As you're no longer uploading I don't know if you'll read this, but I'm more or less binge-watching your video's. Thank you so much for all the great tips - I've learned so much! I'm trying out parking right now and hope to start stitching my first HAED in the very near future.
Thank you so much for your video! I have watched countless videos, searching for practical answers to my cross stitch questions and found that you have them all in one video! Well done!
I found your information very helpful, not only for HAED designs, but for any cross stitch design. I have done cross stitching for many, many years, and I wish there would have been this type of information back when I got started in cross stitching. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain as you went along. It is much appreciated.
Lovely, lovely video, and a super beginner's tutorial on HAED. I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned so much, and feel I'm finally ready to tackle my first HAED stitch!🙂 Thanks so very much for your time!
I started my first HAED this afternoon and I am so glad that I happened across your video first! It was so helpful. Other than parking which I find terribly confusing no matter who is explaining it, all other info was spot on and enormously helpful! It will probably take me 3 or 4 years to complete my pattern choice, but I love big projects so that's okay! Thank you so much!
Not sure if you watch TH-cam any more but your videos were great when you filmed them and they are still great. Watching them all again. Some for the third time. Thanks for doing them.
I am a new stitching and this video has answered a lot of my questions! I'm sure I'll come up with more in the future. :) I am also a new HAED member and I can't wait to get started!! Thank you SO much again!! ~ Lisa
Thank you for this video. I had just started my first HAED - the freebie Stitchers Retreat. I love the painting style and the subject was perfect! I was already stitching it, but your tips gave me more confidence. I'm using 28 ct with full crosses in 1 strand over 1 - and stitching with a good magnifier! Thank you again! Joan in New Jersey, US
Hi I am new to your channel..and I truly learned alot esp for the HAED forum (which I signed up) thank you. I hope you do more of such and more on your works! Thank you for taking your time in making ..
Thank you for taking time to talk about HAED projects. I know when or if I start one I'll be coming back to this informative video. Who knew there was so much about HAED projects. I think you covered everything I need to know.
All of you women who work on haeds are amazing to say the least. I currently work on an aliexpress Phoenix kit which is nothing like a haed, I'm 17 too, so it's not like it's hard to see smaller details, but it pains me to have to keep track of the charts. I genuinely can't imagine keeping track of as many threads as haeds have.
Thanks so much for this video. I just started my first HAED, Starry, Starry Night,. Your suggestions on gridding are very helpful. I'm not very far and I felt already that it was very bulky. Your comments validated that for me and I may start over after doing some test stitching. Thanks!
I can't thank you enough for this video. I am about to start my first HAED and I plan on going all in with a Aimee Stewart/Supersized/Max color, and I believe you may have saved me from many regrets.
Hi Amanda another wonderful informative video, they are always a pleasure to watch even for us old timers haha! I am so glad someone of younger generation is taking the time to learn others, and I find you have indeed knowledge to do that as your love for stitching shines through your videos and I for one don't mind that they are long the longer the better. keep them coming happy stitching Amanda xxx
YES!! You are so right about leaving it parked in the symbol of the bottom left corner...! If I do a mistake and it's obvious that I put it in the wrong hole - I pull it back through the back and end it. Then at the end of that 10x10, I just see what colour is left and stitch that and then park that one again correctly this time.
I find your videos so very helpful! You explain things so well. Wish you would join Flosstube again. I am a beginner stitcher and it seems cross stitch has made a huge comeback. Wish you well!
Thanks so much for the time you put to explain how to work in an HAED! I never hear about different "half stitch", I really thought they are the same!!! Ohhh I was wrong ;) Yesterday i bought my first HAED, so this vídeo it's great for me, i have same ideas, but know I will try the fabrics that I have in my stash and see what is the best for me! I didn't see the point for gridding the fabric, but know I see why!!! Can't thank you enough!!
This was a very helpful video for me. I haven't done cross stitch for several years, and have begun quilting in the interim. I have recently begun working on some primitive designs and samplers, and have discovered these wonderful videos. So... I think insanity has set in as I have now purchased a HAED, a quite large one in fact. So again, I found your video quite instructive. Thanks for taking the time to do these and I look forward to watching more in the future.
Thank you Tiglath (is your username after Assyrian Kings or something else? :)), I'm glad you enjoyed the video. awesome that you are returning to stitching - there is such a range of designs available that it is hard to choose! Everyone eventually finds there own way with HAEDs as they often require a different approach than other stitching due to their huge size - but if you have the patience, the finish is worth the wait!
MrsMilkybarKid Ha! Yes, we had a Persian cat named Tiglath Pileser, III (at my mother-in-law's suggestion we named him this after the Assyrian king). He died 2 years ago and I have since used this as my Playstation name and continued it here in remembrance of him.
I put off watching this video because I knew I was going to do my first HAED soon and I just ordered it. I will take your advice and test stitch on different fabrics but I really think I will go with the 22 count. I understood what you were saying about how you make the X's and losing them under the fabric, no confusion here. I start my X on the bottom right and go to the top left, then the top right to bottom left. Always done that but I will still do the testing because I believe like you said it is important on a project like this. Thank you for all this info it was very helpful for me and I am doing a mini with 15 or 16 colors (black and white chart) just to see how it goes, then I can move on from there. Again, Thank you for doing this it was very useful information!
Fabulous information you have inspired me to take the leap into stitching a HAED piece. I love The Soul of a Rose by John Waterhouse, and though I have been stitching for 30 years, I started very young, I have been daunted by the complexity of the design and all of the decisions to be made - thread, fabric etc. Thank you.....
You are welcome Julie :). Despite all the info in this video, at the end of the day, HAEDs are just lots and lots of little crosses, all us HAED stitchers have found our own combination of what works best for us, as I am sure you will too! Beautiful chart you have chosen!
Excellent video! And I agree so much about the test stitching - I'm working on a small HAE design right now, and I've found that I like the 25 count evenweave, but stitching 1 over 1. It gives enough coverage for me, and I can easily see where I need to put my needle.
Thank you so much for such an informative video. I loved your Watching it fly project so much that I bought it for my first HAED try. I followed your instructions and signed up for the bulletin board and will try different fabrics to see which one suits me best. And I would like to see when you make a video about gridding.
I am so glad you found my video helpful! I'm currently stitching on Mini Watching It Fly, it is such a great project as it only has 15 colours, I hope you enjoy stitching on it as much as I do :)
OMG am I glad l came across your video. I just got my first HAED pattern and have been wondering what kind of fabric to purchase. I did have in mind Lugana but decided to wait until I could get a sample of 25 count. My fear is that the holes will be tooo small. I am going to relisten to this. So much info!! thank you thank you thank you!!! cant say it enough. Now Im off to subscribe to HAEDs bulletin boards
There is an unbelievable amount of useful information in this video - thank you so much for posting it (and don't worry about the length - the longer the better!) I wish I had watched your video 18 months ago because I have made several of the errors you mentioned. I had really bad page lines down a design with a strong block of colour. When I started HAED Treasure Quest I did test stitch long enough to decide I had to do 2 over 1 for coverage, but not long enough to realise I couldn't see the stitching or fit the threads in on 25 count! When I stitched HAED Couch Dragon I didn't try out the Kreinik - which I found I hated with a passion but was two late to switch to Petite TB. Those 2 designs are in my drawer of shame and sorrow :). I can't even stand to look at them. Thankfully I rescued HAED Owl in A Poppyfield from a dye lot issue problem by going over some of the threads to kind of blend them together. Sorry for the extreme rambling comment - but thanks again x
Not a long rambling comment at all Nic! Sorry you had to go through some of those issues I mentioned - not fun at all! Would love to see your Owl in a Poppy Field - I love Annya Kai's work she is one of my fave HAED artists :)
Just bought my first HAED patterns and plan to start them in the coming months. So glad for your encouragement to test stitch multiple counts. I chose something I didn't think I would pick. Loved the coverage of 28 count 1 over 1 full cross with my tension. Really appreciate your knowledge for stitching and may even try a Chatelaine someday.
I just started stitching my first HAED and was directed to your video. I had some concerns that you discussed fully and am now ready to dive-in. Thank you.
Regarding parking: I've been experimenting with different methods on my different pieces. Sometimes when I tent stitch with my crosses going bottom left to top right /// I normally park threads on the bottom left corner. Occasionally there will be a conflict where the location of the parked thread is actually the last hole that I ended up stitching with. Sometimes I have to change the direction of the last stitch so I can park the thread in the correct corner. Seems like such a small detail, but still an interesting point I was reminded of when you were talking about changing the starting corner on your parked thread because of the continental stitching. Perhaps on the demos you did on the fabric you could supersize your X's to like over 4 to make which corners you're pointing to even more clear. It all seemed clear to me, but then again I've been reading the HAED BB for 6 years. :)
I really enjoy watching your videos. I tried out your tent stitch and love it. It looks very neat and I was surprised by the coverage it gave. I have a new Heaven and Earth design that I am going to use it for.
