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Hi All,

I am relatively new to stitching and I need help. I'm stitching on Aida fabric with DMC floss but there is spacing between each stitch. In other words, I can still see the white background. It may be a really stupid question with a really obvious answer, but what am I doing wrong? Any advice/ help is appreciated.

I believe its 18ct ( not positive, I threw the package away.) Is there another way to tell? I am using one strand of floss. I'm assuming I should be using more?

Couple other things that will help us get you answer. What size needle are you using and are you using a frame/hoop????

We were all beginners once and you are not asking anything that we have not asked ourselves.

If you have a tape measure or ruler mark 1 inch on the fabric and then count the stitches in that 1 inch that should tell you the count.

Also is this a kit????? What did the directions tell you to use????

Ok, it's 18 ct fabric. I am using a DMC 1-5 needle. I have a hoop but have not yet used it. I found a pattern I liked online and got the color chart so I knew what color floss to use. It's not a kit. Below are what my stitches are looking like. X being the stitch and ! being the fabric between. I dont know what in the world I did.

X!X!X!X!X!X!X!

Is there anyway to take a picture or a scan of what your work looks like? Because what you are showing with the X's and !'s I am thinking you may be skipping a square.

I am currently working on 16 count using 1 thread and for me it is looking great. But that is just me.

Also your tension could be to tight?????

This is what my 16 count looks like and this is a very close up. When I look at it from longer then arms length you do not see the fabric.

Ok, that makes sense. Thank you! Just 2 more questions and then I promise to leave you lovely ladies alone. For awhile anyway!
1.) Can I pull the stitches out of the fabric and start over? Or would it be smarter to buy new fabric?
2.) How do I make sure that my pattern will fit on the fabric? My pattern is 14.26 inches by 14.26 inches. Pretty big, I know. My fabric is 20x24. Should I just leave a few inches and start in the corner?

1.) Can I pull the stitches out of the fabric and start over? Or would it be smarter to buy new fabric?
yes you can pull the stitches out
2.) How do I make sure that my pattern will fit on the fabric? My pattern is 14.26 inches by 14.26 inches. Pretty big, I know. My fabric is 20x24. Should I just leave a few inches and start in the corner?
Your design will fit on the fabric. What I suggest is to find the middle of the fabric and the middle of the design and start there. That way you ensure that you have plenty of room on all the edges.

I found this book ages ago when I first started cross stitching, and it has helped me for years. Mine is all taped together and I still carry with me to reference.
It's out of print now, but you can get it on Amazon "used-like new" for $3-$6 and includes shipping.

Introduction to Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/ ... ition=used" target="_blank

dwitt wrote:1.) Can I pull the stitches out of the fabric and start over? Or would it be smarter to buy new fabric?
yes you can pull the stitches out
2.) How do I make sure that my pattern will fit on the fabric? My pattern is 14.26 inches by 14.26 inches. Pretty big, I know. My fabric is 20x24. Should I just leave a few inches and start in the corner?
Your design will fit on the fabric. What I suggest is to find the middle of the fabric and the middle of the design and start there. That way you ensure that you have plenty of room on all the edges.

I completely agree with Desiree

Lori0 wrote:Don't hold yourself to that promise. Ask as many questions as you need. We have all been new or learning something new, so you are not bothering us. Look forward to seeing pictures soon,

I second that. We were all once where you are now

I'm noticing some fraying around the edges. What the bestt way to prevent it from getting any worse?

Tallulah wrote:I found this book ages ago when I first started cross stitching, and it has helped me for years. Mine is all taped together and I still carry with me to reference.
It's out of print now, but you can get it on Amazon "used-like new" for $3-$6 and includes shipping.

Introduction to Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/ ... ition=used" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Thanks for the info! I'll certainly check it out.

Chantal wrote:

Tallulah wrote:I found this book ages ago when I first started cross stitching, and it has helped me for years. Mine is all taped together and I still carry with me to reference.
It's out of print now, but you can get it on Amazon "used-like new" for $3-$6 and includes shipping.

Introduction to Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/ ... ition=used" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Thanks for the info! I'll certainly check it out.

Found this, too. It's very well written, except she is using evenweave fabric instead of Aida. With evenweave you stitch over two, but aida, over one.
http://postcardsfromwildwood.wordpress. ... he-stitch/" target="_blank