CROSS STITCHING TIPS: 10 TIPS YOU MUST KNOW!!

[@ROCKaholic]

For quick reference after watching the full video: 1. 0:29 - Needle minders 2. 1:12 - Stand 3. 2:24 - Good lighting 4. 3:43 - Use multiple needles 5. 4:29 - Thread identifier 6. 5:28 - Do not use highlighters 7. 6:24 - Wash yer hands 8. 6:59 - Take breaks 9. 7:54 - Keep in mind your frame 10. 8:57 - Get comfortable! Thank you for the tips!

[@shellysanders8983]

I liked your pencil tip, but worried that I wouldn't be able to see through the pencil if I needed to backtrack. Then I thought "Wait. I'm an artist, I have colored pencils! I shall use orange!" and it worked like a charm. Thank you so much.

[@only_owls]

I use highlighters but the the type I use are the Pilot Remove by Friction pens. That way no permanent marks on pattern (although I haven't put it to the test yet on Aida, but it should disappear with enough friction! )

[@majcherj1]

I liked your video, but I used to work for a group of ophthalmologists. Our eyes do not get strained by poor lighting, any more than your ears are strained by trying to hear a distant or faint sound. Just a misunderstanding by lay people. I wholly agree that poor lighting makes color,differentiation difficult, but it won’t damage your eyes.

[@lindamoen6618]

I use a rolling magnifying light that has a 5X magnifier with a radial arm this stands high and can position the big round light which can be positioned over your work while sitting down. It is top heavy so I weight the legs down with weights. I also make copies of my pattern on copy machine and cut it up into 3 squares across and 3 down clip it onto a. Small clipboard an use that while stitching. This helps me a lot so that it is blown up as well while I stitch. I am 70 and spend days working on my projects which I could not do with out my stand and the roller magnifying light as I have poor eye sight.

[@cecilreyes4670]

Nice ! Good reminders! Its been 18 years and I started again saw your video.

[@danielleoren1828]

I actually either take a picture of the physical pattern or screenshot the ones from online then use photo editor on my phone to follow the pattern.... and use that highlighter feature. 👍

[@suebrozek4305]

This is brilliant. Thank you for sharing this. I will do this from now on!

[@nataliesmith1164]

Multiple needles That trick is one that I swear by.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

It’s helped me soo much with my projects!! :)

[@MariaMartinez-jb3zn]

I have a table light clamp that helps with all my hobbies and a table embroidery clamp or two is genius for hands free! Always a pencil ☝🏽keep hands clean…🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽Mia

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

I laminate my chart and use dry erase lol

[@amydavis4945]

Some Girl Why have I not thought of this? Brilliant idea, thank you!

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

Well, it started because I knit and crochet and needed to mark on my patters but also be able to reuse the patterns. I'm ecstatic someone else found this useful. I'm so silly. 🥰

[@ShinyMusic222]

Brilliant 😍 But bad for wallet, now I want to get a laminator

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

@@ShinyMusic222 they are not very expensive. The sheets are a bit pricey but I'm sure you can find some cheap on Amazon.

[@ShinyMusic222]

@@SomeGirlsRandom That´s true, there´s one in local store for equivalent of ~ $ 20. Dont need super quality. :) I wonder if I can try a super budget and "NOW" solution with just plastic pocket folders.. might be more slipping around then laminating though.

[@samanthalomas3644]

Definitely the washing hands!! Chocolate and cross stitch don't go together

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Exactly 😂

[@catherine8579]

i've had a few projects over the years with chocolate smudges lol. If you like snacks while working on your cross stich, keep baby wipes nearby to clean your hands.

[@LeBlahBlahBlah]

Thank you for these tips. I'm going to keep them in mind, espically the stand

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Makayla Stone You are welcome 😊 Will be filming more tip videos soon! The stand was a real game changer for me! Defiantly worth investing in one!

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Great tips. Difficult to see, however, when you are in front of it.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

NANCY-KATHARYN Mcgraw Thank you!!! Will defiantly have a different set up if I do this style video again so I stand to the side :)

[@stevehumphreys7039]

I either buy my patterns as a PDF or scan it into my computer and work from a laptop. Its nice because you can zoom in on the area your working on. Also, making a copy for your own use does not violate copyright laws. I find it helpful to organize my threads for each project. That way any color I need is at my fingertips and I don't have to search for it.

