Cross Country vs Blocks with Parking

[@donnasloban5435]

your videos are helpful to a self taught sticher. thank you for your tips, they are very helpful . this is my ffirst video in thirty years of strugling with stisching. your methods willthankkincrease my production greatly. thanks so much

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thank you for watching and for the lovely comments. Happy stitching!

[@mariahewitt1841]

Donna Sloban I’m a self taught cross stitcher as well. I still use a hoop, not a q-snap, which I had never heard of. Much less parked threads🤦‍♀️

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Maria Hewitt I still use hoops as well as my q-snap. Thanks for watching. ☺

[@JessieMarieDoesStuff]

You and I stitch full coverage differently and cross country does my head in. 😝 But I can't tell you how relaxing it was, my stitching just now. I had your video playing on my iPad in my lap, working on my own full coverage design. I'd hear your thread go through the fabric, then my own. Almost like we were hanging out, stitching together. I know it's not easy to film oneself stitching so I appreciate the effort. I'm sure a lot of people have asked how you do things and I hope they all learned a lot from this video series. Hugs, Jessie

[@jessicacook2647]

I did the same thing!

[@k3nNdRa1]

Best needle minders I have seen!! Love them

[@elisethegeek2317]

I love your Super Grover! So cute. Thank you for sharing your process. :)

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thanks. I still love Super Grover.

[@crossstitchbutton]

Wonderful three tutorials Pam. Happy stitching xx

[@sandragomez8930]

Hi Pam, Just want to thank you for taking the time to do these very informative videos. Looking forward for your next video.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Sandra Gomez Thank you

[@judyrosy]

Pam....thank you so much. You are an excellent teacher. I appreciate your videos very much. They are helping me greatly. ❤

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thanks for watching my videos. I'm happy to hear they're helping.

[@KatesCraftingCorner]

Thanks for sharing. When I work from my parked threads, I tend to take the bottom right of the parked threads (and have the others flipped up above) so I am not really having to work around other parked threads. I do this working to the left and then up of the parked threads. It is always fascinating to watch how other stitchers stitch.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Kate's Crafting Corner Yes I enjoy watching other's methods of stitching

[@peggy1046]

Same as I do

[@cindygaudet1390]

Interesting when I do parked I move the threads I am not working with like you, however in the square I am working I start with the lowest parked thread move the others up out of way then I don’t have to move all my parked threads sewing between them. Find it easier than going between all threads. Thanks very clear and never used waste notes, great idea than flipping it over to end.

[@peggy1046]

Yes that is the way I do it as well. Lowest first then work up

[@Hlem0401]

Love the Super Grover needle minder!

[@syloum7723]

Thanks for the very clear video, and showing the 2 methods is great ! (I haven’t find the links to the videos you are refering to :) but it was a long time ago. Thanks again ❤

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

You're very welcome. I'm unsure if the other videos I mentioned are still active, it was quite some time ago.

[@brendasahawneh6024]

You are a great teacher! Thanks for the video!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

You're welcome.

[@5877user]

I’m currently relearning cross stitch after being away for a couple of years. I’m practicing on a stamped full coverage pattern from China. It’s already gridded and stamped in colors that you have to coordinate w the number which is NOT the color on the fabric. But that’s okay. I just do a sticky note for the area I’m stitching. These pattern kits are cheaper and the floss is thinner and fragile if pulled too hard. But for me it’s very good practice for full coverage and probably quicker since you spend less time looking and counting. It’s less tedious if you don’t mind the stiff fabric. I don’t.

[@stitchingwithasmile677]

Thanks again Pam, very clear and easy to understand.

[@rebeccarawlings1757]

I just put a hold on a full coverage project because I stitched in about a 5X2in area and worked up and around to the left side of that and stitched at least as much on the other side only to find out my first side is off a couple of stitches. Don't know how or if it can be recovered. Maybe I'll have to pull out all the stitches on the right side. Help!

[@gillmae5223]

Thanks for these tutorials Pam. When it comes to cross country I worry that I only have to get one stitch in the wrong place and it throws the rest of my stitching out, but I might give it a try when I start my next HAED to see how I get on.

[@deannagerein3409]

Gillmae this is what happens to me all the time

[@tobyredhead4054]

Thank you for the tip on how to make sure you are in the correct stitch. Also explaining the waste note.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thanks for watching.

[@5CuteKittens]

Thanks for showing the extreme close-up of Record Girls and letting us see the little flecks of fabric showing in the stitching of their hair. They're not visible at all at normal distances. I've begun my first full coverage piece (2 over 1 on 22ct aida) and was worried because I could sometimes see a few flashes of fabric in the darkest parts of the design. After seeing the close-up and normal views of Record Girls I feel a lot more confident that no one will see them. Thanks, Pam!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Enjoy your stitching.

[@bakyunny]

Do the darker colors threads that are carried under a lighter color show? I was doing a face and when I carried the black thread from one eye to the other eye, I feel like you can slightly see the black thread under the skin color in between the eyes.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

It doesn't seem to be much of an issue but I don't carry my threads very far. I'm also using aida for this piece and it's a little heavier then linen or some other evenweave fabric. One thing I've found is it's usually better to do the lighter colours first and finish up with the darkest colour.

