Beginning and Ending Threads in Embroidery and Cross Stitch: Loop Method & Pin Stitch

[@paolocruz7917]

I literally like "oooohh" on this video. Thank you for this tip. I just started cross stitching lately and what I've been doing is messy on the back with a lot of loose threads since I just insert the treaded on 2 or 3 stitches. I will do this for my next projects.

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Paolo! 🙂

[@annettevanmeerten2872]

You are so clear and concise. Thank you for explaining the pin stitch so well.

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Annette, I'm glad you found the tutorial useful! 🙂

[@Misplaced776]

I have been a cross-stitching for over 30 years as a hobbyist and I've never known about these! Thank you for demonstration. These are going to save me so much hassle on my current projects!

[@peacockandfig]

You are so welcome! Happy stitching! 🙂

[@kinari831]

I'm a beginner, and this is so clear and easy to understand! Thank you so much!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome! ❤️

[@marthalester8129]

Thank you for showing faster way to cross stitch

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Martha! 😊

[@MrsCoffee1]

The Loop method worked so much better for me , than using the knot which seemed to be a bit of the pain, brushing up on some skills so thanks :)

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome, glad it helped! 🙂

[@bltperky]

Wow! I wish that I had learned these great techniques before I started a large pattern. I love not having to run ends under stitches! Also, not having to flip the frame to backside makes this hobby much more fun. Thank you for sharing this!

[@BayaRoybal]

This video is amazing. my backs are finally not going to look a mess!

[@peacockandfig]

Bahahaha good luck with that Katrina! 😁

[@MissFlux]

Awesome! Both methods I nailed. What I realised was when you do the pin stitch you need to do it in line with the fibres .. my first try I was like hmm not looking as good as it should & not majorly hiding the finished thread .. I took a closer look & realised, like with your demo, you did it where the fibres were vertical & therefore made a vertical pin stitch in line with it .. if that makes ANY sense lol. ...anyway long story short done & dusted!! I'm SOOO please to know these 2 methods as a beginner. So many say oh just knot it at the back .. but I know from embroidery (the tiny bit I've dabbled with) I like seeing the back look neat. The 4 X's I just did are flawless in terms of starting thread & ending ... Thankyou so much for sharing your talent with us & teaching us from across the world (for me anyway) 😊🙌🌺 ...also I was AMAZED at your work when you panned the camera back .. I was going "oooooo, aaahhh .. oh wow!" 😬

[@owlpiper]

Wow. I've always used the loop method to start, but I'd never even heard of a pin stitch. This will hopefully be VERY useful when I've got stitches in the middle of nowhere, with nowhere to thread them off!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad you found it helpful! 😊

[@MoldyPeaches20000]

The pin stitch! This could save my life. Well, make it a lot easier. Thank you /Christian

[@peacockandfig]

Ahahahah I know eh! It's such a handy stitch, especially if you're using an uneven number of strands and can't do the loop method. Glad it helped, happy stitching Christian! :)

[@RachelRaeCraft]

Thank you for demonstrating the pin stitch. I'm new to this and found this video very helpful!! Cheers.

[@peacockandfig]

Glad you found it helpful Rachel! 🙂

[@catherinea.b.7426]

This is a game changer for me. Thank you!!

[@peacockandfig]

Catherine Adam You're very welcome! Happy stitching! 😄

[@TheBumblebooze]

Same, omg I have been ending my threads wrong for 30 years! A complete game changers!

[@sandyward5344]

I am so very grateful for your tutorials. I have been doing cross stitch using kits for a while now. and most call for single stitches all over the place. now I know the best way. You're the first tutorial that I've seen that explains it clearly and eloquently. thank you x

[@peacockandfig]

Ahaha I'm very happy you're finding the videos helpful Sandy, that's great! I think it's always great to keep learning new things, you never know when one little tip can make all the difference! :)

[@floridagoods]

This is great when you only have 1 stitch to do, Thanks so much!!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome! 🙂

[@Lunamothprincess]

your tips are awesome. I've picked cross stitching up the beginning of this year and never knew about the loop and pin stitches until now, so I have found it very helpful.

[@peacockandfig]

Awww thanks very much for your comment! I'm glad the videos have helped! :)

[@1ukimom]

I have always taken the threads and put them through threads, on the back of the piece. My grandmother taught me to do this years and years ago. The back of my work looks like the front. I keep everything very, very neat. Thank you for your suggestions as well.

[@peacockandfig]

You can do that if you want, but it's not "correct" in that the back isn't supposed to look like the front (it's an old Victorian-era hangup that made even crafts as painful and not fun as possible). I have a whole video with more details on that and why it's a myth the back has to look like the front. If it makes you happy to do it, keep doing it, as that's the point of any craft (to enjoy it and be happy). But you don't "have to" do it, rules like that were meant to prove the worth of a woman -- how perfect her stitching was proved her "value" in a potential marriage. Obviously that whole concept is hiiiiighly problematic these days. 😊❤️

[@dorothymaggard8873]

@@peacockandfig o

[@dorothymaggard8873]

Thanks for the info as I do have a problem in making my back look good.