Thank you DeeDee, I felt the same way when I tried out tent stitch, the coverage was excellent and with such tiny stitches, from a normal viewing distance, you can't tell a tented piece from a cross stitched piece - to me anyway :). What HAED will you be starting?
Omg...I am so glad you mentioned the different dye lots . I am recently working on a design with a lot of black background - I bought all 40 dmc310 in one go - but, I had one left from previous work so I thought I will use it up - I can now see the difference in the shade- not a big one but there is - almost as if the depth of the colour was different. Until now I thought that I messed up somewhere and actually that one thread was different black code , now I know it isn't - it's the die lot!
Thank you a million times over for this video. Much needed as I plan to start a HAED soon. I never thought to do it 2/1. I will have to test it out as you say. Tent stitch also gives you better coverage than half cross. The basketweave gives you an even Bette coverage than the first two as the back looks like basketweave It is basically a tent stitch done on the diagonal. I would love to see you do a grossing video with thread. Pretty please. ;) Thanks again. Fantastic video
In my opinion, I do feel that continental tent is better coverage. :) I will tell you though I do something weird.. I continental stitch from right to left and then normal tent from left to right... If you move your thread on a HAED from left to right, I found you don't get lines... say if your stitching 10x10 boxes. I just found if you do downward - it makes lines..not sure why. So I go left to right 10x10 until that row is finished (parking of course), and then drop down and work that box from left to right and so forth... no lines at all. Just an FYI. :) By the way: I sit here and really enjoy your videos!! Love the advice (we are a lot a like with stitching the the "control") LOL Thanks for all your hard work on your site!
Thank you so much for your helpful tips. I just wish I had seen this before I had started my first HAED, but now I have a plan for my next one :). I understood everything you were explaining.
Excellent video! Thank you for posting it! Can't agree enough with the test stitching recommendation...I learned that lesson the hard way on my HAED I am currently working on. I tried 2 over 1 on my fabric and it was just awful. Not enjoyable for me at all. I switched to 1 over 1 and it was so much better...if I had taken the time to test stitch on the fabric, I would have already known that I preferred 1 over 1. Test stitching is the way to go!
Thank you Sharon, appreciate your comment - your experience is really helpful for other stitchers, even though it was no doubt frustrating for you! What HAED are you working on?
MrsMilkybarKid It was indeed frustrating, but a lesson well learned for me! I am working on two HAEDs at the moment...Jasmine Beckett-Griffith's "Alice and Snow White"...and Matthew Stewart's "A Light in the Dark". Still have a loooong way to go on them, but looking forward to the finished results!
Orietta if you sat through all of that you are crazy - you know all that stuff ;), but I am grateful for your support! Hope you are making good progress on your Bookshelf :)
MrsMilkybarKid I actually did watch it all! but I cheated, as I watched it while stitching World Travel Booksheld ha ha ha stitching while watching stitching video has become a new trend around here ;)
Having been a cross stitcher in the 1970’s, I understood everything you explained even though some of the info was new to me. I found you and your presentation to be very well organized and helpful. At the end you were apologizing for possibly confusing some people. I propose that instead you suggest that viewers save and rewatch the videos until the technique presented becomes clearer to them. I think that your teaching style is good enough that you can make that suggestion. I do have one suggestion: when showing how to sew stitches, use a piece of white paper with two parallel rows of dots to mimic cross stitch fabric. Then on camera draw the placement of the stitches in order. You could even stitch large stitches through paper so you could show the back. Since I’ve already purchased 3 small kits, it looks like I’ll be splitting my time between diamond painting and cross stitch for the foreseeable future. Two of Laurel Burch’s cats on black fabric are also calling to me, but the prospect of stitching on black fabric seems daunting. Btw I’m here because Rachel Rae added a link in one of her videos. Now I’ve subscribed. I look forward to learning more from you. 😊 Paula from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Go for it - you will only know if it's for you if you give it a try! I think parking is one of those things best worked out for yourself, we all tweak it to suit our style of stitching :).
Wow great video. Thanks a lot for all your tips I took some notes on what you said. i will soon be starting my first HEAD so this is really helpful. Love watching all your videos. Thank you.
Great advice. I think we are all a little bit intimidated with a HAED design at first. Just because they are so big. I haven't stitched one yet,I haven't found one I like yet.
Thank you! As I said in my HAED finishes video, their designs aren't to everyone's taste, but there are plenty of other companies that do full coverage art to cross stitch pieces - their art may appeal to you more if that type of chart is something that you would like to stitch.
Thank you for doing this video, it has been really helpful as I hope to start my first haed some time in the next couple of months. thanks for taking the time to share your tips:)
Thanks so much for your effort sharing this knowledge. I loved the tip about black Anchor thread instead of DMC. You have inspired me to buy "mini "Jasmine Beckett-Griffith's "Alice and Snow White", so I can give HAEDs another go. I have a question: Does blending filament with white thread give the white extra shine?
Thanks Jan! I love the chart you have chosen, I have that one in my stash too! As for the blending filament, it will give the white a hint of sparkle - but it all depends on whether you can get it to lay right with your white thread. Some stitchers (not necessarily for HAEDs) will use 2 strands of white, stitch away, and then go over the white with the blending filament afterwards, so that they ensure the filament lies on top. I know I am approaching this same issue with Dafodils shortly. A lot of the sky is made up with blocks of metallic, which I am not sure I will like the look of (the change in "texture" may not look right to me) so I bought some B5200 to see if I used that with blending filament whether I would prefer if. You have reminded me that I should do some test stitching to see what I think :)
Brill video. You explained parking well but I have concerns about wasting thread if it has to travel a long way. Any advice? Also would be cool to see some close ups of your tent stitching. I've looked for more videos but they're not very good. Thanks :D
I don't travel my threads very far - either the 10x10 block below or to the right of the one I am stitching, so when you are stitching on 28ct over 1 like me that equates to less than an inch of thread carried over on the back! On my next update video I'll do a close up of my tent stitching, but you really wouldn't know it was tent stitch. If you look on my Flickr/Instagram accounts you will see some pictures which might show them a bit better than my videos!
I must try Anchor's black thread. I am never happy with the coverage I get with DMC. I prefer the loop method as well, but 2 strands is not enough coverage and 3 strands is too bulky. I also want to try the tent stitch on a QS. Thanks for the tips.
An additional thought, do your test stitching with black or another dark colored thread. My tent stitching in yellow and other light colors has beautiful coverage. The dark browns, blues and black just don't have the same coverage. Unfortunately the first page I started with had no dark colors and my coverage is uneven. Your mileage may vary. (referring to my Suteki HAED)
I did all my test stitching in black when I was figuring out what worked best for me HAEDwise several years ago - it is always the thinnest thread and if you are stitching on white the show through always looks worse than it is.
I am starting my FIRST HAED and I am SO thankful for this video!! I wanted a way to grid that didn't use marker or pen as I never wash my finished pieces either. Question about HOW you use the sulky sliver - how do you run it so that it shows along the entire line of holes.... do you come up and the top and go down back through the fabric at the very bottom? I don't think that would work well.... can you explain a little more? I would be so grateful! Thanks! -Jennifer
Hi, love watching your videos, so informative and helpful . I have just downloaded a HAED PDF chart The Muses and it is a large one, 525w x 525h, it states to do it in 25ct fabric over one. Myself I've always used 14ct Aida. What fabric would you suggest to use for this design, thank you. Sue
Hi Sue, as I said in the video you can stitch a HAED on any count of fabric of your choice, you will be stitching the design for quite some time so it is best to choose a fabric you are comfortable with! If you prefer sticking to an aida fabric you could use 14,16, 18,20 or 22 count fabric. If you do decide to choose a fabric count you've not stitched on before, it is always best to do a little square of test stitching on it to make sure you are happy with the coverage and how your stitching looks. 18ct aida 2 over 1 is a very popular choice with HAED stitchers, I've used it on QSs and was very happy with the results. For the minis I've stitched and will stitch in the future I use 28ct 2 over 1 continental tent stitch so the fabric you choose is very much an individual preference - you just have to have confidence and go with the courage of your convictions :)!
Hi, thank you for the quick reply. I have done a bit of test stitching on a 27ct fabric, don't know what fabric it is though, I know it's evenweave but that's all I know. I did think about Aida but because it's 525w x 525h it will turn out quite big, not that I mind though, it's a beautiful design. I so love watching your videos because you explain things so clearly, and love seeing your work. Thanks for your help. Sue
Hi, Im very new to cross stitch & just want to let you know that you have been such a mentor to me. Im old, but have done lots of crafts all my life & this video is priceless! You have explained so much that I was wanting to know about cross stitch and your finishes are so amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us all and your explanations are really clear, unlike lots of other videos that I have watched. I have one question however, do you ever use the sewing method instead of the stabbing method when you do your cross stitch pieces? Also do you feel there is any benefit towards one method more than the other? Cheers, and thanks again.
Hi Joan, thanks for your kind words. As I usually stitch in a hoop or frame I use the stabbing method. The exception to this is when I’ve been stitching a darning sampler, then I’ll use the sewing method sometimes as it’s quicker! I don’t think there is necessarily any advantage over one than the other, just go with what works best for you :).
