Gridding fabric for cross stitch -- how to grid easily

[@Panicpossum24]

I'm about to start my first big project (150x150 stitches) after doing tiny 4 inch images. This is a life saver and makes it seem so doable. Thank you for the informative upload!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Jessica! Good luck with your big project! 🙂

[@blackrose89-96]

Ok this video is a lifesaver. Thank you very very much dear Peacock!!! would never start counted cross stitch without this video. God bless you!!!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful! 😊❤️

[@lindadean6909]

You will never know how much you helped me with this . Thank you 😊

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Linda! 😊

[@ClementinaJacobs1]

I had thought of this while watching other videos, just use fabric pens. Very smart thanks for showing this

[@peacockandfig]

There can be issues with fabric pens though, if it's a large project and it gets cold at any point even after washing the lines out (like in the hold of an airplane), then the lines can reappear. I also have linked in the description another tutorial using fine fishing line to grid your fabric, that's the best alternative (assuming the colour doesn't bleed onto your fabric, check that first) because you can just pull the line out when you're done. 😊

[@issystar96]

What a great, easy to understand, informative tutorial. Thank you Dana!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome, thanks for the feedback! 🙂

[@CearaIvory]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. I grid my fabric this morning for my new project and omg, it really takes out the guesswork. Thank you thank you.

[@auntpurl5325]

I spent 8 hours threading a grid on my fabric. It worked very beautifully, but I'd like to try the much easier pencil method next time. Thanks for sharing.

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Denelle! Just be aware though that the pencil can come off onto your floss as you stitch (or be really hard to erase later), so the time you spend sewing in your grid lines is time saved later from trying to fix any issues that can crop up by drawing in your grid lines. 😊

[@ziggilypiggily]

FYI - fabric markers, I've had a few different kinds as I used them for quilting. I didn't necessarily finish a quilt within a year or two and found that the marker does not always wash out after that much time. So be careful with those markers if working on long term projects.

[@peacockandfig]

Yeah I've heard that too, which suuuuuucks. 😥

[@TCNasty1]

Thank you. I have always used the folding system, which is fine for some projects. But projects with so many shade of grey. This looks like a project saver, especially the idea of where I am each time I pick the project up to resume!

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Sandi! I'd also recommend watching the tutorial about gridding using stitched in lines with nylon thread (it's linked in the description) -- it's a much more reliable way of making sure your lines aren't permanent, I've had a few viewers say that they had a hard time removing the pencil lines (or even water soluble lines if you leave them in your fabric for say years for a massive project). 🙂

[@LourynStrampe]

Realized halfway through my first piece that I had drastically miscounted. Taking it as a learning experience... and thanks to your video, gridding my next one :)

[@peacockandfig]

Booo that sucks Louryn, but we've all been there. Do check out my other video on gridding as well (I have one showing how to grid with fishing line) -- then you don't have to worry about erasing lines or maybe having the floss pick up any graphite, you just stitch the lines in and pull them out when you're done. 🙂

[@anneballard6168]

The first time I tried grinding, I used a pencil (hard lead, light as I could). The design featured a Snowy Owl and the grid showed through the white stitching. I switched to stitching grids. It takes longer to create, but it comes out easily. In the end, I had to throw away the owl, the longest, most complex piece I'd ever tried. It came out beautifully, except the grid ruined it.

[@peacockandfig]

Anne Ballard Boooo I'm so sorry to hear that the pencil ruined yours owl. 🙁 At least you've found a way that works for you now ♥️

[@castebner]

Thanks for the demonstration! I use the "Madam Sew" Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pens" for cross stitch and for quilting. They work great! I use the white Arch Foam Eraser in my other crafts and it never smears or smudges!

[@peacockandfig]

Awesome, thanks for sharing Carol! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial! 🙂

[@joycerupp9936]

I also quilt, so I tend to use the inch. 14 stitches per inch. Mark lightly on the inch and then check it. Helps from going cross eyed 😊

[@peacockandfig]

You can do that, but the darker grid lines in most cross stitch patterns are grids of 10. So if you were looking at grids of 10 on your pattern but grids of 14 on your fabric, that'd be really easy to screw up at some point. 😊

[@Isis-gn1qp]

I've always worked on smaller pieces. Recently i decided to go ahead and do a big one. I was taught by someone who didn't use gridding. So in my 20 years of cross stitching Iv'e never heard of this. I seriously wish I had. My big piece is becoming a nightmare, so much that I've lost all motivation to complete it. I'll be doing this from now on!

[@peacockandfig]

So glad it was helpful! You can also stitch in grid lines (there's a link to another tutorial in the video description), that's super handy as well as you could do that with a semi-finished piece as you just pull out the stitched lines (usually using fine fishing line or unpierceable metallic thread) when you're done. 🙂

[@Isis-gn1qp]

Peacock & Fig I’m hurrying over to buy some fishing line tomorrow then! Thank you! I already messed up the piece pretty badly but maybe I can recover.

[@PG-wz7by]

I'm waiting for my Sulky Sliver to arrive, and I need it, because 😱😱😱my stitches drift off 😂I'm very new! I love your videos. They're very helpful and do not assume I know anything...but still have lots of info.

[@peacockandfig]

Yay, I'm glad you're enjoying the tutorials! Good luck for your thread arriving soon! 🙂

[@sheetalmudaliar]

Thankyou so much for sharing your expertise and knowledge. It's definitely very helpful.

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful Sheetal! 🙂

[@fitfilful]

such lovely work...I do the same thing like you do...its the easiest for me compared to stitching fishing lines on fabric...

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks so much! Drawing is easier, but it does depend on what you're stitching, I've heard of people using pencil on a piece that's mainly light tones, and the floss picked up the graphite as it was travelling through the fabric and turned gray. Obviously that wasn't an issue for my project as it's mostly darker colours. You can see a pic of the finished piece here, it's my Shades of Grace pattern. 🙂 peacockandfig.com/shades-grace-cross-stitch-pattern-2

[@rekhajoshi203]

Thank you for this helpful Video on stitch count.

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome! 😊

[@Sunny25611]

(..and NEVER use a lead pencil! :/ ) 💖 Thank you very much for the clear and concise tutorial - I’ve made more mistakes this past year doing my first small HAED than I have for the past 20 years by going it alone. 🙏🏽

[@peacockandfig]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@danni8176]

I wish I had started gridding my fabric. I have in picked so much haha! Thankyou you're amazing xxx

[@peacockandfig]

Haha that's ok Danni, we all learn as we go along. I do have another video on how to grid using fine fishing line or nylon thread, that's actually better than drawing your lines as then you can just pull the threads out when you're done -- no worries about lines showing through your stitching or anything... 🙂

[@christinafidance340]

Those erasers are also useful for cleaning the dust and crud off of old timey video game cartridges too! We have an original NES from the 80s and use an eraser whenever just blowing on the game doesn’t work! 😂

[@peacockandfig]

Bahaha we never had any of those gaming systems, the best we ever had was a gameboy (I had Q-Bert, and I got soooo good at that...) 😂😂 We'd also go to a friend's house to play Pong and Galaxian all the time, still such good games... 😂

[@cheryldixon8863]

You have saved me time and a lot of money as I have been finding the pattern I was going to do was not correct and now I’m able to make it work wow thank you very much

[@peacockandfig]

Awesome, glad it helped Cheryl! 🙂

[@KittyLovesGlover]

hmm. didn't know how to grid my work other than into just quaters with 1 thread of a contrasting color that isn't in my pattern, and make a wide running stitch both ways. then i don't end up with markings anywhere. when i'm done, just pull the threads out. :) may use this when i do my dream piece.

