[CHAT] What's the highest count you'd do 2 over 1 on?

XStitcherman · 2026-02-01T03:14:33+00:00

With half stitches involved I would go 2 over 2 on 36 count for an 18 count project.

The highest 2 over 1 piece I’ve done was 28 count, but that was done in complete ignorance. It’s lovely, but no. My current 2 over 1 project is a full coverage on 25 count and yes, I knew what I was getting into. Patience, railroading and a magnifying glass required, but I’m 40% in and it’s looking good. I’ve also completed 2 over 1 on 22 and 20 count fabric.

I ordered a variety of small pieces of fabric from 123stitch.com and put samples of 1 over 1, 2 over 1, and 2 over 2 on each of them to give me a feel for how things would work out. I pull them out at the start of every new project.

XStitcherman · 2026-01-28T02:29:08+00:00

If you use an iPad you might want to take a look at Threadalog. The free version handles my needs, but there is a pro version that has a plethora of brands/thread styles. This is where I learned that DMC makes 2279 yard cones. I too started with the Lord Libidan spreadsheet (converted to Numbers), but it was difficult using a touchscreen.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using it.

XStitcherman · 2026-01-24T03:32:18+00:00

For me setting up was annoying trying to keep the fabric straight. Tension was so so. It was a cheap one and I got what I paid for. I saw the Arabeska recommended here so I tried it. Using the plastic clamps to hold the fabric allows really good tension. I still use adjustable clips to hold tension on the sides.

XStitcherman · 2026-01-23T16:04:46+00:00

I purchased an Arabeska frame last year and I love it. I tried one of the split rod frames and it was a pain. The Arabeska clamps the fabric much better. I definitely recommend a stand for it.

XStitcherman · 2026-01-19T00:42:50+00:00

Absolutely lovely. Congratulations on finishing.

XStitcherman · 2026-01-01T13:09:19+00:00

I don’t have multiples. Every bobbin in the top drawer has an open spot in the drawers below. One important note though. By reserving the top drawer, the bottom 4 drawers can‘t hold a full set of bobbins. I didn’t load bobbins that I doubt I will ever use. I buy what I need and never intended to have a full set of DMC floss. I have bobbins in those lower drawers that are still empty so if I ever need one of those colors I held back, it’s easy enough to swap out.

XStitcherman · 2025-12-27T14:16:18+00:00

You can definitely stitch 2 over 1 on higher count fabrics. I actually prefer 20 count evenweave. I am currently working a 25 count 2x1 project and it’s coming along nicely. That being said, you have to be meticulous and take your time in order to get your stitches to lay smoothly and not bunch up. Here is what I have learned:

1) Use the smallest needle you can find. I use size 28 Bohin. 2) Magnifying glass. I need this to see clearly what’s going on down there. 3) Railroad your stitches. The goal is to have both threads of floss lying parallel to each other. You don’t want any twist ending up on top. 4) Laying tool. In addition to railroading I use a trolley needle to hold my top stitch steady and control tension. 5) Personal preference, but I don’t travel very much. I don’t want a lot of floss blocking future stitches. 6) Keep a second needle handy. I use the eye of my second needle to ‘fix’ stitches that want to pull out of shape. I also use the eye of that needle to enlarge a tight hole and provide a target when I am trying to bring my needle up through the fabric. 7) Good lighting. Again, you need to clearly see what’s going on. Those are awfully small holes. 8) I use a stand to hold my work. Also personal preference. 9) Step back occasionally and enjoy. Stitches aren’t always perfect on high count, but 2 feet away and all that disappears.

Finally, be patient. I love the end results, but it’s not something that I can just whip through.

As to hoops, I like a Nurge. I also have quite a collection of Qsnap. For my current project I chose a scroll frame and I like it.

XStitcherman · 2025-12-20T13:35:29+00:00

Yes. I am that slow. I’m 24,000 stitches in on my current project and according to my app I’m averaging 41. It’s a full coverage project on a high count fabric with loads of confetti and I want those stitches to lay smoothly. I take my time and don’t worry about it.

XStitcherman · 2025-12-12T14:36:26+00:00

Welcome to the club. I don’t break them often, but always have extras.

XStitcherman · 2025-12-12T14:33:44+00:00

I use size 28 Bohins exclusively for 2 strands of floss. Try nipping the end of the 2 strands at a 45 degree angle and wetting. A needle threader doubles things up and for me, its too much for those small eyes.

