Jan Hicks Creates - Flosstube - Cross Stitch Sewing Method Tutorial and Stitch with me

[@KayPilger]

Love seeing your actual stitching. Thank you Jan.

[@elena911000]

Love, love, love, the tips and tricks you teach us. You use the practical way that I wanted and needed to learn. Also, very important: that we can see very clear what you are doing since your camera is behind you. All your videos are a treasure. Thank you Jan! 💕

[@JanHicksCreates]

You are very welcome! So glad you are finding my videos useful! Please let me know if you have any questions about anything! ❤️

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Found you by another subscriber @ Kimberly"s FQS Floss tube, as I use the sewing method... excellent rationale & reasons for how you choose to each different switch. I find, for a long horizontal row, I turn my fabric sideways & stitch so that my needle goes from the right to left when finishing the x @ the upper left, straight across to the adjacent stitch is to the bottom left of the next stitch, still in the same row... (but looks to be the upper left...but, remember the fabric is turned sideways). I did subscribe, to watch other videos of yours, too!!!

[@kathleenolsen8705]

Jan, I have to say that your tutorial is one of my favorites. I love how you explain things and jump around but keep going and taking us all along. I love how the camera is so close to what you are doing. Very useful and I will keep watching your flosstube channel. Thank you for taking the time to show your method and go slow enough to see in detail what and how you stitch. Also love hearing about your life.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you so much, Kathleen. I am so glad you found this useful and that you are enjoying yourself here. Let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help!

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

Wonderful video! I am wanting to learn the sewing method a tremendous help! Thank you!

[@user-ct5jf9yu2y]

Love your tutorial. I’ve been using my thumb as you do in the video, thanks for the tip.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Glad you found it useful!

[@GingeryR]

This was exactly what I was looking for

[@JanHicksCreates]

Awesome!

[@charmainehowell4402]

Jan I’m so grateful for this video. Always wanted to see someone stitch in hand. You do an excellent job in showing and explaining. Thank you

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you so much, Charmaine! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@debbiecarolla7511]

This tutorial was the best

[@JanHicksCreates]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@kimmay2408]

This “newbie” is so thankful for having found this tutorial! Thanks Jan for keeping it real. I’ve had fear of starting a piece, but now I can move on. Again, many thanks.🪡

[@JanHicksCreates]

Awesome, Kim! So glad you found this helpful. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@bitsofstitching]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this flosstube tutorial! I’m one of those cross stitch newbies and truly appreciate all the tips and seeing up close your stitching. It also gave me a visual on how to stitch on linen, very helpful! I’ve been doing hand embroidery for over 10 years, and in those years have only tried 2 very small cross stitch projects... teaching myself and got a bit discouraged since didn’t know where to look for advice and visuals on techniques. Until recently stumbling upon Flosstube, and here I fell down the rabbit hole, the desire to give cross stitch another chance reignited. Got me some stash, specifically a design/chart stash, which is constantly growing. Currently working on a CCN design called Count Your Blessings on Aida, and on a few hand embroidery projects. Thanks again for this very informative video!!!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Glad you found it helpful! Yes, Flosstube definitely is quite a deep rabbit hole. But the stitching brings us joy, so it’s all good! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@lizflorom6021]

Just found your channel this morning and it is so informative. Love listening to you as well, soothing.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank so much, Liz, and welcome! So glad to have you here! Be sure to let me know if you have any questions!

[@stitchingbythemoon]

Thank you so much for taking the time us newbies the sewing method!! I'm such a slow stitcher, so I'm hoping this helps me speed up my progress.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Glad to help! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@cyndia7428]

Thanks for this tutorial I’m just getting started with cross-stitching and this has helped A LOT

[@JanHicksCreates]

Excellent! So glad you found it helpful!

[@oliviaramirez9462]

Thank you for showing how you stitch with the Sewing method . Thank you. I do the sewing method but not as good as you do. Thanks for teaching me I love your videos.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you, Olivia! I’m glad I could help. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@CynthiaMcAmityVintageAndCraft]

Wow, Jan, this was so helpful! I have been looking for a tutorial that shows sewing in hand completed in full crosses. The explanations you give of how to switch directions to move around the fabric were wonderful. Thank you so much! Love your work, especially Harbor Haven, which is magnificent.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Cynthia! I’m glad you found it useful!

