1 over 1 help

[Corey.G]

So, I tried doing one over one on 28 count evenweave to see what it was like. I have no idea how you do it. I tried but I lost count after only about a dozen stitches cause the stitches were so small and I had a hard time telling one from another. This bugged me for a while so I got my eyes checked and I have really good vision. I'm unsure of using a magnifier because I don't want to make my eyes worse.

How did you get used to it? What tips do you have for someone new to 1x1?

[LadyS]

I've never done over 1 on 28ct. Smallest I'm working on over 1 is 25ct. I first heard of working that way with HAEDs, and since everyone seemed to get along great with it I bought some 25ct fabric and kited up my project, and like you, I went into desperation mode when I realized how small the stitch actually was.

I bought a magnifier but I don't get along with it, so I just stitch with a good light, and a carefully done grid, so it's a lot easier to count. I can't give you a tip on how to do it except for my own experience that after a few attempts where I thought it was impossible, I eventually got used to the tiny stitches and find it doable now.

I wouldn't try over 1 on 28 ct. though, 25 is my limit, and I'm thinking of actually doing 22ct next time.

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

I sometimes wonder how I manage it myself! I don't use a magnifier - but as Laura said good light is essential. Don't think that you HAVE to be able to stitch 1 over 1 on 28ct - if you've found another fabric count that suits you best stick with that. That's the great thing about cross stitch, there is so much variety and everyone's work is amazing - just think about how a single HAED can be stitched on an array of fabrics and still look fantastic on each one!

I want to know how people stitch 1 one 1 on 32ct for an entire HAED design!

[Lessa54]

As Mrs MBK says, practice and a good light are the key. I've done 1 over 1 on 28 ct and found it fine despite having generally very bad eyesight. However, I did start on smaller things on that scale before starting my HAED 1 over 1 on 25 ct. Perhaps if you really want to carry on with it, pick some small things to get accustomed to it. Otherwise as Mrs MBK says, there's no cross stitch god saying things have to be done a certain way - just pick a fabric you like and go with that

[Serinde]

I always use a magnifier, but then I'm as old as Methusela, unlike you young things. It puts much less strain on my eyes that way.

One thing I've discovered stitching 25ct over 1 is that a certain discipline is necessary, at least for me, in order to keep track of where I've been. So, I'll work steadily within a 10x10 group, stitching each colour in order as the symbol appears, at the start of each section, including (especially!!) the confetti. The back is going to look horrible, but so what! A water erasable pen is also useful to keep track of where you are.

Slow but steady until you get used to the new technique of 1 over 1.

[skitzzzzz]

i also use a magnifier and good light - less stress on the eyes
and gridding for me is essential now less counting , and less frogging
without the magnifier i would not be able to stitch it was very easy to get used to now i dont notice its there
i actually bought 2 of the same just in case one broke lol thats how good they are
i bought this one
http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/D909 ... 90940.aspx" target="_blank" target="_blank
i also have the mini one as well which i use when i am not using my floor stand
so i actually own 3 - me bad lol

[franacropan]

I use a lighted magnifier. It's a daylight one and is sold on cross stitch sites but they are much the same as the ones used in salons. You can but different strength lenses but the really strong ones are no good for stitching as you can't get your hand underneath. The one that comes with it and the next size up are great and I use it all the time. I checked with my optician and he said it was fine to use and won't make your eyes worse. What tends to happen is that you realise how well you can see using it and so why bother struggling without it.
I invested in the wheeled stand for it too rather than try and clamp it to a table or whatever. The stand means I can have it next to my recliner chair or wherever I like.

[rcperryls]

I don't have any trouble with 25 ct and found my new maglite really really helpful for the gridding though I am still getting used to using it for stitching. (tricky with a cat in your lap). 28 ct is a bit small and I have to get a gridding pencil because the ink seems to spread on the piece I have been practicing on. I like 22 ct a lot and find that 1 over 1 is working very very well with my Bookend Kitties and also pretty good with Tabbies. 2over 1 was bulky. I think it is a matter of tension. But what counts most is what works for you. What you are comfortable with and what gives you the result that you want.

Carole

[MaggieM1750]

I did 1x1 on 25 (or maybe it was 28 ct) on a project about a year ago.
It was white thread on red fabric. I think the contrast helped to make the stitches easy to see.
I was having a hard time with my threads disappearing under the weave of the fabric. So I did a tent stitch for my bottom stitch and then came back and crossed with a regular half stitch on top. The long diagonal on the back from the tent stitch wouldn't slip under the fabric- and it helped anchor the top stitch. I suppose you could cross with a tent stitch too- really, it looks the same from the front.

Somewhere on this site is a little diagram on where to start your thread- on an overweave or on an underweave.. I should have bookmarked it because now I can't find it. I'll keep looking

[BookNerd]

I actually like stitching 1 over 1 on 28 count. I tried 25 count last week with 1 over 1, and wasn't super thrilled with the coverage, so I went back to 28 count. Sometimes it makes my eyes go wonky, but generally I don't have any problems with it. I do mark off my stitches on my chart though, so that helps.

[pattiebelle]

i just started 2 over 1 on 25ct and i think it's really hard!!!

i have great light and i use a magnifier. but jeezlouise my eyes cross!!!

gonna stick w/it tho cuz each time i go back to it, it's a little easier...

[stitchnsew]

I'm working on 25 and 26 ct, 1x1, full crosses and I really like it. I've also done it on 30 and 32 ct for small areas of the pattern. I wouldn't want to do whole large projects on those counts tho, primarily because it's hard to see if I've made the second leg of the cross. I just realized that this is what tent stitching is, but I like the look of a full cross, even on small counts. It seems to give it more of a look of texture or very slight bulkiness.
I'm using a cheap ($3.00) pair of reading glasses from Michaels that work perfectly for me. There is no reason that magnification should harm your eyes. I do notice that when stitching with any magnification, I do notice more imperfections in my stitching, ie. twisted threads when doing 2x1, that I really don't see with my 'normal' vision.
I'm currently going between 2x1 on 18 and 20 ct, and 1x1 on 25 and 26 ct, and I really have to lighten up my tension when I go to the 1x1 projects. --I've never had a problem with stitches slipping under the fabric threads.
Altho I stitch cross country, I have tended to work row by row, and make a series of the 'under stitch' and then come back across the row with the top stitch. With the smaller count however, I've found it better to often make the full cross all at once, so that I know I've gotten that second leg done, as it is alittle harder to see and it's easier to miss one of them.
And marking off your stitches as you do them on your chart is also indispensible. I also keep my place on my chart with a magnetic bar that I move along on my chart as I progress.
Good luck and have fun.

[Lori0]

I have found I now have to use a magnifier to enjoy stitching. I could not get comfortable with the magnifier lamp or the type that balances on your chest and hangs around your neck. I first borrowed my brothers Head Strap Magnifier ( looks like a sun visor) his hubby is trains with little parts. After borrowing his for long lenghts of time, my gift was one for myself with multiple lens and a light. Along with the magnifier visor, I also received a tiny LED finger light. Just alittle light that I strap on my middle finger on the hand I'm stitching with to add light directly in the area I'm stitching. Now, threading needles, working on high count fabric is a breeze. Gift less than $15.00 but priceless for the comfort and enjoyment I have with stitching.