Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

I'm new and I'll probably lurk around for a while.

My aunt got me interested in cross stitching. She lives about 16 hours away by car so I'll have to turn to y'all for help.


I'm a teacher in Texas. I love to read, watch movies, bake cookies and (now) cross stitch.

I have completed a total of three designs. My biggest problem with cross stitching seems to be counting correctly. I either count too many blocks or not enough. The designs always wind up slightly off-kilter.

Hello and welcome. I always manage to mistake the count (math students usually are unable to count). But since I use markings on my fabric it got better

A big howdy from Connecticut! Are you workig on anything in particular at the moment?
Faith

I just finished a design of a hummingbird with some pink flowers. Now I am working on one that says "don't ask me, I just work here." It came in a kit and made me laugh.

Juel, I'm curious what you mean about markings on your fabric? I'd really like to stop messing up the count.

Welcome to the forum

Hello and welcome!

Hi! welcome!

Hi and welcome to the forum

Carole

Welcome to the Forum!

Gridding is using either a washable pen or thread (I use plastic fishing line) to mark off your fabric to help counting. Usually you mark every 10 spaces, across and down, to coincide with the 10 spaces shown on your design. It helps to keep your counting accurate.

If you use a washable pen, BE SURE it's washable - try it on a piece of fabric first, then wash it to make sure the marks come out. If you use thread (or fishing line) you pull it out later. I like the coloured fishing line because it shows up well and I don't sew through it as I'm doing the design. Others here can probably recommend the brand of pens they use.

Good luck!

Hi and welcome from freezing Melbourne Australia.

Love your design you have just finished its a gorgeous one. I sometimes use a water soluble pen for gridding my fabric and it is so helpful.

Sally

Welcome! Gridding is a great idea, I've tried the pen and thread since joining, and it has really helped my counting.

Hello and welcome

Hello and welcome.

Hi there! I have spent many an hour re-stitching after having to unpick some wrong counting which just cannot be fixed...you think I would learn by my mistakes hey!? I must be less hasty and more careful lol