Cross-stitching is popular needlecraft, enjoyed by many, a hobby we do to unwind after a stressful day. But sometimes when a pattern offers special challenges you can get frustrated, which defeats the purpose of why we stitch in the first place—to relax.
Here are some helpful tips when confronted with charts considered more difficult than average to stitch.
Large Patterns
Grid your fabric – Large patterns are almost impossible to work (without making mistakes) unless you first grid your fabric. Gridding is simply matching your fabric with you chart, dividing it into 10 x 10 grids using light-colored thread. (Although some stitchers use a water soluble quilter’s pen, rather than thread, it’s not the best choice as some people contend there’s a chance that years later the blue lines may reappear.) Rather than mark each square, weave in and out in two’s to form a grid. Or, even simpler, just mark the four corners of each 10 x 10 grid. It may be overwhelming to stitch an entire pattern, but anyone can tackle a grid of 10 x 10 squares at a time. As you finish each grid, snip the threads off, as you go.
Patterns with Specialty Stitches
Specialty stitches are those exceptional stitches, other than the standard Xs you make, forming a cross stitch. They include backstitches, half-stitches, quarter stitches, French knots, etc.
Although I love to do specialty stitches (especially backstitching), many stitchers dread them, especially when a pattern is loaded with several different kinds.
Backstitching tips– If a chart requires a lot of backstitching, why not backstitch after finishing each area, rather than leaving all that backstitching for the end. On the other hand, some stitchers swear it’s much easier to do it all at once after you’ve finished stitching.
Keeping stitches smooth – Often when working with specialty stitches, it’s hard to keep your floss from twisting. But for excellent results, it’s imperative to have all your floss strands lay as flat as possible. A few ways to reduce the odds of your floss twisting include…
*Railroading – Railroading is simply inserting your needle between your floss so it doesn’t twist.
*Moisten individual strains—This removes any knots or twists, giving a smoother look. Just make sure they they’re dry before using them.
*Use layering tools – Check with your local needlework shop for various tools that help layer your floss.
*Untwist your needle – Do this periodically, letting your needle “fall”, to untwist floss.
Hard to Read Charts
Magnifying aides – There are a number of helpful stitching aides on the market (both online and in needlework stores) for aging eyes, such as MagEyes. Maganifying glasses, MagEyes come in four different lenses, depending on how much magnification you want, (the highest lens, up to 2.75 times, allowing for a working distance of 4″ to 7″). You might look like an alien from outer space, but you’ll be able to see your chart, as well as count your fabric squares.
Enlarging a chart –
*Office supply stores – Many a time I’ve had to enlarge a chart. Just stop by your local office supply store (such as Office Depot, Office Max, or Staples) and use their copying machines. You’ll probably have to do your own enlarging, though, because of the fine print on most charts that forbids copying. However, if you’re not going to sell your chart for profit, but just use it yourself, I don’t see what’s wrong with copying it. Just ask a sales clerk how to use the machine to enlarge and you can do it.
Dividing Large Charts into Sections
If you have an enormous chart, all in one piece, it’s easier to divide it up into sections. I usually divide a large chart into two sections. For even larger charts, I divide into four. Once I’ve divided them, I enlarge each chart with a copier.
Photo to Chart Patterns
Personally, I’ve found that the easiest types of charts to stitch are the ones generated by “Photo to Chart” computer software. That’s because you can choose to use symbols (rather than colors), as well as control how many pages you want printed. You just have to do some doctoring after importing your picture to make a chart. To make it simpler on yourself, keep the number of floss colors to a minimum and eliminate background (if possible).
After awhile, you’ll find other tips through experience and from talking to other stitchers. You can always post questions on cross stitch message boards if you need help, as stitchers enjoy helping one another with their projects. Just don’t be afraid to tackle a chart that appears difficult. It’s worth the challenge.
