Two-handed stitching tips?

[bookknurd]

So I got to try out my new stand ( ), which means I also got to try two-handed stitching! This is the main reason I wanted a stand in the first place. I have some questions (feel free to answer all or one or none or however many you want).

1. Do you have your dominant hand behind or in front? Or do you switch?
2. What kind of angle do you have your work at?
3. How do you position your hand that's behind the work? I was having trouble find a comfortable position where I wasn't straining my wrist.

The last one I'm really curious about. I'm too young to have joint issues for other reasons, so I don't need to be causing my own by straining my wrists. Plus, I want to be able to stitch for longs periods without stressing my wrist more than it needs to be.

I realize that angles and positions are most likely going to be different for everyone, but I was hoping for some general guidelines as a starting place for figuring out how I should be situated.

Any additional advice/tips would be awesome!

[Arianwen]

I usually have my dominant hand behind as I can find the holes better/quicker that way. I will sometimes switch that for short periods but the above is how I am most comfortable, or just stitching one handed.

I can't be exact about the angle as it changes each time. I sit in my chair and pull my stitching towards me and make sure that the bottom of my frame rests just above my tummy.

I don't angle my hands exactly as my arm is straight from elbow to finger tips for the most part. I rest the crook of my arm against the base of my frame and keep the rest as straight as I can. I don't get wrist strain but I do find with long stitching sessions or when I'm working on the top of the piece that my muscles get tired much much quicker.

It took me a while to find the angle and height that worked best for me but now I know I 'fall' into position without thinking about it too much. I think trial and error is the best way to find what works for you.

If you are worried about wrist problems, it might be worth investing in some wrist supports.

[bookknurd]

I think my wrists will be fine once I find the angle so that my arm can be straight. For whatever reason, I was having to bend my wrist too much, which it didn't like doing for a solid hour.

I also liked having my dominant hand behind, for similar reasons. I didn't have any trouble using my left hand in the front, but it was like I had no control over it if it was behind.

Thanks for the advice!

[NeedleAndFork]

I must be backwards - I am left handed, but I prefer my right hand behind. I CAN stitch with my hands reversed and occasionally I do for a few stitches here and there, but it is slower and I keep switching back.

I don't actually have a stand, so I can't make any suggestions about what angle to use - I stitch with my frame propped up against my knees and close by furniture (one of the reasons why I'm working on a HAED QS on a 30" wide frame)

As for placement of hand on the back, I tend to hold my hand palm facing up, fingertips slightly curved to rest against the back of my work, with index and thumb close to where the needle will push through. This way as I pull the thread through and return them to the same spot, the needle is very close to where it needs to be pushed from, so it takes minimal poking to find the right hole.

[Ladymyste65]

I'm right handed but my left hand goes behind and the only time I switch is if the hole is being difficult.
It depends on which sofa I'm sitting on as to the angle I stitch but its between a 45 -65 degree I guess.

[Mary Kay]

I'm a backward stitcher all the way. I do what's comfortable and get used to it then read that I'm doing it wrong. But once I'm used to doing it my way I don't plan to change. Right handed but it goes on top. I can switch but not for very many stitches. I tend to change hand positions even if it's for a second so I can ease the repetition just a bit, otherwise my fingers will go to sleep and have no feeling, and/or my hand will begin to hurt a bit. Arthritis, but it isn't too bad yet and different movement is good. Also, doing crafty things with hands is good if you have it, according to a doctor who told my mom that years ago.

I can't hold any project in my hand, cramps up too fast so I use a lap stand. I notice that positioning it depends on how big or small the project is and even the color makes a difference for me. Just find your comfort zone and you'll be fine.

[Rose]

Most of the time my dominant hand is on the the top of the fabric. It just feels better that way. as for the angle it changes depending on the part of the frame I am stitching on. Your wist hurting sounds to me as if maybe your frame was to low to your body. My wrist will sometimes twinge if I am stitching to close or to far away. I then know it is time to adjust the holder to what I am working.

[Mystonique]

I switch hands but then I've always been a bit ambidextrous (I can write with either hand). Most people I know put their dominant hand under as it's the one that needs to find the hole without the help of the eyes so it needs more co-ordination.

I tend to have my stitching at about 30 degrees from my body but I can happily stitch with it at almost 90 degrees too the trick is to change the way you grab and hold the needle.

If the work is 30 degrees I have the point facing away from my hand but if it's 90 degrees I have the needle in line with my finger tips with the point between thumb and forefinger.

[BizzieLizzie]

I recently learned to stitch two-handed with the help of the lovely forum members. It took me a while but I'm really glad I persevered, as it's practically doubled my stitching speed.

1. I have my dominant (right) hand on top. I tried it the other way and just couldn't get used to it.

2. I have my frame at a shallow, almost flat, angle but that's probably just personal preference. I would imagine it depends a lot on the height you have the frame at.

3. I keep my bottom forearm and wrist more or less straight (i.e. no bend at the wrist) and haven't had any problems with joint strain.

A couple of other things I've learned from trial and error are (a) holding the needle near the tip gives you more control over it and (b) resting the fingertips of both hands lightly against the fabric after pushing the needle through helps your bottom hand find the right hole a lot faster because the fingers of the top hand are effectively showing the bottom hand where to put the needle (if that makes sense).

[bookknurd]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I haven't had another chance to use my stand (big scary thesis deadlines are looming), but I can't wait to try out all of your tips and suggestions.

[fccs]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I haven't had another chance to use my stand (big scary thesis deadlines are looming), but I can't wait to try out all of your tips and suggestions.

Big scary thesis first, two handed stitching second...oh, that it could be reversed.

My dominant (right) hand is on the bottom. Sometimes I try to reverse it just for variety, but my left hand feels all wonky if it is on the bottom...and still I try at times.

[wtnlvr]

I have a table top stand that sits on my dining room table. I am right handed and my left hand is pretty useless only because I never use it. My left hand is always on the back side. My current project is pretty big which makes me have to put my left arm over the top of the frame and pull the thread thru the back with my left hand. I only need this position for the right third of the pattern, but it really pulls the shoulder muscle. I haven't had any wrist issues, but I limit my sessions to one hour, 1.5 at the max. I get carpal tunnel really easily and have to be careful. Just experiment with what works for you. My back needs the firm seating of a dining room chair vs. a cushy couch. Wow, I sound like I'm ancient and I'm only 50-LOL Who said cross stitching wasn't a sport