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Maybe some of you already know about this, but I stumbled across it yesterday whilst browsing another forum, tried it last night and love it , so I thought I'd share it with you.

It's basically starting a thread by using the loop method from the front of the fabric. I always stitch the first leg from bottom left to top right, so using this method I go down at the bottom left leaving the loop on the front, come up at the top right, through the loop, then back down the top right, and gently pull the loop through to the back. It's very simple and effective, and whoever thought of it is a genius!

I still can't get the hang of finishing on the front (I'm giving it a second chance and still can't get used to it) but at least the loop on the front method will halve the number of times I have to flip.

Isn't it interesting how we all do things differently! I always use the loop method where I can and stitch my first leg of cross stitch from bottom left corner to top right - but I've never flipped my frame for it (would defeat the object of a loop start to me!). When I start a new thread I pull it up through the bottom left corner while having my fingers through the loop with my other hand - then when I go down in the top right corner I just put my needle through my two fingers (and therefore the loop) and carry on as normal. Never occured to me to do the loop at the front!

I loop from behind by having one hand at back with thread held open between two fingers So when needle goes through i feed it through loop and feel with finger if lay flat so no turning over

Front finishing i have yet to try

I tend to flip over for a loop start, so I will definitely try this front-loop method, thanks!

Mrs Milkybar Kid wrote:when I go down in the top right corner I just put my needle through my two fingers (and therefore the loop)

I'd keep stabbing myself if I tried that!

Loving this so much- my other half got me a stand for my birthday and I got so fed up with having to keep unscrewing to flip for all the confetti stitching I am currently doing it's just sitting in corner of the room looking sad and unloved. I am definitely giving this a go- and we can finish on the front too?? What kind of magic is this? *goes to look into this*

Thanks for posting this tip!

BizzieLizzie wrote:

Mrs Milkybar Kid wrote:when I go down in the top right corner I just put my needle through my two fingers (and therefore the loop)

I'd keep stabbing myself if I tried that!

Blood on fabric is not a good look!

Lenne wrote:Loving this so much- my other half got me a stand for my birthday and I got so fed up with having to keep unscrewing to flip for all the confetti stitching!

What type of stand do you have Lenne?

So glad you guys picked this up, I was banging on about it on the other forum from a genius called Freyer I think? on the Haed forum, I could not believe how easy it was to start from the front with a loop start and have been telling everyone! So simple why didn't I know about it before? Give it a go please, it is amazing!
Glen x

Mrs Milkybar Kid wrote:What type of stand do you have Lenne?

It's a Posilock floor stand here: http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/Posi ... -POSI.aspx" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

It's lovely but it takes quite a lot of time to clip it in, get it at the right angle/height and to compensate for the heaviness of my q-snap frame so while I am working on the confetti I decided to just hold q-snap in hand. Feel mostly guilty that I am not using the gift he got me really I guess you never know what works for you until you try it and sometimes it's worth spending out to find out what doesn't work for you maybe... will give it another go on my next project. It's going to be big and no confetti that I can see.

Lenne - that is the thing with floor stands! I know some stitchers who seem to have every make and variety until they found the one they wanted! They are not cheap (but then sometimes cheaper stands can be a false economy if you never use them !) - but I could not recommend the Lowery stand enough - takes seconds to put your frame in and just the quarter turn of a lever to flip your frame over. I do feel your pain about the gift side of it though....I still feel guilty about a Radley bag DH bought me for our 10th Anniversary. Needless to say he really didn't care (but I still feel ill when I think about it !) - when it comes to presents now we just give ourselves a certain amount of money to spend and go and buy ourselves something we know we want!

Mrs Milkybar Kid wrote:Lenne - that is the thing with floor stands! I know some stitchers who seem to have every make and variety until they found the one they wanted! They are not cheap (but then sometimes cheaper stands can be a false economy if you never use them !) - but I could not recommend the Lowery stand enough - takes seconds to put your frame in and just the quarter turn of a lever to flip your frame over. I do feel your pain about the gift side of it though....I still feel guilty about a Radley bag DH bought me for our 10th Anniversary. Needless to say he really didn't care (but I still feel ill when I think about it !) - when it comes to presents now we just give ourselves a certain amount of money to spend and go and buy ourselves something we know we want!

The Lowery looks gorgeous- might have to start saving up

I am currently having a go at the front start/finish and trying the threads-to-the side technique you mentioned and the mini cross one just to see what feels comfortable- so far I like them both equally! I don't "loop start" all of my threads as I am stingy and try to use every bit I cut off previously so not sure how to start with two threads other than secure at the back but far less flipping going on here

Lenne I have the Posilock stand as well and hubby made me this attachment

Pics in my Gallery

I use the loop method whenever I can. I never thought of a front loop though. I don't use a stand so flipping over with my q-snaps or hoop isn't that difficult, but it is a bit awkward with the afghan fabrics because they are so big. I am going to bookmark this thread so that when I get back to the afghans in my rotation I will remember to try it. Always something new to learn. Thanks.

Carole

rcperryls wrote:I use the loop method whenever I can. I never thought of a front loop though. I don't use a stand so flipping over with my q-snaps or hoop isn't that difficult, but it is a bit awkward with the afghan fabrics because they are so big. I am going to bookmark this thread so that when I get back to the afghans in my rotation I will remember to try it. Always something new to learn. Thanks.

Carole

I second that Carole--and will definitely give this a go!! Thanks for posting this topic!

i'm a huge fan of loop also but never thought it was possible..since I did a video tutorial for the loop method awhile ago..maybe I'll look into it and do another video

I always use the loop method but I mostly work in hand, and my HAEDs with a Qsnap, so flipping over to tie the loop was never an issue. This tip is very cool though, I might have to try it.

And about finishing a thread on the front, I used to do that, but realized that although the back looks neat that way, the front doesn't look as good, as no matter how careful you are, sometimes it will still show some bulk on the front when you run threads under stitches.

The lady on Haed where I saw the loop start method was Dagmar, I knew I had the name wrong this morning? Sorry Dagmar, very clever lady.
Glenx

Please look at the 'helping hand' accessory from Sew and So. It brings a frame down lower and makes it easier to turn it over. I don't know if it would work with a Qsnap but it helps with my frames.

http://www.sewandso.co.uk/Products/HH24 ... -HH24.aspx" target="_blank" target="_blank

Just tried this and it works like a charm. Thanks for the tip!!

Newfie Princess wrote:Just tried this and it works like a charm. Thanks for the tip!!

Same here--I've tried it myself and wonder why I'd never thought of it before