[@peacockandfig]

Do whatever works for you, there are no rules. Using a nylon thread though is better, you can't pierce the thread with your needle. I also have another tutorial on my channel on how to grid by sewing in the lines (with fishing line). 🙂

[@NoviceStitcher]

i have used both the nylon thread and the water soluable marker. i think i like the nylon thread better. when using the water soluable marker the lines will fade in the air. however it makes up for it by being water soluable.

[@peacockandfig]

Novice Stitcher Haha yes that's true! I have heard some fabric markers can leave lines on fabric if it's left on too long, or they can reappear. I'm glad gridding is working out for you, it's such a handy technique! :)

[@FaerieDust]

Pilot Frixion pens are great for this type of stuff - the ink turns invisible with heat! Great if you don't want to wash your finished piece.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha yes, I do talk about them in a tutorial on transferring your embroidery patterns to your fabric. 🙂 The lines can reappear though, I've heard of it happening, particularly if the project gets very cold (like in your suitcase on an aircraft). One tip I heard was to erase the lines with heat, then wash your project when it's done, and that should get rid of any residue that may reappear later. 🙂

[@sheilahumphrey-morris1588]

Hi, and thank you for your video. I need your help. I have a already started counted cross stitch project. It is has over 50 pages to it. I have lost interest in it. But I think if I grid it up I might can enjoy it and finish it. Can I grid it starting from the top left corner where I have already stitched using the chart from it?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Sheila! Is that your first cross stitch pattern? If it is, my recommendation is to not do such a large pattern right away, those massive patterns take years to stitch up and will absolutely kill your enthusiasm (particularly with switching colours so many times). My recommendation honestly is to start with a smaller simpler pattern, and get the hang of working across that first, my site has dozens and dozens of smaller patterns (that are smaller specifically so you can finish them in a timely manner and move onto your next project). And yes, you can start gridding from wherever you left off (just making sure the grid lines you're adding match exactly the placement of the grid lines on your printed pattern), but I'd highly recommend watching my other gridding tutorial on sewing in your grid lines with fishing line or fine nylon thread -- then you can pull them out at the end, and there's zero chance of the pen etc getting permanently embedded in the fibres of your fabric (which very likely will happen on such a massive project as it'll take you years to finish). Plus gridding it will help you make sure you started your project in the right place, and you're not going to accidentally run out of fabric if your margins aren't correct. That's the worst part of larger projects, if you realize part way through you started in the wrong place and thus will run out of fabric (there's no way to attach new fabric and not have it be very visible from the front). Hope that helps! 😊

[@sheilahumphrey-morris1588]

@@peacockandfig thank you for replying, but no it is not my first cross stitch. I have been stitching for over 35 years. However, this is my first huge one. I have it on a frame that I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Actually I am on my second Hobby Lobby frame. I keep stripping the nuts and bolts. Which adds to my frustration with this project. I will look at your other gridding videos. Thanks again.

[@wheelerpat8]

Those erasers aren’t designed to “not smudge.” They’re designed to not rip the paper like ordinary pencil erasers do. It’s for artists who want to paint on top of their sketches without the surface of the paper being all bumpy and rough. They’re also used by graphic artists using blue pencils, not lead. That’s what the erasers are for, the blue “non-reproducible” pencils. Easy to find at local art stores.

[@peacockandfig]

Well, considering I'm an artist (don't assume anything based on me also being a cross stitch designer), I just might know that. The point was that the white vinyl artists erasers don't smudge and smear graphite to all ends of the earth like the intensely junky pink school erasers, or the crappy ones on the end of most pencils. The softer erasers are more able to pick graphite up without shredding the surface underneath. Sorry if that wasn't clear in the video, it's a cross stitch tutorial, not a drawing or painting one. 🙂

[@wheelerpat8]

Peacock & Fig Sorry, just trying to help. Please don’t take it personal. I’ve been a graphic designer (and cross stitcher) for 35+ years. I just thought your followers might appreciate the history of that eraser. My comment was kindly meant, in the hopes of being helpful. And I guess I hate the thought of all that beautiful fabric being smudged up with dark lead when the blue pencil would work great (similar to the blue pen). I love the fabric as much as the stitching. Take care.

[@wheelerpat8]

Peacock & Fig P. S. Those erasers do smudge, as shown in your video. It’s OK. Carry on.

[@etam1616]

Thank you for sharing this! I believe I can start gridding for my future projects!

[@peacockandfig]

+etam1616 Wooohoo, that's great! I find the time I spend gridding is so valuable, I make up for it while stitching as I'm far less likely to make a mistake. Just make sure you can erase or remove your grid lines cleanly before you grid a whole piece (try it out on the back or on a scrap of the same fabric) - the last thing you want is to be left with semi-permanent grid lines. :) If you'd like to share pics of your progress, feel free to share them on my Facebook page, I'd love to see what you're up to! :) facebook.com/peacockandfig

[@pilkjaer]

I had and issue with a textile pencil when all the lines disappeared after a week or so. So be sure to make a test prior.

[@peacockandfig]

Yeah it's alllllwayyyys worth doing a test first -- even a softer fabric can "grip" onto any kind of pencil or marking pen more easily and make it more likely the lines will be visible after the project is done. I've included a link to the tutorial on how to grid using fishing line in the description, that will prevent a lot of the issues with using an actual "marking" pen or pencil when doing your grid lines. Takes a bit longer to set up, but worth it if there's no permanent issues that may crop up later. 😊

[@susananderson4428]

I just bought a special pen for marking grid on my Aida it’s a light blue and literally when I prewashed the fabric( cause it was incredibly stiff) the light blue came out totally with just water

[@peacockandfig]

Yes, that's a water soluble pen, that's like what I show at the beginning of the tutorial. You can use that, but make sure to actually wash your project (with some mild detergent) at the end too, otherwise those disappeared lines may leave a residue which can reappear later. You can also sew in your grid lines using fine fishing line, I have another tutorial on that, then there's no chance of lines reappearing later, issues with lighter floss colours picking up some of the graphite from the pencil and becoming dirty, etc. For your Aida, some Aida will get a bit softer if you wash it (it's got sizing in it), some won't, some is just not very high quality so it will always remain stiff and scratchy. Usually the Aida you can buy in rolls from big box craft stores is meh quality, and can be quite stiff to work with. In the future if you want a really lovely stitching experience, try out some Zweigart Aida. It's more expensive (you can get it online at places like 123stitch.com, or many specialty needlework shops carry it), but it's buttery soft and so lovely to work with. 🙂

[@cathieh.7225]

The easy count nylon thread, does it come out easily if you've stitched over? Thank you!

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Cathie! Yes, you just pull it right out, just leave longer ends so it's easier to grab it and pull. 😊

[@Barbahrah]

When would you actually erase the line? Once you stitch over them - how can you erase them? Thanks for your time & help!