I am definitely trying to pluck up courage for a video so I can show you Owl in a Poppyfield - it took me 6 months to get as far as setting up a channel so I could comment on all the cross stitch videos that I love :). I think Annya Kai is my favourite of all the artists oh HAED. There is an artwork she has done called "Luna owl" (it has different names in various place). Its like the one I stitched but nighttime and so mainly blues. I look every day on the chart to see if they have charted it. I would pay the charting fee (I think $100) but of course HAED would have to get Annya's permission to use the image. I loved the "Watching it Fly" stitch that you did.
If an artist already has their work charted by HAED like Annya Kai does, then you can put in a request for specific pieces of their work to be charted on the HAED BB - whether it happens of course is entirely up to Michele, but it never hurts to ask! As Annya's work is so popular, I expect this one is possibly already in Michele's pile to be charted - I will see if anyone else has requested it :)
It would be great if you could find out about Lunar Owl - it might stop all my obsessive checking of the HAED new releases :). Sorry for posting as a new comment - I can't seem to work out how to do it as a "reply".
No worries Nic :), I checked the HAED BB and a request has been put in for Lunar Owl - as to when it may or may not be released I cannot say, but at least Michele knows that stitchers would like to stitch it :).
Wonderful video :) I was just curious about how you can see the gridding on the parts you've already done. I grid, and I've used magic guide but on the ones I grid myself I take out that grid stitch when I reach it :)
Thank you CrossStitchCrazy mum! When I grid with thread I grid only the horizontal grid lines, use one length of thread per grid line and grid a whole row of pages at a time. I only remove the grid lines as I stitch across the last page and finish each row of 10x10 squares. Hope that makes sense :)
I have a few HAED patterns, and I have been terrified of starting them. I'm still trying to decide on fabric, that's my main issue. The video wasn't too long at all! I'm almost set on tent stitching, but I need to figure it out. I tend to fall back to half stitching.
As I said in the video you can stitch half stitch, it doesn't have to be continental tent stitch like me :). Obviously even if you are tent stitching, some stitches end up being half stitches especially if you are only doing one stitch in a colour! Best option is to do a bit of test stitching to put your mind at rest. What HAEDs are you planning on starting?
Ha ha I know the feeling - I've bought 3 QS in the 50% sale :). I remind myself that HAED have sales every month and at least 2/3 a year are 50% off so no need to go crazy! But if you are a chart collector (I'm more of a thread collector myself) it is hard to resist!
Thank you for this video, Amanda. It was extremely helpful to me. I am going to start my first HAED in about a month and I am very nervous. I do have a question- I plan on stitching 2/1, so I'm guessing I would have to make 4 two over one stitches (in a square) to match one stitch on the pattern? I hope I am asking this right and you understand my question!
Tina - sorry I have only just seen this question! If you ever have anything you want to ask just email me (you've got my address) and I'd be more than happy to help. For HAED one stitch on the pattern is one stitch on your fabric, albeit a tiny one if you are stitching over 1 - you do not need to convert the pattern at all. You might be getting confused with those of us that stitch over 1 skin on our Mirabillias, for THAT you do as you described above as it is originally charted to be stitched over 2. HAEDs can be stitched on any count of fabric over 1 or over 2, the decision lies with the stitcher. Let me know if you need anymore info, you know where to find me!
Thanks for putting your time into this video! A wealth of information! I`m preparing for my first HAED now ( a first for me as I have only ever stitched kits!) This video has been so helpful. But now I have hit a road block....metallics! I have never used them! And my pattern has a fair amount in large(ish) areas. So now I have a lot to think about... What made you cringe at the thought of kreinik and dmc metallic? And why do you tend to prefer treasure braid? Will thickness of the metallics be an issue for me? Please and Thanks for any advice. p.s. Did you ever make a video about how you do your grid?
Thank you Rebecca! As far as metallics go, I always use Petite Treasure braid (PB10 is the equivalent to kreinik 032) which is the same thickness to #4 kreinik metallic braid (what HAEDs call for). PTB is my preference, it doesn't shred anywhere near as much as other metallics and is really easy to stitch with (I stitch with metallics ALOT lol!). DMC stranded metallics are atrocious to stitch with and any I ever had in my possession have since been thrown away! I talked about how I grid in one of my videos, can't remember which one, but I would have listed it in the video description to save you wading through watching them all! Any other questions just shout - although I don't really stitch HAEDs anymore I finished 7 QS and minis and will do my best to help :).
Thanks so much! I've learned so much in all your videos I've watched and have most of my decision making done :) So shredding is the biggest problem with metallic? Any other tips to help with that? Is I necessary to alter the way I stitch to avoid thickness? I think I read somewhere a complaint that the kreinik was bigger then the surrounding stitches?!
The best tips for stitching with metallics is to use shorter lengths, some stitchers also use Thread Heaven (a thread conditioner to coat their thread), but I've never needed that using PTB. I can only speak from my own experience, most of the HAEDs I've stitched have contained metallics and I've never had any issues with thickness. That being said I only ever use ONE strand of metallic, even if my crosses in DMC use two strands. That goes for when I used 18ct 2 over 1 full cross and 28ct 2 over 1 tent stitch - I only ever used a single strand of metallic with ANY design I stitch :). If I want my stitches to look thicker, rather than using 2 strands of a fine metallic braid, I'll use one strand of a thicker metallic braid, much more easy to handle!
Hi there, thank you so much for this video - I'm thinking about buying my first HEAD and wanted to make sure I understood everything properly which this definitely helped me to do. I did want to check one thing though that is ocnfusing me...what does it mean "2 over 1" or "1 over 1"? Is this how many strands of the thread is used (ie how think the stitches will be)? xxx
Hi Vicky, thanks for your comment! 2 over 1 means using two strands of thread in your needle and stitching over 1 thread (or hole if it makes it easier!) of the fabric, and 1 over 1 means using one strand of thread in your needle and stitching it over 1 thread (or hole) of the fabric. With HAEDs when you stitch on an evenweave fabric, most stitchers stitch over 1 fabric thread which is how you get such tiny stitches! For the majority of patterns stitched on evenweave (like Mirabilias for example) they are stitched 2 over 2 - 2 strands of thread in the needle over 2 fabric threads. That is how a design stitched on 14ct aida over 1 will come out the same size if stitched on 28ct evenweave stitched over 2. Hope that helps - just shout if you need any further explanation :)!
I really love your video's, they are very helpful. I am just about to start a HAED, and i wanted to try what you are doing because it looks good and it is half the work. You are working on a 28 count, with 1 or 2 threads when you do the tent stitch?
hello, thanks for the video! I've got a haed design that's 48 pages and will take up so much time! nervous about starting it! my question is, when parking - do the threads that you're not using get in the way of your stitching?
Hi Amanda, fantastic video, so amazingly helpful. I do have a silly question for you. How do you work out how many skeins of thread are needed? I've never had to do that before and was just wondering as I'd really like to do Treasure Hunt Bookshelf. This combines my two favourite hobbies, stitching and reading. You make parking a whole lot more understandable, the idea of highlighting in two colours is brilliant. Would you please do a video on how to grid with thread as I've never done it before and I know you would be great at teaching idiots like me lol. Thanks again for such a wonderfully informative video. I could watch your videos for hours. I often watch them through several times as I love the way you go inti so much detail so passionately. Have a great Stitching day. Xx
Lorraine you are neither stupid or silly! As for number of skeins needed - each HAED chart comes with a floss useage list which will tell you how many skeins of each thread you need, as well as how many stitches there are in the design of each colour. If you have a chart that doesn't have this, check the HAED website as you should be able to download a floss useage list, there is usually a link underneath the chart picture. If all that fails - email the HAED team at the address on the HAED site and they will send you one, they are some of the nicest people to deal with :). Yes, I didn't elaborate on how I grid - so I will show that for you Lorraine :). Really glad you find my videos helpful :)
I should have watched the video before I was starting my first haed. I was starting it on 25 ct and it didn't work out for me. So I started new on 20 ct. Sadly, I can't find somewhere small fabric pieces to test on.
Geat Video!! But I've got a question: I hate stitching full crosses at a time...I stitch one half and on the way back I finish the cross...so far I'm a cross country stitcher (over one page) but I'm thinking about working 10x10 squares and park...but is there a way to park and make half crosses frst and finish them later without having to travel your thread long distances in the back? I hope that you get what I mean ;-)
Thank you Freddy! I totally understand what you are asking, I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a HAED being stitched that way - but if it works for you that’s all that matters! I hate stitching each cross at a time too, which is probably another reason why I tent stitch HAEDs on high counts of evenweave. I can’t see any reason why you couldn’t stitch that way, try it and see if it works for you! There are no hard and fast rules with parking, it tends to be a technique that stitchers adapt to suit their own preferences. In my case I only park threads below or to the right of the 10x10 I am working on, so I don’t carry much thread. As I work on 28ct over 1, even if I carried threads over 2 10x10 squares it would still be less than an inch of thread carried on the back. Some stitchers carry their threads much further - it’s all up to you. What chart are you working on?
