How to Stitch in Hand and Double Your Speed! Sewing Method Tutorial | Caterpillar Cross Stitch

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks for watching everyone! Let us know… did these techniques help you speed up?! Join us in the VIP Stitch Club for 10% off here eepurl.com/bMI7-L

[@zasioux]

Such an excellent tutorial! I watched dozens before this one, and was annoyed, but yours is to the point, well focused, and easy to follow. Thank you! 😊

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

We're so pleased you found this helpful!

[@stitchingbytheseaside]

This is the BEST stitching in hand / sewing method tutorial I’ve ever seen! I’ve spent years searching KZbin for this and I finally feel confident to try it again! Thank you 💕

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much Emily, that makes me so happy! Can’t wait to see your hand stitched projects ☺️ happy stitching 🌸

[@zasioux]

I totally agree.

[@chriswelsh2]

This made me smile. Is there EVER a time when there is nothing left to learn about Cross Stitch?! Will definitely give it a try 😊

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thanks so much for watching and for your lovely comment - so happy the video helped ☺️ happy stitching 🌸

[@janehillsden9116]

This is genius! I’ve been cross stitching for over 30 years and didn’t even know this technique existed! Your video was so clear and helpful and I will definitely be giving this a go-thank you so much!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Jane, I’m so glad you found it helpful ☺️ any questions, let us know anytime. Happy stitching in hand 🌸

[@tammygant4216]

Thank you for this. I will need to re-watch and pause and re-wind several times. I'm beginning to get it. Thank you!😊

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

That's great news! Stick with it, you'll get there in no time :)

[@suekay5353]

As a lefty, I would love it if you could demo how to stitch these three methods so I, too, can use the sewing method to stitch quicker. Thanks!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Sue, Thank you for watching 😊 I do apologise for not including the left-handed tutorial, we’ll work on that and try to post one soon! 🤞

[@SAKnitter]

Thank you SO much for this tutorial!! I can stitch in hand now!! 🎉

[@cathierosa3730]

Thank You so much for this video. I been stitching the old fashion way since I started stitching. I have to try this soon. Thank You so much.

[@traceythompson6974]

OH my GOD! This is potentially life-changing! Excellent tip, thank you so much!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching. This is definitely life-changing, can confirm ☺️ Happy stitching 🌸

[@yanicamizzi2786]

Ok so I am floored away by this. I have seen other yt videos but never really understood this until now. I do stitch in hand but using the stabbing method. Tonight I will find a scrap of aida and try this. Thank you!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Omg thank you so much Yanica, I'm so happy that the tutorial was helpful ☺️ Hope you'll love the new method when you try x Happy stitching 🌸

[@donnarogers2429]

Thank you for this lesson. Wow! I learned long ago to start in the upper left. I could not figure out how to stitch in hand starting upper left. Now I know. I will be practicing this. Let’s see if old dogs can learn new tricks. Thank you for this video!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Donna, thank you for watching and for your lovely comment, I am so happy it helped! 😊 happy stitching 🌸

[@katiewest2253]

Perfect timing on this video. I am forced to stitch in hand because I was VERY close to the edge of the fabric and I couldn’t use my q-snap. Stitching in hand using sewing method isn’t as bad as I thought. Thank you!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

So glad we were able to help ☺️ happy stitching 🌸

[@BlueHorseStitchers]

Hi Marie! I've been stitching for many decades, but I still enjoyed your tutorial. I love watching other stitchers' methods--there's always something to learn! Thank you.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you for watching, we're happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@lynettesmith6539]

Excellent video and I have stitched for a long time …. So good for beginners or longtime stitchers who may have not heard of choices !!!!!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment Lynette ☺️ happy stitching 🌸

[@diane19456]

Best tutorials ever. 🙏

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much Diane 💕 Happy stitching 🌸

[@valeriebarber5302]

I just watched several stitch in hand tutorials. Yours was by far and away the best. Very easy to follow and easy to see. EXCELLENT Thank you.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you so much Valerie, so kind of you 💕 I am so glad it helped x Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@beckyacosta2090]

Excellent video. I need to practice!

[@susanloughnane4380]

Wow - how did I ever not know this, haha....!!? Great demo of some ways to avoid that constant back and forth that I currently do.

