Stitching "Over Two" on Linen

This is a quick tutorial to explain how to "read" the vertical and horizontal threads in the linen weave: the best tool for mastering this technique.

[@margaretbaker623]

Hi! I just rewatched this video. What a kind, encouraging person you are! Thank you for the clear explanation. 😊

[@marymac1646]

Just wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying your flosstube! I'm learning so many new things and you explain things so well. Your videos are a bright spot in my day....thanks!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Oh thank you! That makes my heart happy!

[@RamblingsfromCanada]

What a great video! I'm brand new to linen, (sitting here with 32ct Belfast in my hands, wearing the deer in the headlight look LOL) and your clear and concise explanation was exactly what I needed. I've already tried out a few stitches and I think I can actually do this! Thank you very much, Jean! 🥰

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

It warms my heart to know I helped a little. In no time at all, you will wonder what all the fuss was about. When you want some "company" as you stitch, watch my series as I stitched Hearts Come Home at Christmas ... you may find it helpful. Here's the link to the first one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHXRYmWentuboJI

[@usgribbles]

Such a well-done educational video! Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Mamallina437]

My first linen project was 35 years ago, a Peter Rabbit baby sampler for my first child. I stitched with no problem at all. I the next 20 years I stitched only on Aida then did a 50th anniversary sampler on linen for my mother & father-in-law. It was so hard for me I vowed never to do it again! I think it was because my close vision had changed. Now with good light and magnification I stitch on all kinds and counts of fabrics.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lamoredave5739]

Hello how are you

[@hannamansfield2894]

Once again, wonderful information. Thank you Jean Farish.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sicplano]

Best video on stitching on linen. Very clear. Thank you for sharing.

[@kckoehler1766]

Thank you very much. Great info for me to hear as a novice. Linen- here I come. 🎉

[@Debbielane48]

At 40 years in, I'm not a beginner, but havestitched only on Aida for years. I needed a refresher and reinforcement to my memory of starting by a vertical thread. Thank you for the clear explanation of stitching on evenweave - in this case 32ct Laguna. I'll share this for sure!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I'm so happy to know it was helpful!

[@colleenyork8588]

After cross stitching on Aida over 30 years, I feel confident that I can stitch on linen after seeing your visual of the threads. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You can do it!

[@ClemBarkerStitches]

Really helpful and clearly explained. I’ve been stitching for 15 years but have only ever used aida. I feel much more confident to try linen now, thank you.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful!

[@Appellonia]

Your simple illustration has helped me more so than any other tutorial I have watched to date. Let me just say I have watched them all almost. I FINALLY GET IT!! So thank u THANK YOU!!!!

[@Disneybuff1]

Ditto! Thank you so much. I'm also new to linen and your a great Teacher. You make it so easy now.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@jessicabebenek6471]

Thank you! This was so helpful as an experienced cross stitcher moving from aida to linen

[@Gumblina1]

Thank you so much!!!!! I am starting a project using 32 ct linen and was totally confused until watching your video. Have just completed 3 lines 😊 and you have made it so easy for me. Many more to go 😅 but feel so much more confident. Thank you!!!!

[@mydailystitches]

Thank you so much for talking about the “rule” of starting at a horizontal thread. I was told I should always do that and believed it was a hard fast rule. Glad to know it isn’t.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

There are so many myths out there and they just keep on keeping on!

[@barbarachase7725]

Very timely for me since I am starting my first linen project. Unfortunately, I noticed that I have started stitching over the horizontal first but I was glad to hear that as long as I’m consistent it will be OK. There is such a big space between the border and the next part of the pattern that I think I can change and start the proper way. So happy to have found your videos. I am a returning to Crosstitch from the 80s and 90s. Much has changed and I have much to learn. With more time at home it is a perfect time to rediscover Crosstitch! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge…

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Unless I misunderstand something, you can't switch in the middle of a project.

[@barbarachase7725]

@@JeanFarishNeedleworks You didn’t misunderstand. I thought since there were so many spaces between the the border and next motif that I might be able to switch but thought better of it when I got to that point. I will just remember this newfound information for the next project. Thanks for the follow up!

