Jan Hicks Creates - The Basics of Cross Stitch - 3. Let’s Talk Fabric

[@genevievegiella9066]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU 🙏 ♥️ I’m learning soooooo much ….

[@mamasauns]

Very interesting. Thank you Jan. Take Care.

[@arleencurry]

Thanks for the video. Since I'm brand new, I'm going to probably have to watch this over and over again until it makes sense to me lol. I can't wait for the next beginner lesson! I'm determined to learn cross stitch and having you explain these basic things means a lot to me.

[@DP-lx8of]

Beautiful with one strand...

[@michaelbai180]

Thanks!

[@lorrinep1]

Jan very helpful. I have been stitching for years but learned some things thru this tutorial. Thanks for sharing!

[@veramats]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@shawnmatthews4364]

Thank you Jan. Love that you went over the fabrics. It's been 30+ maybe 40 years since I've cross stitched. I'm on project #3. Love all the new patterns and now I know about the new fabrics 🤗. Thank you so very much.

[@JanHicksCreates]

You’re very welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@pattispencer5170]

Thank you for the info!!! Linen here I come!!🧵

[@DP-lx8of]

Love these videos

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying them!

[@chrisb5391]

I am just getting to see your beginner series. I have been stitching on and off for years. I have found some of my older pieces from the 90"s and was amazed that I was using 28 ct or 18 count fabric. I had no idea what I was doing, but they turned out fairly well. I am now loving the 28 ct lugana or jobelean or dabloon fabrics. Thanks for doing the series. I am getting refresher and new tips.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Glad you’re finding these helpful, Chris! Today, I’ll be recording one on using silk threads!

[@amydavis4945]

OMGosh thank you so much!! When I started cross stitching 25+ yrs ago, I only did little kits with Aida 14 or 16 count. Then I got into other crafts and long story short, I'm just now getting back into cross stitch and I really want to get "more serious" with it and actually learn how to do it (I taught myself all those years ago). I have been wondering what the whole "2 over 1" and "1 over 2" etc meant, and I was just so confused. I am just learning sooo much from your channel, and I'm so excited to get started again. I'm calling myself a "re-beginner", lol! BTW, I love love love that fractal design so much!

[@virginialaman3632]

Really enjoyed your video. Looking forward to your next one.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks Jan...still interesting after all these years❤️

[@julienelson6100]

What an excellent series. Thank you so much for making this. It's extremely helpful 😊

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you, Julie! Glad you are finding it helpful!

[@kathleenworkman3884]

Hi, Jan. Your videos are so helpful for those like me who cross stitched decades ago and are coming back to this wonderful needlework. I have a disease that impairs fine motor control. I believe it will be easier for me to use Aida 11 than 14 as stated in my digital download pattern. The pattern creator said I can use 11 count, but I’m wondering how much larger that makes my finished piece. I want to leave plenty of fabric for the edge and framing and I’m wondering what size piece of 11 count Aida to buy. My birth announcement in 14 count Aida is 8.6 in wide and 10.6 in long. What would be the size difference using 11 count Aida? And what size needle should I use? Thank you for helping me overcome challenges so I may complete my project. Your videos are the most clear, easy to understand of all I’ve watched. You’re an excellent teacher!

[@sagenmoon]

Wonderful details and simple explanations. Thank you for your videos!

[@MistyisCrafty]

I am loving this series! Though I've been stitching for a while, I still learn something new with each video. Thank you for taking the time to make the series for us. I'm eager to hear your tips/techniques for stitching over 1 on higher count fabrics. I think there is something I"m missing when it comes to keeping the threads on top of the fabric and not rolling under the weave.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I do have a video showing how I stitch over 1 to keep the threads from slipping under. You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWe3mIiegKh3nKs. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@jowahlgren2554]

Excellent review of fabric! ❤️👍🏻

[@karenwilliams2613]

marveleous breakdown

[@frederikaunterberger6695]

Thank you very much Jan ,I find this ever so helpful .

[@candychimes8184]

Glad i watch this video. I recently pick up cross stitch and i only know of aida fabric and just knew there are sizes as well. I'm going to attempt a Mirabilia chart and I thought i will just buy the same fabric they required. But watching this, i know its not possible for me to attempt yet stitching on linen. it will take me over half year to get my supplies since i have to order from US. So best i get an aida or evenweave.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, take it easy, get comfortable with the stitches and the flow of cross stitch. And then when you are ready to move on to linen, or evenweave, start with something small and fairly simple.

[@judyrosy]

THANK YOU Jan!💜🖤💙 You are the freaking best

[@kaywhaley6694]

As always great info! Thanks.

[@willowhilldesigns7]

Thank you for all this wonderful information!

[@lindamcgrew3385]

Thank you !