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Susan, so glad we were able to show you a new technique ☺️ happy stitching in hand 🌸

[@MsGabmc]

This is so cool ... never heard of it before!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching & happy stitching 😊

[@jeannettegodwin4268]

Thank you again for the tutorial…I like picking up tips…my stitching really is better since I watched you.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

That is fantastic Jeanette, I am so happy to hear that ☺️ Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@alisongallup6385]

This is the best video I have seen! Easy directions and good visualization of the process. You are truly awesome!😊

[@Freedom27401]

I’m going to jump right in with this method! Thanks for such a thorough and easy to understand tutorial.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peggymartinez5350]

Thank you for a great tutorial. Excellent teaching tool. Thank to each of you

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

thank you so much for watching Peggy, we're so happy you loved it! Happy stitching 🌸

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

You're very welcome!

[@kathleenmckee9603]

Such a great demonstration, thank you

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you so much for watching Kathleen, so happy it was useful! 😊 Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@hmegginson5900]

I had done this method for years but then got the impression that "proper" stitchers use a hoop to keep the tension tight so stopped. It's such a relief to go back to doing it this way again after 20 years!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching 😊 I'm a firm believer that proper stitching is any stitching that makes you happy - we're not competing but enjoying the hobby we love ❤️ hope you're having fun stitching in hand! 💕 happy stitching 🌸

[@Lovescomedy87]

I do find that my stitches aren't as tight, but it's fast, so it's worth it if I have a few odd stitches

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks for sharing!

[@janiceredden3431]

Thank you for sharing, Marie! I am going to try these methods. I currently use a stand & a QSnap because I have nerve damage in my hands & cannot hold onto a hoop or frame for long periods of time. I am going to try these methods!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Janice - I'm so sorry to hear you suffer with your hands. I hope this will help you enjoy longer stitching sessions again 💕 happy stitching 🌸

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Glad we could help!

[@beverleygardam151]

Thankyou for showing these steps “l have just started using the sewing method ,at 80 years of age ,but l still get stuck at times ,but it is much quicker .🥰

[@jocee7092]

Very happy with your demonstration of the Victoria stitch. I've been trying to figure out the best way to do this with fancy floss for a while as most tutorials only mention the English and Danish method and haven't demonstrated it in a continuous left/right/up/down way. Thanks!

[@karenolson2532]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Karen 😊

[@annamae859]

I've been cross stitching for 50 + years I've used all of these methods and tbh I didn't know they had names. The only thing I was taught is that all your stitches must lie in the same direction otherwise it looks untidy, so I have always marked the top of the canvas on the reverse side for guidance. I also didn't realise that you could buy canvas marked out in this grid pattern, I honestly thought people were pencilling in the lines. I have always started in the middle and worked outwards. Now I am getting older, have a tremor and the old eyesight is not as good as it was, I think I should invest in this pre marked canvas, when my current stock of Aida has run out. Great tutorial, keeping hands on hand crafts alive. x

[@nightmarebeforestitchmas]

What a brilliant tutorial ! Very helpful and I will be certainly giving it a go ! I only usually stitch it in hand when I stitch over a lunch period - otherwise it’s a qsnap and lowery for me ! ☺️

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much Maxine, I’m so glad it was helpful ☺️ I have a lot of projects I stitch in my lowery too, it’s usually the sampler type of projects I stitch in hand 😊

[@pennygreenfield8418]

Wonderful, I'd never heard of this method. Will definitely try this. Thank you so much 😊 xx

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Penny, so happy you’ll be giving it a go ☺️ happy stitching 🌸

[@sewmesarah]

Great tips Marie, thank you!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you for watching Sarah ☺️

[@estelamichel1601]

thanks for this wonderful video 👌🏽❣️🥰😍 I am begging and didn't know about the diagonal stich 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lizsalas6998]

Thank you this is a great tutorial really appreciate it! 😊

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Liz, hope you enjoy stitching in hand 😊

[@pujasharda5845]

Thank you Marie! Really useful and I’ve indeed learnt something new. Hopefully it quickens my stitching! Is it possible to do like a “slow mo” at the stitching part? Couldn’t quite get that part. Thank you!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Puja, thank you so much for watching ☺️ for slow mo, I’d recommend changing the speed of the video to 0.25x (via the three dots in the right corner of the video frame) - hope this will help 😊 happy stitching 🌸