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Barbara! For my project I erased the lines that extended beyond the edge of the stitching (in the margins), just in case my framing job didn't completely cover the fabric margins. Or if you're wanting to leave a fabric margin you'd need to erase the lines that go beyond the stitching, and obviously if you gridded a piece that's not full coverage you'll need to erase the lines where there's no stitching. Just make sure to double and triple check you can erase your lines (use a test piece of fabric or the back) before gridding it all out. Some erasers will smudge the pencil, or drive it deeper into the fabric. There are ways to wash out pencil later if necessary, but I find erasing is the easiest for me. 🙂

[@Barbahrah]

Thank you so much for your reply!! I will test it out. I was thinking of using a #4 pencil so it is much lighter. I bought a blue pen but it is not thin enough - had to rinse it out several times to get rid of it. I love your work!!!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha thanks so much Barbara, appreciate it! Have a great day! 🙂

[@dojomojo1952]

I have been working on a project but I am finding it difficult to find my place. It takes me forever to count and find it again. I have been watching the videos on gridding and I wish I saw them before I started. Is it possible to start gridding on a WIP?

[@peacockandfig]

You can, I have another video (that might be linked in the description of this one, I can't remember) about gridding with fishing line or fine nylon thread. You may find it tricky to sew in the grid lines (nylon = you can't puncture the thread accidentally and it's super easy to pull out when you're done) around stitching that's already there, but it's definitely doable. Give it a shot in a small area and see if it works. If you don't have any thin nylon thread, metallic threads can work as well, assuming they can't be punctured by your needle and will slide out easily when you're done. 😊

[@jenb8488]

Do you have any tips or tricks for when you don’t realize you made a mistake in the dead middle of the current floss your using?

[@peacockandfig]

Yep, unless it's an absolutely vital detail, I don't worry about it and I ignore it (or work around it). 99% of the time, only you will know it's a mistake. If it's a super vital detail like an eye or something, you can carefully cut out your floss and then start again, but that's a pain. 😊

[@cathymccabe2078]

I know you mentioned using this with 22 count material and gridding every 10 but if you stitch over 2 should you mark over every 20? It seems very confusing to me when I try to figure it out by myself.

[@peacockandfig]

Yes, but gridding on linen or evenweave is very difficult -- not impossible, but because you're counting over 20, and on linen the threads may not be an even thickness, it's very easy to make a mistake. It's also near impossible to draw a clean line (I wouldn't recommend drawing your line at all these days, I'd recommend stitching the lines in with a fine metallic or nylon thread (I have another tutorial on that). Stitching is going to make the lines easier to remove (you just pull them out later)k and far easier to follow your straight lines along the threads and not make counting mistakes when gridding. 😊

[@cathymccabe2078]

@@peacockandfig thank you

[@robinhart1390]

Where do you erase the lines and how do you do it after you stitch?

[@peacockandfig]

I meant if you need to erase the lines around the outer edge (because sometimes framing won't fully cover the edge, or if the pattern isn't a full coverage one). In the video description I do link a newer tutorial about stitching in grid lines with fishing line (or anything that won't stain the fabric or be pierced by the needle), that's far easier to deal with in the end as you just pull the grid lines out. And then you don't risk pencil or whatever staining lighter colour floss. 😊

[@MsBeachLizard]

I'm a Quilter and I use the Frixion pen to mark my fabrics for certain sewing lines or cuts. It is removable with an iron. I do use a wool mat for pressing delicate machine embroidered pieces. Anyway, my question is whether or not I can use a Frixion pen for griding. Has anyone ever done that with success?

[@peacockandfig]

You can, but the lines from Frixion pens can come back if your piece gets cold (like you mail it, put it in your luggage in an aircraft, etc). So I always recommend to wash your piece when you use a Frixion pen, whether for hand embroidery or cross stitch. You can also remove the lines with a hot hairdryer as well as an iron. 😊

[@TheKkf1015]

The pink block erasers are great at erasing pencil marks too, mostly.

[@peacockandfig]

I've never tried them on fabric, I know for paper they sometimes leave a pink stain (at least they always did to me), and sometimes smeared the graphite rather than picked it up. That's why I always use the white vinyl artists erasers, no chance of staining and I find it picks up graphite (or charcoal) really well. But if they work well for you, go for it. 🙂

[@nikicicansky3857]

Hi I just finished my project and I'm trying to remove the grid marks I'm using rubbing alcohol dish soap and water it not coming off very well any tips?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Niki! That sucks, I'm sorry, you didn't say what you used to mark your fabric with, or if you did a test before gridding (as some fabrics will "grip" onto marks much easier). If you used pencil, here's what one stitcher recommended: "I have had perfect results with no pencil lines left by soaking the piece in a bit of Tide and OxiClean. I let it soak for maybe an hour or two unless it is really heavy, then I would leave it overnight." Hope that helps! 😊

[@nikicicansky3857]

@@peacockandfig Hi Thank you for the reply! I used a mechanical pencil. I have since found you can buy specific pens for gridding so I will try that next time. Thank you for the tip I will add that to my soak. I have been having a bit of success alternating from lemon juice to baking soda to rubbing alcohol, and it's slowly coming out. My project was massive and the gridding did dramatically help. I will forever cross stitch this way just maybe with a better pencil!

[@5877user]

Thank you thank you for actually demonstrating how to grid with a pen or pencil. I am fairly new to cross stitch. I've learned everything from flosstube. I've seen how stitchers use pens a lot but never saw a video of how to actually do it. Wouldn't the residue end up in the stitched floss if you are erasing?

[@peacockandfig]

+xx courtr5877 Thanks very much for your question! I've found the eraser residue just brushes away cleanly - I use the white vinyl artists erasers, and it doesn't get as fine of a "dust" when you use it as say those awful hard pink erasers you get in school. Just double check before you do any gridding that your chosen method will erase or get washed away cleanly - you can see in the video how I used a different eraser than the one I tested with, and it smudged the pencil lines. Each pencil will be slightly different density and will mark various fabrics differently, so do double check before starting to mark up your whole fabric. That goes for fabric pens that come with kits too - I've had a few emails from people asking how to remove fabric marker lines for pens that came with their kits (the kits were from China and no instructions came with the pen). The last thing you want to do is spend all that time gridding and stitching, only to find you can't cleanly get rid of the lines later. There is also stuff that looks like a fine fishing line that you can sew into your fabric to create grid lines - that just pulls out once you're finished stitching. Good luck! Feel free to post any pics of your work onto my Facebook page, it's always neat seeing what people are working on. :) facebook.com/handylittlegadget

[@michellejanes8456]

Why didn’t I think of this……😂😂thank you!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome Michelle! Make sure you check out my other gridding video too (I think I linked it in this video description) -- drawing is faster than stitching in your grid lines but there's less chance of the lines not erasing fully or transferring graphite to lighter colour floss if you stitch the lines in (with something like a coloured nylon thread you can easily pull out later). 😊

[@bleh8956]

This video is really helpful. I’m about to start gridding but the I’m not sure how to measure the gridding pattern as the pattern that I’ll be doing is quite big. The finished pattern is 7inch x 8.5inch. Is that mean I have to do 14inch?

[@peacockandfig]

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean. It doesn't matter what the finished size is, look at your actual pattern chart. Most have a darker line every tenth row and tenth column on the chart. That's what you're drawing on the fabric (or stitching, I have another video about how to stitch in your grid lines so you don't have issues with not being able to get rid of drawn lines later). So you'd do your grid lines on your fabric the same distance apart as on your actual pattern (like every tenth row, do a grid line). Just make sure to centre it all first on your fabric, make sure you've got a big enough margin around all the edges of your fabric. 🙂

[@bleh8956]

Peacock & Fig thank you for your reply. So how do I measure the margin around the edge?

