Okay ..... so other than I'm old enough to be your mother, we must be soul (stitching sisters)! I knot my thread, I stitch in hand with the sewing method and I have no problem skipping 3 or 4 squares to get to the next x! But I was afraid to tell anyone any of the above. Thank you for saying it all out loud & telling me it was okay to do it! (Spending the rest of the day stitching with a smile on my face!)
This is by far the BEST stitching in hand flosstube I have watched! and I have tried several!!!! The up and down, left to right method is a deal breaker. How you described your technique was prefect! The icing on the cake was how you explained looking at you pattern in terms of columns!!!! By George, I think I've got it!!!!!! Thank you!
I do all like you except I followed Lori Holt doing the crosses in the opposite direction. I learned something I LOVE from a you-tuber and haven’t seen anybody else do it (for 2 over 2)…to be able to still use the loop method with variegated thread and maximize the variegation, I use 2 strands pulled from same piece of thread, same direction, and knot the end (cutting the extra off short) so it acts as the loop. It will never come out, doesn’t add bulk, and you can keep doing that if you have to tie off and move to new location. I’m so glad I found that! Thanks for this vid! I’ve been wondering how you stitch!
Ohhhhhhh my goodness! I have been trying to learn how to do the sewing method for over one year. I could never find a thorough video showing up close the individual stitches. I am very excited and started a new chart tonight. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this wonderful video. I will be sharing the heck out of it!!
This was so encouraging. I have problems with hoops and frames. I decided to do what works for me and low and behold I found this video. It's All the things that work for me 😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'm so glad you posted this. I know it was a year ago but it was what I needed now!!!!
When I stitched in the early 1990's I used a roll frame and never heard of stitching in hand. I came back to Cross Stitching, March 2020, with stitching in hand. I love this way of stitching and I love learning new tips. Thank you,
My life has changed ! now that I’ve switched over to this sewing method , couldn’t figure out why my stitches just weren’t clean n straight n pretty no matter how slow or diligently I was stitching ,so sad & was loosing my stitchy Moe Joe! Until now I’m so excited my stitches are have become stuntinggg!!! thank you who knew that changing the hole method would be a complete game changer to my stitch maker lol thank you so much ! HAPPY stitching I’m obsessed!
I’m just finding you on this year old video and I’m floored. I like and appreciate your technique and definitely learned a few things…and I’ve been stitching since I was a kid.
This was SO helpful! I've always stitched in hand using the stabbing method (??), and am teaching myself the sewing method, and have been struggling a bit.... I realized while watching your method why I find it more awkward. I stitch in rows, all the half stitches first and then come back. You finish your X's fully and then move to the next, and in columns rather than rows! LIGHT BULB MOMENT! I'll be trying out your method asap!
Oh awesome, so glad you found it helpful!! Yeah I really like to complete each x as I go, I find it makes it easier for me to move around on the front of the piece rather than constantly readjusting from the back!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I like that your primary word was “efficient” - I think that we can all learn from each other about new ways to be efficient. Efficiency allows us to move on to that new start! Your techniques might make me try to take the leap into linen 😬. Appreciate your TH-cams.
Excellent video. What a great way to pull your thread without taking it off the drop. Ive always took my floss off the drop to pull a thread. Great tip. I have found when I stitch in hand that my left hand cramps after an hour or so.. Thank you so much for sharing. You are precious. Happy stitching.
7/2023 As watching your May video and you mentioned this sew in video. It was really informative to me. Done lots of embroidery not any cross stitch but thinking of starting so this was very helpful. Thanks. Have been enjoying your recent floss tubes.
Very nice video;I agree with Vivs stitch, Jean Farrish has good tutorials for stitching. ☺ A comment on the stiffness of Asia for hand stitching- I stitch on Adia for projects I work in where I won't have magnification, great light.ect. I let the Adia soak in warm water, that removes the starch, closed the holes some also😊 . Hope that helps someone
Hi Liz, I recently started cross stitching again after stopping for many years to raise a family. I now stitch in hand and love it. I use 18 CT aida and use the loop start on the front!
Best Christmas gift EVER, Liz....thank you! I've admired your beautiful stitching from the start and love seeing how you make the magic happen. I will be giving all of your tips and tricks a try....knots included!
Wow...that's awesome to just pull one strand!! I lick the ends too! 😋 What a great way to stitch! I am currently a stabber....gonna try your method cuz wow ....so much faster!! 💕
Thanks so much for showing how you stitch in hand using the sewing method. I have pretty much been a top left or top center starter and found it very awkward to stitch using the sewing method. But thanks to your tutorial, I have tried starting my stitching in the bottom right and am enjoying stitching using the sewing method and the thread loop start. It makes such a difference so THANK YOU!
I stitch in hand most of the time except for huge patterns. Thank you for giving me permission to make a small knot! lol.... I usually do the pin stitch with single threads but you are right about it coming out sometimes. Also, I noticed you ALWAYS start in the bottom left. I was always putting my first stich on the same angle but sometimes I started on the top right and sometimes the bottom left. I will try today to always start in the bottom left and see how I like that. It probably makes the stitches look more uniform. Thank you so much!! btw... I do the stitching in hand method with Aida and evenweave.
Yep its much easier for my brain to keep track of everything if I make each stitch the same way! If I need to make a single stitch to the right of my previous one and therefore cannot come up in the bottom left then i will do a top right to bottom left and top left to bottom right to end up in my correct spot!
