Flosstube Extra: How I Get Mill Hill Cross Stitch Kits Ready to Stitch

[@julienichols9712]

You are such a wealth of information that no matter how many years us stitchers have under our belts, we can rely on each other for help ❤ Thank you!

[@helend.flosstube]

So true!

[@trudymeyer430]

Fallen down the rabbit hole of Mill Hill kits. Love them! Can’t wait to see how you finish. That is my next challenge😁

[@joycemix4302]

This was a fantastic video. I gave up doing Mill Hill because of all the sorting, etc. Wow, I would have never thought of doing it your way. I did buy the magnetic hoops and now that I know the correct way to use them, I have a bunch of Satsuma Street kits I will be starting today. Thank you so much, you really are a wonderful wealth of information and ideas.❤❤❤❤

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful! I love those frames!

[@margaretw9681]

Great information. Thanks for taking the time to explain. I’m sure it will help lots of us out.

[@theresachucle5362]

Thank you for sharing your tutorial on the process! Have a great week and happy stitching 😊🪡🧵🤗🤩

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you!

[@patemmack7205]

Great video! I don’t use a frame, but I trim off the edges that are cut with the little tips left that snag the thread. I also sort all the beads and put them in order in a Lo Ran container. Then when I do the beading, I use one color at a time in a little white dish. I keep the leftover beads in a storage system. I’m glad you’re helping people feel more comfortable trying the kits. I did Mill Hill kits before I cross stitched. The instructions are very clear. I love the annual Mill Hill Santas and the Christmas Village houses. Your Ollie the Elf is adorable.

[@helend.flosstube]

This is my first year doing Mill Hills are I've fallen in love with them!

[@johnniewilliams965]

Thank you so much for the instructions for Mill Hill kits. I’ve got one waiting on me!!

[@kimcolangelo5551]

Thank you so much for video it was great I have a few Millhill kits . I purchased the frame to make it easier to hold . Now I can get started. Thanks for sharing, you are so talented

[@helend.flosstube]

The frame is a game changer!

[@leslieprice9224]

You are a born teacher, great video! Thank you so much for posting

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loriirons9503]

I have done over 100 Mill Hill ornaments and close to 50 of the 5.5 x 5.5's on perforated paper, as well as the kits that come with fabric, probably 25 of those. I love Mill Hill and I use card stock with a hole punch and put the number beside it. If I have a hard time determining the floss color, I just match it to my DMC floss, I have them all on bobbins and numbered so I can easily match. Great video Helen!

[@helend.flosstube]

Wow!! That must be an amazing collection! 😮

[@loriirons9503]

Many were gifts for family and friends! I have 7 siblings alone. 😊

[@SarahsStitchySpot]

Thank you, Helen, for this helpful tutorial.

[@marciaclifford7107]

Thanks, Helen. Used to do these, and was nice to see the new.

[@dorissanders1950]

I think the magnetic frame is a game changer! I haven't done a Mill Hill for years. Going to have to get some more! Thanks.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Helen...thanks for all the great information...best wishes ❤❤

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Thank you. I really appreciate the info you share. I’ve wanted to try a Mill Hill and now that I have seen this, it’s no longer a mystery and looks like something I can do!

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindahollingsworth2495]

Thank you. You do a fantastic job with your teaching videos.

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you!

[@debneal4996]

Thank you Helen! Very helpful! ❤️🪡

[@erinzhou4986]

Thank you so much, this was very helpful. As a beginner I don’t think I’m ready for this yet, but I do want to start working on these at some point.

[@Frankiek507]

Thank you for this tutorial. I always avoided the Mill Hill kits as I thought the floss coming just in a bunch unlabeled would be confusing. Since watching your excellent tutorial, I followed your method and have enjoyed completing three kits and am working on a fourth!

[@helend.flosstube]

That's awesome!! It's definitely an extra step, but doable. 😉

[@susanspratling]

Thank you so much for the information on beading

[@joanmorton9844]

Hi Helen! Thank you so much for this video. I have several Mill Hill kits and I’ve been procrastinating about starting them because they seemed scary to me. Thank you for making them look very doable! 💜👍🏻

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StitchingtoHealMary]

Thank you so much for the wonderful tutorial. I have been working on some paper ornaments. This will help me a lot.

