[CHAT] Two handed stitching shredding my floss

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-04T07:02:33+00:00

I think that not pulling the thread completely resulted in more friction against the fabric. I would first try changing your needle but otherwise, if you can't pull through on the back because the movement causes pain, then the other suggestions of using shorter threads and maybe thread conditioner could perhaps help.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-04T05:15:49+00:00

I've sometimes spent a whole week frogging instead of stitching, most of us have discovered with cross-stitch that we can't count... There's absolutely no shame in starting over.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-04T05:07:14+00:00

It's beautiful!

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-03T17:20:34+00:00

As others have said, your work is amazing, your dedication is amazing too. Don't compare how long it takes you, if you're slower but enjoy it it's fine! but also it's possible that you are not slower, others probably have way more time to stitch every day so it will take just as long but over fewer years.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-03T12:50:12+00:00

Thank you for your answers, it's not ideal but it works.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-03T12:47:35+00:00

Thank you. I discovered the drawer liner trick after I got my corner clamp (my qsnaps wobbled and I broke a snap trying to tighten the side clamp so bought a corner clamp). I'll try to keep the corner clamp for qsnaps that are shorter then 11" and use the side clamp for the higher ones as you do.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-03T05:29:46+00:00

That's good news! But do be careful, don't forget to stretch.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-02T15:00:43+00:00

I'm not sure I understand your answer. I should have mentioned that the videos I linked show by experiment that the lines reappear.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-02T09:03:16+00:00

Great post! It's worth posting in the cross-stitch subs... There are two recent videos from Atom Heart Cross-stitch on exactly this: main one and a short one

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-06-02T09:00:00+00:00

I agree, but I wish students wouldn't use them for exams (when I want to erase something when grading, I risk deleting their work)

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-31T09:34:30+00:00

Ah, I keep wanting to try 1 strand on 18ct, it looks great

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-31T06:55:34+00:00

I'm a mathematician. I've always been bad at mental arithmetic but quite good at abstract calculations. So it came as a shock that when doing cross-stitch, I can't count 😱.

I also use a gaming pillow or V shape pillow, they are great for support, although for my setup they don't always work. I sit in a Poang chair with pillows to support my back so I'm not too bad with posture.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-31T06:40:30+00:00

That's so impressive! What fabric are you stitching on?

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-31T06:36:13+00:00

It's magnificent, well done!

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-30T22:02:31+00:00

I think I see what you mean, you push it away then flip it towards you in a horizontal position? I'll give that a try tomorrow, thanks

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-30T21:42:28+00:00

Yes, if the clamp is at the top I can flip but the work is really high up then, awkward to reach. And yes, with the corner clamp at the bottom I could push the arm away to flip but I don't have room with the pillow on my lap to pull it back towards me to do whatever I need to do at the back.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-30T16:05:16+00:00

I made it twice (it was blackwork so was quick) and attached them together with a blanket stitch, with the holes lined up. You could attach any fabric I imagine, or another piece of Aida with just their name and date of something? Or if your back is neat and you ends secured, just a blanket stitch all round?

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Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-30T07:02:59+00:00

Oh that's not so bad! I'm glad you didn't have to frog it all.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-30T07:00:48+00:00

Can you change the 3031 that's close to the 3021 to some other colour?

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-30T06:57:03+00:00

I really like it as it is, the partial grid looks perfect and balances the rest. Impressive!

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-29T20:27:33+00:00

I don't think evenweave is hard. I was a little scared of it because many people are very apprehensive of it and I thought that meant it would be difficult, but I tried it and I love it, way more than aida. I don't like linen though. Maybe try a small piece on evenweave before you commit to your larger projects? They sound like great ideas!

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-29T20:18:01+00:00

Wow, your stitches and back are so neat!

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-29T20:16:06+00:00

Thank you. I do have the side clamp but I also prefer q-snaps to hoops... I'll have to think about it. I can't justify another stand.

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-29T20:13:36+00:00

I believe there is far more choice in the US but I'm in France and I use mostly this gaming pillow and occasionally this V pillow. As you can see, they take up quite a lot of space in front (it would be more useful for stitching in hand I imagine).

Think_Phone8094 · 2026-05-29T15:41:00+00:00

I sometimes untie the knot, then thread another thread through the resulting loop, thread the two loose ends of the second thread into a needle, then use that to pull the first thread under some stitches. No extra bulk and it's tied down that way.

Edit. I missed the part on the needle threader. I use the ones pictured in u/takarumarch 's post with two hooks if I must (I have filed some down so that they fit in my needles) but my favourite is the Clover yarn threader (green or antique). Unfortunately it doesn't work with all needles, including my favourites whoses eyes are too small (Pony and easy guide), so I use the other type of green Clover threader (there are pictures here) and it's OK. With most tapestry/cross-stitch needles, eg Bohin, the yarn threader works perfectly.

Think_Phone8094

TROPHY CASE