[@jandipalermo2598]

Can you answer this for me. How many strands do you use for 11 count adida and how many strands for 14 count. I ordered some on line that are printed but there is no instructions on strands. Thank you for your help.

[@catherine8579]

Another tip, keep a clear bottle of nail polish with your cross stitch kit. A tiny dab of nail polish on the frayed ends on the back stop you pulling them through to the front with your stitches. Also if you make a mistake but don't need to undo the whole colour, line etc & don't want the nearby stitches to come undone, dab a little nail polish on back & front & it stays put when dry. The clear nail polish doesn't leave any marks etc once dried.

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

If you don't have a laminator, buy one from Amazon. You can use packing tape in a pinch to laminate paper but that gets expensive if you need to do it a lot.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Some Girl Although Its a good way of keeping your paper all nice and clean :) I assume you would have to use pens though for it to show on the laminate?

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

@@CraftivatingCreations dry erase markers.

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

@@CraftivatingCreations I use green and orange to mark off places. I can see through those. Red and black are opaque but dry erase comes off so it doesn't matter. I also use permanent markers when needed. That comes off with rubbing alcohol or with a dry erase marker, but that can mess up your markers.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

I prefer not use pens near my work but I can see why people do! Defiantly makes it stand out where you have completed!

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Rainbow I currently have a series on top tips if you like these kind of videos you can check them out. I am always thinking of tips and tricks to share so there will be more to come. Yes I am good thank you, keeping safe and staying indoors. Hope you are doing well too! Stay safe! :)

[@jeanboyle7384]

Can you explain your thread label? I love your tips, all very excellent ones. I have been cross stitching for years and the label one I am curious about. Thank you

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Aww thank you for your lovely comment really appreciate it. Here is a video on the labelling of threads. There are so many different parking methods and I thought I would make a video on this one as I hadn’t seen anyone share this method. If you have been cross stitching for a while you may already have a good parking method but this method I think is helpful for people who are new to cross stitching or like to see the symbol on the thread when parked :) Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4mue3Z7ma6paMk

[@judyrosy]

I use bar or round magnets to hold my multiple needles as well as my scissors. Cheap on ebay. I can either glue the magnet where I want it or they will stick to my metal magnifier lamp arm. I don't use a paper identifier for each color of thread....I just match to what I've already stitched.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Magnets is great alternative to needle minders!!! Great idea!

[@StampNStitch]

Great tips. I would just add one. Make a working copy of your graph. I know that there are copyright laws, but you are only making 1 copy and after completing your project you will destroy it. By doing this, you can keep your original graph clean and easy to read. If you are worried about making the copy, read the instructions. Sometimes in the front of a book, such as a Precious Moments, you can find permission granted to make 1 copy of your graph. Places like Kinko's won't do it, you have to. I use highlighters to mark where I have completed a stitch. When it comes time for backstitch, then you can either use your original or toss the working copy and make another one, just make sure you only have 1 copy made at any one time.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Thank you :) yes I see quite a few people doing this but with the copyright laws being a bit of a mind field with cross stitching it’s not something I would want to recommend on my channel. It’s great however if you get the permission from the designer!

[@StampNStitch]

@@CraftivatingCreations I understand. If you have Precious Moments, check out the front instructions. It states that you can make one copy. It just depends on the designer.

[@janiemelgoza166]

New to cross stitch, thanks for all your suggestions very helpful.Q: if I have four pieces to the same pic how do you combine them together?

[@CraftivatingCreations]

You are very welcome 😊 With regards to your question are the four pieces separate patterns that create one picture?

[@janiemelgoza166]

@@CraftivatingCreations yes

[@zannah6462]

Which stand do you use? I was thinking about buying myself one, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. Your stand may be what I am looking for.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

The stand is called a lowery stand :)

[@EnlightenedFlamingo]

You're taking the time to write the list, so maybe don't stand in front of it blocking it! That's MY tip haha Sorry couldn't help myself. All good tips, all of which I already follow even as a beginner. I'll be checking out your other videos on this channel, thanks! 💜

[@catherine8579]

Another reason to use pencil is for those times when you make mistakes like over or under count, accidently mistaken 2 similar symbols as the same etc. You can rub out the squares of mistakes on your pattern.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Yes this is another reason why I like pencil :)

[@catherine8579]

@@CraftivatingCreations I've also found that erasable pen works on those glossy paper patterns as pencil wont mark it. I did get the pattern photocopied but when i tried to erase both the pencil first then the erasable pen its also erased the pattern. So I've had to use the original glossy sheet pattern.