[@SimpLeeBeth]

Did you end up liking that marking pen? It's hard to find one on Amazon that doesn't have at least some negative reviews

[@peacockandfig]

I do use that pen sometimes for embroidery work, it's fine. The trick is with those pens is to make sure the project is well washed at the end, not only to dissolve the ink, but to make sure there's no residue left behind. If there's residue, then dark lines can reappear later, particularly if the project gets cold (aka gets mailed or shipped anywhere in the hold of an aircraft). You can also try Frixion pens, they're heat "soluble," but again, you should wash the project at the end to get rid of the residue. I talk about them on my tutorial about transferring embroidery patterns to fabric. 🙂

[@elanafariss1]

Hello! Not sure if you can answer this question, but this is a cross stitch question. I'm getting a pattern from an uploaded photo from the DMC website. They do the cross stitch conversions for you. I'm wondering if you can tell me how I can transfer the pattern onto a piece of denim using waste canvas? I guess I'd have to stitch the pattern directly onto the material then remove it? Not sure if that's how you do it. Any suggestions? thanks :)

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Elana! Just a warning first -- doing cross stitch onto denim might be really challenging, it's such a sturdy material, you may find you get tired a lot more easily (and you'll have to use embroidery needles instead of tapestry needles, and they're so sharp they may end up catching your waste canvas as you stitch). There are two ways you can do it. Use waste canvas which you pin into place, stitch over, then I believe you get the whole thing wet and slowly tease the strands of the waste canvas out from under your stitches. That's why you have to be super careful to not catch it as you're stitching, so denim might be challenging. Another method might be to use a water-soluble Aida, I do know it exists but I've never used it. Again you'd pin it to the denim, stitch your pattern like normal, then rinse away the Aida so you're just left with the stitching like magic. 🙂

[@corinnerenshaw3621]

A fine friction pen works the best, or stitch long ,running stitches.

[@peacockandfig]

Yep! I also have another tutorial showing how to stitch in the grid with fine fishing line (you need to use something that can't be pierced by your needle). I talk about the Frixion pens in another tutorial about transferring your embroidery patterns to fabric, but it can leave a residue that comes back later if you're not careful. 😊

[@nicosteps715]

Hi Do someone know if i can iron a printed stencil on the fabric? That would be a life saver for my own picture projects hehe

[@peacockandfig]

You don't want to do that -- the fabric will end up too thick to stitch on and you'll have to punch through each hole (if you can even see them under the layer of transfer) which would be really hard to do with a tapestry needle. Plus you won't have any clue what actual colour should go where, it truly won't come out good at all. :)

[@nicosteps715]

@@peacockandfig ooh but i mean like that only the coulor tranfer on it. Not the paper. Like using aceton or somthing

[@ac4mailc15]

Would you still use pencil on a piece that had open areas not covered by stitching? I starting gridding my fabric using the Water soluble PENCIL - and then discovered that I had pressed too hard, and I am having difficulty removing the lines. I'm trying to remove ALL the lines, and re-grid before even starting to stitch. Thank you SO VERY much for posting the video! Hope to hear back from you.

[@peacockandfig]

+ac4mail C Hi, thanks for your question! What I would actually do is do a test - see how cleanly your lines will erase before gridding. Then even if you're gridding in an open area, you are 100% certain you can get rid of the lines before you mark up your fabric. If there are only small areas of open fabric, you could also leave those areas ungridded (or use little bits of coloured thread to stitch grid lines in those areas). Grab a test piece of your fabric (or use the back) and try a few methods and see what will work best for you. You can also get some fishing-line style thread that is nylon, so you'd stitch your gridlines and your embroidery floss won't puncture it. Then you'd just pull those nylon guide lines out of your fabric when you were done. It takes a bit longer than drawing grid lines, but that could be one alternative. If you need any help along the way, you're of course welcome to post images onto my Facebook page (facebook.com/handylittlegadget) and I'll do my best to help you out. :) Hope that helps, let me know how it goes! Dana

[@ac4mailc15]

+Handy Little Gadget Do you actually erase lines after stitching? Or are they just covered up by your stitching? Wish there was a magic way to get these "water soluble PENCIL" lines OUT! Scrubbing w/toothbrush isn't doing it, so I've added diluted soap. Maybe it's silly - but I like to maintain the "stiff" texture as long as I can, and don't really want to submerge and scrub the lines out. If you have ANY ideas - would be glad to hear. The Soluble MARKER DOES work well - so b/c of the open areas, will probably try that, then hunt for some light weight red fishing line. Thanks for answering my questions and sharing your opinion!

[@peacockandfig]

+ac4mail C You're very welcome, it sounds like you're doing lots of great experimenting! Yes, I erase the lines from the outside edges of the fabric (where there is no stitching), but I don't bother erasing the lines that my stitching will cover. I guess if you're using super fine and delicate fabric, you might need to erase lines before you stitch on them. If you're using water soluble markers, all the lines should automatically disappear once it gets wet (whether they're covered by stitching or not). I've never used the water soluble pencils, so I'm not sure of any other methods you could try. Maybe a little stain remover might help remove the residue? Just be careful if it's going to touch any floss, the stain remover may make floss colours change (but I doubt it). Let me know when you are successful in getting rid of the remaining lines! :)

[@peacockandfig]

+ac4mail C Hi again! Here's another tip I just saw in a cross stitch group I belong to. This is for water soluble pens, but it may well work just as well for the water soluble pencils. "Mix a little bit of vinegar with water along with little bit of Dawn dish detergent, soak it over night and then hand wash the next day. You shouldn't have any blue lines or any lines at all." So if nothing else you have tried works, do give that a go. And although washing the fabric will take a little of the sizing out of it (so it will be slightly less stiff), I've found if you iron the fabric again then it will regain quite a bit of its stiffness. If you already have done stitching, just make sure you iron it face down onto a soft towel - that way you won't crush the stitches. :) Hope something works for you! Dana

[@Vixen-asmr]

What kind of pen are you using to mark the grid? Not the light blue colored but the second one? It looks like a regular pen.

[@peacockandfig]

It's not a pen, it's a mechanical pencil, I say that in the video. But I'd recommend stitching in your grid lines rather than drawing them, some people have issues with the pencil not erasing after, or coming off onto the floss and making it look dirty. I have a link to a tutorial of how to stitch in the grid lines (you just remove them after) in the video description.🙂

[@sabree73]

Thank you I have never gridded before and now I want to try! Great video! 😄

[@peacockandfig]

Haha have fun with it! I've got another tutorial linked in the description about how to grid with fine nylon thread (or fishing line). Then you can just pull the line out when you're done stitching, and you don't have to worry about the drawn lines not erasing properly (or showing back up again later). 🙂

[@Marny5580]

Gridding for stitching is rather like using a lifeline when knitting an intricate pattern. Sort of, eh. Better safe than sorry. I did not grid on "Footprints ..." and the title was off - nothing drastic - but for the next time I will grid.

[@chelseavillareal5934]

Hi Dana! Thanks for this great tutorial. I gridded my Aida with pencil and just finished the piece but can still see some of the lines behind the floss. Will these wash out if I wash the piece like you demonstrate in your other video?