[@nowirehangers2815]

@@peacockandfighome skills are lost and they are valuable. Sad you feel otherwise.

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

The pin stitch is just what I was looking for!

[@peacockandfig]

Awesome, so glad it helped Elizabeth! And thanks for your purchase, I hope you enjoy stitching them up! 😊❤️

[@chunckalupagus]

Also thank you so much for helping those who understand!

[@peacockandfig]

Any time! 🙂

[@marseillestarot]

I love this! As soon as I leave my computer I am going to stitch on my BAP and use the pin stitch. This makes it possible for me to use my lap stand that does not rotate enough for me to get to the back of my work. Now, I won't have to get to the back of my work, unless there is a problem to undo. Love your ingenuity in making a stand for your scroll frame. I'm going to sign up for your newsletter now too.

[@peacockandfig]

marseillestarot Thanks so much for your comment, I'm glad you like the video! I always hated having to flip my work over, so I was so happy when I learned these techniques as I didn't have to do that anymore. I hope you enjoy the newsletter! :)

[@kimc7376]

LOVE your nail polish! Great video too!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Kim! And thanks! ❤️

[@melissaroberts2299]

I have been anchoring on the back but will try this. Will keep my project much neater I think

[@peacockandfig]

Yeah give it a go, see if you like it Melissa 😊

[@merrykmetzler9402]

Always looking for a way to make my work neater! This was a great video.

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome! 😊

[@melissasawyers1424]

I just want to say I love your videos. They are short and straight to the point. They are very informative and easy to follow with your camera angles and close ups. I am still a pretty new stitcher and you have helped me a lot :)

[@peacockandfig]

Awesome, so glad they've helped Melissa! Happy stitching! 🙂

[@SueBHelm]

I've been enjoying your patterns for quite a while, but these tutorials are awesome!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad you like them Sue! 🙂

[@Artbee]

So glad I found your channel. Thank you so much for explaining the pin stitch in such detail. After many years of taking a break from cross stitching I am picking it up again and I'm amazed at all the new methods and materials. I am absolutely blown away seeing some of the projects people are doing, including yours. I will catch up on some of your other tutorials. Thank you again.

[@peacockandfig]

So glad you found the tutorial helpful! 🙂

[@kristinbenson4800]

Love this! 37 years of cross stitching and I have never heard of these techniques! Definitely going to try them!

[@peacockandfig]

Awesome, I hope you have fun with them Kristin! :)

[@W4ABN]

Never heard of pin stitch before. That's a cool way to finish a thread. I've aways tucked it under stitches on the back. Thanks for the new idea.

[@peacockandfig]

Yeah that's what I usually do too, but the pin stitch is a good option as well. Glad it was a helpful tutorial for you Daniel! 🙂

[@barbarawest1205]

This was very helpful! I recently started working on a CM Designs pattern after a lapse of several years from cross stitch. I picked up the loop beginning pretty quickly, and think I will try the loop ending soon also - but every video I watched until this one had the stitcher placing the pin stitch an inch or so away from the final stitch, even when ending with a loop as well. That seemed to me that it could cause darker threads to show through on lighter fabric or even under lighter covering stitches. This seems like a much more logical approach.

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Barbara! You can't end with a loop (as you're working with the tail ends of the threads), but you can definitely end with a pin stitch if you want. The point of putting a pin stitch a bit further away is so other stitches anchor it more fully, but of course if there are no nearby stitches that becomes problematic... Happy stitching! 🙂

[@AlwaysGratefulGracey]

Really love your videos. Pls share a video of how you turn a picture into a cross-stitch pattern. Thanks so much!

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Grace, glad you like the tutorials! Unfortunately the software changes so frequently, as soon as I did one the software layout and such would change so it'd be hard to follow. And it's not as simple as just uploading say a family photo and then making it into a pattern. Often the photo itself needs a lot of editing (colour, contrast, sharpness) to make it a good "candidate" for conversion, not all images will work well as a pattern. So you have to be familiar with editing software like Photoshop for that. Then once the image is uploaded, it takes quite a bit of time to develop the skill to see whether you need to change anything in the software upload settings before a pattern is generated, and even then often you're hand editing individual grid squares to add detail, changing out colours or eliminating some altogether and replacing them by hand... It's quite the art form to convert an image so it stitches up really well, which is why I always recommend people go to a professional like StitchPix on Facebook, or a company like Charting Creations to get a professional quality image conversion. 🙂💕

[@amycollins50]

Interesting tricks I have been always pulling under previous stitches to end but this looks like a nice alternative. I bet the backs of your pieces look very nice without all the loose ends everywhere.