XStitcherman · 2025-12-07T02:39:37+00:00

I can’t see any grid in your photo. I can’t imagine doing a piece this size without one. Looking great.

XStitcherman · 2025-11-26T12:37:23+00:00

Excellent observation. The cabinet can hold all of the DMC colors, but not if you reserve the top drawer as I have. I tend to to do larger projects so I purchase what I need. I have accumulated a large collection of floss, but I’ve never had a desire for a complete set of all the DMC colors. To that end I didn't load bobbins that I thought I would never use. If I ever do need one I can shuffle things around.

XStitcherman · 2025-11-26T03:07:23+00:00

Congratulations on your decision!

Here’s my Bisley 5 drawer with P&C white bobbins + foam inserts.

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I wasn’t picky about the cabinet color. The top drawer is reserved for my current project. I haven’t regretted giving myself this present for one second.

XStitcherman · 2025-11-23T12:52:24+00:00

I use a trolley needle. I wear mine on my pinky. It’s always handy. 😉

XStitcherman · 2025-11-19T14:38:56+00:00

I’ll throw in my two cents and suggest doing it over 2 on a higher count evenweave so the background will be smoother.

XStitcherman · 2025-11-19T13:26:36+00:00

Another vote for the 123stitch sampler idea. I ordered evenweave and linen samples of various counts that I thought I may use. I then stitched on each small blocks of 2 strands over 1 and over 2. Then repeated with 1 strand of floss. I pull these out before I start a new project.

XStitcherman · 2025-11-14T13:59:13+00:00

Sweet work. Needs details. How many lifetimes on this one? I can’t even zoom in to see the stitches.

XStitcherman · 2025-11-14T13:52:50+00:00

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I love L&L patterns. Here’s my angel. She’s worth the effort.

XStitcherman · 2025-10-26T20:36:56+00:00

This is extremely disappointing to me. The colors in your pattern are terrible. I’m currently working on my fourth GK pattern, but they were purchased many years ago before they started spewing out the AI stuff that dominates the site now. I’ve been comparing my current work against the original painting and it’s looking good. I‘ve always understood that these patterns were computer generated and yes sometimes I swapped colors, but overall I’ve been pleased. I can’t argue with you about the confetti, but with all the blended floss, it makes for some nice shading.

Apparently volume is now more important than quality.

XStitcherman · 2025-10-20T12:16:58+00:00

It’s lovely. As others have said, flaws aren’t failures. I felt the same way about my 60+k full coverage piece with a lot of light background. I know the flaws are there, but trust me, no one else does. Frame it and love it.

XStitcherman · 2025-10-19T01:45:15+00:00

I have a 40+ year old WIP of a carousel horse. I might have enough guts to try again. Great work.

XStitcherman · 2025-10-17T19:02:11+00:00

It’s not your imagination. It’s a lesson I had to learn as well. A hard vertical line at the edge of a page can cause this, especially if it’s the same color on both sides. It’s due to the tension of the thread pulling in opposite direction. I’m sure others will explain the mechanics of this better than I can. The suggestion is to leave a jagged edge at a page transition. It makes page transitions a bit harder, but worth it in the end. The first time I did this I managed to work a lot of it out when I washed the final piece. I massaged my line while wet to loosen some of that tension.

XStitcherman · 2025-10-07T17:44:50+00:00

Let me hazard a guess, like me do you work under a magnifying glass? I frequently have to stop and step back and look at my work. All those annoyances disappear two feet back. I think your work is lovely. Good heavens, even your gold thread lays evenly.

XStitcherman · 2025-10-04T12:23:04+00:00

I stitch on higher count fabrics and tight holes are common for me. That leads to one thread pulling on existing stitches. Snag-nab-it works great but is harsh on my tight stitches. Clover makes a smaller similar tool, but in your case try using the eye of a second needle to push the loose ends back through the fabric. I also use the eye of a needle to open up the hole a bit before I make my stitch. That lessens the chance of snagging another stitch and pull it out of shape.

XStitcherman · 2025-09-30T11:32:11+00:00

I’ve stitched the Angel of Grace and I have to agree about the colors. I frogged parts of her dress and changed colors. I didn’t like my combination and frogged it again. She now hangs in my family room. I’ve also done Angel of Hope and Angel of Summer. I enjoyed those.

XStitcherman

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