Yes, we do it the same with the exception of up and down. Going upward I end my first stitch bottom right then go upward to the top right stitch to lower left, to upper left, to lower right....then repeat. Hand is always on top of stitching and I am going upward to what I was taught a clean or open stitch....both totally achieve the same stitch, is fast and the only difference is the back - it looks like going right to left with 2 lines of stitching..... Well I will say this, thank you for finding that making a quilter know to start. I have been doing the pin stitch and am totally going to try the knot. Thank you....I certainly do not plan or would have a piece in a show - this love I have for cross stitching is that I enjoy it, period. Bravo to those that go on to achieve Master stitcher and really pursue that for themselves, I think it is amazing. Personally, I am thrilled to complete a project & I always love it! Love
I have been wanting to learn the sewing method because I too want to stitch all the things! I am so happy and excited to have watched your tutorial; I can't believe how much quicker I am stitching now while still enjoying the process! Thanks so much for an excellent turorial : )
Since you stitch right to left, you're sewing the Victorian cross where your threads at the back are horizontal rather than vertical (when stitching in straight rows/lines). Jean Farish discusses this in her earlier videos (Jean Farish Needleworks). I'm right handed but I stitch left to right, making the stitches at the back vertical. I also do the Victorian cross in some instances. Stay safe Liz ❤
I stitch left to right ,and l am right hand ,but whatever works for you ,l am going to try the sewing method ,as l am struggling to stitch with hoops and QSnaps .but the sewing method is so much faster ,if you know where you are supposed to be stitching .
I am so grateful for your tutorial it is knowledgeable and encouraging I really appreciate your skills and humour you are definitely delightful thank you x
Great tutorial! I think I can do it by watching you! I will have to change everything to do it. I’m right handed and have always used a hoop with the top left being my first cross! But I’m ready to try your approach. Thanks again! Best tutorial I’ve watched for stitching in hand! Thank you!♥️🤠
Hi Elizabeth I do the sewing method on Aida I have no problems I absolutely love it I can travel in any direction except left to right I go right to left and up and down. I mostly do the loop method but every once in a while I’ll put a knot in my thread but I put it in from the top of the fabric and then see over the back thread to secure it and then cut the knot off when they get close to it.. therefore no knots on the back of my fabric…
Interesting to watch your techniques. I’m self taught and have always worked stretched fabric. I like how you explain the direction methods for in hand to be “efficient.”
Elizabeth Thank for this tutorial...so I get it now. Just learning the sew I. Hand method basically because its getting to hard for me to hold a q snap but I just couldn't figure out when I stitched across from right to left how to go back with the next line of stitches but working in columns resolves that issue. Am I right you never stitch left to right...its just impossible unless you turn your fabric upside down...lol...I was trying to figure that out. Now I got it th?banks to you. Such a wonderful tutorial and thanks for your time!
This video helped me so much. The method you demonstrated speeds things along. I love cross stitching, but it takes me forever to finish a project using a hoop.
Your tutorial was really good! Most of how to’s give a straight line and maybe an outline square, but yours addressed how to follow a pattern and move around - the way you need to plan your path. I looked for something like this when starting back to x-stitch almost three years ago. I have almost always stitched in hand, turned my work doing long rows, and worked a combination of scooping and stabbing on the jump around parts. I will try envisioning columns to eliminate so much punch and stabbing and keep my hand on top.Thanks.
Thank you very much. I also stitch in hand using the sewing method and I love it. I also use this method stitching on Aida and I have no problems. But I am going to try the knot method. Happy stitching!
I love watching stitching videos when stitching myself so this was a nice listen, even though I don't exactly adhere to any many of the so called stitching rules myself, lol. Don't bother with horizontal or vertical threads on linen, don't really bother with stitching directions, I'll stitch whatever direction the pattern seems to require, mostly to save thread... but as a left handed stitcher I am most comfortable stitching from left to right and upwards rather than downwards. I do stitch in hand but I don't use the sowing method, I just stab my way through a pattern, lol. I've tried it but it just didn't suit me. I love watching other stitchers do it though. Thanks for the video!
Elizabeth, your tutorial was helpful to me. I like your plan of working in columns when possible. Jean Farish suggests running the strand of colorfast thread over a damp sponge before you start stitching with it. Hold the thread on the sponge with your finger and pull it through. That does help to straighten out the original curves so you aren't fighting them, and I rarely have knots. The slightly damp thread is fine to stitch with immediately and dries very quickly. I find stitching in hand very pleasurable and so convenient.
I saw her mention that! But I don't like to add in extra steps so i haven't tried that one yet. I did use to use thread magic but now I just kind of yank and thread and start stitching!
I taught myself (back in the early 1980's) and I have always used the sewing method. It is a lot faster. I still do it in a hoop, but I keep the linen a little loose.
Hi Liz I have always stitched in hand, using the sewing method. I have no problem using the sewing method on Aida. Only if I need to put in a stitch in a very confetti heavy area I might have problems, but usually no problems 🙂 I'm lefthanded and prefer to start in the upper left corner, no matter how big the project is. So far I haven't experienced having too little fabric 🙂 Horizontal I stitch ////// and \\\\\\ on the way back. Vertically I stitch / and then \, so I finish one stitch at a time. I don't mind travelling with my thread. If I go further than 3-4 stitches, I tuck it under a thread every 4th stitch or so. I also travel with darker colours on full coverage pieces. What I like most about stitching in hand, apart from the speed 😁, is that I can stitch almost everywhere as long as the light is okay.
