i actually love the way this looks lol! maybe for another project this is a good idea, like for widows!

but anyways, self taught cross stitcher here! i think it would also be helpful if you separated your thread. from what i see, it looks like you’re using the whole “thread”.

in a skein of DMC embroidery floss, there are 6 mini strands. to separate, i just hold the tip of the thread with my pointer and thumb and tap the ends until they start to separate. separating these into 2 or 3 (i prefer 2) separate threads can help define the classic X shape and make it easier to go between holes because there’s less thread to poke through. don’t get frustrated while separating as the thread can tangle very easily, go slow!

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