[@peacockandfig]

It possibly will Chelsea, it really does depend on the pencil (how hard or soft it is) and the fabric itself (how much it's "gripping" onto the graphite). Here's a tip from a fellow stitcher, this is what she does (but I'd test this with a little edge of your project first, or maybe a tiny scrap of fabric you put some pencil on and chuck a few stitches onto it) -- "I have had perfect results with no pencil lines left by soaking the piece in a bit of Tide and OxiClean. I let it soak for maybe an hour or two unless it is really heavy, then I would leave it overnight." Good luck! 🙂

[@gracebenjamin5548]

What is that ruler called so I know what to type on Amazon?

[@peacockandfig]

It's just a metal ruler, it's about 24" long, and has a bit of a cork padding on the back so it doesn't scratch your table. Drafting and art supply stores will carry them too if you have a local shop near you. 😊

[@melissalofts882]

My longest side it 49cm so how much extra do I add on each side ?

[@peacockandfig]

Three inches on all sides if possible. 😊

[@melissalofts882]

@@peacockandfig would that make it 50x55 if the original lengths are 44x49?

[@wwjackie7751]

Thank you! May I please ask, If I draw the lines very faintly, can I just leave them without washing the piece?

[@peacockandfig]

You can do anything you want, it's just that if they're not going to be completely covered by stitching then they'll be visible. But if they're going to be fully covered, no worries. Do be aware though that lighter floss colors can pick up the graphite and get dirty while stitching, so in the video description is also a link to a tutorial to stitching in your grid lines rather than drawing them on. 😊

[@iliasohn8283]

They also sell pencil artist erasers that work the same. I own several, those erasers work on everything.

[@peacockandfig]

Yeah that's what my white vinyl ones are (just one was really old in the video), I get them at the art shop when I'm grabbing other supplies too. They're great, art shops have so much good stuff. 😊

[@eileenreis8111]

I didn't test and a regular white school vinyl eraser is not erasing! Is an artists eraser different?

[@peacockandfig]

Oh noo, that's sad Eileen! Yes, an artists eraser is usually a lot better at picking up graphite than a regular school eraser. So I'd try and find one of those, and if it still doesn't work then try the suggestions in this article. I hope you can get the lines erased! :) www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a12424/stains-pencil-lead-may07/

[@colombepetite]

Won't the lead from the pencil distort the thread color as it passes through a marked are?

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks for the question! It shouldn't do -- I was drawing the lines just dark enough I could see them. If you were using a really soft lead in your pencil or drawing quite hard that might be a problem, but even with the white floss I was using I didn't have any issues. I just did another gridding video about how to do it with nylon thread like fishing line, so that's an alternative to drawing on the lines. You can see that video here -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/a56Thaacq91gfsU

[@mirjamgrimm3503]

Would you grid the whole canvas,if I understand correctly when your pattern only has random patterning, like for instance randomly scattered seashells so areas of canvas are left unstitched? Thank you for your lovely video, I want to start your piece on the loom looks intriguing. :))

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Mirjam, thanks for your question! You can grid only sections, but it might be harder than gridding the whole area. The reason is it's way too easy to make a mistake if you're constantly stopping and starting -- if you get one row or column off, everything else will be thrown off. You can also grid with fine nylon thread (like fishing line), if you look in the video description there's a "sister" tutorial showing you how to do that. 🙂

[@debranealey5747]

Will this method of mechanical fabric pencil work on linen?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Debra! Yes it will in theory, but it will be much harder to draw yourself lines really accurately as the fabric is much finer. I'd recommend stitching in your lines on linen, I have another tutorial on showing that with fine fishing line. 😊

[@trinaportner4125]

The pattern that I want to do is got grid lines already and the pattern can Go by that and then transfer it onto my 14 count

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Trina! That's exactly what you're supposed to do -- mimic the darker grid lines on your pattern by drawing or stitching them on your fabric, so what your fabric looks like is what your pattern looks like. I'd recommend not using the pencil if you have any areas of light floss, as it can pick up the graphite and get dingy and dirty. I do have another tutorial in my channel about gridding with fine fishing line, then you just pull the gridding out at the end and you don't have any residue. 🙂

[@trinaportner4125]

Thank you yes and I will use a pencil in a ruler because I was watching you and thought I would going to give it a try and see if it helps me better I have only been cross stitching a little while so thank you and I do have the white eraser like you were using so I am going to give it a try and see if it will help me better

[@narcovice]

wow love your nails beautiful nail polish

[@peacockandfig]

Thank you! 🤗

[@krystlewilliams1778]

Hi Dana I'm new to embroidery what's the best fabric to practice on something that's good and sturdy but not too expensive?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Krystle! Are you talking about embroidery or cross stitch? This video is about cross stitch, which uses totally different fabric than embroidery. For cross stitch, 14 count Aida (14 stitches to the inch) is a great fabric to start with for beginners, and you can get that at many craft stores and shops like Michaels, Joanns, etc. 🙂

[@puptentsca1]

Hi love this tutorial was wondering about the frame you are using I like the idea of it sitting on a table where can I purchase one please

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Marie-France! I actually just bought the scroll frame, then I made the legs for it myself. You can see how I made the rear legs here, it's literally just drilling some holes in wood and a couple of screws -- peacockandfig.com/2015/05/rear-leg-design-for-scrollbar-sewing-frame/. You can also buy lap frames, you could have a look online and see if there's something that would work for you. 🙂

[@8bijoux1]

Does this work with full coverage counted needlepoint? Does the pencil lead (graphite) come off on a light colored thread?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Barbara! It should work for needlework, but I'd recommend using either a water-soluble marking pen (test it first) if you have a fair whack of white floss. If your pencil is too soft, some graphite can transfer to the floss as it's being pulled through the fabric. So you could either draw your lines with something like a water-soluble pen, or you can stitch the gridlines in with nylon thread (or fine fishing line), or even Sulky Sliver metallic thread. Then you can just pull out the thread when you're done, it's fine enough you just stitch right over it. 🙂

[@Mariana090267]

Have you ever use a Pilot Frixion?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Mariana! I talk about them in another tutorial, about how to transfer embroidery designs to your fabric. They can work, but the project should definitely be washed after erasing the lines with heat. The reason is I've heard the residue from the pen can come back as dark lines later, so washing the project should make sure any residue isn't there anymore. 🙂

[@Mariana090267]

@@peacockandfig And with the iron? it is pretty good

[@ameliekhouw542]

In your experiences, how fast the pencil marks washed away with water would take?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi there! You can't just use water to wash away pencil, you'll need some sort of detergent as well. I actually erased the pencil lines that were still visible after stitching (like along the edges of the pattern), but I also tested it first to make sure the lines could be fully erased. 🙂

[@jamiesimon2048]

I’ve never grid! Started crossstitching in 1982 and this must be something new! If you can’t count you shouldn’t do it. Lol. Just saying

[@peacockandfig]

Not true at all. 😊Some people find it more relaxing (or have ADHD or other mental health issues) that mean gridding actually makes it a fun relaxing hobby, and not one where they're fighting to remember where they are or constanly making mistakes they have to rip out. Or they get distracted a lot in their home environment, or can only pick up their projects sporadically, meaning it's easier to lose track of where you are in the pattern. Or they're working on a massive pattern with a ton of confetti, and gridding makes it easier to see where random stitches of various colours are. There is no right or wrong way to do any craft, including cross stitch, just how you find works best for you. If you don't grid, great, but many do. 😊

[@brendachalcraft8022]

On the sideof your frame what is it that the needles are sticking into?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Brenda, thanks for your question! That's actually a little needle minder I made -- a magnet inside two circles of fabric with a little stuffing (and then another magnet on the back side of the fabric to hold it on). I have a free pattern on my site for how to make a stitched one, you can see that here -- peacockandfig.com/2015/07/mini-biscornu-needleminder-and-pincushion/ 🙂

[@PhamilyYVR]

Hi Dana! Do you recommend gridding the entire cloth before starting the project or grid as you go?