Definitely going to try some stitching in hand on my next high count piece - I always stitch in rows so will have to retrain my brain to think in columns!
I stitch in hand, but my right hand ends up on the underside of the fabric way too often. I am going to try your method. I like how you think of the stitches in columns instead of always going across. Thanks for the tut!
This was awesome! I do the same with my DMC in floss drops, but pulling one strand from the floss drop just has me.😳😲 amazed! Thank you! I need to try the sewing method again.
Bom dia ….desde Portugal Quando era pequenina( com 7 ou 8 anos) a minha avó dizias que era batoteira e desistiu de me ensinar a fazer ponto cruz Hoje com 67 anos comecei a aprender e..também faço sem bastidor mas tento não saltar de um lado para o outro ( era isso que a minha avó dizia que era errado) Este vídeo foi tão bom…tão relaxante para mim Obrigada🥰
Thank you for this video. I love stitching in hand. Not that i have done many projects but have a lot of charts🙄 I have stitched Aida in hand. First was from a big box store. Then Zwiegart and huge difference. And if dyed even better. I do like linen too
I have a tip for you! For long runs going to your right; flip your piece upside down. I can’t recall which Flosstuber I learned that from. But it works great. 🪡 Your video’s are always so helpful and fun. Thanks for sharing.
This was so helpful Liz. Thank you. I’ve tried stitching in hand but find managing the fabric on a large project is a bit frustrating for me, so I use Q-snaps for those. You have definitely simplified things for me 😊
I stitch in hand on smaller projects. I like your method of finishing the stitch before moving to the next as to where I stitch half of the stitch move down the column then back up. Which sometimes the stitches dont look so pretty. Then the 🐸ing starts. Tonight I plan on giving your method a whirl. Thank you 🧵🧵🧵
I was taught to start top left, make right slant to the right then go right to left to cross the x. The method you just demonstrated looks easier and faster. My next start will definitely be in the bottom right corner. Thank you. I've probably been stitching longer than you've been alive but I'm constantly learning something new.
This is so interesting to watch! I use the sewing method too, but I go left to right and tilt my fabric 90 degrees to the right, so I end up going down and up (if that makes any sense) so the back of my stitches are vertical. I rotate my fabric a lot when working this way and somehow it works for me :D Super fun video!
I love your way of making a knot, because I use the loop method by going through the knot end. I would love to do my cross stitch in the hand, but I can't get the hang of it.
Thanks for this Liz. I stitch in hand with the sewing method (can't work with a hoop or frame), and don't have any trouble doing it on Aida, linen or evenweave. I don't knot, but I also don't necessarily make every stitch the same way - the tops all lie the same way but I may do the top part of the X either top right to bottom left or bottom left to top right (and either way for the bottom one too). I haven't had any trouble with this way and I think it makes it easier when you're doing stitches more randomly than just straight rows.
Thank you for all the information. I absolutely love to watch your videos. Usually I use the knot way, but this project that I am working on the knots have been coming out.
Thanks so much for showing us how to travel on the back. That is what I wanted to see for my project. I would like to see what the back looks like on other designers projects. You have done a very nice job!! Than you for sharing!
I'm a thread licker too! Usually I don't eat when I'm stitching but recently found myself sitting down to stitch with a mouth full of chocolate candy. Yikes! Now how am I going to thread my needle? Then I remembered having Stitcher's Lotion which is supposed to be safe for needlework so I dabbed a little on the end of my floss and threaded the needle as usual. It worked really well. I'm an in-hand stitcher and have recently moved from linen to mostly Aida (16 and 18 count). I have no problem at all stitching in-hand on Aida. I've always stitched in-hand but when I started stitching again after being away from stitching for many years, I decided to use a Q-Snap since so many other stitchers were using one. I hated it because it absolutely killed my non-dominate hand that was holding it. So, I went back to in-hand stitching. I feel that my tension is fine and my stitches look good. I'm glad you said you knot your single-strand floss. I haven't been but after stitching 4-stitch snowflakes on a project last weekend, knots would have made the process a lot easier and more secure. Thanks for sharing. I'm wishing you and everyone you hold dear have a wonderful Christmas and your New Year is the best one ever.
Thanks for sharing...I have always stitched in hand and I always have everyone watching me ....I have never used a hoop...but I do have Harriett Salt in a roll frame because she 3 feet by 3 feet...please take care..
Great video. I love your tips and tricks. I've always had trouble stitching in hand because I am always repositioning and moving my stitching hand to the back. Now I have tips to prevent myself from doing that. I especially like working in columns from left to right.
So interesting that you complete the x when you have a row. I have always done half the x's and went the other direction to complete them if more than one stitch of that color. I will have to try it this way.
I wish I could wrap my head around this but I stitch in the opposite direction. My first leg is upper left to bottom right, then upper right to bottom left. Thanks for the tutorials this week!
I’ve been stitching like this for over 20 years! You did a great tutorial. I have 2 comments; I learned from Carol Saltbox Stitcher when you stitch long horizontal rows when you come to the end of the first row going right to left turn your fabric upside down and stitch the next from right to left! Your crosses are the same. The other tip is I always keep my left thumb next to the spot my needle is coming out; I think it helps to open up the hole a little. Again great tutorial! Hope people will try!
