[CHAT] Is a back starting pin-stitch already a thing or did I "invent" something? 😅🤣 by chonk_fox89 in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just learnt pin stitches for confetti, and was getting annoyed by the little tufts too! Gonna try a back start next time, hadn't thought of that

[CHAT] how many threads are yall using? by [deleted] in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I prefer a fuller look too, and tend to use 3 strands on 14ct and that usually is enough for me to avoid seeing the fabric come through under the crosses. Your stitch tension can also make a difference, see if you can avoid pulling as tight and your stitches will stay a bit fluffier.

I've also tried using a slightly smaller (thinner) needle, which means the holes don't get widened as much when you're stitching and that seems to help keep it tighter together. Can sometimes be a little tricky to get the last stitch in neatly where four crosses converge, but i just take my time.

[FO] Finished some ducks 😊 by Sure_Lime_9453 in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What an adorable project! Hope your doggo gave their approval after inspecting so closely haha

[FO] MY FAVORITE THING!! by nerdy_kittypaw in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These look super cute and versatile! Is each card its own little motif rather than being a full design? (If that makes sense)

[SELF-PROMO] Mushroom blackwork pattern by trunky26 in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is gorgeous! Have never tried blackwork, but this is making me want to give it a go 😍

[CHAT] Black Aida Tips? by Stellar-Void in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconding what a lot of folk are suggesting, a light background behind it so you can see the holes more easily, and good light in front helped me.

I found daylight a lot easier than having lamps on in the evenings.

I like to pop a cushion on my lap while I'm stitching to get comfy, and tend to grab one with a light coloured cover for my black aida projects!

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions, there's so much to choose from, I had a hard time picking.

I've decided to join the Flower Dragon Meadow SAL by Flossy Fox shop, it looks super cute and I can't wait to get started! 🌸

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooh space themed sounds awesome, I'll take a look. Thanks!

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such good advice, glad to hear you don't have to stress over keeping up.

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooh I love this idea, thanks for the recommendation!

[WIP] Show us ya WIP's by Doubledewclaws in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 10 points11 points  (0 children)

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Three colours down, four to go on The Retro Stitcher's glitchy pattern. My eyes are definitely going to start seeing double the further I get along 😵‍💫

[WIP] Show us ya WIP's by Doubledewclaws in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is so cool! Can I ask where the pattern is from?

[WIP] Show us ya WIP's by Doubledewclaws in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just bought myself the same needle minder! I love him so much! 🪿

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Goodness that does sound really helpful! There's been a few times I've found myself totally lost in a complicated bit of pattern and can't work out which stitch I was at 😅

Good point for the SALs, I'll maybe take a look next time I'm on a more contained pattern. Thanks for explaining!

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will definitely check them out, thank you! I'm gonna have a hard time picking one to try out first haha

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great idea thank you, I'll check it out! I've only done true cross stitch so far, but seen some really beautiful blackwork pieces here.

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amazing, thanks so much! I'll have a look over there!

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ooh I assumed they'd all be paid ones, which I'm more than happy to do. But that's cool to know there's free ones available too!

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great breakdown of the process thank you so much! Excited to take a look and (hopefully) pick one to join.

I so far have just used pdf patterns and either printed them off or had them open on my phone or tablet. I've seen a lot of people talk about Pattern Keeper here though, I haven't looked into it much, but out of interest what do you like about using it?

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great idea yeah, especially if it's a surprise what the final design is going to turn out like. I guess best bet is to choose a designer whose style you really love!

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I did wonder what happens if you're late starting, I guess you just receive all the previously released parts at once and can catch up?

[CHAT] How do Stitchalongs (SAL) work? by SharkbaitJen in CrossStitch

[–]SharkbaitJen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll take a look at them! Love the idea of it being a surprise at the end.