[@peacockandfig]

I'd recommend doing it at the beginning before you start. The reason is that once you go one direction, you'll find going the other direction a lot faster, and you'll catch any errors or counting mistakes when gridding easier. If you grid as you go, there's more of a likelihood of making a mistake gridding and not catching it until it's too late. 🙂

[@donnaross344]

That was very clear. Thank you.

[@peacockandfig]

Donna Ross Thanks very much for your comment, I appreciate it, and I'm glad it helped! Happy gridding! :)

[@pattyheffner8870]

My pattern design area says 7,79” x 5, 93”. ( 109 x 83 stitches). It also says grid size is 125 W x 100 H. How would I measure this to grid my fabric?

[@peacockandfig]

I have zero clue why your pattern says "grid size" Patty, that doesn't even make any sense. Maybe they've just rounded up the stitch size so you can roughly figure out the finished size depending on what thread count of fabric you choose? I have no idea, I've never seen any pattern do that before. All you do to calculate your finished size is divide the number of stitches by the thread count of your fabric. So if you're using 14 count fabric (14 stitches to the inch), you'd divide 109 by 14 and that gives you your finished size (which is the 7.79"). Add in 2-3" around all edges for a margin, you'll need that for finishing and framing (so roughly 8 + 3 + 3 = 14" wide). For gridding, you grid following how your pattern itself is gridded, the actual chart. Most charts have a darker line every tenth row or column, but the odd one I've seen is every eighth row/column. So depending on what's on your actual pattern is how you'd grid, the darker line is what you're drawing onto your fabric. I'd actually recommend stitching in your grid lines rather than drawing them, I have another video about how to do that linked in the video description. Stitching them in with metallic or nylon thread means you can stitch over the lines and remove them after without leaving any residue. Hope that helps! :)

[@dinushkakarunarathna4664]

How to prepared frame

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Dinushka! It depends on the type of frame you have. Some scroll bar frames have slots where you'd put your fabric then roll it up tight, some have velcro strips you attach to the back of your fabric, and some (like mine) you stitch the fabric to the canvas strips attached to the bars directly. 🙂

[@jbkrisandra]

Great video!. Do you use stabilizers on the back of your needlework? Would you recommend it for keeping your work perfectly square?

[@peacockandfig]

Shirley Hickman Thanks for the question Shirley! No I don't currently use stabilizers - I actually am using a scroll bar frame that seems to be working well to keep my piece square. I unscroll it to take a weekly progress picture for my newsletter, and the edges always seem to line up pretty accurately with the edge of the photographs. I was using stabilizer when I was doing machine embroidery in art school, I was basically drawing with a sewing machine using the darn function on the machine and the fabric in an upside-down embroidery hoop. I think stabilizer might work well if you don't use a hoop or some other frame, but it also might be harder to stitch through depending on which type you use. You could also just block the piece once it's finished and washed if you choose not to use a stabilizer or a hoop. Have you ever tried using stabilizers for needlework, what were your experiences?

[@jbkrisandra]

Shirley Hickman No, I've never used stabilizer. However I did see video here on KZbin where it was used for general embroidery. I wondered if it could be used when the stitched product is gonna be framed or made into a pillow or a wall hanging. I wondered if stabilizer might make it easier to work with.

[@peacockandfig]

Shirley Hickman I'm not sure, I guess it would depend on the density of the stabilizer and whether it was an iron-on product. If you were doing hand embroidery it may make the fabric slightly harder to go through with a needle as it would be a little thicker (and potentially slightly "sticky" due to the plastic nature of many stabilizers). I'm thinking a stabilizer would be really useful for projects that aren't full coverage, as the tension on the base fabric would be uneven due to the scattered nature of the stitching. For my full coverage one I'm working on, it seems to hang really straight and there isn't any pulling in any direction (the scroll bar frame helps too). I know stabilizer is really useful for machine embroidery as your fabric is being pulled in all different directions by the stitches and the presser foot, otherwise it can end up really buckled. I made machine embroidery lace at one point using a stabilizer that would wash away - I'd stitch layers and layers of looping stitches all over the stabilizer (in a hoop), then wash the stabilizer away to create lovely handmade lace.

[@krisneff8506]

Wow, this tip is great for us beginners for counted cross stitch. Thanks!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha I know right! Especially if you're doing big full coverage patterns, it's so helpful. I'd recommend stitching your lines in though, I have another tutorial on gridding with fishing line, then you don't have to worry about getting rid of your pencil marks later. 🙂

[@cathieh.7225]

I purchased a Sewrite Fabric Pencil with an eraser in the end and no way was it going to erase off or wash off quite disappointing, it's not your fault just mentioning it. I'd like to see someone grid using evenweave or more so on linen 2 over 2 with thread.

[@peacockandfig]

Aww I'm sorry it didn't erase off Cathie, that sucks. And you absolutely can do gridding with evenweave and linen, the reason I'm demonstrating on Aida is it's easier to see with the video because Aida has a more visible grid pattern -- I don't have a professional quality camera or setup, it's actually really hard to film very close details on your own and have everything be in focus, your hands not in the way of the camera, etc. 😊

[@dewimasatv5334]

Hi there, how to remove the grid from pencil. Mine got very complicated to clean it 😅

[@peacockandfig]

Hi there! Did you test removing the lines before you started stitching? You could always try the tip below from another stitcher, I haven't tried this though but she swears it works for her. Do test a bit of your floss though and make sure it's colorfast. "I have had perfect results with no pencil lines left by soaking the piece in a bit of Tide and OxiClean. I let it soak for maybe an hour or two unless it is really heavy, then I would leave it overnight."

[@dewimasatv5334]

@@peacockandfig yes i also try to used what its call clorox after put a lot of effort use rubber eraser but still got fade pencil stain. Maybe i should change the chemical. Tq! Sorry for my english!

[@shuangji5415]

hi where do you buy your fabric? I live in Toronto but it's so hard for me find large farbic like the 40*40inches ones…I checked Michaels but the most they have its the 35 inches 😖

[@peacockandfig]

shuang ji I'd check actual needlework shops in TO, I'm sure there are a ton around. I know sometimes Fabricland would sell Aida by the metre, at least one in Ottawa used to. You can also order it online. I got a yard of Zweigart Aida from a local needlework shop in Victoria, but any needlework shop can also order you in anything you might need. 40" is pretty much the entire width of a bolt of fabric, so you should be able to find something in the city. Or you can probably order directly from a manufacturer like Zweigart - their fabric is obviously more expensive than the brand Michaels sells, but it's really excellent quality. :)

[@Mary-vt7px]

I've been doing counted cross stitch for 30+ yrs, what is the benefit of "gridding"?