[@janicebest-nesbitt6455]

Thank you for the video. I think if some more time on this sewing method would be great. I needed to see it slower and an actual pattern with all three stitches in hand. I really want to learn this method but I am finding it difficult to know exactly where my needle should go when switching between 1, 2 and 3. Great video, thank you. I’ve learned that this is the method I am really interested in.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Hi Janice, thank you so much for watching, I'm so glad you found it useful! Thank you for the suggestion, we'll keep it in mind when planning future tutorials. What I would recommend meanwhile is to just take a scrap piece of Aida and practice the stitches without necessarily following a pattern, and then progress onto a beginner friendly small pattern. With a little bit of practice, you will be a pro in no time 😊 Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@bettyechristain9711]

Looking forward to practiceing.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Happy stitching!

[@softnpure]

hello i love you this is so helpful thank you so much 😭😭

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you for watching! We're pleased to hear this helped!

[@Eiaknits2012]

I use the sewing method but I hold the rolled fabric differently. Instead of the fabric being on the side it is on the bottom making it much easier and more effective to use. I can also use the pin stitch for starting and finishing my thread. Holding the fabric on the bottom will help those who stitch “left handed “ also.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you for sharing!

[@rebecasolares2651]

They you so much!! How do you avoid the Frey from coming undone. In super new and live it this far

[@justinestitching]

Thank you Marie for this great tutorial! I have always stitched in hand but using the stick and stab method rather than the sewing method. I would like to know if there is any difference in the neatness of your stitches using the sewing method? Your stitching looks beautiful on camera!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you Justine ☺️🌸 in the beginning, I did think it was a bit untidy and it took a little bit of practice to get the hang of it - I’d say it took one project to practice and get neat. By now I can rarely see a difference between stitches I do in hand and stitches I do with the stabbing method. I got used to pressing my thumb against the finished stitch to help it lay nicely - that definitely helped. I also find that stitches that look a bit untidy start laying nicely on the fabric after I’ve ironed the project (on the wrong side of the fabric, I never iron the stitches directly). I also stroke the thread every so often to make sure it’s not twisted which makes it look untidy. Hope this helped 😊 any further questions, don’t hesitate to let me know x /Marie

[@justinestitching]

Thanks for taking the time to send such a detailed reply! I will keep practising.... Thanks too for your tip about the wonder clips. I have started using them and they are making a massive difference!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

@@justinestitching you are most welcome, so glad it helped ☺️

[@lesleynitschke6879]

Thank you for this, I've just picked up my stitching after a few months off and I use a hoop and oh boy has it made my frozen shoulder play up badly so last night I wondered and tried stitching in hand and it was a great improvement and this morning this video popped up. YT read my mind lol who said big brother ain't watching 😂😂 thanks for the great video now to put it into practice, mind you I am using 36 count so find the holes is a little tricker but I'll perservere 😂😂

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

Hi what is the clip called that you use to secure the centre of the rolled up fabric? Thanks 😊

[@TheCreate78]

Hello! Thank you so much for this video!! Can we use the Danish method to stitch from the top to the bottom, but not one stitch at a time?

[@noreenkennedy5381]

Marie can I ask if this method can be used on all fabrics ? Great tutorial

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Noreen, yes absolutely! I would recommend to start with Aida for practice as linen can be a bit more fiddly, so it’s good to build up your confidence and technique on Aida. But only sky is the limit with sewing method! I use it on everything from 14ct Aida to 40ct linen ☺️ any questions, let us know anytime. Happy stitching 🌸

[@LindaIrorita]

Hello just asked if where did hou buy the clip or clum how did you vall that thank you gorvyour sharing

[@chantalhenderson6994]

Hi thank you 🙏. My question is if my usual stich starts with 42 does it matter if I sometimes do 24?

[@elizabethjones7694]

I just found this video, and I must say, you have the most beautiful blue eyes.

[@tammygant4216]

I'm still new to cross stitch, so I need to watch this again, but I've already learned enough to faster than I was! BIG THANKS!! PS Where did you get the clamps you used to hold your rolled up fabric?