[@lynnbencic3089]

Thanks Jan for this stitch with me in hand video!! I started stitching in hand with you several months ago and I love it!!! I Also occasionally have to do the stab method when reorienting my line of stitching and I always kept thinking that I was doing something wrong, so I am so glad to know that I am doing it right. My biggest problem is stitching left to right because it slows me down a little. I was using the stab method a lot, so I am so glad you showed how you do that stitching it is really going to help me a lot. Your camera angle was perfect and up close so I could really see every thing you were doing. Have a great day and happy stitching and knitting to you. Lynn

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks so much, Lynn! Glad to know that this helped and you could see everything clearly! That’s one of the things I worry about the most. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@rosemarysayers2503]

Thank you for this video. I have been stitching for 40 years in hand. Since floss tube, I have bought the scroll rods, the frames, the q snaps, the hoops, because I thought I should. In hand is the easiest for me and you validated that. Your stitching is gorgeous, so if you do it that way, I will continue to do it that way.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Awesome! And you just totally removed my worry that people aren’t going to find this video useful! ❤️

[@suzannemoffitt2368]

I just found this stitch with me, love it.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Suzanne!

[@lolajl]

I drive by NSA whenever I'm headed in that direction. Best of luck to your husband. And thank you for this video . . . I'm ambidextrous and sew with my left hand, so I need to figure out how to do it the opposite of how you do it. And visited the memorial when we were in NYC. It was moving and shed a few tears.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Then you must live in my general area! Thanks so much for being here! I’m not sure if I can help you do it opposite, but if you have any questions, let me know and I’ll try! Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@TriciaStitch]

Hi Jan, I think we are twin stitchers. I also use the sewing method until I don't. :-) Also, I appreciate your heart story of the trauma of 911. Most of us can remember exactly where we were and the horror we felt. Time has healed some of it; we will never forget.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you, Kathr. I appreciate you being here! Hope you are having a lovely week!

[@loriswistack4667]

Great video! I have never tried stitching like that but I may now. You definitely made it easy to see how to do it. Very cute pattern! I look forward to watching your videos! Thanks for brightening my day 😊

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks so much, Lori! I’m glad you enjoyed this! Hope you have a great weekend!

[@susanwagner529]

Thank goodness I found you!! This really cleared a few things up for me! I’m going to watch again!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Awesome Susan! So glad you found it useful! I’m going to do another one tomorrow morning giving a few tips on how to keep you floss from twisting.

[@annettenavarro8787]

Thank you so much for this video Jan. I too struggled with changing direction stitching in hand. I’ll have to practice & I know I will rewatch this video a few times lol! Very helpful! Your stitching is beautiful.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks so much, Annette! Glad you liked it! Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@wildflower.stitching]

Great tutorial on stitching in hand Jan. I know my biggest dilemma was how to stitch right to left without having to use the stab and poke method. I found turning my piece upside down allowed me to do that. I can't remember where I learned that but when I'm doing a longer run it's so much easier. Thank you for sharing your memories from 9/11, I remember exactly where I was and the memories of that day so well. We will never forget.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, several other people have mentioned to turn the project upside down. I don’t know why I never thought of that! Great tip! And yes, we will never forget! ❤️❤️

[@MarcusTrawick]

I love your sewing method. You also have a pleasant voice and are fun to listen to. Nice to listen to when I'm stitching. We all have our personal stories of loss about 9-11. When I talk about it I always mention the opportunistic way the Bush administration took advantage of our loss and grief to invade Iraq and cause the death of around a million people over there. Lots of money was made by contractors. All of this made the tragedy of 9-11 much worse than it had to be.

[@abuelitap65]

Thank you for the great video. I can see I will have to watch this video quite a few times.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful!

[@nancyrinkers9723]

Great job showing stitching in hand with the sewing method. I use a lap frame, q-snaps and stitching in hand, it all depends on the project. But stitching in hand with the sewing method is by far the fastest! I’m glad things are getting resolved with your move and Mike’s job. Waiting on other people to get the ball rolling can be so frustrating! 9/11...I had just taken my 7 year old to school and came home and turned on the news. And all I kept saying was, that was no accident. We just visited the memorial and museum in February. Seventeen years later it’s still tough.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Nancy! Glad you liked the video. You would think, after 17 years (and how did that many years pass!) it would get easier, but every year it’s the same. Thanks for being here, Nancy. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@nancyrinkers9723]

Jan Hicks Well we were supposed to be going on vacation to North Carolina today. 🙁. So instead I’m watching Charlie Hunnam in King Arthur....small consolation. Lol

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, it’s going to be a while before NC is open for business again, I’m afraid. 😢

[@WhistlestopStitcher]

Thank you so much for this video! This may be the single most helpful Flosstube video I've ever watched! I've recently tried stitching in hand using the sewing method and my biggest struggle has been figuring out which direction to go and how to handle the awkward movements. Right to left definitely works better for me, so what I've started doing is when I reach end of row, I flip the project and stitch upside down since I can go right to left again!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Wow, Jennifer! That is quite a compliment! Thank you so much! I am so happy to hear that you found this useful! You method of flipping the project upside down is perfect! I never thought of that. Of course, if it’s smaller sections, it might be more of a hassle than it’s worth. But if it’s a longer row, that is definitely the way to go! Great tip! We’ve helped each other! Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@kimezman8697]

Great video Jan, you made 2 miles on the treadmill a lot easier this morning. Kim

[@JanHicksCreates]

Awesome! Always helps when that time passes more easily!

