Advice on Railroading??

[Skittles]

Hi Everyone

I'm loving this site and learning so many new things to try out. Today I read all about railroading (I had never heard of if before) and couldn't wait to get home to give it a go. Well, I railroaded for a row (45 stitches) in the time it would normally take me to complete and entire project!! It is slowing me down soooo much and I just wondered if people generally thought it was worth it? Is the result really so much better (hard to tell on my 45 stitches) and does it get quicker and easier in time (if yes to the last part, how much time, because I don't think I can work at this pace for very long).

Also, I'm working on a Dimensions design that sometimes uses 3 or even 4 strands of thread at a time - can you also railroad with more than 2 threads?

OK, I'm off to stitch another row so should be back in about 3 hours

Thanks for any (much needed) advice:-)
Heidi

[Parksfarm]

Hi Heidi - it will get easier the more you do it. I always railroad if I'm using two strands - I think it looks better and gives better coverage. It's second nature to me now and I think I'm a pretty quick stitcher...

I've never tried to do it with more strands...

Keep at it, you will get quicker!

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

Hi Heidi!

I railroad - yes I do think it is worth it, stitches look so much neater when they lay flat and it also makes your thread go (a tiny bit!) further in the process. The good news is that once it becomes second nature you'll soon be back to your normal stitching pace - don't know how long that will be, I can't remember! Some stitchers use a laying tool (more info on this thread) such as a trolley needle instead of railroading or when using more than two threads or when stitching speciality stitches to ensure that the threads lie flat. I just use a large tapestry needle when I'm stitching speciality stitches for the same effect.

Like most things in stitching it all boils down to personal preference and taste and what works best for you!

[MaggieM1750]

I agree with Parksfarm.. I railroad now with every stitch without even realizing it.
It has now become the way I stitch. And just with learning anything new- I was a bit slower in the begining, but now I think I stitch the same speed as I did before I railroaded. I do think it helps threads lay flatter and your stitches look more even and consistant. And like her, I've never done it with more than 2 threads. I haven't tried using a trolley needle or laying tool.

[Skittles]

Thanks all, I think I'll persevere for a bit. Just did a bit more stitching and I think I can see a slight difference which is encouraging me to continue.

I have one more quick question - does it matter where you pass the needle through the two threads, i.e. does it have to be just before you enter the hole or can it be anywhere along the length? (I'm not sure that question makes sense....I think I know what I mean)

[backafteradozenyrs]

Ok, I'll bite: what is railroading?

eta: Of course, now that I've asked, I went & looked it up....I've never thought to do this!

[MaggieM1750]

It does make sense. You can split the thread at any point. Just passing your needle between the threads keeps them separated as you pull through the hole.

[MaggieM1750]

Ok, I'll bite: what is railroading?

Here's a few threads where its been discussed
http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... =3&t=15951" target="_blank
http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... =3&t=15646" target="_blank

[Skittles]

Thanks Maggie. That might speed things up a bit.

Diana - it's a technique I just read about today, where you pass the needle through the two strands of thread before completing the stitch. Apparently this makes your strands lie parallel to each other and gives a 'smoother' result. At least, that's what I think It is also a technique that is taking ages to get the hang of. I've been at it all evening and am getting a bit cross eyed at this stage.

I'm not sure I'll continue - I've always been quite happy with what I've done and if I hadn't come across railroading I would be none the wiser

[Lenne]

It honestly becomes second nature after a while- I only railroad the top stitch and it seems to look okay.

[Lessa54]

I'm a bit of an intermittent railroader. I think it does help, especially with blended threads, but on a complicated project I tend to be so focussed on getting the stitch in the right hole, i forget to railroad as well

[BizzieLizzie]

Any new technique is going to slow you down until it becomes second nature, so I'm glad you've decided to persevere.

I railroaded for a while and found it slow, but I liked how much neater my stitches were. Then I discovered "laying" and once I got used to it I found it faster than railroading. Here's a video that explains how to lay threads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSEVU2gWZhY" target="_blank. I always lay my threads and last night I did 170 stitches of heavy confetti in two hours, which I couldn't have done if I was railroading. I guess railroading suits some and laying suits others.

Good luck, and keep persevering. The neater stitches make it worth it in the end.

[JA Fan]

I find railroading greatly improves coverage, makes the stitches much neater and it really helps when working with the thinner black DMC. I was slow too but got faster with practice. I used to only railroad the top leg of the stitch, but now, because I'm more comfortable with it, I do both legs.
I have never used a laying tool, but, if there are more than two threads, that would be the way to go.
Persevere with it. You will find it becomes second nature in the end, and you'll do it without even thinking about it.
It is worth it.

[Pinguxxx]

I'm confused

[Pinguxxx]

Do you use a second needle to separate the strands as you're making the stitch???

I can't imagine how it's done using the needle that's got the thread in and making the stitch!!! Or am I missing something?

It's baking my noodle now

[Pinguxxx]

The pennies's dropped now I'm stitching!!!

[Skittles]

You're one up on me then......I'm still struggling like mad with this

Going to persevere though - thanks to everyone for their help:-)

[MinnieMouse]

I"d like to know too:
Do you use a second needle? How can you pass the original needle through the threads if it's being used?

[Mystonique]

Think of it as using the tip of your needle (the one you are sewing with) to separate the two strands (to stop them twisting together) of thread before you put the needle into the hole.

Personally I find that the thread unravels if I railroad more than 4 stitches in a row so I use a trolley needle - which is a second, very thick needle, that attaches to my thumb and I use that to press the strands flat as I stitch so that they lie side by side not twisted up together.

[lala]

Hello all....I've been xstitching for many years and thought I knew it all but after discovering this site & learned about RR my stitching looks so much better. Yes, it slowed me down at first but now I can stitch at a pretty good pace and it just comes natural for me now.