So I've tried out the flipping upside down on horizontal rows but I just cannot make my upside down row match my top row! My stiches all go the same direction but I think the way I make my stitch and pull it "tight" it makes it lean a certain way and I cant replicate that when I flip my work upside down so I can always tell where I've done that! But I may have to work on that some more!
@@elizabethanncanstitch Enjoyed your video so much. Its interesting to see how different people stitch. I’m wondering about this comment. Do you never flip your work? I’m guessing you would work a large block of color vertically versus horizontally? I’m a hoop stitcher since I’ve never had good results with my tension when stitching in hand. However, I may just give it another try. Really enjoying your Stitch-mas series! 🧵🎄❤️
Thanks! I use the quilters knot for everything but crossstitch! It would definitely speed up the process. Even though I pride myself on not being a rule follower, I guess I am. I’ll definitely try it. I don’t think it will be much bulkier, if at all, from weaving under threads. I may try 2 or 3 wraps on higher count linen to see if it still works. Thanks Liz for getting my mind out of its box of rules. Sandy
Great video!! I started as a sewing method stitcher and moved to using Q-Snaps because I just wasn’t that good at it and, because the fabric was all bunched up under my hand, I had a hard time getting the wrinkles out. Now that I’m a better stitcher and more comfortable with my stitching, I’m going to try this again. Thank you!
I enjoyed seeing your technique! I also stitch in hand most of the time and I consider how I stitch to be a sewing method but it is different from yours. Isn't that the fun part! I'm going to give your method a try and see what I incorporate into my method. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with all of us.
Oh yes I'm sure there are a few variations on the sewing method! I've seen Kimberly from FQS show how she stitches in hand and it is different from how i do it!
I use aida and have no problem using the stitching in hand method on 14 or 16 count and I also go from left to right and I'm right handed. I'll try going right to left and see if it works better for me. I can see how it should be easier to see by watching this video. Thank you!
I stitch in hand too, using the sewing method.. and I am an Aida stitcher - have not progressed to Evenweave yet (a little intimated to try, frankly). One day I will give it a go. I have no issues in using the sewing method - I use all the techniques you mentioned and it works well (I just cross my X's differently. Mine go from top left to bottom right and then top right to bottom left). And yes I lick my thread too 😋
Ooo so maybe this is key to finally getting this method down!! As I've previously used a stand and a Q-snap, but been longing to be able to sit in the sofa with my dog next to me to stitch this autumn. And also speed up a little.. yikes christmas is "quite" soon for some projects. (Granted, for speed, a qsnap or frame / hoop in the stand (allowing two-handed stitching) makes for a speedimprovement already, but it's not so "cozy") Nornally I've stitched patterns as I read - start top left.. work to the right, then next row. But to start at the right end and work left makes so much sense with this, holding the fabric with my left. Oh my! I can feel it clicking soon I hope! :D Thank you for more input on this method!!
Thanks for this, I think I will give it a try. I have a tip for threading your needle with the loop method................ thread the needle using the loop end of the thread, no licking required! 😋
Thanks for the tutorial! Your videos are always so easy to understand and are filmed very well. I am going to try your method tomorrow when I am not so tired. I have been wanting to learn to stitch in hand for awhile and I think this will do the trick!
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Okay ..... so other than I'm old enough to be your mother, we must be soul (stitching sisters)! I knot my thread, I stitch in hand with the sewing method and I have no problem skipping 3 or 4 squares to get to the next x! But I was afraid to tell anyone any of the above. Thank you for saying it all out loud & telling me it was okay to do it! (Spending the rest of the day stitching with a smile on my face!)
Cathi, YES! I was a little afraid to post this video and spill all my dirty little stitching secrets but I know I'm not the only one! Thank you! 😀
This is by far the BEST stitching in hand flosstube I have watched! and I have tried several!!!! The up and down, left to right method is a deal breaker. How you described your technique was prefect! The icing on the cake was how you explained looking at you pattern in terms of columns!!!! By George, I think I've got it!!!!!! Thank you!
Yay!!! So happy you found it helpful! Happy stitching!
I’ve been trying to learn this method & have watched so many videos & this is the first one that makes sense. Thank you
I do all like you except I followed Lori Holt doing the crosses in the opposite direction. I learned something I LOVE from a you-tuber and haven’t seen anybody else do it (for 2 over 2)…to be able to still use the loop method with variegated thread and maximize the variegation, I use 2 strands pulled from same piece of thread, same direction, and knot the end (cutting the extra off short) so it acts as the loop. It will never come out, doesn’t add bulk, and you can keep doing that if you have to tie off and move to new location. I’m so glad I found that! Thanks for this vid! I’ve been wondering how you stitch!
Ohhhhhhh my goodness! I have been trying to learn how to do the sewing method for over one year. I could never find a thorough video showing up close the individual stitches. I am very excited and started a new chart tonight. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this wonderful video. I will be sharing the heck out of it!!
Oh yay, I'm so glad you found it helpful!!
Yes you are one of very few who show traveling around
This was so encouraging. I have problems with hoops and frames. I decided to do what works for me and low and behold I found this video. It's All the things that work for me 😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'm so glad you posted this. I know it was a year ago but it was what I needed now!!!!
You have the best tutorials, Liz! I can only stitch on Aida and I have no problems at all! Thank you for all the awesome tutorials.
Yay I'm so glad it works on aida too!
When I stitched in the early 1990's I used a roll frame and never heard of stitching in hand. I came back to Cross Stitching, March 2020, with stitching in hand. I love this way of stitching and I love learning new tips. Thank you,
I prefer to start in the upper left of a pattern. It’s like ‘reading’ a chart. I like seeing the pattern evolve this way.