[@peacockandfig]

+Amy Collins Haha thanks for your comment Amy! Sometimes I do pull my threads under to finish them off (especially on a piece I'm working on right now that's on 28 count black linen), I just prefer using a pin stitch when I can. And the backs of my pieces are ok, I never worry about the back at all so often there are quite a few threads crossing at the back, etc. As long as there are no giant knots at the back, I'm happy, I never even look at it while I'm stitching. :)

[@amycollins50]

+Handy Little Gadget What is your technique if you finish in a place with no empty squares next to it, seems like this could happen as you progress in a work.

[@peacockandfig]

+Amy Collins Hahaha that's an excellent question, and one I came across when working on one of my pieces. So I made another video specifically about that, I named the technique I came up with a "mini pin stitch" and I'm linking it below. :) Hopefully this video gives you some good ideas! :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3Kbe3asnL97rac

[@markwroe7]

Ive been using the loop stitch for some time but I don't know where I saw it first. It is the best way to start. I also use it to capture the tail end of the previous thread as I do about 3 stitches and It holds it perfectly. (on the back of course). Your pin stitch is much neater than others Iv'e seen. Thanks for that. Love your work. Vera.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha thanks Vera, appreciate it! The loop stitch is so genius. 🙂

[@77clgreen]

Great tutorial. Thank you. I realized from watching this that I may not have secured my pin stitches enough.....I only go up once and down once and then cut the thread. This is the first pattern that I have used it on; so hopefully they won't pull out when I wash it.

[@peacockandfig]

I'd be careful with it Cheryl, floss swells when it's wet and then shrinks again when it's dry. The overall size won't change, but it could loosen some of the ends a bit. Try to be gentle when you're washing it, and you likely will be just fine. 🙂

[@ayaeldakhly4067]

Thank you for that tip of pin stitch 😍

[@peacockandfig]

You’re welcome Aya! 😊

[@lindaschad298]

Cool! Thank you very much for showing me the pin stitch.

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Linda, I'm glad it helped! 🙂

[@grumposaurrex3629]

Mind. BLOWN. 😱🤯😊😊😊

[@peacockandfig]

Baahhaha glad you enjoyed it! 😂😀

[@zachfanton6081]

Thank you for the great tips; have been cross stitching for years and wish I would have had those tips sooner but better later than never.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're very welcome Zach! And you're very right, better late than never! :) Happy stitching!

[@zachfanton6081]

Peacock & Fig that was actually my Mom who commented. Lol

[@peacockandfig]

Ahahahahah that's too funny. Well you never know, lots of guys do stitch, I even have a whole video about "manbroiderers." :D Rosey Grier was another, he's an ex NFL player who ended up writing a book about stitching. He had to get his wife to thread the needle though, his hands were way too massive. :D :D

[@stitchniche2339]

Great tutorial. Been cross stitching for years. I just picked it back up. I couldn’t remember how to do the pin stitch, thank you. Two questions . What do you do when there is not empty Stitch next to your last stitch? And does it matter if the pin Stitch is a different color than the stitch you are putting over it? Like a brown pin with a blue cross stitch over it. Thanks again for your video

[@peacockandfig]

Hi there! You can do what I call a "mini" pin stitch, you can bury it under an existing stitch (being careful not to catch it). Here's a tutorial showing you what I mean -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3Kbe3asnL97rac. As for the different colour, you might be able to see the different colour under the main X, but if your pin stitch is small enough you might be ok. Also when you're standing back from the project, it's unlikely you'd be able to see the pin stitch underneath. :)

[@yvetterice499]

OH. MY. GOSH! those are amazing helpful hints Thank YOU!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad they're useful for you Yvette! 🙂

[@stella4411]

Omg game changer! This is great 👍 thank u!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Stella! 😊

[@NannyOggins]

Very handy idea. I do mostly Hardanger but this technique would work well for that. Thanks.

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it helped! 🙂

[@sharonfedevich7200]

After watching your video I am sure my work will be much neater. Thank you!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Sharon! 🙂

[@carynlong1846]

Excellent so helpful! Love your charascuro pattern. I recently have been inspired by William Rice's work and was playing with pic2pat grayscale patterning of some of his work. I am enthused by seeing how beautiful your Michaelangelo inspired work is going. Thank you

[@peacockandfig]

Glad you enjoyed the turorial Caryn! This project ended up great, MacStitch did a great job turning my art into this pattern. I will warn you about pic2pat, it's pretty notorious for having quite awful colour rendering, aka the contrast for a grayscale work will look fine in the pattern but will stitch up pretty bleh with everything being midtones or too dark. Free software is not great for colour conversions, it really does take a loooot of work to accurately render colour from imported images to how it actually will stitch. Every pic2pat conversion I've seen stitched looks like it's in a grey fog, everything is muted and to be frank, really sad looking, there's no contrast or vibrancy (and it's certainly not accurate to the original). So please do keep that in mind when using free software, how something stitches can end up wildly different than how the generated pattern looks. ❤

[@carynlong1846]

@@peacockandfig I hear you. I am new to crosstitch and I love making my own patterns no matter what art or craft I am doing. I may invest in more professional software in the future. Thank you for your insight.

