Cross Stitch 101: Gridding Your Fabric with Pen or Floss | Embroidery Tutorial

Gridding your cross stitch fabric can mean the difference between a relaxing evening and hours of frustration. There are multiple ways you can go about it, from special pencils and pens, to using filaments and fibres. The only thing that isn't recommended are graphite pencils and heat-activated inks.
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[@MadXStitcher]

Hey there! This video presents ideas and methods intended to help new and experienced stitchers find new methods of doing their craft. There is no right or wrong way to be creative or make art. If this works for you, I'm glad it helped! If you have questions, please ask! If you don't like this method, please move on. These comments are not a place to tell others what the "correct" way may or may not be.

[@joannetiffany8047]

Why do you grid? Just I was show to find the middle of the aida by folding the aida in half then open the fold in half the other way. Then work from the centre out. Im just curious

[@MadXStitcher]

Joanne Tiffany because it makes it about 8000% easier. I don’t have to worry about miscounting as much, since 10 is much easier to count to than 28, for example.

[@joannetiffany8047]

@@MadXStitcher Thank you, it's the 1st time ive ever heard of griding

[@roxannegreen5722]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. FINALLY a tutorial that shows the gridding method so a real beginner, like me, can understand. Again thank you.

[@thaumata]

I never saw anyone gridding before this and it's so clever! Thank you!

[@cheril7221]

Finally a gridding tutorial that is to the point and shows both ways! and is very detailed at the same time.

[@nathalieberube7783]

❤😊I thank you for the methods used. It's a nice and neat way to get started. I used to start at the left upper corner. What a difference it will make. See you soon in the next video. 😊

[@diannalynnYT]

Thank you for this! The 0, 1, 2,3 made the difference. So thankful for washable pen. I kept messing up. Washed out one more time then was going to give up and then found your video. You saved the day!!!!!! Thank you.

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

Thanks…..I watched a number of videos and I find your ability to bring it to its lowest common denominator much easier to understand and comprehend……Blessings

[@keziawells2511]

I’m so happy I came across this video. I’ve watched so many tutorials and none of them have showed an up close view of the fabric! This was extremely helpful!

[@CerroneSamuel]

I’ve watched a few griding videos and yours was the best! You’re teaching me a lot and I’m falling even more in love with cross stitch. Thank you.

[@Kansas55]

Thank you, of all the videos I have watched yours was A+😀 I prefer the blue pen method, to stitching with filament or as some have suggested fishing line. AND your set up was perfect. I could really SEE what you were doing.

[@MadXStitcher]

+Laurel Andreasen filament is fishing line. It just sounds fancier :P But yeah, I prefer the pen as well. It's faster and there's less to mess around with.

[@cathykenny5613]

I enjoyed your video, very clear and concise. Took me a bit to figure out the skip one & count eight, but I finally got it to make the required 10 count for stitches...LOL! I'm getting ready to start my first big project needing grinding so am trying to learn as much as I can re the process. Also, enjoyed the art lesson! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@eliabethwentworth6399]

Thank you for this tutorial. You made me understand gridding. I will reuse this tutorial as needed.

[@solarwinds-]

Thank you for the information. I love that you showed it so clearly, a nice close up of the fabric, it was really easy to see how to do this. I'm always afraid I'm going to miss count. This makes me more confident. You're articulate and a patient teacher and I like the music you choose. It's pleasant but not distracting. I have one critique, make your background more decorative, perhaps hang your finished embroidery work behind you and make it tidy looking. The rest of the video was great.

[@grandmaluvs2dp]

Thank for the awesome tutorial! I will be trying your products in a couple of weeks! I will share with my Yahoo group I own ,and tell them about your products! I saw Stitcherista unpacking and showing people your beautiful patterns and colors of floss!

[@MadXStitcher]

Well, thank you for that! I hope you find everything to your liking! :D

[@michaelshort2388]

Thank you for this! I think I will be using the pen method. I plan to go to the craft store today to pick a water soluable pen up.

[@issystar96]

I think this is the best gridding tutorial I have seen. Thank u!

[@MadXStitcher]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@nicky7338]

Does pencil not wash off?? LOL Crossing fingers hoping it does!! Gr8 video!

[@SharonCarbine]

Excellent instructions, Milesy. Thank you!