Since about 3 months I'm working on 'Middle Earth' map on 20ct Aida, but due to a lot of stuff to be done for university I'm still on page 1...I'm hoping to post my next update later this week :-)
Thank you so much for your fantastic video! I'm hoping to start a HAED design sometime soon, but was feeling very intimidated. The biggest projects I've done are Dimensions Gold on 18 count. I was particularly concerned about learning to stitch on linen or evenweave, but I'm thinking I'll check out the 22 count fabric you mentioned to see how that might work. I've always stitched in isolation, so just now starting to get connected with other stitchers like yourself to see how things are done - I've stitched for about 20 years but just learned about parking! :) I have one question for you - is it advisable to pre soak or wash the thread before using it, to avoid any colour bleeding later on? Is it necessary to wash a design once it is finished? I'm so worried about those dark colours running!
Thank you Marina! I'm the wrong stitcher to ask about washing your work - I NEVER wash my work :). Most of my stitching uses threads or fabrics that are not colourfast, so I'm very careful with how I handle and store my work. Other stitchers regularly wash their work, including HAEDs, as they use a washable pen to grid their fabric - it's just personal choice whether you choose to or not. If I was stitching a design with a lot of red DMC (or other colours that are notorious for running) and I wanted to wash my finished piece, I would be inclined to pre rinse my threads just in case - I don't like to take risks with my work :).
MrsMilkybarKid Thank you for the reply! Actually this is helpful because I'm just like you. But thought maybe I was missing an important step. :D I love how you said in this video that so often people just need someone to tell them they can do things however they want so they have the confidence to do so. That's utterly how I feel after discovering this amazing community of stitchers on the internet - I was starting to think I'd been doing things 'wrong' all this time! I learned to stitch from a school teacher in elementary school and other than my grandma showing me how to do a french knot, it's been a solo journey for me. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos. :)
HI,my name is Maggie and i really enjoyed your video.You gave me a couple of Ah Ha! moments,so thank you for that.I'm going to feel silly asking this but,i'll ask it anyway.Can all cross stitch charts be done in tent stitch.I bought some charts on sale from HAED and on some charts it says that you can do tent stitch,and on others it doesn't say anything.
Hi Maggie, not a silly question! Any chart that is just cross stitch (no fractionals etc) like HAEDs can potentially be stitched using tent stitch. Finer counts of fabric (25ct - 32ct) are more suited to tent stitch, but you could use more strands on a lower count of fabric if you like. Any HAED can be tent stitched, it's entirely up to you how you choose to stitch them :)
Hey Amanda - In the category dumb questions, I have a big one for you ;) and I have a 'real' question too please. I have stitched for a long time including HEAD's, SQ, GK, etc. You'd think I'd get the basic idea by now. It's funny, I have over the years many times something along the lines of...'oh..cross stitch, is that not really boring? Not much of a challenge, you simply make a cross and follow a pattern.... '. But it's odd really...there are many hobbies you can break down like that, but people don't, why do they with cross stitch? Because if it is THAT simple, how come after having completed millions of stitches I still have questions? Or am I simply particularly dense? (The latter is possible as I find myself going through a phase of being unable to stitch properly on 18ct. Aida 2x1 - my standard count for full coverage for years, and suddenly my stitches look uneven?? Do NOT have that problem on any other count....) And on the same account - if it is THAT simple, how come scores of people stitch for decades? Obviously people like different things. But somehow needlework, in particular cross stitch, has no value. World famous paintings and all other types of artwork can be sold for millions of dollars. And again different people like different things. There are pieces of art worth millions of dollars of which I, no matter how hard I try, do not see why it be worth anything. Even when I read the thought process of the artist. Fine, no problem, just a different taste. But that still doesn't explain why a completed cross stitch or other piece of needlework has no artistic value. How come needlework is such a tremendously undervalued art form? If we go back several centuries a lady's artistic talent was proudly displayed to a potential suitor by showcasing her needlework pieces. But the now world famous painters from that same Era often died penniless. In any event, I am just waffling on as that's not at all what I wanted to ask. Sorry, sorry... My dumb question: I stitch in the same order as you do. Left bottom - top right - right bottom - top left & had same issue on 1x1 evenweave So switch it to... Left bottom - top right - top left - right bottom But now I can no longer start left bottom. Consequently I start top right, but I really don't like to do so. What's your solution? Question 2 - I have a problem parking as I find I cheat. Instead of leaving the thread in the next 10x10 I make those stitches too (real quick without 'me looking'). Obviously that defeats the purpose of parking and I would like to give it a proper try. Having thought about 'why do I cheat?' I am thinking it might be the idea of constantly threading a needle is more time consuming? What's your thought/experience on this? (I tried parking with needles and found that to likely be the quickest way to get a one-way ticket to Broadmoor.) Thank you so much. I love your videos - never would have considered a Chatelaine if it wasn't for you. Am guessing Hardanger will become unavoidable in my future as well as I LOVE your work. Nevertheless I also still like my big cross stitch projects as well....:)
Hi Bianca, in answer to your questions:1. I very very rarely stitch over 1 full cross on evenweave these days - I never did it with HAEDs, it was one of the reasons I went with tent stitch in the first place. Chatelaines I can remember stitching over one on (butterflies and phoenixes) and of course Red's skin this year. IMHO it really doesn't matter what order you stitch your legs in as long as they go the same way and (for over 1 stitching purposes to prevent slippage) are horizontal on the back. To be honest some stitchers have no issue with thread slippage so don't worry and just stitch individual full crosses as you would if you were stitching over 2. I never had issues with changing my stitching direction specifically for over 1 I guess.2. Again, I haven't parked for ages since finishing my HAED last year - they aren't really my thing anymore. There are no rules and I often used to do stitches in the next 10 x 10 just to save time. Parking isn't a rigid set of rules but about doing what works best for you - so there is no way you can possible cheat :). On the other topic, I would say needlework definitely has value as an art - but as a cross stitcher myself I wouldn't put the type of cross stitch I do in that category :). A craft yes, but not art. I follow the work of quite a few embroidery and textile artists on IG as well as a lot of RSN students and tutors, what they create to me is art, but art means different things to different people :).
Thanks for all the helpful info! It sounds like I park the same way you do. It makes the most sense to me, but one thing I continually struggle with is what to do to keep all the parked threads out of my way as I'm stitching. (The threads that are to be used in the block I'm working on but haven't been stitched yet, if that makes sense). How do you deal with that?
Thanks Kelley Jo! To keep my parked threads out of the way I use my needle minders - you can see them a bit in this video, but I talk about them a bit more in my #2 video. I park in rows across the page - I should imagine if you park in columns your threads getting in the way would be more of an issue. Other stitchers use hair clips to pin them up out of the way, or even just good old needles!
Thank you!! I stitch in columns too. (I tried doing rows first, and for some reason I just find columns easier. The threads seemed even more in the way when I did rows. ) Looking forward to your video.
Thank you soooo very much for making this video it wasnt at all confusing, I'm doing my very first HAED and im jumping in at the deep end as thats just my personality. So 1st time using evenweave, 1st time gridding, 1st time parking and so far everything is going great because of your help. But i do have one question if you could answer it would help a ton, Do i have to worry about lines showing on every 10x10 or is it just on the page ends so basically i'd like to know if i should i stagger evrey 10x10 grid or just at the page ends thanks for all help. Oh and i do my x stitch much different i start at top right to bottom left then top left to bottom right will i have to worry about the slipping? xoxo.
I've never had any lines show on pages so I've never worried about 10 x 10s - though to be honest when I was stitching HAEDs I was not very strict about sticking to my 10 x 10s anyway lol!
I am thinking of trying tent stitch but I am not sure what is the best way to finish the thread. Until now I was using the pin stitch but I guess with 25 count lugana and tent stitch it can't be done. What is your preferred way?
Hi there! Me again, sorry! I've rewatched this video as I've finally got round to buying a HAED kit and wanted to double check couple bits...firstly I bought my kit 25 count magic guide 2 over 1but on the site it doesn't actually say whether it's Aida or even weave...I'm guessing even weave but do you know? Also what size needle would you recommend for 25ct? I wouldn't normally be v picky but as its such a special kit I want to do everything right :) xxx
How exciting that you have your HAED ready to go! The 25ct Magic Guide fabric is an evenweave (aida only goes up to 20ct or 22ct if you include Hardanger) and the grid lines are in 20 x 20 stitch blocks, so some stitchers break them down in to 10 x 10s to match the grid lines on the chart. As far as needles go, it's up to you but personally I use a #28 tapestry needle for everything from 25ct to 40ct!