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Tammy, I’m so happy to read your comment, thank you so much for sharing ☺️ the little clamp is called Wonder Clip and the orange thingy a Spool Hugger - I got both on Amazon UK 😊 happy stitching 🌸

[@michelleeverett7919]

This is a great video! The problem in ran into was that with large blocks of color, you can tell from the front when I switched methods. There are ridges or lines. How do I keep my tension stable?

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Hi Michelle, many thanks for watching and for the great question - I too find that changing stitch type will result in a visibly inconsistent look of stitches in a block. What I could recommend is using the 180 degree turn method - so you'd stitch a line using Victorian stitch, then turn your fabric 180 degrees so it will effectively be upside down, and continue stitching the next line with Victorian stitch. This 180 degree turn means you will always use the same type of stitch, always stitch in the same direction with your hand (although different directions on the actual fabric), and although I find it's still slightly visible (especially in a block stitched in the same colour), it's the best and most consistent way I found 😊 I've covered this in the Stitch with Me video (the thumbnail has Christmas tree on it and I think it was published back in November 2022). It's one of the reasons I tend to use the Danish method of stitching even for variegated threads (I'm a rebel!) as long as the variegation is subtle. Stitching bottom leg first and then coming back definitely achieves the most consistent tidy stitches. Hope this helps! Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@michelleeverett7919]

@@CaterpillarCrossStitch Thank you, Marie for taking the time to share such a thorough explanation. I really appreciate it! I will definitely try the 180 degree method when using the Victorian stitch, or I'll stick to just using the Danish method. I really like stitching in hand rather than using a hoop. 🙂

[@margiepalmeri343]

What link is your newsletter

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Margie, our newsletter link is here: eepurl.com/bMI7-L Hope you enjoy all the inspiration coming into your inbox - and a 10% discount on www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com for your first purchase 😍 Happy stitching 🌸

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Hi Margie, the sign up link is here: eepurl.com/bMI7-L Hope you enjoy the free patterns and 10% discount 😊 Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@joanmorton9844]

I have arthritis in my hands and find the sewing method difficult. I usually use a hoop and the stabbing method. Do you have any suggestions to make the sewing method easier for me?

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Joan, I’m so sorry you suffer from arthritis. The one thing that comes to mind is to hold the fabric at an angle - I hold it very straight in the demonstration but when I go to show how I’ve stitched on the trick or treat, I position the fabric at a degree to make the stitching more comfortable. When I do this, I notice that the stitching is more effortless and I don’t suffer from any cramps or finger fatigue. Perhaps that could help? 💕

[@cortney2799]

Another great video!! My question is can you do the in hand stitching for big blocks of color and also stitching with a hoop for other areas? I feel like this is a silly question. My next project has a lot of background that’s the same color.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you so much for watching Cortney - that's a great question! I'd say definitely yes, the only thing is the potential different look of the stitches. With a little bit of practice, the hand stitched stitches look just as tidy as the ones stitched in a hoop - I started with having a hand-stitched only small project to practice and since then, I happily combine hoop and hand stitching in one project as needed 😊 Hope this helped 😊 happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@Lorielsmith]

I'm currently working on a project where my Aida is so stiff I can not get it to lay flat or tight in my hoop. In the future, how do I get my material not to be so stiff? Do I wash it or something? I love your videos btw!! I'm new to this hobby and I LOVE it!

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Loriel, thank you for watching and welcome to this amazing hobby and cross stitching community ☺️ Oh I know the pain of stiff Aida! I wash it in a lukewarm water with a little bit of dish soap and then iron it while still a little bit damp through a dry dishcloth. The reason why I iron it still a bit damp is that when Aida dries completely, it can dry with creases that are hard to get rid of afterwards. When ironing, go over the fabric only a couple of times and don't stay too long in one spot - it shrinks with too much heat but is absolutely fine with a few strokes of iron 😊 There's a great no-wash (spray water only) tutorial on this channel you can also check out 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3SbfGh7gb9km6c Happy stitching 🌸

[@marybrennen819]

where can i find scroll hugger the orange one

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Mary, it's called Spool Hugger and I found it on Amazon UK - just enter Spool Hugger in the search bar and it will come up with loads of options 😊 it is very inexpensive - I bought a set of 60 (to last me 3 lifetimes 😁) for less than £10 😊 Hope this helps & happy stitching 🌸

[@dalmatink223]

How does the sewing method compare to two handed stitching

[@BecksBin]

Hi. I just watched this video because my Stitchy neighbor and I were comparing our work on the back. Hers is so neat compared to mine. We think my sewing method ,vs her poke and stab method, is definitely faster but uses more floss. It’s bulkier on the back. What do you think? This is a conversation we will be having on our next flossttube Thanks Beck

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Hi, great question! Are you travelling more than 2 holes across the back of your stitching? Are you pulling your stitches tight enough?

