Denkai's Guide to Neater Cross Stitch!

[@cherrybearylemondrop]

Great video, lots of information. For convenience when re-watching: 0:50 1. Keep stitches going in the same direction 3:30 2. Untwist your needle 5:45 3. Loop method 9:45 4. Constant tension 12:57 5. Railroading 14:15 6. Thread conditioner 17:14 8. Hoops and other tools 18:19 8.5 Grime guard 19:08 9. Don't stitch too far down your thread 20:59 10. Griding 26:05 11. Mark off stitches as you go 28:31 12. Use appropriately-sized needle 29:46 13. Number of floss strands depends on fabric 31:23 15. Make sure stitches go in the same direction even in chatelaine 34:25 16. Stitch in well-lit area 35:45 17. When using dark fabric, use light / white background behind fabric 36:43 18. Stitch dark color before light color 38:13 19. Stitch backstitch last Joke at the end

[@Denkai]

Thank you very much for adding this :)

[@NonniMcMac]

After decades of stitching, I came here with the *inclination* to think I already knew it all. But by taking the *time* to watch this video, I learned some new things. LOL Thanks for the joke and for teaching an old dog some new tricks. I appreciate it! ❤

[@koridecker699]

I picked up cross stitching in December and have done quite a few projects since! I heard of doing all stitches in one direction but never committed to actually trying that yet. This video was just what I need to hopefully turn my stitching from beginner to at least intermediate and much prettier! Also, you have an amazing personality and I didn’t think I was gonna sit through this 43 min video when I found it but I sure as hell did because you were so pleasant and I’m going to keep all of these tips in mind :)

[@katiewest2253]

This is the best tip flosstube I have seen. Some great tips for newbies and veteran stitchers. Thank you for sharing!

[@fernie5128]

Holey smokes, I am only 3 minutes in and I have learned more info about beginner stitching than in the previous 5 beginner tutorials I just watched. Your style and demo is so, so helpful. I haven't bought a project yet and I want to know what every beginner needs to know. You are terrific! This was absolutely brilliant! And I love joke books!!!!!

[@hspencer1202]

I know I'm late to this, but you are just a delightful woman. You're energy is just amazing, at no point in this 45 minute video was I bored. These tips were very helpful for a beginner cross stitcher (to show how much of a beginner I am, I've been using 4 strands on aida 😅). Thanks for this video, it really helped.

[@Denkai]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@venushoggett4231]

OMG! Thank you so much!!! Excellent descriptions, very informative. I love the loop method to keep the bulk from forming!!!

[@AmiFriendsStudio]

Best compilation of tips on cross stitching I've seen on KZbin!

[@cathykenny5613]

Thanks for your wonderful video! I've recently returned to cross stitch after a 30 year absence. You have given me some great insights as to why my stitches weren't as neat as they should be! Several things you talked about avoiding have crept into my work...no longer!

[@katrina6955]

I took a break from Cross Stitching to do, Hand embroidery, applique, quilting as well. Thank you for all your tips.

[@cecilreyes4670]

I love your tutorials!!! You teach with clear instructions. So easy to follow! God bless you!

[@Denkai]

Thank you so much!

[@13Moondancer]

Love the looping when beginning. Never thought of doing this even after years of cross stitching. Many thanks 🙏

[@morrisdancer11]

Wow! What a great tutorial. When I started , many years ago, I didn't think about the back but once I did I became obsessed with the neatness. My favorite is the LOOP start It is so neat and simple. Once you start you can't stop. Good stitching.

[@jonifoote3501]

I love your collection of needle minders.

[@bgypsy5]

That loop method is GENIUS! It saves thread too!

[@michelleaukett4366]

I have stitched a number of years but enjoyed watching your tips. I alway enjoy seeing how other people stitch and their ideas. I think also that your video is perfect for beginners! Thank you !

[@pyotrleflegin7255]

You're a great teacher. It's almost as though I'm there with you! Thank you lots, Denkai.

[@eileend5025]

OMG! When you clipped and pulled out part of your grid line I actually gasped out loud. I am a new cross stitcher and I know that all that grinding took time. Great video. Loved the ending too.