Hi there great video. I am planning on doing a HAED. I have done several tests and am happy doing 1 over 1 tent stitch on 28ct fabric But I am not getting total coverage, so am thinking of going up to 32ct. Will I lose detail by doing this. Thanks
You could go up to 32ct, but depending on how you start and finish your threads and how confetti heavy your chart is, you might find the back of your work gets quite bulky - but that might not bother you. I found that 2 over 1 tent stitch on 28ct was perfect for me, but everyone is different so you may have to do a bit more test stitching to see what combination of thread strands and fabric count, tent or cross stitch that you are happiest with.
Thanks for the speedy response. I had thought about not being able to loop start, but I am hoping it will be ok. I have tried 2 over 1 on 28ct but the 2 threads just seemed messy. I am planning to do Silent Reverie, which looks very delicate and I thought 1 over 1 on 32ct would be nice, but I dont want to lose anything in the picture if you get what I mean. x
When you stitch your grid, do you make it even, so your thread always hits the corner of the 10x10 square? Or do you just stitch along a straight line, crossing a varying number of threads?
After trial and error (I've started my first HAED), I found that if I come up beyond the edge by 3 threads, then over 6, under 4, and repeat, puts an intersection of thread on top at each corner. Works great. BTW, I had some metallic thread like you described, that was an awesome tip. Thank you for taking your time to make this video to help us out.
Amanda i hear you say you stitch your designs on 28 count in tent stitch but can you stitch it as a whole cross stitch ( hope you get what I mean?) in stead of tent stitching, as my eyes are not so good now I find unable to use 25 count xx
Hi Maureen! I tent stitch stitch on 28ct over 1, I'm guessing if you say 25ct is not good for your eyes that stitching full cross over 1 on 28ct would be worse for you! Are you asking whether you can tent stitch on a lower count of fabric? I have known stitchers tent stitch with 3 strands on 18ct and 22ct - it would be a case of trying it out to see if you liked it, personally I know it wouldn't work for me, but it obviously works for those stitchers that do it! Sounds as though 18ct or 22ct might be better for your eyes, but test stitching is the only way to know and put your mind at rest. Sorry if I have misunderstood your question - just tell me and I'll try again to help :).
No Amanda sorry I meant 28 ct done as 2 over full block square as if you were doing it on 14ct I am afraid it would lose the affect of the pattern ( the same as i am using for my flowers if that makes any sense to you!!! with full crosses in stead of tent stitch? ;0(( hard to explain huh! if you look at my flower video and see what i mean? thanks for getting back to me your a sweetie, just this will be my first heaven and earth and don't want to muck up xxxx
Yep I get what you mean now! Yes you can stitch a HAED over 2 on 28ct (making it the equivalent to 14ct) - stitchers have done it, especially when the eyes aren't what they used to be :). None of the detail will be lost necessarily, just means to appreciate your work you'll just have to take a few extra steps back as it will be larger. I have a feeling Karin from Karincrafts on TH-cam finished her QS Literate on 14/28ct but not 100% sure. There is a stitcher out there stitching a HAED on 14ct over 2 with 6 strands of DMC so anything is possible :).
Thank you Amanda for getting back to me so soon, yes I find the 25ct is too small for my eyes now as you have to use the what I call small or wee box to stitch in and find that stitching 2 over one seems to bulk it out not giving much room for other stitches or is that just me xx
No it's not just you - my stitching looks awful in 2 over 1 full cross on 25ct, that's why I chose tent stitch on 28ct over 1 in the end. I've stitched HAEDs on 18ct aida (I think that's one of the most popular choices to be honest) and know lots of stitchers that use 22ct over 1. At the end of the day there is no point stitching on a fabric just because it's what everyone else does - it's what works for you that counts :).
I gave the link in the drop down video info box, but it's heavenandearthdesigns.yuku.com - you have to have a Yuku account and apply to join the forum - but if you are planning on stitching a HAED the information on there is priceless!
Hi Stephanie, stitching over 1 or over 2 is something you will hear all the time when stitchers work on evenweave or linen fabrics. It refers to the number of vertical threads of the fabric that you skip over to make a stitch. For example, you can stitch on 28ct evenweave over 2 on a project and the design will be the same size as if you stitched it on 14ct aida. However if you stitched over 1 on 28ct evenweave, the design would be four times smaller! It's all because on linen and evenweave there are more holes to play with than on aida fabric - the visuals at this link may help: www.funkandweber.com/embroidery-stitching-over-two-threads/. When I stitch my HAEDs on evenweave, I stitch them over 1 thread of the fabric which results in teeny tiny stitches - so I manage to fit 74,000 stitches into a 9 x 12 inch area of fabric :). Hope that helps :).
As you're no longer uploading I don't know if you'll read this, but I'm more or less binge-watching your video's. Thank you so much for all the great tips - I've learned so much! I'm trying out parking right now and hope to start stitching my first HAED in the very near future.
Thank you so much for your video! I have watched countless videos, searching for practical answers to my cross stitch questions and found that you have them all in one video! Well done!
Love your voice and your accent. I've been stitching for hours listening your videos. Thank you very much!
Thank you Gizele 💜!
I found your information very helpful, not only for HAED designs, but for any cross stitch design. I have done cross stitching for many, many years, and I wish there would have been this type of information back when I got started in cross stitching. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain as you went along. It is much appreciated.
Lovely, lovely video, and a super beginner's tutorial on HAED. I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned so much, and feel I'm finally ready to tackle my first HAED stitch!🙂 Thanks so very much for your time!
I started my first HAED this afternoon and I am so glad that I happened across your video first! It was so helpful. Other than parking which I find terribly confusing no matter who is explaining it, all other info was spot on and enormously helpful! It will probably take me 3 or 4 years to complete my pattern choice, but I love big projects so that's okay! Thank you so much!
Thank you! thank you!!! This gave me
confidence to start my first HAED. I ordered my test material and all the thread! You are awesome!
Not sure if you watch TH-cam any more but your videos were great when you filmed them and they are still great. Watching them all again. Some for the third time. Thanks for doing them.
I am a new stitching and this video has answered a lot of my questions! I'm sure I'll come up with more in the future. :) I am also a new HAED member and I can't wait to get started!! Thank you SO much again!! ~ Lisa
Thank you for this video. I had just started my first HAED - the freebie Stitchers Retreat. I love the painting style and the subject was perfect! I was already stitching it, but your tips gave me more confidence. I'm using 28 ct with full crosses in 1 strand over 1 - and stitching with a good magnifier! Thank you again! Joan in New Jersey, US
Your video was very informative. Loved seeing the little teaser shows of your works in progress. Very nice.
Hi I am new to your channel..and I truly learned alot esp for the HAED forum (which I signed up) thank you. I hope you do more of such and more on your works! Thank you for taking your time in making ..
Thank you for taking time to talk about HAED projects. I know when or if I start one I'll be coming back to this informative video. Who knew there was so much about HAED projects. I think you covered everything I need to know.
Thank you Katrina - I didn't realise how much I had to say myself!
This was VERY helpful! I’m wanting to get back into cross stitching and I’m so lost on tent stitches, cross country, parking, etc! ❤
All of you women who work on haeds are amazing to say the least. I currently work on an aliexpress Phoenix kit which is nothing like a haed, I'm 17 too, so it's not like it's hard to see smaller details, but it pains me to have to keep track of the charts. I genuinely can't imagine keeping track of as many threads as haeds have.
Thanks so much for this video. I just started my first HAED, Starry, Starry Night,. Your suggestions on gridding are very helpful. I'm not very far and I felt already that it was very bulky. Your comments validated that for me and I may start over after doing some test stitching. Thanks!
You are welcome Sue - Starry Starry Night is a gorgeous piece of art!
Thank you! I have a better understanding now of parking as well as grid and page lines etc.You are quite clear in your explanations. Great job!
I can't thank you enough for this video. I am about to start my first HAED and I plan on going all in with a Aimee Stewart/Supersized/Max color, and I believe you may have saved me from many regrets.
Hi Amanda another wonderful informative video, they are always a pleasure to watch even for us old timers haha! I am so glad someone of younger generation is taking the time to learn others, and I find you have indeed knowledge to do that as your love for stitching shines through your videos and I for one don't mind that they are long the longer the better. keep them coming happy stitching Amanda xxx
Ha ha Maureen - I love it when you call me young, as I often don't feel it as much as I should in my mid thirties!
You don't look mid thirties xx
Love and miss your videos. Hope you and yours are well. Just getting back into cs and watching your vids again.
Still thinking about starting one for the first time. Thx for creating videos like this one!
YES!! You are so right about leaving it parked in the symbol of the bottom left corner...! If I do a mistake and it's obvious that I put it in the wrong hole - I pull it back through the back and end it. Then at the end of that 10x10, I just see what colour is left and stitch that and then park that one again correctly this time.
This is brilliant thank you so much just what I needed I’m about to start my first full coverage as a new stitcher I started last summer x
I find your videos so very helpful! You explain things so well. Wish you would join Flosstube again. I am a beginner stitcher and it seems cross stitch has made a huge comeback. Wish you well!
Thanks so much for the time you put to explain how to work in an HAED! I never hear about different "half stitch", I really thought they are the same!!! Ohhh I was wrong ;) Yesterday i bought my first HAED, so this vídeo it's great for me, i have same ideas, but know I will try the fabrics that I have in my stash and see what is the best for me! I didn't see the point for gridding the fabric, but know I see why!!! Can't thank you enough!!