[@carrieallegretto6882]

Weft goes right and “weft!” Love your videos!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Lol. People tell me that every time I do a video where I mention weaving weft and warp, and I still never remember! 😂😂😂

[@jrberry63]

@@JanHicksCreates Think of warp as warping the loom. That's how I remember. :-)

[@xxlobomxx]

I’ve trying to get information from stitchers with more experience as to the linen mostly used by Chatelaine designs and that is Zweigart Belfast 7609-705, 14/28, 32/16. What I can see in the photos they upload is that this linen appears to have a very distinctive hole, much more even than the linens I have at home in which there is a slight “unevenness” between the two threads I am stitching to make one cross. The reason I am asking is because after my cataract surgery it has become very difficult to distinguish the two threads that will form the cross stitch. If what I see is correct, then it would be much easier to use this linen and my plans to cross stitch would expand. Thank Jan for your comments and your videos 😊

[@JanHicksCreates]

I do think the Zweigart linens are one of the finer linens like I mentioned in the video. There is still some inconsistencies to the threads of the linen because that is just the nature of linen. I do have a Chatelaine going on the 32 ct Belfast, but it seems to be basically the same as other linens. Maybe you can get a small sample and try it out?

[@xxlobomxx]

Jan Hicks , yes, I think this is what I’ll have to do, order some samples from different cross stitch stores (123 stitch) comes to mind. Thank you Jan.

[@gia8070]

This was very fun - ty so much Jan! I need to watch your Stitching Over 1 video so I can learn to love it too - will need a LOT of practice. :) I find 1 strand of cotton too thin over 36, so have been stitching more with silks which provide better coverage. Any chance you know how Zweigart and Wichelt differ? Looking forward to the floss session, Gia

[@JanHicksCreates]

The Wichelt linen tends to be more stiff and the weave is more open than the Zweigart. I think that is the main difference that I can think of and that I have seen people comment on. Yes, some silks are equal to about 1.5 strands of DMC, so that would be a perfect solution for 36 ct if you find one strand to thin. Thanks for mentioning that. I will make a note to talk about that in my video on silks. ❤️

[@gia8070]

@@JanHicksCreates Thanks Jan - have a great weekend!

[@joanjones6197]

P

[@cherylnewell9806]

Great tutorial

[@pattispencer5170]

I would like you to do a video on “what if”. Basically correcting mistakes. Besides frogging-I got that down!!! Lol!

[@Thisisit120]

Patti spencer Got the frogging down Cracked me up

[@JanHicksCreates]

LOL Patti. I’ll see what I can do.

[@Qsquires]

I was recently gifted some older red Aida that is not squares - rather it is rectangular. 4" one way is 50 ct and 4" the other way is 56ct. Ok for my Xmas ornaments that can be rectangular rather than square, but I was certainly surprised with the results. Thanks for the great info.

[@weavingrainbow9063]

I just wanted to pipe in that I've spun flax, and it's pretty strong stuff, so works well without needing to ply it.. If you're interested, you might want to find a drop spindle or support spindle and try spinning yarn.. I'm not sure, but I think Sarah Swett has spun cotton and then when with it to do embroidery on.. I've been spinning hemp lately and love it.. It's also pretty strong. I think I'd need to spin finer to make cross stitch fabric, though. 🤣

[@JanHicksCreates]

Oh no no no no! I worked in a yarn store for a few years in Sarasota, and one of my co-workers there, a master spinner and weaver, kept trying to get me to learn to spin. No way! I don’t need another hobby! I am more than happy to buy the yarn already spun and dyed and ready to knit with! 😂🤗❤️

[@Fritha71]

About even-weave; apparently there is such a 'unicorn count' as 18ct as well, since that is what I purchased at my LNS some months ago. It's kind of "flimsy" to work with but I am stitching Shades Of Green by Northern Expressions Needlework on it and have learned to deal with it, lol. Anyway, great video once again, and indeed, I just started a new project on a 32ct linen ( first time stitching on this count ) and I'm so happy to find out that one strand of floss works perfectly well on it! Yes, doing the loop at the start is always nice when having two strands on the needle, but I'd much rather deal with a bit of hassle for those first two stitches and then do dozens of stitches with breeze on that one strand! =D

[@JanHicksCreates]

I agree! If I can make one strand work, that’s what I’ll choose every time! ❤️

[@RainbowRoseConnie]