[@brendatrevelise4964]

So helpful!!! Working on my first project and these instructions and tips are exactly what I needed. Thank you!!

[@Denkai]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisemoore710]

wonderfully helpful & informative

[@cutie1359]

how have i not heard of the loop method til now?? great video, makes me want to restart all my projects haha

[@janetkingshott8965]

Thanks those tips were so helpful and explained in a easy manner, i feel more confident in my stitching thanks to you xx👍

[@Denkai]

I'm glad you found the helpful :)

[@ther51]

Thanks for the video just picked up my cross stitch after quite a while, thought the video brought back what I have to do thanks again Elaine 😀

[@merylehawkins464]

Thank you for all the tips. I am a fairly new cross stitcher and you have helped heaps. I love your videos.

[@dariusboyd1775]

I am a very new to cross stitch and I never do any thing small I order a picture from have printed it out a On my printed total over 40 pages how in the world do I find the middle or even grid it I am over my head any ideas. Thanks bonkee

[@dariusboyd1775]

That's a picture of my husband

[@Wendy520May]

Loved this video it is so easy to follow what you're saying. I finally get how to thread the needle with the hoop at the end. Thank you

[@AgaWaffle1]

Lots of great tips! I'm just starting out, so all of this is useful to hear. I already use thread heaven with my embroidery work. Great stuff!

[@lmdean1231]

Thanks so much for the wonderful stitching tips! Can't wait to check out more of your videos. (Love the Bloopers too, Mike!) Happy Stitching! Laureen

[@maryskorstad2785]

You are SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH. Thank you for the awesome tips.

[@kristenroper667]

This was incredibly helpful! I started stitching a few months ago and my work will definitely improve with this information! Thank you 😀

[@Denkai]

That's great! I'm glad you found it helpful, and thank you for letting me know. :)

[@tanyaparsons4921]

I shattered my lower leg and am laid up for a few months so decided to pick up a hobby besides video games. So 1st time cross stitcher and this was a great help, THANK YOU.

[@janettefulling6784]

great video for beginners..and to refresh your mind if you have been away from cross stitch for a while

[@Denkai]

thanks :)

[@beatrice-e4r]

Great guide! Plus, you're adorable, and I'd totally love it if you'd teach us in person. Thank you, Denkai!

[@suebrozek4305]

This was a fantastic video. Thank you so much for your time. You must have been or are a teacher. You are great at it!!!!

[@jaynekilbride5620]

Loved it! Learnt so much . Keen to get started now on my first big cross stitch. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@toyapaugh766]

Enjoyed this very much! You have the cutest personality! I learned two new things: railroading and thread heaven which I'll look into further.

[@stephaniefoster2899]

Holy cow, you weren't kidding about how amazing Thread Heaven can be on the floss. I'll never stitch without it again! My thread ends kept getting ratty and thinned out by the time I got to the end of the thread & railroading was a nightmare, but TH has made a HUGE difference in my stitching experience. Not sure how long this little guy will last, but I will happily shell out another $10 when the time comes to buy another. Cheers, and thanks for making me a better cross stitcher!!!

[@trduesing4117]

So glad that I have found this video! I have really learned a lot. I’ve watched other cross stitch videos and I can’t remember all that they were trying to teach....I only remember their nasty fingernails!!!!! One lady had black daggers ...very distracting! Another had long natural nails that haven’t been washed for the previous two weeks. Your nails are perfect! Your tips were real, clever, and knowledgeable. You are great. Thank you.

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

You are a delight!…….You were able to teach this 70ish Mema some new as well as great reminders!……..Exercise time for shoulders……fingers……mind!

[@Denkai]

Thank you :)

[@lindaliming8301]

Natural teacher!!

[@sandraf6033]

so thats why my thread becomes thinner and thinner. I love tiny needles! Thank you!

[@EviesMummy28]

I have made most mistakes in your top tips. Thank you so much for the advise. Now I can improve my work.

[@marygorden2334]

Excellent video. I put these tips into practice during the video and viola! Much better stitches!!! Thank you!

[@bettyulan1247]

I ordered one of your needleminders. I love your personality.