My life has changed ! now that I’ve switched over to this sewing method , couldn’t figure out why my stitches just weren’t clean n straight n pretty no matter how slow or diligently I was stitching ,so sad & was loosing my stitchy Moe Joe! Until now I’m so excited my stitches are have become stuntinggg!!! thank you who knew that changing the hole method would be a complete game changer to my stitch maker lol thank you so much ! HAPPY stitching I’m obsessed!
So glad it worked for you!!
I’m just finding you on this year old video and I’m floored. I like and appreciate your technique and definitely learned a few things…and I’ve been stitching since I was a kid.
Oh thank you so much, glad it was helpful!
This was SO helpful! I've always stitched in hand using the stabbing method (??), and am teaching myself the sewing method, and have been struggling a bit.... I realized while watching your method why I find it more awkward. I stitch in rows, all the half stitches first and then come back. You finish your X's fully and then move to the next, and in columns rather than rows! LIGHT BULB MOMENT! I'll be trying out your method asap!
Oh awesome, so glad you found it helpful!! Yeah I really like to complete each x as I go, I find it makes it easier for me to move around on the front of the piece rather than constantly readjusting from the back!
Great info! LOL, you think like an accountant, I am one and that is how I approach my stitching. I never knotted like this!
😂😂 I do work in finance and am surrounded by accountants!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I like that your primary word was “efficient” - I think that we can all learn from each other about new ways to be efficient. Efficiency allows us to move on to that new start! Your techniques might make me try to take the leap into linen 😬. Appreciate your TH-cams.
Exactly! I love to get things done and get to the next new start!!
Excellent video. What a great way to pull your thread without taking it off the drop. Ive always took my floss off the drop to pull a thread. Great tip. I have found when I stitch in hand that my left hand cramps after an hour or so.. Thank you so much for sharing. You are precious. Happy stitching.
7/2023 As watching your May video and you mentioned this sew in video. It was really informative to me. Done lots of embroidery not any cross stitch but thinking of starting so this was very helpful. Thanks. Have been enjoying your recent floss tubes.
Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful!
Very nice video;I agree with Vivs stitch, Jean Farrish has good tutorials for stitching. ☺ A comment on the stiffness of Asia for hand stitching- I stitch on Adia for projects I work in where I won't have magnification, great light.ect. I let the Adia soak in warm water, that removes the starch, closed the holes some also😊 . Hope that helps someone
I was wondering about that. I thought soaking Aida first would make it more pliable.
Cannot thank you enough for this video! I'm brand new to stitchin on linen, etc. Embroidered all my life; I will go forward with confidence!
Wonderful!
Hi Liz, I recently started cross stitching again after stopping for many years to raise a family. I now stitch in hand and love it. I use 18 CT aida and use the loop start on the front!
You are a very good teacher. Thank you. You are doing what I have been needing someone to show what and how you think as you stitch.
Best Christmas gift EVER, Liz....thank you! I've admired your beautiful stitching from the start and love seeing how you make the magic happen. I will be giving all of your tips and tricks a try....knots included!
Oh thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Wow...that's awesome to just pull one strand!! I lick the ends too! 😋 What a great way to stitch! I am currently a stabber....gonna try your method cuz wow ....so much faster!! 💕
Very well instructed. I will show it to my granddaughter when she is ready to switch to 28 count linen or evenweave. Thanks so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much for showing how you stitch in hand using the sewing method. I have pretty much been a top left or top center starter and found it very awkward to stitch using the sewing method. But thanks to your tutorial, I have tried starting my stitching in the bottom right and am enjoying stitching using the sewing method and the thread loop start. It makes such a difference so THANK YOU!
Oh Im so happy to hear that! Happy to help!
Thank you for showing us how you stitch in hand. I stitch on Aida and stitch in hand most of the time!
I stitch in hand most of the time except for huge patterns. Thank you for giving me permission to make a small knot! lol.... I usually do the pin stitch with single threads but you are right about it coming out sometimes. Also, I noticed you ALWAYS start in the bottom left. I was always putting my first stich on the same angle but sometimes I started on the top right and sometimes the bottom left. I will try today to always start in the bottom left and see how I like that. It probably makes the stitches look more uniform. Thank you so much!! btw... I do the stitching in hand method with Aida and evenweave.
Yep its much easier for my brain to keep track of everything if I make each stitch the same way! If I need to make a single stitch to the right of my previous one and therefore cannot come up in the bottom left then i will do a top right to bottom left and top left to bottom right to end up in my correct spot!
That was just a great instructional presentation. I love this method. Thank you, Elizabeth!
Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed it!
I LOVE THIS! I stitch in hand but have always gone left to right and struggle with fancy floss in doing it that way. I'm adopting your method :)
Loved this tutorial...your a natural teacher ❤
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, we do it the same with the exception of up and down. Going upward I end my first stitch bottom right then go upward to the top right stitch to lower left, to upper left, to lower right....then repeat. Hand is always on top of stitching and I am going upward to what I was taught a clean or open stitch....both totally achieve the same stitch, is fast and the only difference is the back - it looks like going right to left with 2 lines of stitching..... Well I will say this, thank you for finding that making a quilter know to start. I have been doing the pin stitch and am totally going to try the knot. Thank you....I certainly do not plan or would have a piece in a show - this love I have for cross stitching is that I enjoy it, period. Bravo to those that go on to achieve Master stitcher and really pursue that for themselves, I think it is amazing. Personally, I am thrilled to complete a project & I always love it! Love
Many helpful ideas
I have been wanting to learn the sewing method because I too want to stitch all the things! I am so happy and excited to have watched your tutorial; I can't believe how much quicker I am stitching now while still enjoying the process! Thanks so much for an excellent turorial : )
Yay thats awesome! Thank you!