[@valeriethompson3539]

I’ve been afraid to stitch on linen because of stitching over two threads plus I shake a lot. I’m going to try it! Thank you for teaching about the vertical and horizontal threads!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Let me know how it goes. Good luck!

[@sandythornton5166]

Thank you so much for a wonderful explanation of linen!! I was looking for a tutorial just like this as I'm just getting ready to try my first linen project! I'm 61 and have cross stitched for years but always on Aida. I'm very excited to try this but when I was looking at my linen piece which is 32 ct. it seemed so much different than I'm used to. After your excellent explanation I now feel confident I'm going to be able to learn this!! Thank you again. Now to get busy!! Oh, and you now have a new subscriber!! I can't wait to watch your other videos!!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I'm so happy to know that it helped you! Welcome!

[@donnacarman5429]

This was an extremely helpful explanation/demonstration of stitching on linen. Now I have confidence to start my project. Thank you!!

[@Rachel-yi8yy]

As a beginner this is a great detail video, thanks so much 🤩 more would be fantastic

[@user-lr9zd8th5s]

Thank you very much for your video, very helpful. I am new to linen,

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sallypearson1232]

This was exactly the information I have been searching for. I don't have a LNS and couldn't find this exact information anywhere online. I appreciate your strong opinions. The vertical thread tool is the missing piece in my learning. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I'm happy to help!

[@sandrawest8248]

Thank you for this tutorial! It was very helpful. Now I feel comfortable trying to stitch on something else besides 14 count. Just hope my eyes can handle it at this season of my life

[@krzybutifl]

Thank you this helped a ton. I have only stitched on Aida the last year and I will be attempting linen when my order comes in. 😃 I feel much better and less terrified. Lol

[@patsyowens7365]

Very helpful! Stitching on linen for the first time it gets easier with each stitch. Thank you for taking the time to teach.

[@vickiegillett7059]

Hi Jean. I love and value your lessons! Look Forward to each one and can’t wait for the next one🤗

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Thanks so much!

[@Liverpool1957]

Hi, total beginner, thank you so much for clarifying where to stitch! Just be consistent will be my mantra. Off to play😁

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful!

[@TheSabinewalkden]

Another clear and concise tutorial. I always stitch two over two and have never felt intimidated by linen and any slubs which may come along. I appreciate this tutorial as I shall start my next project next to the correct stitch. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beckyacosta3241]

Hi Jean! Excellent videos!! Can you do a video on stitching over one on linen!? Thank you!! 💐

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I'll add it to the list of topics to cover!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Jean, seems I missed this podcast…I try to be consistent…thanks for the information…I took your advise today and went to my eye person, she was a big help and set me up with a stitching pair of glasses….I have some astigmatism and three strokes damaged my right eye with double vision 22 years ago, so these need to be corrected too…the $1.00 pair off the shelf cost over $300, and my husband finally agreed it was money well spent…thanks for that information too…stay safe and happy stitching❤️

[@moniqueharris9325]

Thank you so much for the clear instructions. I was so afraid to try linen, but I have an aboslutely wonderful pattern that I would like to do. Again, thank you.

[@maureendaunt8665]

I’m an experienced stitcher, embroidery, patchwork, fashion and cross stitch but I have never been taught cross stitch and just pick things up as I go. Thank you so much for passing on all of your wonderful knowledge. I have always done cross stitch on Aida but have purchased my first linen project ‘ Dutch Beauty’ and I’m so grateful for the tips you are showing which will be a great help when I get started. I’ve always started with a waste knot but I’m loving the loop and pin stitch starts and finishes. My great Aunt taught me to stitch when I was six, she had so many types of beautiful work, now that I am retired I aim to make and design some samplers of my own to explore more techniques. I look forward to the time when I can travel to the U S and join in one of your tutorials. Loving the floss tube community. Many thanks 🙏😍 Maureen, Northumberland UK

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Thank you for watching. It sounds like you are enjoying retirement!