[@Denkai]

Thank you Betty. I hope you like the needleminder when you get it :)

[@mollykitti4498]

I've used grids before, but never really liked how I had them. Your 4 up, 3 down looks so much better. I'm totally stealing this for my next project.

[@Denkai]

Glad you found something you like Molly :)

[@zoe2364]

Amazing thank you, loop method has been so valuable!

[@jaycreswell7008]

Yep. First time I've seen it explained so well.

[@katrina6955]

I have been Cross Stitching for over 5 decades... I have never seen the loop way. LOVE ! ❤ will help so much with my hand embroidery or applique...

[@piros44]

They don’t make Thread Heaven anymore. Thread Magic is the equivalent and I actually like it slightly better. If you have lots of dark colors, it’s a good idea to have a second thread conditioner for them, otherwise the lint from the dark colors will build up and get on your light colored thread, which is annoying.

[@stitchingwithasmile677]

Excellent! Even though I follow most of what you advise, I still find it helpful to have the reminders. Great video for beginners and seasoned stitchers. Plus you are a joy to listen to!

[@Denkai]

Aww thank you :)

[@J4277320]

Amazing! Thank you so much from a grateful beginner. This was so informative and useful. '

[@kaymartin3907]

Just starting -loved it !! Thanks....

[@francinerollin2184]

Hi Cherise, I love your video the tips are very helpful. I am beginning stitching and a lot of not to do I was doing. I am a new subscriber from Canada and I will be following you on your chanel. Thank you for the great tutorial. Hugs. Francine

[@joankiely3614]

Thank you so much for all that really great information. It was very useful. Cheers 😍

[@miat789]

Aww man I am definitely guilty of trying to make the thread go further then it should

[@gloriathomas9873]

Great video thanks do you have any tips on straddled stitches or half stitches, my pattern has a lot of these which I didn't realise at the time. 😱

[@Denkai]

Late reply from me, but I am still learning special stitches myself.

[@welshem9721]

Hi Denkai. Great videos! Any tips on counting the squares on a pattern easily. I'm totally new to cross stitch & I'm all off with the pattern counting. Thanks Em.

[@Denkai]

Hi Em, If you find counting difficult on fabric then gridding is a good option. Or perhaps use easy count fabric where the grid is printed into the fabric and it washes out when you have finished stitching.

[@welshem9721]

@@Denkai Thanks. I'm currently doing a very wonky heart. 😂 A kids pattern apparently! I'll look out for some easy count fabric. Em

[@lesleyevans6691]

Super fab , I'm a first timer thank you

[@annechong7152]

Hi hi. Enjoy your videos a lot. Your laughter is infectious... maybe not a right word to use.... this difficult time. Ha ha. Yes I have a tendency to pull too tight. Thanks for addressing that issue.

[@newobmat]

Great tips! Love your personality too.

[@crafty2260]

Loved your video! I'm not a "beginner", but, by no means an expert & picked up several good tips - I will now do dark stitches before light ones - who knew?! &, I liked the joke!

[@moosemom2010]

Love the bloopers💕

[@sallywright6923]

excellent tips! Thank You!

[@sheuser13]

Thanks for all the great stitching tips! Sharon

[@Denkai]

Thanks for watching :)

[@roisgracia2662]

At 8:40 you blew my mind, thank you!!

[@simoneseikaly5644]

Thank you so much, I found so many answers in this video ❤️❤️

[@Denkai]

I'm so glad!

[@nmav5590]

denkai you jewel!! thanks for all ir videos you keep me so entertained and I leave educated. great Sensei tip 14 speaks of a guide for needle sizes I cant see the link to the article?? oh😂😂😂😂😂 I just saw Mike's response on tip 19😂😂😂 that :( is classic! love that he actually watches your videos

[@Denkai]

I have the needle vid, fabric vid and a how to needleminder vid in the plans. Life keeps getting in the way. I will try to get them out soon :)

[@maryannpatterson8183]

Thank you so much for all of the tips. Some I knew and some I didn't. Really enjoyed the video. The volume was a little low at times making it hard to hear what was being said, but overall it was very informative. Thanks again.

