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Well I want to start a couple big projects after this kit om working on is done and I'd like to try gridding. I don't want to do it with a marker as I'm too nervous it won't wash out and ruin any threads. I'd rather it be done with thread. What type though? And what's your way to grid with thread? I'm a tad nervous about gridding but I think it'd be worth it. Any help is appreciated.

I use 1 strand of thread, just regular DMC or whatever, something that is completely different from the threads in the project! Make it stand out from the fabric to. I then find the top left corner (using a ruler and the measurements of the finished design) and then start going up then down 10 squares later, make sure you count well the first couple rows. I also alternate by starting the row up, then the next one down... here is an example of how I have done it:



Hope this helps... I tend to start cutting the grid away once there are stitches near by... always make sure you double count!

I'm presently using 1 strand of thread, but next time I'm going with fishing line. I think fishing line is going to work better because you can't inadvertantly stitch through it like you can the thread. You can cut the thread as you work up to it, but sometimes it isn't convenient to give up the grid that early.

For the actual grid I find the center of my fabric and the center of my pattern and then find the first 10 block line closest to the center and start it there. I grid to match the pattern....so blocks of 10 (I only do horizontal) until I get to the edge of the pattern. Then if the pattern ends on a non-10 block I'll grid in whatever the count actually is to match the pattern.

I prefer coloured fishing line as I can stitch over it and take it out when I like later on. Downside, unless you anchor it at the ends of rows it might start coming out but isn't a problem so far. I also have used ordinary sewing thread and that was fine but harder to see under/between the stitches already done. The fishing line shines at me so I know where it is. I start at the middle and work up, down and sideways, counting 5 holes on the top of the fabric and 5 below. It takes longer but makes counting easier when I get lost! And I do get lost on my big Unicorn. You can see the mess I get into with the water soluble pen in my gallery on James the engine. It washes off perfectly though.

I appreciate this topic. I was about to ask myself!

Sulky brand metallic sewing thread is great for gridding, it comes in loads of colours and can't be split by your needle, so you can stitch a lot closer to it before you need to snip it away. I've even stiched over it sometimes and it's pulled out ok. I got mine from a patchwork and quilting site.

I use fishing line as well. Someone mentioned anchoring it. I just leave some extra and tie a double knot at either end. I don't pull the knots really tight, so they don't slip through the fabric.

Making a grid is something I have not heard about until I came here. I'm planning to try it as I get lost easily sometimes.

Oiralinde wrote:I appreciate this topic. I was about to ask myself!

Glad to be able to help out a fellow stitcher with the same question. And thanks to everyone and their help, it's greatly appreciated.

Great topic! This will help me with my HAED's when I get around to doing them

Forgot to ask if you can grid on evenweave the same way you would on Aida? That would really help. Thanks.

One of the lighter test fishing lines does work great for gridding. There is some other stuff called Ez Count Guideline that is marketed specifically to stitchers as a grid line. It's a bright red color that shows up well on dark or light fabric. I like its visibility, but it's really the same as a light test fishing line.

Very good topic. I was also interested in the answers!

Can you use fishing line on linen or Belfast?

I use water-soluble fabric pens and have never had a problem with it coming out. I don't even have to wash the projects - just spray them with a little water or rinse them in the sink.

Oiralinde wrote:Can you use fishing line on linen or Belfast?

Oh yes! It's just a little more difficult to set up since the weave is so fine counting out each little up and down can make your eyes go buggy. I added grid line to an older WiP of mine on linen, and nearly gave up. I am glad I did it though, as I find it makes stitching on linen so much easier.

I think I'm a little late in this thread, but I have a question for those of you who grid with fishing line. If you stitch over the line and then pull it out later, won't those stitches be a little more puffed up compared to the other stitches? I think that's the main reason I've avoided using line and just used fabric pencils until now (well okay, it's also because the pencils are a lot faster and easier).

I just used fishing line on one of my projects....so I hope the answer to your question is no. Eagerly awaiting someone with experience to answer your question....

I just used fishing line on a small linen project. It didn't cause any changes to the stitches. It worked very nicely!

I saw this article on about.com about easy count guideline:
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/optiona ... ntguid.htm" target="_blank

I ordered it, got it yesterday (along with my new lap stand woot!!). Unfortunately, I've been working crazy hours and haven't been able to try it out yet. I did take it out of the package, and it feels like fishing line. It is red, which will probably help make it easy to see. I also like that you just pull out the amount that you need through the side, so it won't get all crazy falling off of the holder (that probably made no sense, but trust me lol.) My only concern is whether it will be easy getting it out, and whether the stitches around it will look ok. I've been gridding with thread, and it does leave a little residue, so I think this will be better.
I'm probably going to test it on this small project I'm doing that has lots of empty space that I normally wouldn't need gridding on (it's my Mario Oiralinde!) - that way I can judge whether to use it on the bigger projects. I'll let you know then!