[@5877user]

Ending with your pin stitch us something I am going to try. Love all your tips and tricks.

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks very much, I appreciate that! Yes I really like the pin stitch, it's incredibly flexible. I have another video about how to do a pin stitch on linen as well, as it's near impossible to pierce the threads like you can with Aida fabric. So if you ever need to use the stitch on linen, there's a video for that too. :)

[@aaronpaul9158]

Your ⁸

[@susananderson4428]

Hi Danna, I love your videos , they are so informative. What about starting, the very first stitch, on a brand new project? Starting with two different colored threads?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Susan! You can't use the loop method with blended threads -- you have to be able to fold the threads in half to do the loop method, so if you already have 2 strands, when you fold them in half there will be four. For blended threads, you can use a pin stitch to start, or a small knot. I do have a separate tutorial just on blended threads too. 🙂

[@paulabernardo8972]

I really loved your vídeo it explains sooooooo well :-) and it was just in the best time. I just bought myself a lap stand (always stitched by hand only) and I’m finding very difficult to adapt to him mostly because I’m used to start and end at the back and in the lap stand is not easy to constantly turning the scroll frame. I think I’m going to start loving it more from now on :-) so thank you very much loved you vídeo it explain sooooooo well :-) and it was just in the best time. i just bought my self a lap stand (always stitched by hand only) and i'm finding very difficult to adapt to hit mostly because i'm used to star and end at the back and in the lap stand is not easy to constantly turning the scroll frame. I think i'm gonna start loving it more from now on :-) so thank you very much

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're very welcome Paula! And yes, unless you get a big knot you need to untangle, with those two stitches you don't need to really ever flip your stand at all. :)

[@joycemagdalene7950]

Hello. Thanks for the tips and tricks. I would like to ask you about magnifying glass for stitching. I love cross - stitching, but its a bit trying on the eyes. Hope you can help on this matter. Hands free will be fine.❤

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Joyce! You might have to do some research on your own as I don't know where you are located, but this one seems good on Amazon, and it's hands-free -- amzn.to/3eJlUVL 😊

[@8ashdancer]

I am new at cross stitching and found this video very helpful!! Thank you :) you're work is beautiful!

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks very much Ashley, I appreciate that! Have fun stitching, it's a great pastime! :)

[@peacockandfig]

+Ashley Hauser And if you'd like to share pics of your work (and ask for advice if needed), feel free to post photos on my Facebook page at facebook.com/handylittlegadget. :)

[@tiffanyclark9142]

This was SUPER helpful! Thank you!

[@peacockandfig]

You're so welcome Tiffany! 🙂

[@marieboog120]

Thank you. I've been knotting and my knots come out causing me to unpick and restitch. I use 22 count Aida cloth. Can't wait to try both stitches.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're very welcome Marie! Good luck with the stitches, I'm sure you'll find them both really useful! :)

[@fiberFolly]

Thank you very much!! I knew about the loop part, but not the end thread part.

[@peacockandfig]

+D Wyatt (AudreyJean) Not a problem Audrey Jean, glad I could help! The pin stitch is a good way to start your thread too if you ever need to use an uneven number of strands. :)

[@judyrichardson2424]

Thanks for the tutorial! I use the front loop method to start, but hate having to turn over to tie off! I think the pin stitch will help with that! I am going to give it a try tonight!!!! 😍

[@peacockandfig]

That's great Judy, I'm glad you learned something new! It makes me batty having to turn the piece over, and using these two stitches I never have to unless I get a giant tangle at the back. Good luck! :)

[@judyrichardson2424]

+Handy Little Gadget I have been using it all night and LOVE it!!!!!!! 😍😘

[@peacockandfig]

+Judy Richardson Hahahaha that's awesome, I'm so glad! :D

[@LadyMienna]

Thanks for the video! I have used the loop to start but I've never seen the ending part. It's awesome!

