newbie cross stitcher

[kezibell]

Hi, I'm a newbie to this and just jumped in, ordering a pattern off line, and then a trip to hobbycraft.

I have gone for a 15 inch square picture, I have a 14 count fabric, dmc thread, and a size 28 needle (as that is all they had) ........ Can you let me know if all these things work together?

I've started my work and hope I have attached some photos....does it look right? ....should you see the cream fabric in between?

Thanks, any help or guidance would be appreciated, as if I'm doing it wrong, I would rather know now so I can start again!!!!

[rcperryls]

Hello and welcome to the forum from South Carolina! Your first start at cross stitching looks great to me. Your stitches are neat and uniform. 14 Count is a good size to start with since counting is fairly easy. It looks like you are using 2 strands of the DMC and getting good coverage. The size of the needle is pretty much up to you. I like 28 for most of my stitching which is on higher count fabrics for the most part. Lower numbered needles are often used for the lower counts like 14,16 or even 18, but what matters is threading the needle and having it go through the fabric easily. The Tips and Tricks section is filled with lots of good information. Ask as many questions as you need to. Someone on the forum will either know the answer or have a good idea as to where to go to find the answer.

You have chosen a great craft and I'm looking forward to seeing your work and getting to know you.

Carole

[DahliaDoll]

Welcome. Very nice start!

[kezibell]

Yes, I am using one thread folded over to create a loop on the back to avoid making a knot, so 2 threads for each stitch.
I'm just worried if it looks okay before carrying on any further.....as I have chosen a big picture to put on a wall, so I want to take my time and do a good job.
Does the needle size affect the stitches in any way?

[rcperryls]

You are using the "loop start" which is a great way to start a new thread. I use those whenever I can. Otherwise I leave about a short tail of thread on the back and then cover it with my stitches to secure it. There are some excellent tutorials online that I refer to often. Two of my favorites are : Mary Corbet's Needle 'N Thread and Tips and Tutorials by Scarlet Quince.
We have some members who are much better at explaining the "how to's" of different things, so as I said before, always feel free to ask.

I wouldn't think the needle size would effect the stitches too much, unless it is too large for the fabric and so the thread may seem to get "thinned" a bit towards the end of a strand and that will effect the coverage. How long a length you use is a personal choice. I generally use about an 18 inch long strand (I think). I've never really measured.

Carole

[Lori0]

Hi and welcome. You are dong a wonderful job. Please remember you are your worst critic. The little dots that you are seeing the fabric, looks to be just alittle more tension on the stitch next to it. For your first project you are doing great. If this is worrying you, suggestion: Take your needle and put under the top stitch and slowing and softly wiggle the needle along the thread. this will help guide the threads to lay side by side. Hope this helps.

[Savannah]

It takes lots of practice. Keep up the good work!

[kezibell]

So are you supposed to see the fabric through??? Not sure whether to start again!

[rcperryls]

Don't decide based on looking at it up close. The fabric isn't supposed to show through, but my guess is that it doesn't show through when you step away from it. You will read a lot of threads where we are reminding each other that you need to look at your piece as others will see them. I find that the best way for me to view a piece is to take a picture (not a close-up) to see what it really looks like. I think your coverage looks good and wouldn't start over. If you aren't sure, you might think about trying a smaller project to get more practice before tackling a large one, but I don't think you have to. And what Lori said about you being your own worst critic is one of the few absolutes about cross stitchers that I can think. We definitely are!

Carole

[kezibell]

Do you think I am pulling the stitches too tight? I thought if I pulled the thread tight it would make sure all crosses were all the same size.
I have just completed another row making it looser and the stitches look more raised.
So now I don't know whether to undo my last row and carry on pulling tight, or undo it all and start again but making the stitches a bit looser, not loose exactly, just allowing no pull.

Would looser stitches stop the fabric showing through. ?...how do I avoid this if not?

I have held it up and looked at it stepping back, and I can still see the fabric.

What is the best way to unstitch if I decide to start again, a stitch unpicker? and will it affect my fabric......I have another piece I could use but was saving that for my second project........adventurous I know!!!

[fccs]

When I stitch on 14 count, some of the fabric does show through (I, like you, use two strand of floss). I don't mind it as when I step away from it, it isn't obvious.