[@debbiedomagal6839]

Thank you so much, I think I may try one now that you have explained this so well.

[@onlinemediasupport]

Such a lovely for doing these videos. To tidy up those ends on the wrong place, you can use a selfthreading needle to tuck them back under the existing stitches,

[@helend.flosstube]

Great tip!

[@taniabertuola]

Loved the video. Have been wondering how to kit up a mill hill. Thank you so much

[@marikeenen6775]

Great Tutorial - Thanks for showing us.

[@rhondazamora8136]

Ollie is so cute! I have a couple of Mill Hill kits but have not mustered up the courage to try them. Your video will be revisited when I decide to try one. Thanks so much.

[@christinaderrico5159]

Thank you Helen! You are always so helpful!♥️

[@IdRatherBeeStitching]

Thank you for this video! I've had my first Mill Hill kit since April, but I haven't done much beading so I've been kind of intimidated. 😊

[@elizabethkrafnick5466]

Thank you so much for telling me where to find the magnetic frames. I plan to use them not only for the paper kits (love Satsuma!) but for a 12 part small series I am working on. It will save my hands and make a good swap out display in the larger size for my smalls project. You’re a life saver!

[@helend.flosstube]

I think the magnetic frames are a game changer!

[@shellymeldrum2312]

This was a great video. I love doing Mill Hill Kits.

[@donnabennett5106]

This was so helpful Helen,I haven’t done any mill hill yet only because I feel overwhelmed by them all,But now I’m thinking I can maybe stitch one,Thankyou this was very helpful🇳🇿❤️🪡

[@helend.flosstube]

They're really not much different than a regular cross stitch piece. You can do it!

[@kathyharris7158]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Those magnetic frames look like a great idea.

[@fayrelightjordan2470]

Thank you for so much clear and helpful information

[@patcurley2794]

Your "how to" videos are great! Definitely worth purchasing one of the Ukraine frames as I like doing small projects for each holiday.

[@helend.flosstube]

The frame really is fantastic!

[@shannongarrett6671]

Great video. Have started a couple of Mill Hill kits. I am currently experimenting with putting the floss on bobbins. I’ve tried the hole punched cardboard/stock. If the bobbins don’t work out I’ll modify the cardboard technique. Can’t wait for the finishing video.

[@Sewmena918]

I love the Mill Hill kits. I have a snowman ornament that I need to do. That magnetic frame was a brilliant idea. I like stitching on paper, but it can be a pain.

[@helend.flosstube]

The frame is such a help!

[@sbrown33t]

Thank you so much for this video. I too have the small pumpkin kit which I shall now start working on soon. Happy stitching 🧵

[@marilynferlitsch2003]

Great video with great instructions. Marilyn

[@cathycosier7870]

This was very helpful! Looking forward to the next video!!

[@sugarplumstitcher]

Thank you, Helen!

[@stitchesinpink]

Thank you so much for this Helen! I would love to see what you use to hold the beads during stitching and after stitching. Also any accessories/tools that are helpful for stitching the Mill Hill Bead kits.

[@crumblecrafts2963]

Thank you! This is perfect timing, I just ordered my first kit yesterday - Celestial Sleigh.

[@helend.flosstube]

I have that one too!

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thanks for sharing a great tutorial.

[@carollorion5130]

Thank you Helen. I got my frame yesterday and look forward to doing my mill hill kits now after watching your encouraging video.

[@helend.flosstube]

Watch your fingers! 😂

[@sharonpatnode454]

I purchased that frame hoop or square but ordered the large one…I then ordered the smaller one and love it…..thank you telling us about them. I really enjoy your videos…I feel I learn so much from you….

[@helend.flosstube]

I think the large one is the right size for the bigger Buttons and Beads kits.

[@joanbusch7952]

Really helpful video. Thank you for sharing!

[@martharobbins5189]

Last week I received my mill hill magnetic holder I saw on your flosstube, which I had no idea was an item till I saw it. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Looking forward to your finishing tutorial.

[@helend.flosstube]

The frame is a game changer for me!

[@maureenlopez9266]

Great tip for using that Beadalon (?) thread for the beads to save changing floss colors!

[@helend.flosstube]

It really saves a lot of time!