[@peacockandfig]

+Holly Miniea You're very welcome Holly! I enjoy being able to help others learn little tips and tricks to make their stitching easier. I've had to adapt quite a few things to suit my needs so I'm happy to pass on what I've learned! :) Of course if you like you're more than welcome to post photos of your WIPs on my Facebook page, I love seeing what people are working on. It's at facebook.com/handylittlegadget :)

[@forsure354]

Thanks for the video. I'm excited to try the pin stitch

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're welcome, have fun with it! :)

[@lwhite9322]

Is it OK to snip in the back instead of front? Maybe keep fuzzy on back side? I always worry about cutting fabric or x 's lol😮😂

[@peacockandfig]

Of course, you'll just have to turn your project over to do that (snipping from the front reduces the amount of times you have to flip your project). Do whatever is most comfortable for you, there are no rules. 😊

[@LormaMargosiak]

Where do you buy your scroll frame and where can you buy needle minders? Love watching your videos brightest blessings

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Lorma! It depends where you are, many local needlework shops sell scroll frames and needleminders. If not, just start searching online, shops like 123stitch.com sell them, and there are many shops on Etsy that sell one or the other (just check reviews). 🙂

[@MsPandora93]

Hi, I am so thankful for this video. I just purchased a kit and am trying to figure out how to read the pattern and how to start and finish without making a knot. It's my first in many, many years. You tube videos have been a real help in getting the confidence to actually start. The kit suggests stitching all around the cloth so it won't fray or unravel. I haven't seen anyone doing this on YT. Is it necessary? Anyway, thanks again!

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Sandra! It depends on how big the fabric is versus the finished size of the project. Most stitchers recommend you have a 3" margin all around the edge of the finished item (so you have room for framing or finishing). So if your fabric is smaller than that, then you could either zigzag around the edge of your fabric with a sewing machine, or tape off the edges with painter's tape. Then you won't lose any strands to fraying (I never bother doing the edges of my projects as I leave a decent margin). :)

[@MsPandora93]

Goodness, never thought of tape. I will measure the canvas to see what margin I have. Thanks for responding so quickly. Have a great weekend.

[@peacockandfig]

You're welcome Sandra! Painter's tape is recommended as it won't leave a sticky residue behind and can be easily removed later. 🙂

[@krisneff8506]

Thanks for your tips! Just learning and your videos are very helpful.

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks very much Kris, appreciate it! :)

[@SharonBeccaFuller]

Can you only use this method when you are using a full thread? I'm about to start a larger project with more color changes than I'm used to, and was wondering how one would adapt it for that since after you pin stitch and cut the thread, you would have 2 pieces of shorter thread. Thanks for the video and your wisdom!!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha thanks very much Becca, I feel like the Obi Wan of the cross stitch community! 😁 If your floss is cut, you can still start with the loop method if each strand of cut floss is long enough to double and stitch with. Or you can start with a pin stitch if you have enough floss at least for a few stitches. If your floss is too short, you're going to spend more time anchoring your thread than stitching with it. You can also use a small knot to anchor your thread if it's been cut - - it's ok, the cross stitch gods won't be angered, despite what some purists say. I often use a small knot on cut threads if it's getting short (but still has enough length for a few stitches). Does that help? 😊

[@SharonBeccaFuller]

+Handy Little Gadget Yes!! thank you!! That is what I thought the answer would be, I just wanted to be sure. Also watching your gridding video (I'm a regular counter) since this project will be obnoxiously difficult to just count. Thanks so much for the quick answer!!!

[@peacockandfig]

+Becca Fuller Hahaha you're very welcome! I'd love to see your progress on your "obnoxious" project (excellent description btw), feel free to post photos on the Facebook page at facebook.com/handylittlegadget. :) I'll also be launching a new collection very very soon (with a special offer for people who are members of my VIP Club), so you can watch my Facebook or IG pages for those announcements too if you're interested. :) Have a good day, happy stitching! :D

[@0XSmarty0X]

Question. I started my stitch using the hoop method. 1 long thread folded in half, ends are near needle and hoop side is at the end. So I Go from front, come back diagonally and go through the hoop to pin the thread to the fabric. Now my question is i want to end my thread, no matter which way i end it, if i snip my thread off, i am left with 2 separate threads. Do i have to use them separately?

[@peacockandfig]

Yes you do, unless you want to use a small knot or a pin stitch to anchor them instead of the loop method. 😊

[@0XSmarty0X]

But they are too small to fold and use loop method again and too long to discard. Like around 4 inches.

[@booksonmymind-i9h]

This is really neat ! Thank you for the video

[@peacockandfig]

Glad you liked it Anuradha! 🙂

[@thexshattered]

Never seen pin stitch before to to "knot up" the end. Is that better than pinning the threads on the back underneath the stitches you've made-I feel like this makes the ends more "invisible" because they don't leave evidence on the front. Even if the pin stitch will eventually be covered by new stitches, I don't know how much more beneficial it is than other ways to end. Is it more secure? Like if you need to wash your project or something?

[@peacockandfig]

Either way is fine, but sometimes there are no other stitches nearby to bury your ends under, or not enough. 😊

[@thexshattered]

@@peacockandfig Ah yeah that makes sense.That's happens to me a lot lol

[@deeh9]

As you are using 1 strand, doubled, is there not a difference in the "twist"? I love this method but have avoided using it as I assumed this was incorrect procedure.

