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Hope you guys can help. I am looking for instructions on ways to do the actual basic cross stitch. I have found info on the English and Danish methods and the pros and cons of both stitches. I understand that there is at least one other method of making the simple cross stitch but am finding that info elusive. If you could lead me to a book or online source I would greatly appreciate it. Thanx Razl

Hello and welcome to the board! Regarding your question, I would say that most of us use both the English and Danish method of cross stitching on the same projects! That doesn't really matter - what does matter (and possibly the only rule there is in cross stitching) is that all your top legs of your cross stitches go the same way, either ///////// or \\\\\\\\\ , it doesn't matter what you choose as long as you are consistent and stitch that way for the whole of your piece. You might find this link helpful, don't hesitate to ask more questions!

Slight glitch with your link Amanda.

http://www.cross-stitch-centre.co.uk/ac ... nique.html" target="_blank

Thanks - blame the iPad it's a PITA for doing links, fixed now!

Yep, I mix and match my danish and english cross stitch according to what the shortest route of thread will be to finish a section

Lessa54 wrote:Yep, I mix and match my danish and english cross stitch according to what the shortest route of thread will be to finish a section

Same here. I do whichever gets me closer to the first instance of the same symbol in the next row.

And English vs Danish cross stitch is ???? Never heard those expressions and googling didn't help me at all.

Carole

Carole, click on the link in my post, it explains it! All it means is whether you stitch one x at a time (English) or stitch ////////// then \\\\\\\\\\\\ (Danish).......which is why most stitchers use both methods depending on the best way to fit in their stitches!

Thanks, Amanda. Don't know why I didn't click on that link. I usually love links (which is how my bookmark list of cross stitch suppliers is longer than any others). I do both, depending on what makes the most sense, especially with HAEDs that aren't tent stitched. I "English" stitch variegated threads, though I am thinking it would be very interesting to see what kind of pattern shows up if stitched the "Danish" way.

Carole

Good ? RC, as I have been stitching for 30 yrs. and was taught only 1 way. ////////////////// then \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\. Didn't know about the 1 at a time stitch. We do learn something new each day.
I also was taught, when using metalics, which I don't use as much, to keep the x's flat, to take a spare needle or pin, and gently wiggle the /////// to lay flat, then do the \\\\\\\\\\ the same way, so that they don't look twisted.

HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND.

Like most others here, I use the both the English and Danish methods, depending on how the pattern is laid out. But when stitching with variegated threads I only use the English method; the Danish method makes the colors look mottled and uneven. The only other method I have heard of for cross stitching is the reversible or two-sided method, in which the back looks the same as the front. I have never tried this one though, because it seems to only work if you have solid blocks of color. Here is a tutorial on it: http://www.angolostefania.it/main/en/pu ... ia-faccia/" target="_blank (the page is in English even though the title is not).

Thank you so much KOKO. That is what I was looking for. I found several other ways one is called long arm stitching on the back and the other is called smart loops. The piece I am stitching is a Lavender and Lace piece called Mothers Tree. I am hoping for it to be an heirloom piece. I am expecting my first granddaughter in Sept. and will be able to add at least 8 generations to the project. I am stitching on linen over 1 and wanted it to last generations. I have read that the English method offers more stability to the stitching fabric and last longer as opposed to the Danish method. The reversible cross stitch method you have linked me to offers me another option for stitching. Based on the fact that that stitch is found on on very old Italian pieces I think I might try this stitch.
P.S. this stitch might also help with a never ending obsession to clean up the back of my work

Here is a link to the smart loop and long arm methods of cross stitch. http://www.funkandweber.com/cross-stitc ... ne-thread/" target="_blank

Is this 5 different ways of completing the cross stitch?
1. Danish
2. English
3. Long Arm
4. Smart loops ?
5. Italian

wasn't awared there were "methods" i guess I'm an english stitcher as any time i do the \\\\\\\\\/////////// I end up having to because i count wrong

Oh, I have seen that Lavender and Lace piece, it is gorgeous!!! Make sure you post pics of your progress in the SAL section, we love pictures here!
It does look like the long arm or smart loops method would work well for stitching over one. I usually stitch over two so I have never needed to look up other methods!
I have always been intrigued by the reversible cross stitch, but most of my projects use a lot of colors and I have never bothered to figure out how to do it with multiple colors. Do let us know how you decide to do the project!!