[@floridagoods]

Ive been cross stitching for 30 years but I never learned the loop method, thanks for showing it. I just started watching flosstubes. I too do cross country, but whats the maximum number of squares are you willing to travel?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+floridagoods Thanks for watching. Usually the most I travel my thread is a block or 2, so 10-20 stitches.

[@mariahewitt1841]

floridagoods WHAT is cross country??!!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Cross country is when you stitch sections of the same colour rather then stitching in blocks and parking.

[@susannoble4252]

What is the technique you are doing with the plastic stick on the cross over (2nd) stitch on each square? Thanks for showing this, I am not a good visualiser and I needed to actually see it done.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

That is a laying tool I'm using. It helps multiple strands of floss lay evenly and not twisted helping with the overall look of your piece. I have a tutorial demonstrating how to use a laying tool on my channel as well.

[@sunflower_craftz]

loved your video thanks alot ... but i have problem now in my last head that i can see the dark thread under the light thread what should i do 😔

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+cute little stitch Hum that's a tough one. If the strands running along the back are long enough you could probably snip them and weave in the ends. Are they only visible up close or would they still be noticeable from a distance?

[@sunflower_craftz]

Pam's Crafty Corner thanks for your replay ... i can see them from a good distance i asked my daughters they say its looks normal but i can see they changed the colors of the thread above them some of them i fixed but the others i tried but i saw those will hurt the other stitches ... should i start stitch the light colors then the dark once ? ... sorry for my bad english 😚 love from istanbul 💝

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+cute little stitch Yes you could try stitching the lighter colors first. I try to not leave long tails on my work and will end my threads rather then drag the thread across the back to the next stitch especially in areas that it could cause problems.

[@sunflower_craftz]

Pam's Crafty Corner thanks again ... i love you and love your videos always 🤗💖

[@deannagerein3409]

I have a picture that has lots of different colours if I do cross country stitching will I not have a mess in the back

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Deanna Gerein I have found that in the long run it's not any more messy then when I park really. Even though I cross country I don't carry threads that far.

[@glamderinggaming3859]

why do you put that yellow stick in the floss before you pull it all the way through?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

It's a laying tool. I use it sometimes when stitching with multiple strands on full coverage pieces. It helps the threads lay neatly and I find it also helps keep my stitches more uniform looking.

[@tobyredhead4054]

Pam's Crafty Corner Thank You for this tip. That’s what I’ve been searching too learn how to do.

[@UniqueDesignStudio1]

How do you know exactly where the next color is located? You don't seem to have a grid

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Raven K Yeah, I never grid. lol. I just mark my parked threads on my chart with a yellow highlighter and as I stitch I cross off my stitched area with a darker colour. Never had a problem doing it this way. I just find gridding to be so laborious and it doesn't really benefit me. Rather spend time stitching then gridding.

[@tobyredhead4054]

Pam's Crafty Corner I had not heard of gridding until today. I’m learning so much from just this video. I’ve cross stitched off and on for many years.

[@mariagiles3052]

There is no chance on Gods earth I could do that it very good if you can but not me xxx

[@KellyStodola]

Hi Pam! New subscriber and new cross stitcher - I am finding that I am doing your first method naturally as it's the easiest for me to not screw up! I have seen stitchers use that laying tool - can I ask where you got yours?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+SVG Sews welcome to stitching. It's a wonderful hobby. ☺ My hubby actually made my laying tool for me. It's carved from bone. You can purchase them from several shops however and online at 223 stitch or via etsy. Laying tool come in all sizes and different materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, bone & quill.

[@gailhalsey8522]

What is the name of this pattern? Looks very pretty.

[@tobyredhead4054]

Had not heard of parking until today. I’m not sure I can master or have enough patience it but I like it better. Makes a neater back in my opinion.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

I found it difficult when I first started. It does take some getting used to.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

There's a really good tutorial by Carolyn Mazzeo explaining parking. It may help.

[@5877user]

If I can do full coverage without parking, which I have, I prefer that. Parking looks too fiddly. I like finishing my threads for now.

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

I also prefer to finish my threads but in some high confetti areas it does help.

[@SneakyNinjaSistas]

Hello! I'm 16 and just started cross-stitching. I'm wondering what count fabric you're stitching on, as well as how many strings you're using for your thread? It appears to be only 3 instead of the full 6?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Courtnayo Hi. Typically dmc floss comes as a 6 stranded cotton and you would separate the strands to stitch with. Many projects stitched on Aida fabric would be stitched using 2 strands of floss. I use different amounts of floss depending on which count fabric I'm using. This particular project is stitched using 2 strands of floss on 18 count Aida. Welcome to stitching.