[@peacockandfig]

I've heard people talk about that, but honestly, in thousands of hours of stitching up my own design samples, I've never actually had any problems with the floss being doubled rather than using two strands. Just do what works for you Dee, there are no rules. 🙂

[@deeh9]

@@peacockandfig Thanks!!! I think maybe I am still trying to follow all the rules too much!!

[@thequeenofstarts1881]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much for the tips! So far I've done the loop method from the front (so much easier! ) and will be trying the pin stitch end soon. Thanks again :-)

[@peacockandfig]

+The Queen of Starts You're very welcome! Yes, now I do it from the front too, it is easier. I also have another video (linked below) about doing a mini pin stitch, that's useful if you need to hide your pin stitch under an existing stitch. :) I'm glad you're enjoying the tips! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3Kbe3asnL97rac

[@Simba.Luna.]

I'm just starting and trying to decide what count to use. I practiced with small projects first and think I'm ready for a big one now. Your parking video really helped me. I was thinking about 18 count so there's more detail but I'm thinking my eyes might start hurting from looking so closely. Do your eyes hurt sometimes?

[@peacockandfig]

Haha no my eyes don't hurt, but a lot of that is contributed by bad lighting more than the thread count of your fabric. I have a little LED light I got at Staples that is pure white light, and I put that on at night so I can see the colours more clearly (and the fabric holes). 18 count isn't too bad, it's when you start getting into 20 and up that it's getting really small. And the detail in a pattern will be the same no matter which size thread count you use, it's just the finished size that will be different. Like a piece that's 4" square on 14 count (like my Solarize Dahlia panels) would be 2" square if you stitched it on 28 count. It would be adorable, but you'd probably go nuts. :)

[@Simba.Luna.]

+Peacock & Fig Ok. So the count doesn't make it more detailed? Just bigger? Thanks!! I didn't know that. My next project I want to do is a pattern I bought online of a picture I downloaded. It'll be my first big project. First I need to invest in some better tools.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha yes, the thread count just affects the finished size. If you wanted to do something a specific size (say 8"x10") and you were making your own pattern, using a higher thread count will give you more detail. But if you're working with an existing pattern, then the thread count just changes the size of the finished project. :) If the pattern suggests to use 16 count and you use 11 count, it will just end up a little bigger and you may end up using more floss than the pattern indicates. :)

[@christowle8919]

How is the pin stitch better than running your thread under previous stitches?

[@peacockandfig]

It's not better, it's just another way of ending your thread (and is helpful if you have some stitches all by themselves and there aren't enough to run your thread under). 😊

[@stephaniefoster2899]

Wow, I love the pin stitch method for ending a thread. My mother taught me how to cross stitch & showed me the loop method for starting off, but neither of us had ever thought to tuck the thread end between the Aida layers. Any suggestions on using non-Aida fabric? I just found your channel, so please forgive me if you've already posted a video addressing this issue. Also, your videos are well edited and narrated. You've earned a new sub right here! :-D Keep up the good work!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha thanks so much Stephanie! Here's a link to how to do a pin stitch on evenweave or linen, I hope that helps. Happy stitching! 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZDIf6l5YtiBipo

[@gigi2fun]

Thank you so very much!!!!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Gigi! 😊

[@AnaleenAelwyn]

I've been cross stitching for years and never knew these techniques. Love the loop thing to begin threads! Not sure how I like the pin stitch. I'm so used to pulling the thread through previous stitches. It feels very odd not to do that. How do you end the thread if there's no unstitched square nearby?

[@peacockandfig]

You can actually hide a pin stitch under an existing stitch, it's just trickier to not catch the stitch that's already there. I do have a video about it, I think the title has mini pin stitch in it. Otherwise it's totally fine to run your thread under other stitches, that's what I do most frequently. 🙂

[@AnaleenAelwyn]

Cool! I'll check out that video. Haven't gotten all the way through the playlist yet. :-)

[@peacockandfig]

Haha no worries, there are a lot of videos to plow through. Have fun! :D

[@CrochetandIvyCo]

Mind. Blown.

[@peacockandfig]

Bahaha right? The loop method tends to do that to people... 😂❤️

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thank you. Great tips.

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@youmetube246]

Thank you. I wish I'd seen the loop method eons ago LOL. I hate having to try and hide all the ends.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha no worries, I think everyone has the exact same reaction when they discover the loop method. 🙂

[@youmetube246]

I seriously wanted to bang my head on the table LOL It's so simple LOLOL

[@sh-pc3uj]

Is there a different type of stitching? I only knew the x i want to try cross stitch but no idea how and it seems so hard.