This was a very helpful video for me. I haven't done cross stitch for several years, and have begun quilting in the interim. I have recently begun working on some primitive designs and samplers, and have discovered these wonderful videos. So... I think insanity has set in as I have now purchased a HAED, a quite large one in fact. So again, I found your video quite instructive. Thanks for taking the time to do these and I look forward to watching more in the future.
Thank you Tiglath (is your username after Assyrian Kings or something else? :)), I'm glad you enjoyed the video. awesome that you are returning to stitching - there is such a range of designs available that it is hard to choose! Everyone eventually finds there own way with HAEDs as they often require a different approach than other stitching due to their huge size - but if you have the patience, the finish is worth the wait!
MrsMilkybarKid Ha! Yes, we had a Persian cat named Tiglath Pileser, III (at my mother-in-law's suggestion we named him this after the Assyrian king). He died 2 years ago and I have since used this as my Playstation name and continued it here in remembrance of him.
What a perfectly regal name for a Persian and a lovely way to always remember him!
This video was so helpful. Thank you so much for posting this!
You are welcome Liz!
I put off watching this video because I knew I was going to do my first HAED soon and I just ordered it. I will take your advice and test stitch on different fabrics but I really think I will go with the 22 count. I understood what you were saying about how you make the X's and losing them under the fabric, no confusion here. I start my X on the bottom right and go to the top left, then the top right to bottom left. Always done that but I will still do the testing because I believe like you said it is important on a project like this. Thank you for all this info it was very helpful for me and I am doing a mini with 15 or 16 colors (black and white chart) just to see how it goes, then I can move on from there. Again, Thank you for doing this it was very useful information!
Fabulous information you have inspired me to take the leap into stitching a HAED piece. I love The Soul of a Rose by John Waterhouse, and though I have been stitching for 30 years, I started very young, I have been daunted by the complexity of the design and all of the decisions to be made - thread, fabric etc. Thank you.....
You are welcome Julie :). Despite all the info in this video, at the end of the day, HAEDs are just lots and lots of little crosses, all us HAED stitchers have found our own combination of what works best for us, as I am sure you will too! Beautiful chart you have chosen!
Excellent video! And I agree so much about the test stitching - I'm working on a small HAE design right now, and I've found that I like the 25 count evenweave, but stitching 1 over 1. It gives enough coverage for me, and I can easily see where I need to put my needle.
Thanks so much for your help, I'm off to Hobbycraft tonight to get my needle...and GET GOING!!
Thank you so much for such an informative video. I loved your Watching it fly project so much that I bought it for my first HAED try. I followed your instructions and signed up for the bulletin board and will try different fabrics to see which one suits me best. And I would like to see when you make a video about gridding.
I am so glad you found my video helpful! I'm currently stitching on Mini Watching It Fly, it is such a great project as it only has 15 colours, I hope you enjoy stitching on it as much as I do :)
OMG am I glad l came across your video. I just got my first HAED pattern and have been wondering what kind of fabric to purchase. I did have in mind Lugana but decided to wait until I could get a sample of 25 count. My fear is that the holes will be tooo small. I am going to relisten to this. So much info!! thank you thank you thank you!!! cant say it enough. Now Im off to subscribe to HAEDs bulletin boards
There is an unbelievable amount of useful information in this video - thank you so much for posting it (and don't worry about the length - the longer the better!)
I wish I had watched your video 18 months ago because I have made several of the errors you mentioned. I had really bad page lines down a design with a strong block of colour. When I started HAED Treasure Quest I did test stitch long enough to decide I had to do 2 over 1 for coverage, but not long enough to realise I couldn't see the stitching or fit the threads in on 25 count! When I stitched HAED Couch Dragon I didn't try out the Kreinik - which I found I hated with a passion but was two late to switch to Petite TB. Those 2 designs are in my drawer of shame and sorrow :). I can't even stand to look at them.
Thankfully I rescued HAED Owl in A Poppyfield from a dye lot issue problem by going over some of the threads to kind of blend them together.
Sorry for the extreme rambling comment - but thanks again x
Not a long rambling comment at all Nic! Sorry you had to go through some of those issues I mentioned - not fun at all! Would love to see your Owl in a Poppy Field - I love Annya Kai's work she is one of my fave HAED artists :)
I just bought my first HAED and this video was so incredibly helpful. Thank you!!!
I'm glad you found it useful!
Just bought my first HAED patterns and plan to start them in the coming months. So glad for your encouragement to test stitch multiple counts. I chose something I didn't think I would pick. Loved the coverage of 28 count 1 over 1 full cross with my tension. Really appreciate your knowledge for stitching and may even try a Chatelaine someday.
I just started stitching my first HAED and was directed to your video. I had some concerns that you discussed fully and am now ready to dive-in. Thank you.
Enjoy stitching your first HAED Febby!
Greatly informative video. Thanks for the time you took to explain everything.
Regarding parking: I've been experimenting with different methods on my different pieces. Sometimes when I tent stitch with my crosses going bottom left to top right /// I normally park threads on the bottom left corner. Occasionally there will be a conflict where the location of the parked thread is actually the last hole that I ended up stitching with. Sometimes I have to change the direction of the last stitch so I can park the thread in the correct corner. Seems like such a small detail, but still an interesting point I was reminded of when you were talking about changing the starting corner on your parked thread because of the continental stitching. Perhaps on the demos you did on the fabric you could supersize your X's to like over 4 to make which corners you're pointing to even more clear. It all seemed clear to me, but then again I've been reading the HAED BB for 6 years. :)
So much useful information. Thanks for this!
I really enjoy watching your videos. I tried out your tent stitch and love it. It looks very neat and I was surprised by the coverage it gave. I have a new Heaven and Earth design that I am going to use it for.
Thank you DeeDee, I felt the same way when I tried out tent stitch, the coverage was excellent and with such tiny stitches, from a normal viewing distance, you can't tell a tented piece from a cross stitched piece - to me anyway :). What HAED will you be starting?
Omg...I am so glad you mentioned the different dye lots . I am recently working on a design with a lot of black background - I bought all 40 dmc310 in one go - but, I had one left from previous work so I thought I will use it up - I can now see the difference in the shade- not a big one but there is - almost as if the depth of the colour was different. Until now I thought that I messed up somewhere and actually that one thread was different black code , now I know it isn't - it's the die lot!
40 DMC 310s, now that's a lot of black lol!
Awesome video! big HAED fan here and you explain things beautifully
Thank you a million times over for this video. Much needed as I plan to start a HAED soon. I never thought to do it 2/1. I will have to test it out as you say. Tent stitch also gives you better coverage than half cross. The basketweave gives you an even Bette coverage than the first two as the back looks like basketweave It is basically a tent stitch done on the diagonal. I would love to see you do a grossing video with thread. Pretty please. ;)
Thanks again. Fantastic video
Thank you Vanessa - you are very welcome! I will try and shoehorn in a little gridding with thread demo at some point too :)
In my opinion, I do feel that continental tent is better coverage. :) I will tell you though I do something weird.. I continental stitch from right to left and then normal tent from left to right... If you move your thread on a HAED from left to right, I found you don't get lines... say if your stitching 10x10 boxes. I just found if you do downward - it makes lines..not sure why. So I go left to right 10x10 until that row is finished (parking of course), and then drop down and work that box from left to right and so forth... no lines at all. Just an FYI. :) By the way: I sit here and really enjoy your videos!! Love the advice (we are a lot a like with stitching the the "control") LOL Thanks for all your hard work on your site!
Thank you so much for this, so much info. I’ve just got back into cross stitching and you’ve answered every question I had abou Haeds 😊
This video has been so helpful. Thank you very much for your wisdom and experience.
Wonderful great advice all around!!! *Thank You!*
Thank you so much for your helpful tips. I just wish I had seen this before I had started my first HAED, but now I have a plan for my next one :). I understood everything you were explaining.
Thank you Neoflyer1, I'm glad you found it helpful!
Hello there, I am just about to embark on a HAED design, this video is really informative
Excellent video! Thank you for posting it! Can't agree enough with the test stitching recommendation...I learned that lesson the hard way on my HAED I am currently working on. I tried 2 over 1 on my fabric and it was just awful. Not enjoyable for me at all. I switched to 1 over 1 and it was so much better...if I had taken the time to test stitch on the fabric, I would have already known that I preferred 1 over 1. Test stitching is the way to go!
Thank you Sharon, appreciate your comment - your experience is really helpful for other stitchers, even though it was no doubt frustrating for you! What HAED are you working on?
MrsMilkybarKid It was indeed frustrating, but a lesson well learned for me! I am working on two HAEDs at the moment...Jasmine Beckett-Griffith's "Alice and Snow White"...and Matthew Stewart's "A Light in the Dark". Still have a loooong way to go on them, but looking forward to the finished results!