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Mary! It's to help with counting, if your main pattern grid lines are marked on the fabric you can work through complex pieces a lot faster, and make fewer mistakes (and catch them faster). 😊

[@Mary-vt7px]

Ah. Guess I've done it the "old fashioned" way so long I didnt even think of that. Lol

[@Nothing-sv1eb]

Radical, thank you!

[@peacockandfig]

You're welcome Erika! 😊

[@carolnoetzelmann82]

I need help because am doing a box that is 4" by 5" so how would I grid that

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Carol! Your grid lines match the grid on your pattern -- that's the point of gridding, you match up what's on your fabric to what's on your pattern. So if your pattern has darker grid lines every ten rows and ten columns, then that's what you'll stitch. You don't do it by size per se, you do it by following your paper or digital pattern. 🙂

[@sandrapopek9883]

Can I use nicer fabric like 25ct lugana like from Zweigart and I am doing a very large piece 40 x 37 and I am having my husband grid it for me. Your going to laugh because I can not draw straight with a ruler. People in my facebook group says it's better to spend a couple hours gridding then ripping. Do you have any videos on doing cross stitch cross country? Thank you, Sandra

[@peacockandfig]

+Sandra Popek Haha that's ok Sandra, if your husband is better at drawing straight lines then let him do it. :) Just make sure that your grid lines are drawn with something that can be cleanly erased or removed later - you don't want any nasty surprises once you've completed your gigantic piece. And good luck with that by the way, feel free to post updates of your progress on my Handy Little Gadget Facebook page (facebook.com/handylittlegadget). And yes, I do have a video on cross country stitching, that's how I stitch. It's a comparison of parking and cross country, so hopefully you find it useful! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6nWfH17hM6rmLc

[@nisatabassum7906]

Have you neck designs in this patern...

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Nisa, thanks for your question! I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you're asking, do you mean you want the link to the big pattern I show in the tutorial? Here's the link for that pattern, it's called Shades of Grace. 🙂 peacockandfig.com/shades-grace-cross-stitch-pattern-2

[@tamaraj4200]

the marker only comes in blue for water erasable and purple for self fading in 3-4 days

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Tamara, it depends on which marker you buy. I haven't come across any that fade in 3-4 days, to me that defeats the whole point of the marker unless you're just using it for hemming, etc. Most come out either in water or by ironing it, and won't disappear until then. There are dozens of different varieties of markers, there isn't just one brand (maybe in your local needlework shop, but not in general). There are even marker pencils you can get (like a mechanical pencil but in various colours and they'll last until they're washed or ironed out). Hope that helps! :)

[@tamaraj4200]

+Peacock & Fig I have the blue marker like you but it's by prym and I have the purple marker that disappears slowly and it does work because I tested it, it works well when you just want to mark your starting place or if counting a spot that is hard to remember instead of using pins

[@peacockandfig]

Haha yeah, sometimes the disappearing ones do work really well for certain things. What you can do with gridding if you only have the disappearing one is to grid just a really small section at a time, only enough you'll get that section done before it fades. Then it's the best of both worlds -- you're gridding to help you stitch more accurately and faster, but you don't have to worry about getting rid of the lines later. :)

[@tamaraj4200]

True that is a great idea, I am lucky enough to have both types but I rarely used them but now I am planning to do a haed after 3 finishes, the first two projects are already kitted up and I will be starting to get the haed ready at the start of July.

[@peacockandfig]

Haha good luck with that! I'd never even attempt one -- I'm not keen on spending years on one project when I always have new designs to test and work on. :)

[@noballoffire]

Thanks for this video! My question is a little unrelated: you wash your finished piece?! The colors don't run? I've never washed a piece for fear of screwing it all up! Please tell me how you wash the fabric to make sure it comes out ok! ty!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha that's ok, of course I don't mind answering your question! :) If you're using good quality floss like DMC, Anchor, Madeira, etc, then you can 100% wash your pieces after stitching. The floss is colourfast, so unless you're washing it in extremely high temperatures or using harsh soaps or chemicals, you're going to be just fine. If you're stitching from kits and you're not sure of the floss quality, do a little test piece and get it wet to see if the floss doesn't leach colour. Actually, it's recommended that you do wash your pieces after you finish stitching them, and before framing. Oils from your hands will always get on the floss as you stitch and onto the fabric, no matter how much you wash your hands. After several years, pieces can start to yellow more quickly if they haven't been washed and had those oils removed. So the best way to wash your pieces is to use cool water (in a sink or basin), and you can mix in a bit of mild detergent (I actually use clear shampoo) into the water. Then let your piece soak for a while, and gently rub it with your fingers to loosen any dirt. Be careful, as depending on how you've tied off your threads at the back, you may loosen some of them (so definitely don't scrub your piece hard). Once you're done, give it a rinse under cool water and then you can roll it up in a white or light-coloured towel to absorb the extra moisture. If it got warped at all while stitching, you can pin it to an ironing board or another surface so it dries completely squared off. Then just let it air dry, and once it's dry then you can stretch it for framing or make it into a cushion cover, whatever you were going to do with it. :) I have another video about how to stretch your pieces and frame them if you like, it's here --kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJzHnYmEmc-EiNE I hope that helps! :) Dana

[@noballoffire]

+Peacock & Fig yes ty so much!

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome, happy stitching!! :) And I'm always sharing cross stitch tips and fun things on my Facebook page if you want to check it out and follow along! :) facebook.com/peacockandfig

[@christineosterbuhr3264]

noballoffire h

[@ryanshook172]

Thanks for the tips!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're very welcome! Happy stitching! 🙂

[@ayenlove6]

I just want to know, will the ordinary pencil that was used to mark the fabric be removed once washed? thanks _ nice video though :D

[@peacockandfig]

Hi there! Some may be removed, but if you're doing a project that has a lot of white areas, I'd recommend either using a water soluble pen, or stitching in your grid lines. I have another tutorial showing how to use fine fishing line to stitch in your grid lines, then you'd just pull them out when you're done. 🙂

[@geminisonar9979]

What fabric is used for this stitch? How can we do it on a shirt ?

[@peacockandfig]

Gemini Sonar Hi there! This demo is using 14 count Aida. To stitch onto a tshirt you'll need to use either waste canvas (you stitch over it then pull the threads of the canvas away, leaving the stitching on your shirt), or you can use water soluble Aida. Same thing, you'd pin or stitch it to your shirt so it doesn't move, stitch over it, then rinse it so the Aida disappears. 😊

[@Goodwith2005]

I tried the marker, and oh what a mess! Unless you're super fast in drawing your lines, it does blot...so I'm going to switch to the mechanical pencil and the eraser...the only advantage is the marker literally disappears when water touches it... The eraser comes in soft, or firm...what would you suggest? And if I used a regular pencil, could I use a regular eraser? I'm new at this can ya tell? :)

[@peacockandfig]

Ahahaha that's ok to be new at it! And you can find fine tip fabric markers, maybe they won't blot as much. Whatever pencil and eraser combo you try, you have to try it out on the fabric and see if it will erase cleanly. Some fabrics are softer and won't erase cleanly. Alternatively you can get red fishing line and stitch grid lines with that, then just pull them out when you're done. :)

[@Goodwith2005]

I'm sorry, I should have been more clear...the marker you showed is what I used :) Yes, I like the fishing line idea, much less mess...thanks!