[@kellytadlock7635]

Thanks so much for another great video! You make beading kits so easy to understand! I need to get a magnetic frame, great idea! Your expertise is very much appreciated! Have a great week! ❤

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you!

[@lisahaley116]

Thank you for doing this video. I'm doing my first Mill Hill kit and I'm ready for the beads. I definitely will get the thread you recommended 👌

[@helend.flosstube]

I find the Nymo thread nice to work with. Size B.

[@vivianburrus8085]

Thank you for this! After seeing your ornament parades, I started getting interested in and looking around at Mill Hill kits. Funny, that "Painted Pumpkin" was one I was considering. I look forward to the finishing videos too.

[@helend.flosstube]

There are so many kits to choose from!

[@CrossStitchtheGlobe]

Very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤

[@aimeezellers814]

Thanks Helen. Lots of great ideas.

[@rc5942]

You can do a loop start with 3 threads. Fold one thread into two, then lay a single thread next to looped thread. Catch extra thread in the loop on your first stitch.

[@sandyevenson-hagen370]

Thanks for clarifying how to prep these kits, much appreciated!

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulagolden4731]

Thank you! I have a few Mill Hill kits that I have been putting at the bottom of my stitching list for a while. They seem more doable now! Looking forward to the finishing video 🪡🪡🪡

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindapearson3340]

Thank you so much for this video. I just ordered my first Mill Hill Kit so this video really came at the right time for me. Thanks for the great tips.

[@helend.flosstube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theinlandseastitcher]

Thank you for your video - you make something intimidating look so easy 😊

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you! 😊

[@EmmyRose22a]

Great information. I really like the idea of prepping the kits when I have a little less brain space so they're just ready to go. I always learn something from you. I'm also going to have to try the nymo thread. I did several Santa's at Christmas and not changing the beading thread would have made them go much quicker.

[@helend.flosstube]

The nymo definitely speeds things up!

[@MariaHlad]

I really need to order one of these frames. I have several Mill Hills and Satsumas and definitely want to try doing them.

[@helend.flosstube]

The frames really do make it easier!

[@jeanmartin6471]

Thank you for sharing! I started the paw print and as I was preparing the paper I couldn't tell which side is which on it 😅 so I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!

[@helend.flosstube]

You're definitely not the only one!

[@judystone3645]

Great video. I've been stitching MH kits for years. Love them. I had Covid over Christmas and just didnt feel like stitching. I gathered up 12 of my kits and spent the day in bed separating floss, etc. I use cardboard, too, but I glue 2 pieces of file folders together to make it stronger. They just don't make file folders like they used to. I totally do my beading the same way. I have found a few beads are see-through, so on those I do match thread to bead. Otherwise, its faster to just use Beadalon or MH nymo thread. Thanks for this tutorial. ❤

[@helend.flosstube]

That sounds like a great use of time when you don't feel up to stitching. And now you can just grab one and go!

[@janchristensen2046]

Thank you!!! Such helpful information-particularly the magnetic frame

[@helend.flosstube]

I love the frame!

[@andrealoconto-du8ic]

Great video.I truly appreciate you going thru this. ,very helpful as always.

[@helend.flosstube]

You are so welcome!

[@barbarabell6527]

Thanks Helen.I was having a time deciding which color was which & thought of using my dmc chart. Happy Birthday! Have a great week

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you!

[@kozymom1528]

Very informative.

[@fransmith7905]

I love doing my mill hill Christmas ornaments( even the ones they give magnets for I do as ornaments). I’ve always put wool felt on my backs and use fabric glue to secure the felt to the back. It’s definitely a bit challenging tracing & cutting though. I’ll be interested and seeing how you do the cardstock backing. I like the way the felt gives it a bit of thickness, isn’t bumpy on the back and personally to me seems to give the edges a finish looked. I ordered one of the frames from Etsy but it’s taking a bit to here. Even though it was a US seller it’s shipping from the Ukraine. Thanks for sharing .

[@helend.flosstube]

I hope your frame comes soon and you love it!

[@janetlongislandsticher]

Thank you for the Tutorial on beads and Happy Birthday 🎂

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you! 😊

[@figskater3382]

Happy Birthday, Helen!

[@helend.flosstube]

Thank you!