[@archiemaxfield9004]

hi pam great video I just started a heaven and earth one frist time and doing parking but I do line by line but I try your way thanks

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Archie Maxfield Line by line works too. Do whatever makes your stitching comfortable for you. If you don't enjoy it you'll never complete it. ☺

[@Sunny25611]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you :)

[@f8227]

Hello Pam, thank you for your very helpful and enjoyable content. Based on your experience, does stitching full coverage using the cross country method going to leave harsh lines between pages? Or perhaps between columns if I’m doing cross country by column? Thank you again!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Whenever I come to the edge of a page I will stitch a few stitches along the page edge into the next page. I've never had an issue with lines doing it this way. Likewise when I was stitching in columns I also peppered some stitches into the next column.

[@cyborgpenguin89]

No grids... So much talent!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thank you. I've never used grids. I find them distracting.

[@kimjohnsen6076]

While using waste knots is it a waist of thread at the same time because the threads are lower! And i am looking at your video and i am so confusing with the parking method!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

I haven't found it to be a huge waste of thread in the long run but there are other ways I end my threads as well, waste knots is just 1 option. If you're confused by the parking, Carolyn Mazzeo has a great video explaining the parking method very clearly.

[@Syakhi]

What length of thread do you cut off when you begin each colour?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

If I'm using a single strand I usually cut off about 14 inches I guess. If I'm stitching with 2 strands it's about double that length and I fold it it half to use loop method to start.

[@Syakhi]

@@PamsCraftyCorner Thank you for the response

[@brendasonnier1998]

I love this pattern. What’s the name of it and it available for purchase? Thanks!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

This particular piece is called Old World Map by Heaven and Earth Designs. It's still available on their website as far as I know.

[@jeanneranck2535]

What are you using to keep the thread frill twisting??

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Jeanne Ranck Hi. I use a laying tool as I'm stitching and I find that prevents twisting and helps my stitches lay properly. To keep the parked threads from tangling i just pin them out of the way with a needleminder. Hope that answered your question.

[@jessicacook2647]

@@PamsCraftyCorner It looks like a knitting needle? I'm guessing those would work too as it looks really similar? Ive not seen anyone do this before in videos but I def see how it helps!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Yes it does look similar to a knitting needle. 🙂

[@lisamunchausen7158]

Thanks for showing that. It made sense!

[@thestitchinglane737]

What is that tool you are using to catch your thread?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Hi, it's a laying tool. I have another video showing how it's used.

[@thestitchinglane737]

@@PamsCraftyCorner Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@juliekeenum2824]

Are you skipping too far between stitches? Doesn't this make the back of your piece look messy?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Julie Keenum I never carry my threads more then 20 stitches maximum. I typically stitch the least used colours first to the most used colours, that way my carried threads from the least used colours get stitched over by the rest of the stitches. Not sure if that explains well enough. I do have pictures of the backs of my work on my instagram if you wanna have a look.

[@juliekeenum2824]

Pam's Crafty Corner ok. Thank you!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Super helpful video thanks! I'm new to your channel and I've just subscribed : )

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thanks for the sub and thanks for watching. Happy stitching!

[@apple7770]

I love your video! Can you tell me what tool you are using when stitching? I want one!

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Thanks for watching. I use a laying tool sometimes when stitching with multiple strands. I do have a tutorial video showing it.

[@katielukezich9369]

I've been using eleven count and three threads and feel like it probably needed to be four. Do you have a recommendation for what I should use for my next project that's gonna be on fourteen?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Personally I'm less of a stickler as far as perfect coverage is concerned. I'm more concerned with how thick the fabric gets when stitching with too many threads. To me, my stitches don't lay right if I use too many strands. I would rather sacrifice some coverage to have even stitches. I only use 2 strands of floss on 14 count but I know lots of people also use 3. I think it's totally personal preference. I suggest you do a test swatch of a block of 10x10 using multiple strands a see which you like best.

[@Louise-xr5ok]

How do you know what colour is what, they all look the same

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

When I park threads I have them highlighted in a specific way on the chart. The colour is parked in the next space it's needed.

[@beverlyevangerandteddy1769]

thanks again my dear friend

[@lisajenrette1778]

Can you tell me how you seem to keep the same tension throughout your design?

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

+Lisa jenrette That's a hard question to answer. When I stitch using 2 strands of floss I tend to use my laying tool. I find that helps with the neatness of my stitches. As for tension, I've been stitching so many years that I pull each of my stitches with the same amount of pressure each time. It really has just become second nature to me.

[@susananderson4428]

Wth?id get so confused by so many threads still attached

[@debrablanson2288]

I'm new to stitching I just jump all over the place😁 I have, a lot to learn lol

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

I'm all over the place too. I only stitched some of my pieces using this method and parking.

[@Mirr888-j6m]

Поднимите ниточки вверх и начните работу с нижней нитки и будет значительно легче вышивать.

[@manuedupont1285]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@leahmcginley4057]

Where is the parking method

[@PamsCraftyCorner]

Not sure I actually did a video on just my parking technique. I use the same method as Carolyn Mazzeo. If you search her on KZbin she has a great tutorial.

[@manuedupont1285]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