Since you stitch right to left, you're sewing the Victorian cross where your threads at the back are horizontal rather than vertical (when stitching in straight rows/lines). Jean Farish discusses this in her earlier videos (Jean Farish Needleworks). I'm right handed but I stitch left to right, making the stitches at the back vertical. I also do the Victorian cross in some instances. Stay safe Liz ❤
Oh yes, I saw Jean's video for Victorian Cross! It was fun to have a fancy name to put with the way I stitch!
I stitch left to right ,and l am right hand ,but whatever works for you ,l am going to try the sewing method ,as l am struggling to stitch with hoops and QSnaps .but the sewing method is so much faster ,if you know where you are supposed to be stitching .
Thank you for your tips… everything you showed is so much faster for me:)
I love the floss drop method for pulling a strand 😊
I am so grateful for your tutorial it is knowledgeable and encouraging I really appreciate your skills and humour you are definitely delightful thank you x
Thank you so much!
Great tutorial! I think I can do it by watching you! I will have to change everything to do it. I’m right handed and have always used a hoop with the top left being my first cross! But I’m ready to try your approach. Thanks again! Best tutorial I’ve watched for stitching in hand! Thank you!♥️🤠
Hi Elizabeth I do the sewing method on Aida I have no problems I absolutely love it I can travel in any direction except left to right I go right to left and up and down. I mostly do the loop method but every once in a while I’ll put a knot in my thread but I put it in from the top of the fabric and then see over the back thread to secure it and then cut the knot off when they get close to it.. therefore no knots on the back of my fabric…
I am so glad I found you. This is the method I like but needed some tips and you nailed it for me. Thank you so much!!
Yay! Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this tutorial!! Lots of great tips!!
Interesting to watch your techniques. I’m self taught and have always worked stretched fabric. I like how you explain the direction methods for in hand to be “efficient.”
Glad it was helpful!
Elizabeth
Thank for this tutorial...so I get it now. Just learning the sew I. Hand method basically because its getting to hard for me to hold a q snap but I just couldn't figure out when I stitched across from right to left how to go back with the next line of stitches but working in columns resolves that issue. Am I right you never stitch left to right...its just impossible unless you turn your fabric upside down...lol...I was trying to figure that out. Now I got it th?banks to you. Such a wonderful tutorial and thanks for your time!
Great tutorial! Thank you so much. Really appreciated section on moving around and how you’d stitch from the chart❤️
You are so welcome!
Liz, I never heard of starting on a vertical thread. Genius!!
This video helped me so much. The method you demonstrated speeds things along. I love cross stitching, but it takes me forever to finish a project using a hoop.
oh yay so glad it was helpful!! I was the same way and wanted to stitch faster!
Such a good teacher!! 👏👍🙂
This is a very good tutorial, easy to follow your instructions.
Glad it was helpful!
I enjoyed your video. I had to chuckle when you used knots. I am definitely not a rule follower when I am doing crafts!
Your tutorial was really good! Most of how to’s give a straight line and maybe an outline square, but yours addressed how to follow a pattern and move around - the way you need to plan your path. I looked for something like this when starting back to x-stitch almost three years ago. I have almost always stitched in hand, turned my work doing long rows, and worked a combination of scooping and stabbing on the jump around parts. I will try envisioning columns to eliminate so much punch and stabbing and keep my hand on top.Thanks.
Thank you very much. I also stitch in hand using the sewing method and I love it. I also use this method stitching on Aida and I have no problems. But I am going to try the knot method. Happy stitching!
I love watching stitching videos when stitching myself so this was a nice listen, even though I don't exactly adhere to any many of the so called stitching rules myself, lol. Don't bother with horizontal or vertical threads on linen, don't really bother with stitching directions, I'll stitch whatever direction the pattern seems to require, mostly to save thread... but as a left handed stitcher I am most comfortable stitching from left to right and upwards rather than downwards. I do stitch in hand but I don't use the sowing method, I just stab my way through a pattern, lol. I've tried it but it just didn't suit me. I love watching other stitchers do it though. Thanks for the video!
This was a great video - thanks so much Liz, I learn so much from your tutorials.
I am right handed, but learned from a lefty so I stitch right handed left to right. I also taught it right handed doing left handed sewing
I’m so glad you gave us the ok to knot your thread because I have a lot of single stitches to do. 😅
Elizabeth, your tutorial was helpful to me. I like your plan of working in columns when possible. Jean Farish suggests running the strand of colorfast thread over a damp sponge before you start stitching with it. Hold the thread on the sponge with your finger and pull it through. That does help to straighten out the original curves so you aren't fighting them, and I rarely have knots. The slightly damp thread is fine to stitch with immediately and dries very quickly. I find stitching in hand very pleasurable and so convenient.
I saw her mention that! But I don't like to add in extra steps so i haven't tried that one yet. I did use to use thread magic but now I just kind of yank and thread and start stitching!
