square the needle is on so start counting from scratch. What I do now is just enlarge the chart. Makes it all bigger and easier to see and count

[mags]

I have only just come across a blog I was looking for when this subject came up and thought I would post it now - the blogger has stitched her own rulers on different count fabrics. She used the sts per cm count but you could easily make your own version of sts per inch. I don't know that I would bother to do it but it might help some.
Scroll down a bit:
http://www.ideecreation.com/pages_grilles_gratuites.htm" target="_blank