If you decide to frog (remove your previous stitches), just be gentle as you pull them out and your fabric will be fine. I usually snip the top half of the cross and use my needle to lift and remove the stitches. If I am frogging a lot of stitches, I cut the floss when it gets more than a few inches as it seems to protect the fabric better. And I leave a tail on the back to anchor the remaining stitches.

Like others have pointed out, we are our own worst critics as, and we tend to look at our pieces through a magnifer or at a nose distance away instead of from a few or several feet away.

Welcome to the world of cross stitching...I hope you'll love it as much as we do.

[kezibell]

Thanks, yes I'm a fussy so-n-so, so I will be terribly critical of my work.

If I use 3 strands, would it stop the fabric showing through?

[karen4bells]

Thanks, yes I'm a fussy so-n-so, so I will be terribly critical of my work.

If I use 3 strands, would it stop the fabric showing through?

I would say, go ahead and try using 3 strands and see if it looks more like what you'd want it to look---unfortunately, that means you won't be able to use the loop method to start

[Serinde]

Good grief! Relax! We were all beginners once upon a time (Castle Times, in my case... ) This is your first piece. You are stitching with very dark thread on light fabric. Your coverage is fine, it all looks good. Take a deep breath, and enjoy your stitching. We'll cheer you on, usually sitting on the magic bench with a or .

Oh, and welcome from the very soggy West of Scotland!

[Rose]

I agree with Serinde you really need to take a breath. Most all of my work is done on 14ct fabric and I use 2 threads and start with a loop. I don't think that you should worry so much about the white that you are seeing. If you stress to much about the process you will lose the joy of stitching. As this is a first project i would enjoy the process of seeing the pattern come together.

As for the needle size you can us the 28 needle and will have no ill effects from it other then it is sometimes harder to see to thread them. I usually have a 26 needle for 14ct but that is a personal choice and you seem to be doing well with the size you have.

As for the tension it is better not to pull to terrible hard but since you started that way it is best to continue with that tension. You may find as you go along that you tire your hand quicker if you use to much tension.

I hope you will continue to show your progress so we can encourage and share in this new hobby you are embarking on.

[kezibell]

Well, I started over again last night........a couple of rows in and I'm pleased I did. I'm just not pulling so tight, so the stitches are more raised.

I thought I was struggling with threading my size 28 needle, I had to wear my husband's glasses to thread!

Thought I might go out and buy a magnifying light today, as this will be an evening hobby after work, and already I'm getting moaned at for lighting up the room like Blackpool!

Do any of you use one of these??

[rcperryls]

I'm glad you are more pleased with your stitching. It's important to give yourself the time you need to learn what works for you and what doesn't, as with any other skill or craft. Magnifying lights are used by many of us. I found it very helpful when stitching on higher count fabrics. I use the5" LED Floor / Table Mag Light by Daylight. A lot of stitchers also use Ott lights. Depending on where you live you can get these at big craft stores which often have coupons which cut the price by 30 - 50% off, which is what I did. You are going to find that there are lots of different things that you begin to need as you get into this. We are usually more than happy to assist.

Carole

[Lori0]

So happy to hear you are happy with your stitches and can enjoy stitching. I personally use a magnifying light visor. Very light weight, gives me full range and I can stitch anywhere with it. Not a sexy look, but is comfortable. I was on a very tight budget when I went with this. Cost was under $10.00 , comes with 3-4 different strenghts of lenses and have been using it for a few years now. I still have not decided on which Ott light I really want. Table top, floor etc...
If you have Joann's fabric near by or can order online. They offer a 50% discount coupon on one regular price item Fri & Sat Feb 14 and 15. You can print the coupon from their website. Can be used in store or online.

[littleturtlegirl]

Welcome to the forum from Virginia! I also think that your stitching looks great!

[kezibell]

I've just posted but it has disappeared! .....Well, I'm still unsure of my work. I cannot decide if I like the stitch size.
Having just googled what the 14, 16, 18 count etc means.....do I want a smaller count to make my crosses look bigger, and hopefully neater, or a higher count to make the stitches more blob like, but I assume this will look messier?

Please help!!!