Beautiful charts! I have the Mini of Alice & Snow White in my stash, maybe one day I'll get around to stitching it!
Great video! You sum up a lot of knowledge in here and it is going to be a great resource especially to stitches new to HAED.
Orietta if you sat through all of that you are crazy - you know all that stuff ;), but I am grateful for your support! Hope you are making good progress on your Bookshelf :)
MrsMilkybarKid I actually did watch it all! but I cheated, as I watched it while stitching World Travel Booksheld ha ha ha
stitching while watching stitching video has become a new trend around here ;)
I know - I can't watch and stitch as I need my iPad for both, so I usually watch videos whilst doing boring things like ironing and washing dishes :(
Found valuable tips in this video :). Thank you very much.
Having been a cross stitcher in the 1970’s, I understood everything you explained even though some of the info was new to me. I found you and your presentation to be very well organized and helpful. At the end you were apologizing for possibly confusing some people. I propose that instead you suggest that viewers save and rewatch the videos until the technique presented becomes clearer to them. I think that your teaching style is good enough that you can make that suggestion. I do have one suggestion: when showing how to sew stitches, use a piece of white paper with two parallel rows of dots to mimic cross stitch fabric. Then on camera draw the placement of the stitches in order. You could even stitch large stitches through paper so you could show the back. Since I’ve already purchased 3 small kits, it looks like I’ll be splitting my time between diamond painting and cross stitch for the foreseeable future. Two of Laurel Burch’s cats on black fabric are also calling to me, but the prospect of stitching on black fabric seems daunting. Btw I’m here because Rachel Rae added a link in one of her videos. Now I’ve subscribed. I look forward to learning more from you. 😊
Paula from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Thanks! This has helped me understand parking more...think I'm going to attempt parking on my next project.
Go for it - you will only know if it's for you if you give it a try! I think parking is one of those things best worked out for yourself, we all tweak it to suit our style of stitching :).
Wow great video. Thanks a lot for all your tips I took some notes on what you said. i will soon be starting my first HEAD so this is really helpful. Love watching all your videos. Thank you.
Thank you :) if you have anymore questions don't be afraid to ask - I will always try and help!
I know this video is pretty old but still so relevant. I want to tackle my first HAED this year and this videos was incredibly helpful! Thank you 🥰
I'm always surprised that people still watch this video! I'm glad it was helpful, enjoy your HAED take it one stitch at a time ❤️
Great advice. I think we are all a little bit intimidated with a HAED design at first. Just because they are so big. I haven't stitched one yet,I haven't found one I like yet.
Thank you! As I said in my HAED finishes video, their designs aren't to everyone's taste, but there are plenty of other companies that do full coverage art to cross stitch pieces - their art may appeal to you more if that type of chart is something that you would like to stitch.
Thank you for doing this video, it has been really helpful as I hope to start my first haed some time in the next couple of months. thanks for taking the time to share your tips:)
Glad you found it helpful Pearlinstitches!
I really like the explanations you give on stitching techniques. What is the best way to do blended colors?
Thanks so much for your effort sharing this knowledge. I loved the tip about black Anchor thread instead of DMC. You have inspired me to buy "mini "Jasmine Beckett-Griffith's "Alice and Snow White", so I can give HAEDs another go. I have a question: Does blending filament with white thread give the white extra shine?
Thanks Jan! I love the chart you have chosen, I have that one in my stash too! As for the blending filament, it will give the white a hint of sparkle - but it all depends on whether you can get it to lay right with your white thread. Some stitchers (not necessarily for HAEDs) will use 2 strands of white, stitch away, and then go over the white with the blending filament afterwards, so that they ensure the filament lies on top. I know I am approaching this same issue with Dafodils shortly. A lot of the sky is made up with blocks of metallic, which I am not sure I will like the look of (the change in "texture" may not look right to me) so I bought some B5200 to see if I used that with blending filament whether I would prefer if. You have reminded me that I should do some test stitching to see what I think :)
I'm just starting and this was so helpful! Thank you so much!
Brill video. You explained parking well but I have concerns about wasting thread if it has to travel a long way. Any advice? Also would be cool to see some close ups of your tent stitching. I've looked for more videos but they're not very good. Thanks :D
I don't travel my threads very far - either the 10x10 block below or to the right of the one I am stitching, so when you are stitching on 28ct over 1 like me that equates to less than an inch of thread carried over on the back! On my next update video I'll do a close up of my tent stitching, but you really wouldn't know it was tent stitch. If you look on my Flickr/Instagram accounts you will see some pictures which might show them a bit better than my videos!
Hi ! Love your videos and voice! Where do I find bulletin boards? Thanks!
I must try Anchor's black thread. I am never happy with the coverage I get with DMC. I prefer the loop method as well, but 2 strands is not enough coverage and 3 strands is too bulky. I also want to try the tent stitch on a QS. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks Bev, look forward to seeing what solutions you come up with and the charts you work on!
An additional thought, do your test stitching with black or another dark colored thread. My tent stitching in yellow and other light colors has beautiful coverage. The dark browns, blues and black just don't have the same coverage. Unfortunately the first page I started with had no dark colors and my coverage is uneven. Your mileage may vary. (referring to my Suteki HAED)
I did all my test stitching in black when I was figuring out what worked best for me HAEDwise several years ago - it is always the thinnest thread and if you are stitching on white the show through always looks worse than it is.
I am starting my FIRST HAED and I am SO thankful for this video!! I wanted a way to grid that didn't use marker or pen as I never wash my finished pieces either. Question about HOW you use the sulky sliver - how do you run it so that it shows along the entire line of holes.... do you come up and the top and go down back through the fabric at the very bottom? I don't think that would work well.... can you explain a little more? I would be so grateful! Thanks! -Jennifer
At the beginning of video #16 I show how I grid - everyone does it differently so you may well find my way doesn't work for you :).
THANK YOU so much for your quick reply! I will check it out. :)
Hi, love watching your videos, so informative and helpful . I have just downloaded a HAED PDF chart The Muses and it is a large one, 525w x 525h, it states to do it in 25ct fabric over one. Myself I've always used 14ct Aida. What fabric would you suggest to use for this design, thank you. Sue
Hi Sue, as I said in the video you can stitch a HAED on any count of fabric of your choice, you will be stitching the design for quite some time so it is best to choose a fabric you are comfortable with! If you prefer sticking to an aida fabric you could use 14,16, 18,20 or 22 count fabric. If you do decide to choose a fabric count you've not stitched on before, it is always best to do a little square of test stitching on it to make sure you are happy with the coverage and how your stitching looks. 18ct aida 2 over 1 is a very popular choice with HAED stitchers, I've used it on QSs and was very happy with the results. For the minis I've stitched and will stitch in the future I use 28ct 2 over 1 continental tent stitch so the fabric you choose is very much an individual preference - you just have to have confidence and go with the courage of your convictions :)!
Hi, thank you for the quick reply. I have done a bit of test stitching on a 27ct fabric, don't know what fabric it is though, I know it's evenweave but that's all I know. I did think about Aida but because it's 525w x 525h it will turn out quite big, not that I mind though, it's a beautiful design. I so love watching your videos because you explain things so clearly, and love seeing your work. Thanks for your help. Sue
Hi, Im very new to cross stitch & just want to let you know that you have been such a mentor to me. Im old, but have done lots of crafts all my life & this video is priceless! You have explained so much that I was wanting to know about cross stitch and your finishes are so amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us all and your explanations are really clear, unlike lots of other videos that I have watched. I have one question however, do you ever use the sewing method instead of the stabbing method when you do your cross stitch pieces? Also do you feel there is any benefit towards one method more than the other?
Cheers, and thanks again.
Hi Joan, thanks for your kind words. As I usually stitch in a hoop or frame I use the stabbing method. The exception to this is when I’ve been stitching a darning sampler, then I’ll use the sewing method sometimes as it’s quicker! I don’t think there is necessarily any advantage over one than the other, just go with what works best for you :).
I am definitely trying to pluck up courage for a video so I can show you Owl in a Poppyfield - it took me 6 months to get as far as setting up a channel so I could comment on all the cross stitch videos that I love :). I think Annya Kai is my favourite of all the artists oh HAED. There is an artwork she has done called "Luna owl" (it has different names in various place). Its like the one I stitched but nighttime and so mainly blues. I look every day on the chart to see if they have charted it. I would pay the charting fee (I think $100) but of course HAED would have to get Annya's permission to use the image.
I loved the "Watching it Fly" stitch that you did.
If an artist already has their work charted by HAED like Annya Kai does, then you can put in a request for specific pieces of their work to be charted on the HAED BB - whether it happens of course is entirely up to Michele, but it never hurts to ask! As Annya's work is so popular, I expect this one is possibly already in Michele's pile to be charted - I will see if anyone else has requested it :)
It would be great if you could find out about Lunar Owl - it might stop all my obsessive checking of the HAED new releases :). Sorry for posting as a new comment - I can't seem to work out how to do it as a "reply".
No worries Nic :), I checked the HAED BB and a request has been put in for Lunar Owl - as to when it may or may not be released I cannot say, but at least Michele knows that stitchers would like to stitch it :).