[@lorrainebergstrom9391]

I love all your videos, I never miss a video. The time you take to share your knowledge is so appreciated. Thank you so much!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad you like them!

[@mariavaz1831]

Thank you! You are a wonderful teacher. I appreciate your videos so very much.

[@bettekrise8463]

I used aida on my first two projects 40 years ago and have used linen ever since for all whether it be cross stitch or hardanger or pulled thread and various stitching. Linen makes it an heirloom that will last.

[@tanyawilson853]

I love that you teach on your tutorials. It is so helpful as a new stitcher. Thank you.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Thank you so much!

[@mariahartsfield5467]

Hello! Thank you for sharing your knowledge on linen. Loved it. Make it a great day!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Thank you! You too!

[@barbaramorrissey3657]

Again, so much valuable information. Thank you Jean, because even though I have been cross stitching on and off for over thirty years, I am just now feeling confident to try linen, and that is in large part, due to your videos.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful!

[@sylviapage8572]

That was so helpful. I’m currently stitching on an 18 count Aida and I’ve just bought my first piece of linen, a 28 count to practice on. Your very clear instructional video has thankfully taken a lot of apprehension away from me. I’ve also treated myself to two small sampler patterns so hopefully I will see some progress as I learn and complete each of them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@mtnmonamona842]

Again I must thank you for your expertise and teaching style, it is perfect for me. I am a newbie. Have stitched a few projects on evenweave and recently have purchased 28 ct cashel linen. OMG, I wish I could stitch in hand (which I am beginning to use, no more qsnap) without a magnifier! Kudos to all stitchers that can see those small X’s. I wonder if you had tips on keeping a constant tension while stitching in hand?

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I don't use a magnifier but I do have very strong "readers" that allow me to see clearly. As for getting the right tension ... I think that just takes practice! Luckily, it's fun!

[@StitchLifeMagazine]

Jean, thank you so much for this tutorial! Your videos and tutorials are so incredibly helpful. - Clay

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad you like them!

[@bbrosser694]

Thank you very much. Your teaching has been totally concise, and yet very easy to understand.

[@jmfg1955]

Thank you so much. I was always told I HAD to start by vertical thread. Your knowledge is so appreciated.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciamurdock9090]

You are an awesome instructor, I am so glad I found your videos.. I am learning so much and I have been stitching for years

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching.

[@Butterflyjonesful]

I have been stitching since 1988. I met a lady who taught me when I moved to the area I live in. I still stitch and love it so much. I appreciate the way you teach and the fact that it’s all up to the stitcher and what they see as far as the threads in the linen are concerned. I like a tightly woven linen as opposed to the loose soft linens. That’s my choice and I see vertical threads easier. My way of stitching. I tend to stitch on both even weave and linen depending on the project and the direction it takes me. Thank you so much! So happy I stumbled across your YT channel 😀

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I'm so happy that we have found each other!

[@lenorerhodes8110]

Thank you so much Jean. I binge watched your videos and have learnt so much. I look forward to future episodes. 🌺

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@hucl_berrystitcher]

I just started on Linen about 3 months ago. It took me about a week and I caught right on. I have stitched on higher counts and like them all. Great video!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

That is awesome! Once it "clicks" it is so easy, isn't it?

[@terrihall3247]

I’ve been anxious about moving away from Aida to stitching on linen. This video gave me a little confidence to try. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You can do it!

[@judyrosey]

You are simply the best my dear Jean....bless you and thank you. ❤🧡💛

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wow, thank you

[@ginacates6110]

Thank you! I had literally just started a project on linen when your tutorial popped up. I stitched on 28 ct linen in the 90's before I took a 20 plus year hiatus from stitching. My eyesight has changed tremendously & I have stayed away from linen since picking up stitching last year. I have only stitched 1 small project on 32 ct linen, enjoyed it with my magnifier/light. I love Evenweave fabrics but some projects just call for linen to me. You explain things so well and are such an encouragement, thank you! I needed to watch your video today! Sorry for rambling!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Ramble on! I'm just happy that we found each other!!