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Sheryl! This is one method how to begin and end your threads, but it's only one method. Here's the video of how to do the actual cross stitch, it is not hard at all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYCsh3WrhLuln8U I also do have a playlist specifically for beginners in my channel if you wanted to check out those videos first. 🙂

[@justkelly2]

Your videos are really helpful! One question, doesn't the pin stitch make a noticeable bump in the completed piece after you stitch over it?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Kelly! Not really, but I guess it depends on how many strands you're using. Aida especially has a little "give" to it, so you can usually kind of bury a pin stitch in the texture of the fabric. 🙂

[@SimpLeeBeth]

So... is this solely intended for keeping the backside of the piece neat?

[@SimpLeeBeth]

Ok, I read a few comments. I guess part of it is not wanting to flip your piece when working on a scroll. Am I understanding right? If you aren't using a scroll, it seems like it's just so much easier and more secure to leave a longer thread and just run it under your stitches on the back.

[@peacockandfig]

Even if you're working on a hoop, sometimes it's a pain to flip it if you're working with it in a stand. It's just a good stitch to know, especially if you end up with one or two random stitches out on their own, all alone in the middle of a big patch of empty fabric, and there aren't enough stitches to run your thread under at the back. 🙂

[@janetruiz9738]

What do you do if you have a 1/4 stitch and can't do this pin stitch?

[@peacockandfig]

Just run the ends of your thread under other nearby stitches Janet, it's extremely unlikely you'll have a single quarter stitch all on it's own in the middle of a blank area of fabric. 🙂

[@charmingtortoise]

Thank you so much for this!

[@peacockandfig]

+Charming Tortoise You're very welcome, I hope you will find the techniques useful! :)

[@beatricegiai-checa579]

Merci pour cette vidéo. Bises

[@peacockandfig]

De rien! ❤️

[@firefixing4125]

Can you do it like crochet and just so it back into the past stitches at the back?

[@peacockandfig]

You mean run the end of your thread under stitches nearby to anchor it? Yep you can do that, this video just teaches a few other ways to anchor your threads too. 😊

[@firefixing4125]

Yes.

[@sweetbabyrae2]

does the pin stitch work for linen - I have yet to try but was curious as i se you mainly work with Aida cloth

[@peacockandfig]

Hi there! You have to adapt it to use with linen or evenweave, here's that tutorial -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZDIf6l5YtiBipo :)

[@moi5219]

For a general, everyday, not fancy- even goofy patten, how many strands do you like like to use? I usually do 3 but curious about others

[@peacockandfig]

It depends on the thread count of the fabric. I use 2 strands for 14 and 16 count, I like seeing a tiny bit of the fabric peeking through. Then you can see the texture of the x more (which is the whole point of cross stitch), as opposed to just seeing a little lump of floss. From what I've seen most people use 2 strands for 14 count, but some prefer 3. 🙂

[@Jackiethepeapod]

2

[@kitaro320]

Where is the tails from the 2 ends and what do you do with them if you don’t knot???

[@peacockandfig]

They just hang down the other side of the needle, if you grip the eye of the needle or just below as you pull your needle through the fabric, it won't come unthreaded. Plus that way is so much easier to take the needle off if you have to unpick your stitches if you make a mistake. 🙂

[@5877user]

You can also use the loop end to thread your needle. It's easier to push the loop through the eye of the needle than the two loose ends.

[@peacockandfig]

xx courtr5877 That's a good tip, thanks for that! Usually I'd just fold the ends over the needle and push them through like that, but your way is even easier. :)

[@rans0927]

What if there is no place for you to do that for ending threads? Like all the surrounding squares are already stitched

[@peacockandfig]

You can do one underneath other stitches, like this tutorial shows -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3Kbe3asnL97rac. Or you can just run your thread under the back of nearby stitches to anchor it. 🙂

[@deannagerein3409]

What is this picture you are working on I like the colours

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Deanna, thanks for your question! This is my Shades of Grace pattern, you can see the full image and details here -- peacockandfig.com/shades-grace-cross-stitch-pattern-2 🙂

[@korinneguthrie]

Mind blown!!!!

[@peacockandfig]

Bahahaha awesome, glad you liked it Korinne! 🙂

[@djmccard715]

Mind blown 🧜🏼‍♀️❤️

[@peacockandfig]

Aahahaha glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@pajntaub-artsbypaj1130]

Awesome!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thank you 😊

[@issystar96]

nice video and i love your nail polish!