[@Gaianna1]

Thank you so much for the great video, I was picking up cross stitch again after years and wanted to learn how to grid!

[@MadXStitcher]

Glad it helped!

[@imeleniux]

Great tutorial!! Straight to the point thanks a million!!!!

[@annsmith5625]

Thank you ⚾️

[@LoriSews]

Thanks for this! Easy instructions

[@GalaxySpinz]

Awesome! You rock! Thank you so much for the video!

[@sylviesmith-doiron9383]

Thank you for your video. It was very clear and helpful.

[@avismcdaniel1503]

Nice tutorial! Thank You for posting this.

[@theresamcrae5427]

A word of caution about using water soluble pens. I had one vertical thread on a piece bleached out. And on a second piece, there is a distinct remainder of the ink. But it certainly is easy using them. Maybe not on heirloom pieces though.

[@lorenaarias1952]

Very useful tips, thank you very much.

[@Simunaya]

Thanks for showing.

[@whenagirlhasnoname2061]

FWT : watched and thank you ! i have done something like this with yellow thread on black material , but it did not look like yours , i think i did it wrong now , wondering if i should start it all over again , but hubby was watching this with me too , so i got the monofilament explanation of how it was made at the same time . QuestionS : how dose the filament pull out does i bunch the fabric up ? Can you use Fishing line as well too ?

[@MadXStitcher]

Sorry I missed this comment. Things get buried by KZbin and shoved in weird places sometimes. Filament is fishing line. And yes, it pulls right out without being snagged.

[@stitchy_linn]

Thank you for the tutorial on gridding! I'll be using the heat pen method. The ink disappears upon applying heat to it. :)

[@36anneke]

I don't understand. I understand the gridding with the pen but not with the thread. What goes in the empty space. You count 8 and then skip and count again. What goes in the empty space?

[@sheilahumphrey-morris1588]

I fell in love with counted cross stitch many moons ago. I never used grids. I lost interest in my cross stitch project that I started over 10 years ago. It is huge and I felt maybe if I grid it up I might possibly get excited to complete it. It has over 50 pages and I started it in the upper left corner. I am only on page two. I believe with your gridding guidance I can grid the remaining project. Plus it might allow for me compensate for being off count. Do you have any suggestions for me?

[@clairerabine4093]

I’m not sure if you still check these comments, but I’m wondering how you hold the filament in place, if you’re using a bunch of different strands? Do you tie knots? If so, do you know which kind works well for that type of thread? Thanks for the tutorials, I’ve watched them multiple times :)

[@MadXStitcher]

I wasn't able to even see comments on KZbin until a very recent update finally rolled out. It did not play well with my system at all for some reason. But no, you don't need to tie any knots. The filament will stay in place on its own

[@debrawoolard8663]

What would you use to mark on a dark cloth

[@valeriea475]

So you mark on each 11th hole? I usually try to use a ruler but even then get confused lol.

[@deannasmout7172]

I used a v clear water erasable pen as you show. After about 4 months of stitching my project I finished the piece and went to wash my piece and my grid lines turned gold instead of blue and didn’t disappear is there some way to get them out completely?

[@elizabethwalker4751]

How do I get pencil marks out of my cross stitch fabric. It won’t erase off!

[@aubreyjaded]

Find one of the white erasers.

[@barburbec]

very helpful thank you.

[@shereesurber8201]

Sorry if this has already been asked/answered, but do you recommend gridding for projects that are NOT full coverage? I do a lot of birth announcements and name signs, so there is a bit of space between. That being said, if the ink does completely wash out, gridding can save me a lot of time and hassle in the long run as it will reduce counting mistakes. What are your thoughts? Have you had issues with pens not washing out as they are supposed to? With so much blank space in my projects, residual ink could ruin it.

[@MadXStitcher]

It depends on what you’re using. If it’s dyed fabric, use something like sulky sliver or filament. If it’s white, Leonis pens are great and wash right out. Just wash in cold water. A lot of people wash in warm, which will set the ink.

[@lilmissj4200]

Hello, a really helpful video. Where did you get your thread from? It is really beautiful and I can't find it anywhere

[@poojadhiman2966]

Mam which camera and lights you are using please tell me

[@stitchy_linn]

Not reading through all the comments I am wondering why the thread gridding is counted out 4 and 8 vs the pen gridding is counted in 10? Thank you!

