this post was submitted on 11 Jan 2024
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Cross stitch and embroidery
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I haven't seen your other threads, so not sure how beginner we're talking. I'm not the most knowledgeable, but I'll share the best things I've discovered. :)
A lot of tutorials will tell you not to tie knots in your thread on the back hold the thread in, but instead weave it into the thread on the back. This is true if you're planning on making somethihg on a pillow or similar, but if you're framing it and don't care that the back is lumpy because no one will ever see it or feel it, just do you and make it secure.
They make cross stitch lattice thst dissolves in water, so you can cross stitch on tshirts, pillows, blankets, et cetera. It's amazing, and a game changer for making nifty little things you'll actually be able to wear or use daily. I love it so much.
Splitting your thread so its a lower ply is common, but if you leave it 6 stranded sometimes, you can add an extra layer of depth to what you make. For instance, i made a goomba (mario mushroom looking villain) for a friend. I made the outline of the goomba 6 stranded, with all the background stuff 3 stranded. It made it appear that the goomba was closer to the viewer, and really added a 3 dimensional effect that I loved. I've also used more strands to cross stitch curse words in a more handwritten font whenever i do something funny/inappropriate for the lols. Fancy script for most words in 3 strands, curse word in a scrawly looking vulgarish font with 6 strands.
Be mindful of hand pain. Carpal tunnel and damage is a real thing. Get a compression glove, take breaks. Our grandmas and mama's have carpal tunnel for a reason, don't follow in those footsteps. Take precautions.
Thanks for all the good advice! And for taking the time to type it down. I was wondering about the knot actually, thanks for clarifying that.
I love the idea of playing with the number of strands to emphasize parts of the design, hopefully will soon be designing original work. The compression glove seems to be a must, I didn't even know they existed!
This is all great advice! I will add a second vote for taking care of your hands (and ergonomics in general). I don't have wrist issues, but I have an old shoulder injury that flairs up if I don't take breaks, mind my posture, and stretch.
What are you planning to make?
Thanks! Very useful advice really. I'm the kind of person who wouldn't have thought about this until way too late. So far I'm just starting to get the hang of it. My goal is to get to the point where I can design original art that I can then cross-stitch and frame. My first project is a doodle my 5 year-old made the other day that I traced using an app meant for pixel art and then made into a very basic pattern (one colour, no backstitching or half stitches). Time to work on it is limited but I'm having lots of fun so far
Aw, that's a cute idea to stitch the doodle! To answer your question about apps, I've used the stitch fiddle website to make simple patterns with a few colors and backstitching. Floss cross is another site you could check out. I think the pixel art app you used might be similar to them since it has a similar grid.