@@elizabethanncanstitch What do you do with a length of ‘leftover’ thread that is still long enough to use? Do you tie it back on to the floss drop?
I taught myself (back in the early 1980's) and I have always used the sewing method. It is a lot faster. I still do it in a hoop, but I keep the linen a little loose.
Hi Liz
I have always stitched in hand, using the sewing method.
I have no problem using the sewing method on Aida. Only if I need to put in a stitch in a very confetti heavy area I might have problems, but usually no problems 🙂
I'm lefthanded and prefer to start in the upper left corner, no matter how big the project is.
So far I haven't experienced having too little fabric 🙂
Horizontal I stitch ////// and \\\\\\ on the way back.
Vertically I stitch / and then \, so I finish one stitch at a time.
I don't mind travelling with my thread. If I go further than 3-4 stitches, I tuck it under a thread every 4th stitch or so. I also travel with darker colours on full coverage pieces.
What I like most about stitching in hand, apart from the speed 😁, is that I can stitch almost everywhere as long as the light is okay.
Definitely going to try some stitching in hand on my next high count piece - I always stitch in rows so will have to retrain my brain to think in columns!
I stitch in hand, but my right hand ends up on the underside of the fabric way too often. I am going to try your method. I like how you think of the stitches in columns instead of always going across. Thanks for the tut!
Thank you love stitching in hand.
It's so interesting to see the many ways people stitch! Your finished projects always look beautiful!
This was awesome!
I do the same with my DMC in floss drops, but pulling one strand from the floss drop just has me.😳😲 amazed!
Thank you! I need to try the sewing method again.
Bom dia ….desde Portugal
Quando era pequenina( com 7 ou 8 anos) a minha avó dizias que era batoteira e desistiu de me ensinar a fazer ponto cruz
Hoje com 67 anos comecei a aprender e..também faço sem bastidor mas tento não saltar de um lado para o outro ( era isso que a minha avó dizia que era errado)
Este vídeo foi tão bom…tão relaxante para mim
Obrigada🥰
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!
I have only used Aida and do the sewing method. Since you said you find it much easier on linen I deff want to try it now.
Thank you for this video. I love stitching in hand. Not that i have done many projects but have a lot of charts🙄 I have stitched Aida in hand. First was from a big box store. Then Zwiegart and huge difference. And if dyed even better. I do like linen too
I have a tip for you! For long runs going to your right; flip your piece upside down. I can’t recall which Flosstuber I learned that from. But it works great. 🪡
Your video’s are always so helpful and fun. Thanks for sharing.
This was so helpful Liz. Thank you. I’ve tried stitching in hand but find managing the fabric on a large project is a bit frustrating for me, so I use Q-snaps for those. You have definitely simplified things for me 😊
Wonderful!
I stitch in hand on smaller projects. I like your method of finishing the stitch before moving to the next as to where I stitch half of the stitch move down the column then back up. Which sometimes the stitches dont look so pretty. Then the 🐸ing starts. Tonight I plan on giving your method a whirl. Thank you 🧵🧵🧵
Excellent stitching in hand video….thank you
Easier knot making, wrap end of floss around end of a finger and roll floss and pull, works every time 😊
I was taught to start top left, make right slant to the right then go right to left to cross the x. The method you just demonstrated looks easier and faster. My next start will definitely be in the bottom right corner. Thank you. I've probably been stitching longer than you've been alive but I'm constantly learning something new.
She said she only started bottom right to give us a better view. She said she normally starts TOP right.
This is so interesting to watch! I use the sewing method too, but I go left to right and tilt my fabric 90 degrees to the right, so I end up going down and up (if that makes any sense) so the back of my stitches are vertical. I rotate my fabric a lot when working this way and somehow it works for me :D Super fun video!
Thanks for the tutorial Liz. I stitch right handed but from left to right. I have to try your way. I will probably save so much time.
I cross stitch on Aida and use this method. I am trying to convince myself to try other types of fabric. :)
Whatever you like stitching on is perfect!
You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks!
I love your way of making a knot, because I use the loop method by going through the knot end. I would love to do my cross stitch in the hand, but I can't get the hang of it.
Getting spoiled with so many Liz vids! I don't know if I can go back to just having 1 vid on Sundays lol
Thanks for this Liz. I stitch in hand with the sewing method (can't work with a hoop or frame), and don't have any trouble doing it on Aida, linen or evenweave. I don't knot, but I also don't necessarily make every stitch the same way - the tops all lie the same way but I may do the top part of the X either top right to bottom left or bottom left to top right (and either way for the bottom one too). I haven't had any trouble with this way and I think it makes it easier when you're doing stitches more randomly than just straight rows.
Thank you for all the information. I absolutely love to watch your videos. Usually I use the knot way, but this project that I am working on the knots have been coming out.
Thanks so much very helpful to me.
Thanks so much for showing us how to travel on the back. That is what I wanted to see for my project. I would like to see what the back looks like on other designers projects. You have done a very nice job!! Than you for sharing!
What a great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm a thread licker too! Usually I don't eat when I'm stitching but recently found myself sitting down to stitch with a mouth full of chocolate candy. Yikes! Now how am I going to thread my needle? Then I remembered having Stitcher's Lotion which is supposed to be safe for needlework so I dabbed a little on the end of my floss and threaded the needle as usual. It worked really well.