[@BecksBin]

@@CaterpillarCrossStitch I only travel two barely three stitches. I pull snuggly. I notice that it may pull too much from the back and I see “bald” spots. Drives me crazy. It’s like I need to use 3 strands on 18 and 2 strands all the way through 32 count. I’m going to keep experimenting- has to be a way for me to do it on top of work and seeing method without wasting my silks or overdyed. 😆

[@beckyclay6363]

I’ve tried the 3rd one you showed, but I work bottom right to upper left and found it very difficult as most videos show how you stitch.

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Hi Becky, The third stitch is really designed to go from right to left (or up and down) and stitching it from right to left makes it for a very uncomfortable stitching indeed. There are 2 ways you can use this stitch when stitching from bottom right corner - either you can stitch with your left hand (that is how this stitch is adapted for left-handed stitchers), in which case you’d go bottom right corner-top left corner-top right corner-bottom left corner and repeat. If you are right handed, the only way to use this stitch in bottom right corner -> going left would be to rotate your work 180 degrees and work ‘upside down’. I do this regularly but it’s a bit of an advanced technique requiring a lot of focus on reading the pattern and remembering you’re stitching upside down. I hope this helps, please don’t hesitate to let me know any further questions 😊 /Marie

[@hgielatanisridic]

not sure if you'll see/respond to this, but i'm wondering what size aida you're using for this? trying it on 18ct 1x1 and having a devil of a time getting the needle in smoothly 😢

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

I’m always using a smaller needle for the sewing method - so on 18ct I’d definitely recommend using needle size 28 😊 my favourites are DMC and Bohin if that helps! I’m stitching on 16ct in the video but if you have the right needle size that should make much difference. Your Aida could be a bit too stiff as well and the starchiness could make it more difficult to get the needle through. If that’s the case, you can try to spray the back of your fabric lightly and iron it. This will break down the starch and soften the fabric. Hope this helps! Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@noeliaroman4]

I love it and is a great explanation. I wish you do not fast forward the video because as beginners we need to see it slowly. I am going to reduce the speed to see if that helps. Bad thing is your voice will slow down too.

[@kazholt1]

❤❤❤

[@debbiejarvie4262]

I have trouble going from bottom to top stitch I always go left to right then right to left. Is that wrong?

[@debbiejarvie4262]

Sorry I go top to bottom

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

As long as you go the same way consistently, there's no right or wrong :)

[@conniesimonich2327]

Great tutorial but wish it’d had been slower

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Hi Connie, thank you so much for watching 😊 Have you tried to use the 'speed' function? There should be a settings clog in the corner of the video - if you click it, you can change video speed in the parts of the video you'd like to see slower, the lowest would be 0.25x. Hope this works for you 😊 Happy stitching 🌸 Marie

[@christyjose9085]

Left hand is psrslised

[@Icey-3465]

It’s the needle you’re using a bull needle. Looks like a sewing needle to me.

[@knittingstitchingmontana]

Good method but you are stitching too quickly. Please slow down. Thank you.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you so much for watching! We have released another Sewing Method video that is more a 'Stitch With Me' rather than just the technique of different stitches. I don't think we've used any speeding up so watching it might be helpful 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzKYqqvirutnLM

[@pathumes57]

I have to be honest, this was too fast and confusing for me..🤯

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks for your feedback :)

[@sharronliddle2536]

You absolutely smashed it Marie 🫶 I’m definitely going to give it a try! Thank you ❤️❤️

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much Sharron ❤️ omg when you learn this, you will be unstoppable, a new finish every day!! 😁😍😍

[@sharronliddle2536]

@@StitchesAndDiamonds 😂🤣❤️❤️

[@carrotcakestitcher]

Great tips Marie. Thank you 😘

[@StitchesAndDiamonds]

Thank you so much for watching Alison ☺️