[@Denkai]

Thanks for your comment. Sorry about the volume. It was one of my first videos :)

[@superb1022]

This was so helpful, thanks for hints. :)

[@carolp5993]

Thank you for your video. You seem to be a very lovely lady! I love your technique of using one strand/doubled. So much easier to work with that way. Thanks!

[@jonifoote3501]

Where can you find the guide of needles to use on cloth I am a beginner and this sounded like great advise.

[@seaneenduke2024]

I have a question. Have you ever tried to mark your aida cloth where stitches should go? I do grid. What I mean is you look at the pattern and then use a water soluble pen to dot where stitches should go on the fabric. I would like some opinions please. Love your videos by the way,.

[@Denkai]

Seaneen Duke - hey, I usually grid in a 10 x 10 block if im doing a full coverage piece. I mark on the chart in one colour the stitches I am about to make, I count on aida where they go, stitch them and nark off on the chart in another colour when I have stitched them. Hope that helps :)

[@beckyacosta3241]

Great tips and a few reminders for me.😀

[@virtualwendy]

So much helpful information ... thank you very much!

[@Denkai]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AleanitylarBrighteye]

I've been stitching for a good 12 years now and i finally am getting into having the back just as neat as the front, I'm about to start a larger project and went looking for some tips and tricks and i must say I'm amazed i didn't already know half of this. Thankyou so much for the advice :)

[@Denkai]

Emily Brighteye - you are welcome :) thank you for the lovely comments.

[@AleanitylarBrighteye]

This was so informative I'm going to watch it again to make sure i have everything down in a little while :) I have one question, Your number 6 ( thread heaven ) may i ask what was in the little pot? I can't seem to find it online at all and I must give it a try.

[@Fritha71]

If doing a full coverage piece on Aida and with two or more threads, PLEASE stitch the white and off white colors first if they are next to very dark colors. Not sure why she advised doing the darker colors first, the general consensus is: first the lighter colors, then the darker colors because the strands of dark colors might mess up the white stitches and make them look 'dirty'...

[@treveenos]

Brilliant. Guy from Ireland who X stitches. Thanks

[@sharonkendricks4777]

What is that you have silver item and that is hanging on your work is it something you add to your projects

[@Denkai]

Its a needleminder. I sell them online. They hold the needle safe. DenkaiDesigns.com

[@lesleysmith9062]

Thank you I wondered why I was asked to gird my work I am a beginner

[@amaliaxi]

Hi and thank you for your video! Can you please tell me the best way to end and secure the floss ? Thank you

[@Denkai]

Hi, I start with the loop method and finish by running my fabric through some of the stitches at the back of my work.

[@amaliaxi]

Denkai thank you very much !

[@Denkai]

@@amaliaxi that should read : running my thread through some of the stitches lol. I should not answer before my morning coffee lol

[@amaliaxi]

Denkai haha! Thank you :)

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

So pleased to have come across your channel, you e plain everything so well and clearly, this has helped me a lot thsnkyou. Have you got a link so that I can check the appropriate needle size for the fabric, I can’t find it anywhere. By the way it is also great to have found an English person to explain all this I live in England too, sorry I know that pretty random but I hope you will understand what I mean

[@vidalindner4326]

Hi there "Denkai" ; I really enjoy watching your floss tube videos . I think you are a totally awesome person. You really are a very funny person . I love all of your great cross stitch wips . I also like your needle minders as well too . Please keep them coming. Thank you very much for the time you put into making your videos. Sincerely Vida Lindner.

[@Denkai]

Thank you Vida, such a lovely thing to say :)

[@Marny5580]

Oops ... there is a right/wrong direction (nap) of the actual floss. The cut end of the pull out of the skein is the end being the 'knot' part of the thread. The first out is what goes into the eye of the needle. Hope this makes sense.

[@odettebonvin187]

Can you tell me pls where you get your easy count thread for gridding please txs

[@Denkai]

Very Very late reply, but I buy it from Amazon.

[@cathymayfield2064]

Do you park thrads? Can you teach how to begin to park. Other people show how they fo it, but they are way into the project. I want to learn, but I do not know how to begin. I can't tell what to do. It looks like it would be easier than a stitch here & a few stitches somewhere elsa. Than you.