[@Hana330]

Thanks for the great video on how you do the sewing method. I've given it a go a couple times but always went back to two handed stitching because of the weird awkward angles my hand would get into to make the stitches. I might give it a go again now that I have a good reference if I get into trouble. As for hanging space, have you considered mounting on the ceiling. Maybe rig something with Command hooks and/or super strength velcro? You could put Harbor Haven over the bed and get to see it every morning when you wake up.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Now that’s an idea, on the ceiling! Hmm....it would have to be really strong to resist some of the bumping that happens on some roads. It would be really rude to be woken up in the middle of the night because Harbor Haven fell on us. LOL. Anyway, we’ll think of something. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

[@Geewhiz65]

Thanks for this, Jan. It was so helpful!! Smiles, Jeannie

[@JanHicksCreates]

You are very welcome! I’ll be doing another one tomorrow giving some tips on how to keep your threads from twisting.

[@TammysSwampStitchin]

I am just now trying to stitch larger pieces in hand. You helped me, thanks. On what to do about your projects in the RV travels, ever thought about making pillows that you can display on your bed. But you could always frame them and I could store them on my walls for you. 😂🤣

[@JanHicksCreates]

LOL. To make pillows or give them to Tammy?? I like both ideas! And then I could come and visit you and my projects! Win-Win! Lol.

[@BichNguyen-yr1od]

Thank you for the video! It was really helpful and clear!

[@JanHicksCreates]

You’re very welcome!

[@tealelder6475]

Great tutorial. Love Woolemina!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Teal! Woolemina is such a pretty design, isn’t it! Need to get some more stitches in on it!

[@joannecolajo]

I may try this. You make it look fun.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Never hurts to try something new. You may like it, you may not, but at least you’ll know. Have a great weekend!

[@rebeccajourney3183]

It's so neat to watch you stitch as it's exactly opposite of my direction as I move left to right. But I never completed each individual stitch. I have always stitched a half stitch row, then came back and completed so I didnt have to refer to the chart on the return. Guess that is the lazy woman's way, but I'm interested in trying your method! And of course I use a hoop so not just in hand. It looks like the linen is softer to hold in hand as opposed to aida.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I stitch one stitch at a time when I use variegated/overdyed floss so the full flavor of the color changes come through. If I am using a solid floss or silk, then I’ll do the out and back method. And yes, aida usually is a bit stiffer than linen, unless it’s a hand-dyed aida. After the dying and washing process, most of the starch product gets washed out, leaving it softer to handle.

[@leahmcginley4057]

That dark green in the pic, that would be the shadow of the sheep!

[@JanHicksCreates]

I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re referring to, so tomorrow I’m going to have to go and look at my finished piece and see what you mean. But for now, it’s bedtime! 😁

[@kanikis6503]

That was great Jan... Really- you did a great job showing and explaining all that.. Thank you so much!!! I tried again- but alas- the holes on that 40 count just don't open wide enough for me to see- so- using a hoop is my best bet... :) Ahhh- As Grampa always said- if it ain't broke don't fix it... lol.. Wise ol' man.. Catch u next time.. xoxo niki

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yep, ya gotta do what works for you. No need to change it!

[@gulfcoaststitcher1019]

The new phones are expensive, but think of the cost of a new digital camera, video player, ebook player, music player, telephone, handheld computer... when you think of it that way, it is a sound investment. I have a 6 as well. I am getting a new one at Christmas time. Big hugs... and I am excited for you to get to Hawaii, but it makes me a little sad too, because I know there is no chance that they RV will happen to drive through my neck of the woods.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I know! I have thought of the fact that I won’t be passing out through the FL panhandle any time soon! And we have made numerous trips out there while we were living in FL! Some day, my friend! But great point on the new phones! What a wonderful Christmas present! I may have to start planting the seed of that idea! Hope you have a lovely weekend!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thank you 😊

[@korywood1052]

You and I stitch alike. I bought a qsnap recently but find myself removing it as I love stitching in hand.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I agree. I have all of the different things, frames, scroll rods, qsnaps. But they are all tucked away in a bin “just in case.” I’ll stick with stitching in hand!

[@lauriehannon1875]

I really want to learn the crew method. You make this look easy. I do the stab and poke nethod

[@JanHicksCreates]

Along with the different videosI have showing how to do the sewing method, you can also see me do it on all of my Stitch with Me videos. That is pretty much all I use and my videos are very close up.

[@debralinder6105]

Thank you. Very helpful. Can you please give linen count and needle size? Looking forward to more videos like this!!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Debra! Glad you enjoyed the video. Sorry about not noting the linen. Gotta do better about that. This is a 36 ct linen, not sure of the company or color name, since I’ve had it in my stash for a long time. When stitching on 36 and higher, I use size 28 needles. Hope this helps!