[@MadXStitcher]

The thread is counted by 10, but in a different way. If you were to count by 10 in the traditional way, you'd get a grid that's much harder to work with, because you won't be able to see the corners. Counting this way highlights all four corners of each square, but leaves gaps in the middle of the edges, where the grid is less important.

[@stitchy_linn]

@@MadXStitcher thank you! Any suggestions for preventing fraying on the sides and top of trimmed fabric? I have the selvage at the bottom so no worries on that. Tried washi tape on top and sides but it didn't stick. :(

[@MadXStitcher]

Bigger margins. At least three inches on all sides. If you're using an evenweave, the large margins will let you tape the edges without causing damage to the fabric, because it can be trimmed off when you're ready to frame.

[@stitchy_linn]

@@MadXStitcher got it and I used masking tape to prevent fraying. Center is now grid with a frixion pen that removes easily with a hot iron. :)

[@MarieH528]

Hi! I'm new to your channel, found you through Danielle (Stitcherista)! I'm enjoying your videos and I'm just getting back into Cross Stitch- I'd like to ask a question since this video is on topic. I've only done all my cross stitch on 14 count Aida, but have stitched many items. My latest pattern calls for 28 CT jubilee which I don't think they have anymore,it's an old pattern but anyway I ordered 28ct lugana- so do stitchers make grid lined on 28 CT and double to a 20 x 20 and then Stitch over 2 as called for in pattern? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I truly have never stitched over 2 so I just don't know! I am looking forward to stitching this project though, it's a gift for my brother! Thanks for your time and I'm working my way through the rest of your videos! Happy Stitching and Dyeing!

[@MadXStitcher]

If you're stitching over two, then you'd count by 20 instead of ten. Stitching over two on 28ct will wind up being the same size as stitching over one on 14ct.

[@MarieH528]

MadXStitcher Thank You!

[@cathymayfield2064]

Can you please show how to begin doing a full coverage cross stitch wit thread parking? I want to learn how. Is it more accurate? Is it easier, or quicker? Everyone shows doing thread parking, after they are way into a project. I need to see how to do it from the very start. Do you use thos method of crosz stitch.. Thank you in advance. Cathy in TN

[@MadXStitcher]

It's pretty much the same. You start your floss however you like - loop start, waste knots, whatever - stitch the area, and park. I don't think anyone shows it from the start because there's nothing to show, honestly.

[@karenward3455]

I'm about to start a large piece 25x36....450x657..wondering how to keep the material out of the way when stitching as well as clean.. I use a hoop and the material always in my way

[@MadXStitcher]

Scroll frame, all the way. American Dream sells a really nice modular one that is easily mixed and matched, and can go up to 36" wide. I've got some basic parts on this list here: www.amazon.com/shop/madxstitcher?listId=2NODKYTDHN8V1 They are a bit on the expensive side, but they're very sturdy and easy to use. I've had no problem using them in either a floor or lap stand, which you probably would need with something that big. There's a lap stand in that list as well, or for a cheaper alternative, I actually use a Frankenstein mic stand that I can clamp my work to.

[@constancekotsios9269]

How can I make lettering after I complete the grid?

[@MadXStitcher]

You just... make the lettering? I'm not sure what you're asking.

[@trinaportner4125]

You grabbed it in sections because I am asking because I am a new stitcher I won't be doing it a couple weeks

[@patchyxx]

Do you grid the entire chart or smaller segments? I have seen people who grid with filament and the grid intersections are only a few stitches wide. Is that preference? When you stitch, is the filament covered by your floss?

[@MadXStitcher]

+patchyxx I grid the whole thing. Doing something small was just so the video didn't take four hours to film. When I use filament to grid, I prefer as much grid as possible. It's easier to stay within it for me. And yeah, when I use it, I usually just stitch right over it and then pull it out as I no longer need it.

[@brandytaylor1485]

What count Aida is that

[@nikkissmallwonders8087]

What count Aida are you using? And where do you get it? I am looking to but it by the yard and can't seem to find it at Joann's.

[@MadXStitcher]

You won't find aida by the yard at Joann. You have to buy online. 123 Stitch is a great resource for it.

[@nikkissmallwonders8087]

@@MadXStitcher thank you.