[@defiantkatt]

Thank you so much! very helpful!

[@ROCKaholic]

I am a beginner, and I've been stitching LIGHTER colors first, darker last. I got it in my head somewhere that by doing it lightest to darkest, the fibers of the dark strands won't get pulled up with the light strands and end up making the lighter graphics a bit muddy. Is any of that true, or is it just better to always go darkest to lightest?

[@Fritha71]

You are exactly right. That's the proper way of doing it, at least if you're stitching with two strands on an aida fabric and doing full coverage. I find that stitching with one thread on a smaller count linen it doesn't really make a difference, the threads have more room, so I'm not too fussed about it.

[@ROCKaholic]

@@Fritha71 Thanks! But what if it's not "full coverage" and just a fairly simple project?

[@cathymayfield2064]

When you grid with the wire, what happens when there is suppose to be a sritch in that hole?

[@Denkai]

As it is a wire and not floss, when you pull the wire it slides right out easily

[@pieterfolkus2502]

Thank you for this video :) Great tips!!!

[@susandugan1742]

Totally helpful, thank you!

[@drdude392]

Would it be ok to do one color at a time or do one area at a time?

[@Denkai]

Its your cross stitch, you decide which colour you want to stitch and in whatever order :)

[@tammymckinney8240]

I do the opposite I go top to bottom and going back to bottom

[@marybuckley5600]

Wonderful. Thanks so much.

[@k8tallison250]

My biggest bad habit is using too much thread. I will unthread and rethread the needle to get the last 5 stitches 😂 I need to stop, but I can't. It's like a "game" in my head 😂

[@Denkai]

lol, I know what you mean!

[@Ludesto]

This video is so helpfull! thank you

[@annastaz1]

Thanks, where is the needle size guide size located you reference in tip 14! Thank you for the tips!

[@Denkai]

I'm still meaning to do it. I have a container full of needles waiting lol. I will try to do it this weekend.

[@prossi1971]

I would love to see this also;).

[@angelaread234]

Hi, Just a quick question. When you cross stitch, you start off exactly the same as everyone I know that sews, including of course myself, so when you start you go from bottom left to top right, then carry on going West to East, until you get to the end of that particular line, BUT NOW, you confused me. Once you finished going from West to East, you went back to the begginning & started going West to East again? Is that how you stitch or was that a mistake? It seems slightly unconventional, as you'll waste a lot of thread depending on how long that line of colour is!! I've been cross stitching for decades, but still consider myself a novice as I'm learning new things all the time & it still takes me an age to get projects done because A) I dont stitch very fast & B) I still dont know how to sew with multiple needles with multiple colours, it gets far too confusing for me, anyway, I've never described myself as an expert, so I'll just keep plodding on. So, apart from that 1st tip, I've learned a lot from you too, for one, I've never thought about that grab frame you have, that's a fab idea. Well carry on with the good work, I'm off to go & see about 'Railroading' something else that's new to me. Thanks for everything Kindest Regards 😽

[@jerib2446]

What will you use now that thread heaven is discontinued?

[@Denkai]

A high quality beeswax is fine :)

[@erinwallace7217]

LOVE!!!!!!!

[@emarten1]

I subscribed today...……..wonderful video!!!!!!!!!!

[@nancylowe5921]

Do you know what strand sheen is.?

[@Denkai]

I've not heard that term before sorry

[@ginmol53]

Does bees wax work the same way on threads as thread heaven? :-)

[@Denkai]

It works the same in terms of applying a very thin coat onto the strands, protecting and preventing fraying. Beeswax is also especially good at dealing with metallic threads. In terms of creating a repelling effect while the strands are loose on the needle, I am not sure.

[@kimwhelan4936]

My projects saying to use 3 strands but looks messy any tricks

[@Denkai]

kim whelan if it says use three strands the count must be 11 or 14. If its 16 or 18 im sure it would be ok with 2. At the end of the day its your stitching and the chart and instructions are just guidelines essentially. If you don't like it or it doesn't feel right change it. Change the chart, change the colours, change the number of threads, whatever you want its your work ;)

[@damianadiwidodo8adiwidodo884]

I very difficult make Knot Stitch madam