[@catherine8579]

Baby wipes, another tip for those of us who like to snack while stitching. I know many cross stitchers who like to eat snacks while cross stitching & im guilty of a few chocolate smudges. If you like eating snacks while cross stitching, just keep some baby wipes next to you to clean your hands & snack away.

[@kimwilmot693]

I now use frixion highlighters so the ink can be removed if I accidentally get it on the fabric.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Arh that’s good to know thank you!

[@lisaherring7634]

Wow ~ I never thought to use more then one needle at a time. A COOL idea among others. Thanks a lot :)

[@lorielhassani]

Highlighter is water soluble... I've never had a problem getting highlighter off my material

[@catherine8579]

How long has everyone reading this been cross stitching & what project are you currently working on? I started when i was bout 6 or 7 yrs old. I am 39 now, soooo 33 yrs. I'm half way through Thea Gouverneur's valentine's kitten. This project is going to my best friend.

[@marilynrobertson6265]

I loved your video. New Sub here!

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Aww thank you :)

[@Minimalwoooo]

Thanks for the tips. I noticed you use water soluble markers on your project. I presume you are going to wash your project before frame. Why not try writing down the number of the thread along the side and just simply insert the needle with that color over the writing. I personally feel it is a lot easier than the paper with writing. People are selling materials with printed patterns now. There is no need to cross out anything on the paper. Total game changer.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

S Wu I don’t use any markers on my material currently the marks you can see are part of the design but I do like the idea of adding numbers onto the side to help know which thread is which :) I have seen the materials with the printed pattern and I can imagine this is so much easier especially if new to cross stitching!! I actually like working on the plain material as I find it a challenge and very rewarding once completed at the end!

[@lyndsay369]

i just started cross-stitching about a month ago and this is probably stupid but I'm confused about the highlighter one. do you mean that the highlighter could rub off onto the cloth? and if so, why would the pattern sheet come in contact with the actual cross stitch project unless by accident? i highlight the colors on my pattern sheets and then i prop it up against a wall so i can glance over and use it for reference as needed while i cross stitch. is there another way to do it??

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Welcome to cross stitch!!! It’s a personal preference on how you mark your work however I have seen a few accidents happen where people have dropped the pen on their work or got pen on their hands and it’s then rubbed onto their piece which is why I added it as a tip. A lot of people like to use highlighters but I like to use pencil to mark off my pattern. because of the accidents I have seen. Hope that helps :)

[@lyndsay369]

@@CraftivatingCreations good to know! thank you!

[@lyndsay369]

@@CraftivatingCreations one more question,, when you're using the stand how do you see the back of the fabric to make sure you're poking back through in the right spot? do you just wing it? or is there a way to rotate it?? or do you just peek around to the back everytime??

[@CraftivatingCreations]

@@lyndsay369 At first it does take a bit of getting used to in finding where you need to put your needle but over time you will get used to the feel of where you are and finding the hole becomes quicker. Use your needle to find the hole with your project face forward and eventually you will get quicker at it with practice. The stand I use does allow me to rotate my work to see the back too so I do this when I need to finish a thread :)

[@annemousseau8757]

Thank you

[@goosesmommy6626]

Here’s a tip ... don’t leave a 3/4:completed work out where a puppy can get it .... I had a puppy destroy a work that I had halfway done that was just beautiful..it was a Santa with rich deep reds .... I still think about that work. 😢

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Awww no so sorry :(

[@sonyafirefly3879]

I once got rust on my fabric from a needle minder. Weirdest experience.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Sonya Firefly Ooo noo!! Never come across that before :( hope it didn’t ruin your work!

[@sonyafirefly3879]

@@CraftivatingCreations Thankfully it was full coverage, so it wasn't a big deal.

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Sonya Firefly Oh good glad to hear that!!

[@gigi60learns14]

When watching this on silent in the doctors office I can’t see your writing

[@CraftivatingCreations]

Aww I’m so sorry :( I didn’t realise I was covering my writing when talking! Noted for next time!