[@danettecollins7305]

This is a wonderful tutorial. Very helpful. Thank you!

[@kentuckysassstitches8729]

Thank you so much. I have been stitching for a long time and had never heard this before.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandyheller5438]

Your teachings are fascinating. Thank You so much for your tutorial. I will practice this. 💕

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@simonesanterre4048]

I just loved this video Jean! So clear and understandable. I’m challenging myself to attempt linen because I’m a traditionalist at heart and love the finished look of a piece done on it. Thank you also for cheering me on at the end of this video that “I can do it and you know I can!”.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful!

[@Jasmine-ur1sl]

Jean, thank you for this tutorial. I've watched others attempt to demonstrate the mystery of working on linen, and I think "I get it" as I am watching their videos, and then something is said (maybe its the vertical/horizontal thread start slipping) and I walked away feeling slightly more intimidated and dove right back into the comfort of my 18-count Aida. You have made the prospect of trying to put a few stitches on linen less scary. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful! BTW, when stitching "over two" there should be no slippage ... that only happens when stitching incorrectly "over one" which I don't recommend until the "over two" is mastered.

[@katythompson3428]

Thank you, very well explained. Feel more confident to tackle first attempt.

[@sarahrigoni2953]

Jean thankyou for the tutorial, I am an avid cross stitcher but always on Aida. I have been too terrified to try on linen, I finally plucked up the courage and bought my first piece of linen, and hence I found my way to your KZbin channel. Thankyou so much for making this very clear, and for the encouragement!! I'm actually excited to try this now x

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You can do it!

[@susanott1264]

This was very helpful. I'm starting to stitch on linen this week and so excited.

[@gingermccafferty9572]

Thank you, so interesting to hear a bit of history as well as the mechanics of it! Very good! Very informative.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonireinhart7814]

Hello Jean, this video is very helpful, thank you!

[@kathiep.7734]

Another great explanation for all stitchers..thanks so much!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@anneg7411]

Thank you SO much for this informative video! I'm a total newbie using some tightly woven 32 count linen scraps and it's very challenging, but satisfying at the same time.

[@stacythomas3099]

Thank you for the fantastic tutorial!

[@debbiehorton8470]

I just finished "binge watching" yout FlossTube videos. I have been cross stitching since 1987 (off and on) and am happy to see some of my methods are spot on - and to learn how to correctly do others. Questions. Your thought process on "railroading" stitches and beginning with a pin stitch. Thanks!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Those are two good topics to cover ... I'll add them to my list :)

[@debglastetter851]

I don't stitch on linen that much. Every time I do I watch this video to make sure I am starting in the right place. It is perfect and so easy to understand. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@littleanniez874]

I really appreciate your very thorough explanations!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Thanks!

[@suzanneschwarz5758]

Thank you so much! The drawing and explanation was very helpful! I appreciate the detail.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SMWBraden]

Thank you for this. I have been struggling with figuring out this. It seems simple to the experienced but to the novice it is so difficult. Thank you.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You're very welcome! I love to help novice stitchers!

[@kimreed6733]

Thanks for all of the good information! Love learning!💗

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome!

[@wendykeyser6706]

Thanks again for another great tutorial! I am one of those transitioning from Aida to linen.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful!

[@majcherj1]

I am so, so glad you did this video! I have tried to explain this to new stitchers using words, without a visual, but probably pretty unsuccessfully. I think many new stitchers are afraid of linen, because they think they’ll mis-stitch by one thread. It’s impossible to do that if you always start a stitch next to a vertical thread. It becomes second nature pretty quickly. I had been taught that starting next to a vertical thread supports the stitch better. Since I’ve never done it any other way, I don’t know if that is true, though.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

That myth grew out of a well-intended effort to teach new stitchers. I just don't buy it,

[@Xstitchtchr]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. I’m moving from evenweave to 36 count linen and I feel more confident.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Wonderful!