[@MikiSunshine]

What size fishing line do you use? I assume the lighter the fish the thinner the line so use what? The thinnest? 4lb?

[@MadXStitcher]

+MikiSunshineCat I think mine's 15lb? You can use any size that works for you though. I just like the bright colours because they're easier to see.

[@bearbrand404]

Can pencil be used? How to remove it?

[@MadXStitcher]

I don’t recommend pencil. It doesn’t wash out and will stain your fabric and stitching.

[@rosiegigglesestablished1969]

Ok what is this used for.. I'm a beginner cross stitcher?

[@MadXStitcher]

Sorry I missed this comment. Things get buried by KZbin and shoved in weird places sometimes. Cross stitch patterns are usually gridded to make them easier to read. By gridding the fabric, it makes it easier to line up your stitches to the pattern. It's especially useful in large, full-coverage pieces.

[@Fedeleness]

@@MadXStitcher Thanks for that reply, great info.

[@strangelilvampyr]

What do you recommend to mark black Aida fabric?

[@DolphinMayhem]

I know you asked a long time ago, but I recommend Sulky Sliver, specifically the silver variety. Very easy to see on black

[@lindagore5811]

Why 10 squares what if 14 count pattern

[@briannarongitsch3334]

So how do you remove the thre grinding when the project is completed

[@MadXStitcher]

The ink washes off in cold water.

[@briannarongitsch3334]

@@MadXStitcher not the ink thought the thread one

[@pennyfisher3329]

Guess I am over thinking,do you count the same as with the pens? 0,1234 thanks

[@MadXStitcher]

Yep. The line is always on 0. So, line=0, count 1, 2, 3..9, line=10 / 0. You want ten stitches in between each line.

[@pennyfisher3329]

Thank you so much love your tutorial

[@francescafabbro7706]

Thank you very much 🙏🏻💚😍💚

[@MadXStitcher]

You are so welcome!

[@udenirathnayake7459]

I want long stitch fabric. How can I brought in sri lanka

[@MadXStitcher]

I have no idea, unfortunately.

[@zulanova1209]

NOOO I MISGRIDED IT I have 9x9 I have to regrid everything 😭

[@dianabecerril6169]

Hermoso 💓💕👍💟😍🥰

[@jimajams7080]

Or even better, use a steel ruler!

[@MadXStitcher]

That's fine if you're using heavily starched 14ct, but if you're gridding after you've mounted your fabric on anything, there will be some warp to it, and higher counts will show that more evidently.

[@ArtisticlyAlexis]

What I don't understand is why people don't just buy pre-gridded fabric? I found it easily on google in different hues (which shouldn't matter as much for full coverage work that you don't see the background. I gridded on my own and found it TEDIOUS and when I discovered pre-gridded fabric, I never looked back. So why does ANYONE spend the utterly boring task of gridding, where you risk messing up, ruining the fabric for an heirloom piece with magically reappearing ink, and wasting time that could be doing the fun part, stitching?

[@MadXStitcher]

Alexis B because it’s very new, very expensive, and if you hand-dye, useless.

[@ArtisticlyAlexis]

@@MadXStitcher I wonder if you can dye the magic grid Aida, because they have built in monofilament, instead of the wash away grids. It's expensive at $20, but it saves so much time and energy.

[@MadXStitcher]

Alexis B that’s exactly it. It’s expensive. For $20, I can get a 36x60” piece of plain Aida almost anywhere. I can’t go to the craft store and get the pre-gridded stuff, when it shows up on Amazon, it’s incredibly rare and marked up 300%, and if you can find it online, it probably doesn’t ship to your location, or if it does, it’s more to ship it than the item costs. You might not like gridding, but there are more reasons to do it than not, and no reasons to disparage anyone who would do it, especially on an educational video explaining how to do it.

[@succubusleterdeathtoall8791]

only thingh i wish to ask is any easy way to do this on crocthet ?

[@MadXStitcher]

I don't think you can grid crochet?

[@succubusleterdeathtoall8791]

@@MadXStitcher yes you can theirs a crochet that uses it and alot of other ways to use it with crochet

[@MadXStitcher]

succubus leter death to all okay. I’m not a crochet channel, fairly obviously, so I’m not sure why you’d ask me a question and then answer it yourself. Go ask a crochet channel.