Two handed stitching?

[BizzieLizzie]

I've spent the weekend having a go at two-handed stitching. Most of the information I've come across online has recommended keeping the dominant hand underneath the fabric and the non-dominant hand on top, but I find it easier the other way around. However, it still feels unnatural and I wondered if any of you who stitch this way have any tips? Does it really become second nature after a while or will it always feel slightly awkward? I'd love to get used to this method as I've heard it really speeds stitching up.

[crafterglen]

Stick with it, I am right handed and that hand is underneath my stitching, it does feel a bit off at first so stick with it for a few more days, it does become second nature, you don't even think about it your hands will automatically go where they need to be, I couldn't stitch one handed now if I tried.

[wendywombat]

I've had a try at that! When Topbiddy passed her sit-on hoop frame to me I thought that it would be the right time to experiment.
Well! I managed quite well and like you I kept my dominant hand on top... It was a bit slow but I think with practise it'll get quicker. Mind you! it didn't occur to me to try the other way!!
I'll have to give that a go too!

[geekishly]

I'm right handed and use that one for underneath when I do two handed stitching and use it all the time when I am holding a piece in my left hand. It definitely becomes easier with practice.

[socialsue]

I am right-handed and I use that hand underneath and my left on top. It is easier for me to control my left hand when I can see what it is doing. It gets easier the more u use two-handed method. The only time I use one hand is when I stitched by hand, or when my scroll frame is not able to put into the lap stand. If the fabric is width wise very long, then I have to use the scroll rods the other way around to be able to stitch. My lap stand would only hold the scroll frames in one direction.

socialsue

[Squirrel]

I much prefer 2 handed stitching, it feels more natural and certainly quicker too.
The right hand is underneath and left on top - just to make sure it goes in the right hole!!

If what I am stitching is not on my floor stand I sit close to a table and rest my hoop against the edge so I can work 2 handed.

It is also very good therapy for your brain and much more relaxing. too.

Keep working on it and you will find it will come naturally to you.

[backafteradozenyrs]

Dumb question here: do y'all know of any videos on youtube showing 2-handed stitching? (I know I'm going to go over there & look for it now....if I find one I'll add a link here)

[Mystonique]

There is a logical reason to keep your dominant hand at the bottom - because you can't see the hole to put your needle from that angle so you need more fine motor accuracy.

I have always stitched using both hands - whether I'm free hand or on a frame. I got a bit stressed with the scroll frame at first because I had to find an extra hand to hold the frame - then I mounted the bottom bar to the middle of the frame (instead of the bottom) and now I rest a "leg" of the frame on my belly and no hands ma! It halves my stitching area but that's fine.

I think you will get used to it and it speeds things up dramatically.

[LadyS]

I use it sometimes, but not always. I mostly stitch in hand, no frames or hoops, so it's usually sewing style, no need for two hands that way. On HAEDs, I will sometimes work with my right hand underneath and my left on top, when using a Qsnap. I end up resting the Qsnap on the coffee table or on my knee, as I like to stitch sitting on the floor, with my back against the couch, in fact, it's pretty much the only position I stitch in.

[BizzieLizzie]

Thank you for your replies, everyone. I will certainly persevere, as the extra stitching speed seems worth the effort.

The reason I keep my dominant hand on top is that when I tried with my left hand on top I found I was having to kind of twist my left hand around to put the needle in the top left hole of the stitch (I stitch from left to right) and also my left hand was constantly brushing against the existing stitching, which I thought would get it dirty over time. Did any of you have the same problems, and if so how did you overcome them?

[crafterglen]

I have never had a problem with getting my stitching dirty from my hands but I do get what you mean, just stitched the way you said and realised it doesn't happen to me as I stitch from the bottom right up so my top left hand is always on the fabric not the stitching, but I am sure your work will be just fine maybe you are better stitching with your left hand underneath the way you stitch - see we are all different but we all get there in the end! The main thing is to enjoy your hobby,

[rustyblue2]

I am a right handed stitcher and also prefer to stitch with both hands, my dominant hand is underneath the fabric, it feels more natural and faster stitching that way. I stitch from left to right, working downwards from the left hand corner. At the moment I'm not using a stand as my frame is very large, I just rest it on the arms of the sofa just to free up my hands!

my left hand was constantly brushing against the existing stitching, which I thought would get it dirty over time. Did any of you have the same problems, and if so how did you overcome them?

As for brushing over existing stitching...I cover the left side of my stitching with an old pillowcase as I work across the piece from left to right.. it offers some protection as I tend to grab the top scroll rod to flip over my frame.

[Corey.G]

I've tried two handed stitching before and I've had my dominant hand (my right) underneath and my left on top. It wasn't bad but hard to get used to. I just couldn't do it because no matter what way I adjusted must my back hurt from being right over it all the time. Good luck.

[pattiebelle]

Not too long ago I began 2handed stitching. I am right-handed and my left hand is so "dumb", it's still hard to manipulate the little needle on top! -lol

I've never worried about getting my project dirty, so having the left hand sliding along doesn't bother me.

It really does make things go faster, tho, so I'm glad I do it now.

Keep going with it, k? You'll be glad, too, I'm sure

[caitief]

I started doing this without even thinking of it...but I still can't get my left hand to twist it over right and have a VERY strange way of turning the needle around. But even with the oddity on my large projects it is easier!

[wendywombat]

Well!! I've tried with my dominant (right) underneath AND!!

It IS Faster! Who ever would have thought it? Also easier with my right hand underneath.

I don't use a hoop for every project, only the larger ones. I've always been an 'in-the-hand' stitcher...but since using the sit on hoop stand it does seem logical to change my method.
Shall continue and I know it'll soon be 2nd nature!

[crafterglen]

Just a thought for your girls who are getting sore backs, you shouldn't, if possible try raising your stand a bit higher than normal, you should be sitting pretty straight and not hunched over your stitching, it should feel relaxed and so no pain?

[geekishly]

Just a thought for your girls who are getting sore backs, you shouldn't, if possible try raising your stand a bit higher than normal, you should be sitting pretty straight and not hunched over your stitching, it should feel relaxed and so no pain?

I do sit up straight, but even then it can hurt your back/shoulders if you stitch long enough.

[wendywombat]

I get a Numb Bum if I stitch too long!!!

Also a Hungry Hubby!!!

[Rose]

I get a Numb Bum if I stitch too long!!!

Also a Hungry Hubby!!!

Oh I get that too!!!!!!!!