[@maureenlopez9266]

Thank you for this! I'm an aida stitcher who is about to start an evenweave project for the first time. I found this helpful. I too would be interested in seeing how to stitch over 1 as my project has an alphabet portion that must be stitched over 1 while the rest of the piece is stitched over 2. Thanks! Well explained as always!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Stitching "over one" is a whole different process. Right now, I need to focus on helping the novice stitcher with "over two" stitching.

[@allyelly1519]

This was a great video, thank you. I once stitched 'off' the vertical thread and wondered the whole way through why I was struggling - my needle didn't find the holes so easily and the stitches didn't look good. I am of the opinion it does matter that you start alongside the vertical thread. Have just stitched on a doodle cloth in the 'off' placement and my Xs definitely don't sit so well in the linen. Alongside the vertical thread they imbed - off the vertical thread they fight alongside the linen threads. Sadly, I can't show you a photo

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

It's good that you have found what works for you. However, just for the record, every hole in an evenweave or linen is surrounded by two vertical threads and two horizontal threads. Every hole is the same.

[@Obedience_challenged]

thank you! I might need to utilize my magnifying glass in order to stitch on tightly woven linen

[@jeantruckey1502]

Thanks again for sharing your expertise and encouragement.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

My pleasure!

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Thank you Jean for giving us your time. Happy 2021. Take care🤗

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You are so welcome. Happy New Year!

[@melindamorgan1736]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!!

[@lamoredave5739]

Hi Melinda

[@debraschultz9246]

Jean, thank you so much for your excellent tutorial and your expertise! Would love your guidance on one over one.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I'll add that to the list of topics to cover. Thanks for watching!

[@chrismatheny9146]

Very clear and concise information. Thanks!!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizzerlou2042]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!! Very informative!

[@edwarc56]

very clear and logical. thank you

[@StitchingWithTheSisterlies]

Oh good!!! Oh my heavens you have helped me immensely

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

That makes my heart happy!

[@distaff2935]

Thank you!

[@sheuser13]

Thank you for this visual to linen stitching. I am not a fan being an aida stitcher,but I will jump back in & try again. Evenweave sounds more like my speed. 😄

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Do what's comfortable for you. I just want stitchers to be doing what they love to do because they love it and not because they are afraid of the other fabrics.

[@perfectlyseasoned]

This was an awesome tutorial! Thanks

[@tulips3967]

Exceptional tutorial! 🙏

[@MarilynEsmond]

Thank you Perfect lesson!!

[@evelyneca7454]

Thank you so much for the explanation!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

You're very welcome!

[@suzsewsquilts]

Wow, great tool I didn't know about.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bernetagebhardt3716]

Great video help me so much Thank you

[@cfish2100]

Thank you so much! I totally understand now!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Happy to help!

[@nettadematos5836]

Excellent, thank you so much.

[@HeidiEndres]

I'm getting ready to start 18 count natural linen for the first time and I'm glad that I found your video. It is very informative! In watching, I noticed that when you make your X, you go from bottom left to top right and then come back to do top left to bottom right. I always stitch top left to bottom right and then cross over top right to bottom left. I'm doing my x's differently than you. Am I making my stitches wrong? Thank you for your help.

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

I use three different methods depending on the shape of the area. There is no "one way" to make a cross stitch as long as the top leg of every stitch has the same slant.

[@lisaclark2217]

I’m checking stitching on linen again. I think I’ll try on my little practice piece to make sure I have it right. I do have a bunch of magnifiers

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Let me know if you have questions! Magnifiers and readers are great tools!

[@missyhilyerjones5394]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@joygriffiths8526]

Thank you so much 😊

[@debbieblakley9761]

This is probably a stupid question but since the linen fabric is so fine, I'm going to ask it anyway. When you start a project on linen, do you still count the holes to find the middle of the fabric or do you guestimate the center of the fabric? I've watched several of these stitching 2x2 video's and that has never been addressed. Thank you!

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

First of all, I count the threads, not the holes. But to find the center of a piece of fabric, I just fold in quarters. Also, there is no such thing as a stupid question ... and if I misunderstood and failed to fully answer your great question, please let me know!

[@radosney]

invaluable content, thank you

[@JeanFarishNeedleworks]

Glad it was helpful!