Hi Jan! It has been a couple of years since I last spoke with you. :) We chatted a bit about one of the Quaker Season SALs you were doing, or getting ready to do. I am FINALLY getting brave enough to attempt the pattern that was most kindly gifted to me. I am really enjoying these videos and learning a lot! I have been using a size 10 (I think it is) quilting needle for my stitching, mostly because of its being so short and less flexible. Now I after listening, I wonder if maybe I shouldn't be after all? I also noticed you didn't mention anything about fiddler's cloth. Do you not use any Fiddler's cloth? I am currently working on a project using an 16 count and really enjoying the result. I also seriously had no desire to even try (at least not seriously) any of the evenweaves, thinking they would be just too difficult,,, but you have peaked my interest now! LOL! My main hold back though I must admit is the prices verses the prices for Aida cloths, some of those though definitely cheaper, can still stretch the pocket book a LOT (not to mention the price for patterns and kits)! Thank you again for doing these videos! Blessings and Happy Stitching! Connie F

[@susanmorelli4519]

🙋‍♀️❤🐈 I love stitching one strand on 20 count Aida. And guess what I am stitching a small from Ooh la la in hand on 25 lugana 1 over 1 and loving it! 😍

[@JanHicksCreates]

Another convert to 1 over 1!!! I love small smalls! 😂❤️🤗

[@jvera199066]

Just starting my first evenweave project so this was helpful in understanding how things are different from aida. Are you going to be doing a video on finishing/mounting a piece at home if you have a frame or something? I have sent my nicer pieces to a local store here to get framed but my smaller ones I would like to do some myself.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi! I probably won’t do that kind of video, since I’m really an expert on that. But I highly recommend Kitten Stitcher’s video on this topic. It’s very comprehensive.

[@corrinecrouch6882]

Thank you for the tutorial this really cleared up what type of fabrics to use and how to use them. Do you have a preference of the type of needles I hear a lot how nice the Pat Carson needles are.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Pat Carson needles are the best, in my opinion. They are a bit pricier than others, but worth it. I buy some a couple of times a year, just to always be sure I have ones for special projects.

[@patandrews6963]

Just caught these Basics videos. Wanting to try Linen. Any recommendation on which has fewest slubs and a little bit firmer feel? I stitch in hand. Thanks!

[@JanHicksCreates]

So sorry I haven’t replied sooner. The fabric by Picture this Plus is considered to be a little firmer than other dyers. It is also easier to get at most stores.

[@annb4013]

What is the name of the sampler with the sheep? It’s so cute! I need to do it

[@JanHicksCreates]

It is called Historie de Sheep by Jardin Prive. It is a 4 part series. You can find part 1 on 123Stitch here: www.123stitch.com/item/Jardin-Prive-Histoires-De-Moutons-1-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/17-2638 then scroll down to see the other parts.

[@lindaroberts7961]

Found you’d channel via Anna at stitch roadies. You are very good with your information. Thanks. Is there a right or wrong side on Aida cloth?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Linda and welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by! No, there isn’t a right and wrong side to the fabric. Any side and any direction works.

[@cooneenw4399]

Warp are the long threads going the length of the fabric. I remember this as wArp. A before E. wEft goes on the loom 2nd going widthwise.

[@JanHicksCreates]

People give me hints like this every time I mention them in a video and I still can’t remember. Lol. Menopause brain! 😂

[@vickiellisorlemere4369]

Thank for doing this series, Jan. It never hurts to refresh on things. I have a question on fabric. What is the best way to store your extra fabric? I have been collecting fabric for the last year and sat down and made my inventory last week. My fabric is still folded and in the packaging when it was shipped. What do I need to do to/with it now? Thanks Vicki

[@JanHicksCreates]

So, I recommend taking it out of the packaging and see if you can find a place where you can store it unfolded and laying flat, like in a dresser drawer. I also staple or pin any tag that came with it to the fabric so I can keep track of what it is. I know that may seem like a no-no in case of rust, but I place it on the very edge of the fabric where any possible stain won’t matter. Hope this helps!

[@vickiellisorlemere4369]

@@JanHicksCreates Do you iron it before you store it?

[@leahmcginley4057]

Oh Jan ,,, your fractal is turning out nice, love it,,, was thinking of getting that same one and doing it. I find it alot easier to work one over one any how, think ya sent me some sample fabrics, need to looks through what I have, then order the pattern of that. Are you using dmc floss or silks for the floss? Thanks for the info on the different fabrics, it helped me to understand more about them!!! I have been doing some what better, they found blockage in my arteries and I have been taking a beta blocker to help , but if this don't help, have to go in and have a stint put in, oh lord, send prayers my way,, getting tired of all this, lost 45% of my heart muscle, so now I have to find a place where there isn't any steps, I climb stairs here, and there are to many to climb . Just more and more thanks for the videos ,,,,miss you,, hugs 🌹

[@JanHicksCreates]

Oh Leah, I hope they can get you taken care of! I would be tired of dealing with all of that, too! I think you will really enjoy stitching the Fractal. I am using DMC. It is gorgeous as it is! Hugs to you, my friend! ❤️

[@leahmcginley4057]

@@JanHicksCreates thank you Jan❤️

[@KT-sq2ml]

Little trick I use - weft goes left; so the warp is up and down. Weft goes left and right. 😎

[@JanHicksCreates]

I have to remember that one!