I'm an in-hand stitcher and have recently moved from linen to mostly Aida (16 and 18 count). I have no problem at all stitching in-hand on Aida. I've always stitched in-hand but when I started stitching again after being away from stitching for many years, I decided to use a Q-Snap since so many other stitchers were using one. I hated it because it absolutely killed my non-dominate hand that was holding it. So, I went back to in-hand stitching. I feel that my tension is fine and my stitches look good. I'm glad you said you knot your single-strand floss. I haven't been but after stitching 4-stitch snowflakes on a project last weekend, knots would have made the process a lot easier and more secure.
Thanks for sharing. I'm wishing you and everyone you hold dear have a wonderful Christmas and your New Year is the best one ever.
Thanks for sharing...I have always stitched in hand and I always have everyone watching me ....I have never used a hoop...but I do have Harriett Salt in a roll frame because she 3 feet by 3 feet...please take care..
this was a great video and really helped me, thank you! Your thought process on this was exactly what I was looking for!
Ran to watch this after you mentioned it , Pat. I’ll be practicing this method as well.
Great video. I love your tips and tricks. I've always had trouble stitching in hand because I am always repositioning and moving my stitching hand to the back. Now I have tips to prevent myself from doing that. I especially like working in columns from left to right.
So interesting that you complete the x when you have a row. I have always done half the x's and went the other direction to complete them if more than one stitch of that color. I will have to try it this way.
Awesome video! I think I'll give this method a try on a Christmas small tomorrow! Thanks so much!
Thanks Liz for the tutorial for stitching in hand. I’m new to hand stitching on linen and your methods make sense to my brain.
I wish I could wrap my head around this but I stitch in the opposite direction. My first leg is upper left to bottom right, then upper right to bottom left. Thanks for the tutorials this week!
I’ve been stitching like this for over 20 years! You did a great tutorial. I have 2 comments; I learned from Carol Saltbox Stitcher when you stitch long horizontal rows when you come to the end of the first row going right to left turn your fabric upside down and stitch the next from right to left! Your crosses are the same. The other tip is I always keep my left thumb next to the spot my needle is coming out; I think it helps to open up the hole a little. Again great tutorial! Hope people will try!
So I've tried out the flipping upside down on horizontal rows but I just cannot make my upside down row match my top row! My stiches all go the same direction but I think the way I make my stitch and pull it "tight" it makes it lean a certain way and I cant replicate that when I flip my work upside down so I can always tell where I've done that! But I may have to work on that some more!
@@elizabethanncanstitch Enjoyed your video so much. Its interesting to see how different people stitch. I’m wondering about this comment. Do you never flip your work? I’m guessing you would work a large block of color vertically versus horizontally? I’m a hoop stitcher since I’ve never had good results with my tension when stitching in hand. However, I may just give it another try. Really enjoying your Stitch-mas series! 🧵🎄❤️
Thank you that way very helpful, I'm new to stitching in hand and I love it.
You are so welcome!
Thanks! I use the quilters knot for everything but crossstitch! It would definitely speed up the process. Even though I pride myself on not being a rule follower, I guess I am. I’ll definitely try it. I don’t think it will be much bulkier, if at all, from weaving under threads. I may try 2 or 3 wraps on higher count linen to see if it still works. Thanks Liz for getting my mind out of its box of rules. Sandy
Great video!! I started as a sewing method stitcher and moved to using Q-Snaps because I just wasn’t that good at it and, because the fabric was all bunched up under my hand, I had a hard time getting the wrinkles out. Now that I’m a better stitcher and more comfortable with my stitching, I’m going to try this again. Thank you!
I enjoyed seeing your technique! I also stitch in hand most of the time and I consider how I stitch to be a sewing method but it is different from yours. Isn't that the fun part! I'm going to give your method a try and see what I incorporate into my method. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with all of us.
Oh yes I'm sure there are a few variations on the sewing method! I've seen Kimberly from FQS show how she stitches in hand and it is different from how i do it!
I use aida and have no problem using the stitching in hand method on 14 or 16 count and I also go from left to right and I'm right handed. I'll try going right to left and see if it works better for me. I can see how it should be easier to see by watching this video. Thank you!
I stitch in hand too, using the sewing method.. and I am an Aida stitcher - have not progressed to Evenweave yet (a little intimated to try, frankly). One day I will give it a go. I have no issues in using the sewing method - I use all the techniques you mentioned and it works well (I just cross my X's differently. Mine go from top left to bottom right and then top right to bottom left). And yes I lick my thread too 😋
Oh glad to know it works just as well on Aida!!
Ooo so maybe this is key to finally getting this method down!! As I've previously used a stand and a Q-snap, but been longing to be able to sit in the sofa with my dog next to me to stitch this autumn. And also speed up a little.. yikes christmas is "quite" soon for some projects. (Granted, for speed, a qsnap or frame / hoop in the stand (allowing two-handed stitching) makes for a speedimprovement already, but it's not so "cozy") Nornally I've stitched patterns as I read - start top left.. work to the right, then next row. But to start at the right end and work left makes so much sense with this, holding the fabric with my left. Oh my! I can feel it clicking soon I hope! :D Thank you for more input on this method!!
Thanks for this, I think I will give it a try. I have a tip for threading your needle with the loop method................ thread the needle using the loop end of the thread, no licking required! 😋
I do single knots all the time too - especially for loop method on left over floss.
Thanks for the tutorial! Your videos are always so easy to understand and are filmed very well. I am going to try your method tomorrow when I am not so tired. I have been wanting to learn to stitch in hand for awhile and I think this will do the trick!