[@peacockandfig]

Ahaahah thanks very much! I don't often wear that colour, but it sure looks neat when I do. :D

[@gingin3790]

do you have a video on how to stop the aida cloth from fraying?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Reg! No I don't, I've actually personally never had that problem at all, and I stitch in hand usually. What you can do is use Fray Check (a seam sealant, most craft stores will have it or something similar) and run a thin line of that around the edges. That will protect them from fraying too badly. I've also heard of stitchers using masking tape (that you'd have to cut off, so leave a bigger margin), or painters tape. Usually painters tape can be peeled off with no residue left behind, but do check it out on a small section of your fabric first. You can also use a sewing machine and zigzag stitch around the edges, or use a serger if you have one of those. Does that help? :)

[@gingin3790]

Peacock & Fig thank you so much your videos really helped a lot.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're very welcome! :)

[@jojosolitude1801]

Nice brilliant 😊

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it helped Jojo! 🙂

[@calliegal235]

I think you mean, "How to start and finish a stitch." I can't find anyone explaining how to find the beginning and end of the thread, or yarn, or floss, but all of these have a beginning and an end. With embroidery floss, if one runs it between their thumb and finger, it is possible to feel the, "grain;" I think that's what it is called. It matters which end one pulls through the needle, to begin, because the embroiderer, is going to pull that floss through the fabric, either against the grain of the floss (which is not good for the floss), or with the grain, so that it moves smoothly through the fabric, without friction against the floss. I watched several youtube videos also, and none so far have explained this, though they are teaching how to wind floss onto bobbins, how to pull skeins apart, etc. Personally, I like to wind bobbins, so that when I pull the floss off of the bobbin, it is coming off with the smooth grain leading, i.e., the end coming off the bobbin first, is the end I will put through the needle. Thank you for the tutorials. I hope you will address the above, because I think it also helps to keep the thread from knotting, or other issues we have sometimes when pulling the floss through. And, the companies that make these threads, floss, yarn, etc., have already put them on a spool, or in a package, designed to make it easy for us to pull these out to use, in the correct direction.

[@peacockandfig]

Hi there! I've heard of the grain issue, but to be honest I've never noticed a difference in the slightest which end I use of the cut floss. I stitch ridiculous amounts, like during preparing a collection I can stitch 8-10 hours a day for 2 months, and I've experimented with turning the floss either direction. I haven't noticed any difference in the slightest, or any difference using the loop method (when the floss is folded in half) vs using two strands where the grain is going the same way. So that's why I haven't addressed it in my videos -- to me it's a non-issue, length of thread, size and quality of the needle, and the quality of the floss are far more important factors when trying to reduce knotting and tangling as much as possible. Hope that helps! :)

[@aroundtheworld4461]

I don't get it. help please. how can there be a loop without a knot? where is the knot?

[@peacockandfig]

Just watch it again, there is no knot. The loop acts like a slip knot. 😊

[@twylaroddy4307]

I always start the loop from the front.

[@peacockandfig]

Yep, whichever way works best for you Twyla! 🙂

[@sugababesrule]

if there's no knot, what stops the needle coming off?

[@peacockandfig]

You just hold the floss at the base of the needle as you're pulling your needle through the fabric. Then you don't accidentally pull your needle off the floss. :)

[@katielp97]

Why do some of the stitches look thicker than others?

[@peacockandfig]

It depends on whether you keep the two strands perfectly parallel (called railroading), which takes up more space than if the floss is a bit twisted. Also each colour can look slightly different, different dyes "fluff up" the floss fibres differently. 😊

[@Simba.Luna.]

What aida count is your project? What is your favorite count?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Iveta, thanks for your question! In this project I'm using 14 count Aida, which is what I normally use. For the past collection or so I've been stitching on 16 count Fiddlers Aida (also called Fiddlers cloth or oatmeal Aida). It's got a lovely soft feel to it and the colour is nice for my more vintage designs that aren't full coverage. Unfortunately you can't really get Fiddler's cloth in bigger rolls (usually 15" x 18"), but it works well for smaller projects. I think I still prefer 14 count though, I have great eyesight but I like my stitching time to be enjoyable, not playing "hunt the hole" if the thread count is too high. I'm also working off and on with a project that's being done on 28 count black linen (over 2), and that's much harder than just using 14 count. It's going to be amazing when it's done (it's Blaine Billman's "Spirit of the Sockeye" pattern), but it's a lot of work. :) What do you like to work with?

[@Simba.Luna.]

+Peacock & Fig I'm working with 11 count right now but wanted to try something higher.

[@peacockandfig]

You might be able to get some small samples of fabric from a craft store or needlework store -- try a few out and see which one you like best. :)

[@Simba.Luna.]

+Peacock & Fig I'll try that

[@UNhp32]

отличное видео...

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks very much. :)

[@kjamil2606]

this pin stitch is not for bedsheets work bcoz when we wash it will open. I think.

[@peacockandfig]

I've never stitched on bedsheets, so I have no idea (and obviously it would depend on how you're washing them too, like how gentle your machine is). I don't recommend machine washing anything with stitching on it. Try on a smaller piece of fabric and put it in the wash and see how it goes. 😊

[@kjamil2606]

@@peacockandfig why don't you work on bedsheets and pillow cover with beautiful design n make a video of it. in India women do this. but u r professional so we know u will do a great job n it will be helpful to us also. 😊