[@joyceclowser3371]

Thank you!

[@laurievottero9676]

Thank you for this video!

[@DeeAZstitcher]

I use the DMC floss card a lot!!!

[@helend.flosstube]

It really helps!

[@juliehart7069]

Great video, Helen. I don't even do Mill Hill kits, but your explanation of how to start them almost makes me want to try. That magnetic frame is a great tool. Getting snow???

[@helend.flosstube]

This storm fizzled out, so we were snow free today!

[@patquiltb77]

💖💖💖Thank you!!

[@andrea_can_2]

Thank you Helen! I just bought my first Mill Hill and this video was so helpful! I’m not sure how I’ll like it so I’m not ready to invest in the magnetic frame. Are there any DIY suggestions for a frame that anyone knows of?

[@astar3849]

Wish you'd mentioned the best way to deal with the beads, I've started a mill hill kit but have no idea how I'll sort the beads out separating them and not losing them!

[@RedPandaHomebody]

Fantastic tutorial as always, Helen, thank you! I have a semi-related question for you (and any of the more experienced cross stitchers in the comments too!): would you use this technique for any other ornaments? I guess what I’m asking is, does it make better sense to stitch ornament patterns in this same way, even if it’s not a kit or doesn’t call for perforated paper? I guess I’m just wondering if folks prefer this method to other methods of finishing ornaments? Or is this something you really only do for these kinds of kits and ornaments that specifically call for them? I’ve not done ornaments yet, oddly enough, neither in my first cross stitch obsession phrase 20-25 years ago now, this past year, but I have quite a collection of saved charts for ornaments, but no real clue on how I want to start them, because I don’t know how I want to finish them.

[@lisaboban]

Actually, you can easily do any ornament on perforated paper, as long as there are no fractional stitches. Then you can finish them any way you want to.

[@helend.flosstube]

I second Lisa. You can really stitch anything on perforated paper as long as there are no fractional stitches.

[@kristathompson-fancyflosss9200]

Thank you for this. I have some of the Santa’s to stitch. Have you stitched some where they have multiple pieces to stitch that you add? I think some of my Santa’s have those. Are they easy to do?

[@helend.flosstube]

I haven't yet, but I do have some like that in my stash. They don't look too difficult, and I'm sure the directions are thorough.

[@nprairie4]

Thank you for this video I have some kits and wasn’t sure how to start. Can you tell me where you buy the Beadalon you used

[@helend.flosstube]

123stitch carries it. Or do a search for Nymo Thread size B.

[@janetshaffer423]

My question is if you can blow up the black and white Mill Hill chart to make it easier to read quickly?

[@helend.flosstube]

I haven't tried, but it would be worth trying if you have access to a scanner.

[@wendysstitching4849]

Very helpful video. Thank you😊 can you tell me the name of the thread you mentioned that you use for bead? I’d like to order some and try it

[@helend.flosstube]

It's Nymo thread, size B. I know 123stitch carries it.

[@theresalaboda3569]

Great video . One question where did you get your beadlon size B thread? Thanks.

[@helend.flosstube]

I've gotten it from 123stitch. It may be sold out right now. Search for Nymo Thread

[@theresalaboda3569]

@@helend.flosstube thank you

[@gabornagy5280]

Hi Helen. I love your videos. Greetings from Hungary. I'd like to ask, where bought you that magnetic hoop for the Mill hill project? Thanks

[@helend.flosstube]

I found it on Etsy. There are a number of shops that carry them in Ukraine. I don't know how the shipping is to Hungry. 😊

[@gabornagy5280]

@@helend.flosstube Thank you, Helen ❤️

[@andrewilliams1954]

🪡👍🏽 Thanks

[@Karen3263]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@lisaboban]

"So, the way that they do their flosses..." Is a nightmare. Its a nightmare. Your tips and tricks are helpful. But we should all just admit that you'll lose an hour or two to figuring out if that strand is "dark grey" or "very dark grey". And you'll need that DMC book.

[@helend.flosstube]

It really is a mess! Sometimes even the color card isn't much help. 😂

[@Linda_James]

😂 I stitched this one and started in wrong orientation. Had to frog out some stitches 😅

[@helend.flosstube]

Some of them really don't give you much leeway with the paper!