Saturday, June 20, 2009

Crazy.... I'm Goin Crazy....

Well, I've always stitched by going across the linen and then coming back and crossing the "x". In this past year, the one lady at my LNS told me I should cross each stitch as I do it. And that I should separate the two strands of floss and then put them back together before stitching. So I did that. And sometimes I liked it and sometimes I didn't - sometimes the stitches looked good, other times they didn't. So I tried various things - not splitting the strands and crossing each "x" as I did it. Then I tried splitting the strands and going across and then coming back to cross each "x". Then I tried not splitting the strands and going across and then coming back to cross each "x". Again, sometimes the one way looked better and at other times it didn't. I think what is compounding this is the fact that a couple of years ago I got close up lenses to do my stitching with and it magnifies each and every little stitch so much that you can see every little flaw - LOL! So now, I decided to not split the floss, but to cross each "x" as I go. And we will see how that works. It seems like when I split the floss and put it back together, it sometimes gave it a separated look in the stitching. But of course, when it is magnified, it would look like that!!

So, if you are still with me after reading this babbling, my question to you - do you cross each "x" as you go or go across and come back? Do you separate your strands of floss and put them back together, or not.....

9 comments:

Susan in SC said...

Linda - I "x" as I go. That's how I was taught and I have always done that.

Maggie said...

I think everyone has their way of doing things but this is mine; i x every stitch if using hand dyed threads but not if using DMC or Anchor, i do always seperate the stands and put them back together again and i always railroad my stitches (ie, put the needle between the two threads as you go though each hole)i think the stitches lie neater that way without twisting, sounds obsesive i know, but then i am about most things lol.

Anonymous said...

I do a row one way and come back and cross. But most of the over dyed flosses say to complete each x. I always ply the thread.

DebbieSFL said...

i do a row and then go back, unless it is hand-dyed fibers, then i finish each stitch. I also separate my floss and use thread heaven on each strand so that it does not knot. I think it is how you have been taught, so don't let someone else try to change how you stitch--if you like it, leave it.

Joanne said...

With specialty threads I separate the floss and put two single strands back together, and I cross each stitch as I go. If I'm using DMC I'll just use a very long single strand folded over and then pull the first stitch through the back loop so there's nothing to carry or hide under other stitches. I'm curious to see all the responses you get on this :)
Joanne

Becky K in OK said...

I "x" as I go also. I learned the other way, but when I started using the over-dyed threads, I switched. Now it's just second nature for me to x as I go. I split the thread and put it back together. If it doesn't lay right on the fabric I'll railroad the stitch over. It all depends on the thread. Sometimes it just doesn't stitch well. Finally I give up and just stitch, but it is hard for me.

Tammy said...

Linda - I stitch both ways, depending on the chart. I always pull each strand of floss individually from the skein and then put either two or three strands together to stitch.

Siobhán said...

I stitch using a mix of the Danish method, which is to go ///// and then \\\\ and the English method, which is to cross each stitch as I go. It depends on my thread & where I am trying to get to with my stitching. Both are correct and you should do what makes you happy.

As for the railroading, I try to stitch with only one strand of thread to avoid the need for it. If I do stitch using two threads, I split the strands fairly often on the top leg of the stitch. I also dangle my needle a lot to avoid tangled threads.

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

Linda,
I seperate the threads to as many I need - that's better for the floss as it doesn't tangle. As far as stitching, I sometimes stitch cross by cross IF I'm using overdyed threads but rarely do one stitch at a time because it just takes forever! You have to enjoy your needlework so do what is comfortable to you :)

Tanya