[@maryannmazur9643]

Hi my name is Terry Ann I'm learning how to cross stitch an owl an I would like to know if I need to do my backstch or if I can just bypass it.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Though back stitching can seem tedious, it makes an incredible difference in the finished piece if cross stitch is part of the design. You may be “okay” with the finished piece without the back stitching, but I can promise you that you will be much happier with it if you do it. Hope this helps!

[@maryannmazur9643]

@@JanHicksCreates hi Jan your comment did help thanks 😊

[@hollyanthony76]

Hello Jan, I am a stitcher of about 5 years. I tend to stick with Aida more often than not out of linen fear. Do you have any suggestions for graduating to a fabric other than Aida? Could you recommend a confidence building chart that would make a good stepping stone? I have no local stitching store and shop mostly online. I have watched, learned and had a couple of head slapping moments from your beginner videos. One head slapper was rolling my fabric so I am touching the back side rather than the front while stitching in hand. The other was turning my needle over to make it easier to thread. Thank you for sharing, Holly

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Holly! I have a video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZfLqHeHot2Ylbs with tips on how to make the transition from aida to evenweave. Hopefully you will find that helpful. As for a good chart, I suggest a simple one, like one from Lizzie Kate or Heart in Hand, Country Cottage Needleworks or Little House Needleworks, something small but with big chunks of color, so you don’t have to jump around too much and can get used to seeing the “squares” made by the two threads rather than the squares on the aida. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@hollyanthony76]

@@JanHicksCreates thank you!

[@jessaadair9590]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ive been wondering about all of this

[@vickyb5935]

Jan, I would like your opinion on hand dyed fabric: have ordered a piece from a reputable dyer and the distributor has told me I should not wet it to block the finished stitched piece, as the dye and any hand dyed threads are most likely NOT colorfast. The fabric arrived already “wonky” in shape and I was told to now stitch the design and just pull or sew into line again, along the aida lines (no spraying with water!!!). What is your opinion? Am scared to invest time in stitching and then not be able to really “pull” the piece into shape! Thanks from Switzerland

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, for the most part, hand-dyed fibers and fabrics are not colorfast. And usually, you don’t have this kind of skew happening with hand-dyed fabric, but this does make it rather annoying to deal with. I would recommend, if you have enough fabric, to cut off a strip and wet it with cold water and see what happens. If the dye does run, then I am afraid you will need to deal with it as the distributor said. I hope this helps a little bit.

[@lizhanson6763]

Your video was perfect in timing. I am going to have a new start and would like your opinion. The pattern is "Bird Tray" It came with a 20 ct linen but it is a large pattern and was going to use 28 ct evenweave. I wanted to try 1 over 1. Not sure if that will be a good look for birds and such. I also need to make sure I wont run out of fabric. The piece I have is 18 x 15. 28 ct. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. TYIA

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Liz! So, if you could send me a picture via email or social media somewhere, that will help me get an idea of whether it’s something that will work for over 1 stitching. But that’s mostly something you’re going to decide depending on how you want the finished piece to look, how big you want it, etc. also, let me know the stitch count and I can help you with the fabric size.

[@cheryl8280]

Hi Jan...........Thanks for these videos. One can always keep learning, right, and I did have a problem with fabrics. Now, can you tell me if Jobelan can be gridded like you can with aida? Short one tonight!! LOLOL GLGLand Hugs!!

[@JanHicksCreates]

I don’t know why you couldn’t grid the jobelan with one of those removeable fabric markers.

[@GeminiDolly52951]

Another great video Jan - Your stitching is beautiful - What is the pattern for the one you show, it looks like a fractal?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, that is the fractal bookmark. There is a website, cross stitch collectibles, that has a bunch of fractal patterns, and they offer freebies every month of sections of those fractals. You can find them here: clicknstitch.net/fractals1.cross.stitch.htm - The one I did was Fractal 705. You can find the monthly freebie here: www.xs-collectibles.com/FREE Enjoy!

[@radosney]

is there a chart or something somewhere that says 14 count aida is the same as blabla bla....and 16 count aida is the same as... over one, or two - you know what i mean?

[@JanHicksCreates]

I don’t actually know of any chart, but I do not that information for all of my designs. So, for example, if a stitch count is 85 x 85, I list that the finished design size on 14 ct (over 1) or 28 ct (over 2) is 6.1 x 6.1 in. I then do that for all of the most popular/common sizes of fabric so it’s easy for people to have an idea of what they need. Note that this is without any extra fabric allowance for border and framing.

[@annb4013]

Why does black dmc 310 look more sparse?

[@JanHicksCreates]

I don’t know, but it sure does. A lot of people substitute in Anchor black. For some reason, it is thicker than DMC black.