[@janetmurray4989]

Thanks that's the way I learned

[@JanHicksCreates]

Excellent! I do find it to be a very natural way to stitch.

[@beckyacosta3241]

Best tutorial I have found on sewing method❣️So happy to see Stitching this way in the different directions! Your needle looks long....what needle are you using?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks Becky! Make sure you watch the second one, too, where I talk about how to keep your threads laying nicely. I pretty much use Pat’s Favorite Needles these days. They are standard length, not petites, but they are really, really nice and glide through the fabric. I was using a size 28 on this project.

[@teresapires5799]

Thank you for making this video. I've just started experimenting with in hand stitching and right to left or straight down - no problems but doing other directions I had issues with figuring the awkward hand movements. I'm going to give it another go this weekend to hopefully get better at it. When you're using dmc threads do you complete each x or would you go across and back a row?

[@JanHicksCreates]

When I’m using DMC, I usually go back and forth across a row to complete the Xs. I do periodically also go up and down or diagonally when I’m using DMC, depending on where I need to get to. I only worry about completing each X as I go if I’m using variegated floss.

[@reneasmith4743]

Hi Jan, Your tutorials are superb! I am a new stitcher; what thread counts work best for hand stitching?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thread count really doesn’t matter. It’s more a matter of what your eyes are comfortable with.

[@aliciabell4850]

TY

[@sarahcontento9516]

Thank you Jan. This has been a helpful video. I don't have a local needle shop near me and have to order from the internet. I have stitched on aida and evenweave but would like to try linen. Is there a certain kind of linen that's easier to start?

[@JanHicksCreates]

I think since you have stitched on evenweave already, that you won’t have any real problems with linen. Still, start with 28 ct, so that it’s a bit easier to see to start with to get a feel for it. But the only real difference is the slubs/thick & thin threads of the linen. But it’s not like there are so many of those that it makes it really different from evenweave. Let me know how it goes!

[@leahmcginley4057]

7:15, you talked about the dark green, wouldn't that be the shadow of the 🐏👍

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yep, I just went and looked at my stitched piece, and I think you are right! Aren’t you clever!

[@leahmcginley4057]

@@JanHicksCreates thanks, anything for a wonderfull person, glad I could point that out to you,,,,lol

[@kathrynbarker7967]

What size is your fabric (the count). I am returning after 40 years of not doing cross stitch. Thank you

[@JanHicksCreates]

It’s been a number of years since I did that one, but I’m pretty sure that was a 36 ct. That and 40 ct are my favorite counts to work on.

[@cathieh.7225]

My stitches are opposite to you would that make a difference with the sewing method?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Cathie! No, it doesn’t make a difference with the sewing method. You’ll just be starting and ending in the opposite holes.

[@lisak6249]

Do you wash your projects after stitching in hand?

[@JanHicksCreates]

No, I don’t usually wash them, especially if I’ve used hand-dyed threads. Now, for my bigger projects that I use DMC on, I may wash them. I used to wash my projects all of the time and never had any problems. But for any smaller projects, I don’t worry about washing them at all.

[@minniegray-allxxs9332]

Have you ever thought of turning your stitching upside down and continue stitching the way you like? I do that all the time and the stitches are still all going the same.

[@JanHicksCreates]

You know, someone else mentioned that, and I hadn’t really thought of it before. I need to get my brain around that and then remember to do it! Thanks Minnie!

[@chrisb5391]

Hi Jan. I just recently viewed this video. I was wondering where you obtain the bags you keep your floss in. I hope that you see this question.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Chris! The bags are called Thread Tux and you can find them on 123Stitch.com.

[@chrisb5391]

@@JanHicksCreates Thank you

[@aliciabell4850]

Does it matter if the floss is on top of the needle or under the needle when you make the cross stitch? TY

[@JanHicksCreates]

It shouldn’t matter. The main thing is to pay attention to the way your floss is turning as it’s coming up out of the fabric, and try to follow that turn when going back into the fabric, so that the floss will lay flat without twisting.

[@DP-lx8of]

Social Media channel no selling or linking. Legality on home page bottom left. Suggest removing links.

[@denisepatterson2649]

Great job Jan. What is your fabric?

[@JanHicksCreates]

It’s a 36 ct linen. I’m not sure who the maker is, or the color, but possibly either Wichelt or Weeks because of the more open weave.

[@janetblankenship6595]

Still can't catch on to that

[@JanHicksCreates]

So sorry about that. Is there anything I can try to help you with?

[@lindaficetola607]

Hi Jan, Very helpful thank you. What size and what make needles do you use? Please send me your PayPal info

[@JanHicksCreates]

I use all kinds of different needles, but my favorites are Pat’s Favorite Needles.