[@peacockandfig]

Ahahah that's funny! :) It didn't do that to me, but I only trialed it for really short lines. The fishing line is great as you can stitch right over it, and you can either stitch up 10 down 10, up 4 down 6, etc. Whatever floats your boat. :D

[@peacockandfig]

Haha yes I've actually seen gridding done with Sulky Silver come up a lot in the past few days in various cross stitch groups I'm in on Facebook. I like it, it's sparkly. :)

[@peacockandfig]

Nice, I haven't tried it yet but I may well do on the next big piece I attempt! :)

[@gabbyferreira4786]

Where can buy the fabric with the grid

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Gabby! Anywhere that sells cross stitch fabric should sell it (or be able to order it in). One online shop in the US that I know carries it is 123stitch.com. Hope that helps! 🙂

[@ashleykessler3494]

I love your video!!! Thanks so much!

[@peacockandfig]

Haha you're very welcome Ashley! Do check out the linked video in the description as well, I did a second gridding video using nylon thread/fishing line. Then you don't have to erase anything. :)

[@annabelle4299]

hi i just want to ask if were do i need to draw the line at the back of my project or infront?? ur usually do..

[@peacockandfig]

Annabelle Grospe Hi Annabelle! You'd have to draw the lines on the front, otherwise you won't be able to use them as guides unless you constantly kept flipping your piece over (and reversing the pattern in your head). You can also grid by sewing nylon thread or fishing line into the fabric (then removing it when you're done) - there's a video for that on my channel, I just did it a few weeks ago. 😊

[@deborahelle4801]

a great help thank you

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome 😊

[@pianaragas9432]

How ro remove grid lines?

[@peacockandfig]

I show it in the video -- if they're under the stitching you shouldn't need to remove them, or if they're along an edge or open area and you want to remove them, you erase them. But you must test your eraser on that fabric first before you grid the whole thing. There's also a link in the video description of how to do gridding with fine fishing line, that's much more recommended than drawing the lines in as you can just pull the fishing line out when you're done. No need for erasing. :)

[@chichizekitty5694]

I'd never use a led pencil on aida.. XD they turn out smudgey and dark.. xD water solvable all the way !

[@peacockandfig]

Yeah the mechanical pencils actually aren't awful, but you do need to use a light hand and make sure the lead is like a HB or something (and not a 3B or a softer lead like that). A lot of people experience issues with lines coming back later from the water soluble pens (if you wash the project properly after stitching then that's less of an issue), thus why I wanted to demo using something else. I do think stitching the lines in with fine fishing line or nylon thread is way better though, it takes longer but then you just pull the lines out at the end, no residue or marks left behind. 🙂

[@chichizekitty5694]

@@peacockandfig I'm not personally a fan of stitching them in, as they end up just being a little bit in the way.. but yeah, washing properly and getting rid of the water soluble markers (and testing before use)

[@sridevi_rajput4728]

Genial! Trabajar 😘, gracias muy mucho😍desde India 🙏

[@peacockandfig]

You're very welcome! :)

[@vickipickstock69]

does the pencil marks come out of material when u wash it

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Vicki! I erased the pencil marks, they won't wash out I believe (but I haven't tried). In the video when I tried to erase the lines I ended up using the wrong eraser so they smudged a bit, but using a different eraser worked. I did trial it before gridding, I just have a couple of erasers that look almost the same so one worked whereas another one didn't as well. :)

[@TheKkf1015]

I found that if you have very light pencil marks, try erasing it with a pink block eraser first. If that doesn't do it, hand washing with warm water and a drop or two of blue Dawn (has to be blue!) works. Just lay it out on a towel away from the sun and let it air dry. Hand washing helps me be sure the stitches won't get messed up, and air drying doesn't set any left over marks like. I didn't air dry one piece and still had some pencil mark and had to make a brand new piece :( That's my method anyway. Hope it helps, a year later lol

[@dawnnapayne1279]

I thought I had enough fabric to finish my project. Is there a way to fix that? can I attach more fabric? Help

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Dawnna! How short of fabric are you? If it's just for framing or finishing after, you can stitch on a border of any fabric just to allow for easier stretching or framing, as it will be hidden under the frame. If you're actually going to run out of stitching space, you can layer another piece of your fabric underneath where you're stitching, and then for a few rows stitch through both layers. It will make your stitching slightly bulkier where you're stitching through two layers, and there might be a bit of a visible seam when you stitch right to the edge of your existing fabric, but that will work. It will be tricky stitching through both layers evenly, keeping the fabrics perfectly lined up to each other. You can also cut your existing fabric very carefully along one row at the edge, and get another piece of fabric and butt it up directly next to your existing piece. Then you'd get fusing fabric (from a fabric or craft store), and carefully "join" the two pieces with the fusing fabric on the back side (the fusing fabric would overlap both pieces, holding the two fabrics right next to each other. You'd have to be careful when lining up your fabrics to fuse next to each other, you want the grids of the rows and columns to line up exactly. Then when you're stitching over the seam of the two fabrics, be really careful to not shift them, you'd be stitching through the fusing fabric as well which will really anchor the two fabrics together. Does that make sense? 🙂

[@dawnnapayne1279]

my project called for 20ct 25x29. my friend got me 18ct 25x29. pattern calls for 8 -10x10 across 6pages....non of the stores sell the 20ct 25x29 and I was wondering if I can attach the extra length needed...thank

[@dawnnapayne1279]

Thank you for that, I think I can make that work....she thought the same too, thats why she had gotten that size. we weren't sure.....

[@peacockandfig]

Good luck with it! 🙂

[@dawnnapayne1279]

By the way! I love your videos, all of them. .......

[@vickipickstock69]

where did u get ur marker

[@peacockandfig]

Hi Vicki! In the video I'm using a mechanical pencil to do the actual gridding. The marker I show at the beginning of the video, I believe I purchased that online with some materials from Craftsy. But you can get fabric marking pens at most big retailers like Walmart in the sewing section, and any craft store like Joanns or Michaels will have them as well. You can also order all kinds of types online. Just make sure you test out anything you'll be marking your fabric with before you start gridding the whole thing. :)

[@Vivypips]

I wish I had watched this before cutting my Aida cloth. I only left 1.5 inches for my margin 😭

[@peacockandfig]

That's ok Liz, it's better than nothing! You should still be ok, it's just better to leave a wider margin as it makes it easier to do a variety of things with the finished stitch (like lace it and frame it, etc). You'll be ok. 🙂

[@Vivypips]

@@peacockandfig thanks, I was kinda worried for a moment. I'd have to go buy more cloth otherwise.

[@charlenerogers1730]

@@Vivypips you can sew material to the sides and top/bottom of fabric to give you more room to stitch

[@ummsalamah7711]

u don't want to use pencil for gridding, used water soluable pen

[@peacockandfig]

It actually worked fine, I talk about why I didn't use a water soluble pen in the video. And in the description I put a link to another video of an even easier method of gridding, using thin fishing line or coloured nylon thread for your grid lines. As long as the colour of the thread won't wipe off on your fabric, then you just remove the thread when you're done stitching. 😊

[@vickipickstock69]

ty very much love ur videos

[@peacockandfig]

Thanks so much Vicki, I really appreciate that! :) Dana