Wonderful video :) I was just curious about how you can see the gridding on the parts you've already done. I grid, and I've used magic guide but on the ones I grid myself I take out that grid stitch when I reach it :)
Thank you CrossStitchCrazy mum! When I grid with thread I grid only the horizontal grid lines, use one length of thread per grid line and grid a whole row of pages at a time. I only remove the grid lines as I stitch across the last page and finish each row of 10x10 squares. Hope that makes sense :)
I have a few HAED patterns, and I have been terrified of starting them. I'm still trying to decide on fabric, that's my main issue. The video wasn't too long at all! I'm almost set on tent stitching, but I need to figure it out. I tend to fall back to half stitching.
As I said in the video you can stitch half stitch, it doesn't have to be continental tent stitch like me :). Obviously even if you are tent stitching, some stitches end up being half stitches especially if you are only doing one stitch in a colour! Best option is to do a bit of test stitching to put your mind at rest. What HAEDs are you planning on starting?
MrsMilkybarKid I have the mini Space Traveler and Restless Tonight. With the sale, I have lost my mind and am trying really hard not to pick up more.
Ha ha I know the feeling - I've bought 3 QS in the 50% sale :). I remind myself that HAED have sales every month and at least 2/3 a year are 50% off so no need to go crazy! But if you are a chart collector (I'm more of a thread collector myself) it is hard to resist!
I'll keep that in mind. My stash is starting to get a little bit out of hand!
Thank you for this video, Amanda. It was extremely helpful to me. I am going to start my first HAED in about a month and I am very nervous. I do have a question- I plan on stitching 2/1, so I'm guessing I would have to make 4 two over one stitches (in a square) to match one stitch on the pattern? I hope I am asking this right and you understand my question!
Tina - sorry I have only just seen this question! If you ever have anything you want to ask just email me (you've got my address) and I'd be more than happy to help. For HAED one stitch on the pattern is one stitch on your fabric, albeit a tiny one if you are stitching over 1 - you do not need to convert the pattern at all. You might be getting confused with those of us that stitch over 1 skin on our Mirabillias, for THAT you do as you described above as it is originally charted to be stitched over 2. HAEDs can be stitched on any count of fabric over 1 or over 2, the decision lies with the stitcher. Let me know if you need anymore info, you know where to find me!
Thank you very much. Great tips.
Thanks for putting your time into this video! A wealth of information! I`m preparing for my first HAED now ( a first for me as I have only ever stitched kits!)
This video has been so helpful. But now I have hit a road block....metallics! I have never used them! And my pattern has a fair amount in large(ish) areas. So now I have a lot to think about...
What made you cringe at the thought of kreinik and dmc metallic? And why do you tend to prefer treasure braid? Will thickness of the metallics be an issue for me?
Please and Thanks for any advice.
p.s. Did you ever make a video about how you do your grid?
Thank you Rebecca! As far as metallics go, I always use Petite Treasure braid (PB10 is the equivalent to kreinik 032) which is the same thickness to #4 kreinik metallic braid (what HAEDs call for). PTB is my preference, it doesn't shred anywhere near as much as other metallics and is really easy to stitch with (I stitch with metallics ALOT lol!). DMC stranded metallics are atrocious to stitch with and any I ever had in my possession have since been thrown away! I talked about how I grid in one of my videos, can't remember which one, but I would have listed it in the video description to save you wading through watching them all! Any other questions just shout - although I don't really stitch HAEDs anymore I finished 7 QS and minis and will do my best to help :).
Thanks so much! I've learned so much in all your videos I've watched and have most of my decision making done :)
So shredding is the biggest problem with metallic? Any other tips to help with that?
Is I necessary to alter the way I stitch to avoid thickness? I think I read somewhere a complaint that the kreinik was bigger then the surrounding stitches?!
Just had a look - video #16 I talk about my gridding technique at the beginning of the video :).
Thanks! I was just looking too :)
The best tips for stitching with metallics is to use shorter lengths, some stitchers also use Thread Heaven (a thread conditioner to coat their thread), but I've never needed that using PTB. I can only speak from my own experience, most of the HAEDs I've stitched have contained metallics and I've never had any issues with thickness. That being said I only ever use ONE strand of metallic, even if my crosses in DMC use two strands. That goes for when I used 18ct 2 over 1 full cross and 28ct 2 over 1 tent stitch - I only ever used a single strand of metallic with ANY design I stitch :). If I want my stitches to look thicker, rather than using 2 strands of a fine metallic braid, I'll use one strand of a thicker metallic braid, much more easy to handle!
Hi there, thank you so much for this video - I'm thinking about buying my first HEAD and wanted to make sure I understood everything properly which this definitely helped me to do. I did want to check one thing though that is ocnfusing me...what does it mean "2 over 1" or "1 over 1"? Is this how many strands of the thread is used (ie how think the stitches will be)? xxx
Hi Vicky, thanks for your comment! 2 over 1 means using two strands of thread in your needle and stitching over 1 thread (or hole if it makes it easier!) of the fabric, and 1 over 1 means using one strand of thread in your needle and stitching it over 1 thread (or hole) of the fabric. With HAEDs when you stitch on an evenweave fabric, most stitchers stitch over 1 fabric thread which is how you get such tiny stitches! For the majority of patterns stitched on evenweave (like Mirabilias for example) they are stitched 2 over 2 - 2 strands of thread in the needle over 2 fabric threads. That is how a design stitched on 14ct aida over 1 will come out the same size if stitched on 28ct evenweave stitched over 2. Hope that helps - just shout if you need any further explanation :)!
I really love your video's, they are very helpful. I am just about to start a HAED, and i wanted to try what you are doing because it looks good and it is half the work. You are working on a 28 count, with 1 or 2 threads when you do the tent stitch?
dariana120 I stitch with 2 threads on 28ct over 1 when I tent stitch, except with metallics - then I only use 1 strand.
Thanks, Amanda
If you’re not doing a full cover do you have to start in the middle or can you start at the top left thank you
You can start wherever you like 😁!
Thank you just learning at the minute love you videos 😁
hello, thanks for the video! I've got a haed design that's 48 pages and will take up so much time! nervous about starting it!
my question is, when parking - do the threads that you're not using get in the way of your stitching?
Hi Amanda, fantastic video, so amazingly helpful. I do have a silly question for you. How do you work out how many skeins of thread are needed? I've never had to do that before and was just wondering as I'd really like to do Treasure Hunt Bookshelf. This combines my two favourite hobbies, stitching and reading. You make parking a whole lot more understandable, the idea of highlighting in two colours is brilliant. Would you please do a video on how to grid with thread as I've never done it before and I know you would be great at teaching idiots like me lol. Thanks again for such a wonderfully informative video. I could watch your videos for hours. I often watch them through several times as I love the way you go inti so much detail so passionately. Have a great Stitching day. Xx
Lorraine you are neither stupid or silly! As for number of skeins needed - each HAED chart comes with a floss useage list which will tell you how many skeins of each thread you need, as well as how many stitches there are in the design of each colour. If you have a chart that doesn't have this, check the HAED website as you should be able to download a floss useage list, there is usually a link underneath the chart picture. If all that fails - email the HAED team at the address on the HAED site and they will send you one, they are some of the nicest people to deal with :). Yes, I didn't elaborate on how I grid - so I will show that for you Lorraine :). Really glad you find my videos helpful :)
I should have watched the video before I was starting my first haed. I was starting it on 25 ct and it didn't work out for me. So I started new on 20 ct.
Sadly, I can't find somewhere small fabric pieces to test on.
Geat Video!! But I've got a question: I hate stitching full crosses at a time...I stitch one half and on the way back I finish the cross...so far I'm a cross country stitcher (over one page) but I'm thinking about working 10x10 squares and park...but is there a way to park and make half crosses frst and finish them later without having to travel your thread long distances in the back? I hope that you get what I mean ;-)
Thank you Freddy!
I totally understand what you are asking, I can’t say I’ve ever heard of
a HAED being stitched that way - but if it works for you that’s all that matters! I hate stitching each cross at a time too,
which is probably another reason why I tent stitch HAEDs on high counts of
evenweave. I can’t see any reason why
you couldn’t stitch that way, try it and see if it works for you! There are no hard and fast rules with
parking, it tends to be a technique that stitchers adapt to suit their own
preferences. In my case I only park
threads below or to the right of the 10x10 I am working on, so I don’t carry
much thread. As I work on 28ct over 1,
even if I carried threads over 2 10x10 squares it would still be less than an
inch of thread carried on the back. Some
stitchers carry their threads much further - it’s all up to you. What chart are you working on?
Since about 3 months I'm working on 'Middle Earth' map on 20ct Aida, but due to a lot of stuff to be done for university I'm still on page 1...I'm hoping to post my next update later this week :-)
Thank you so much for your fantastic video! I'm hoping to start a HAED design sometime soon, but was feeling very intimidated. The biggest projects I've done are Dimensions Gold on 18 count. I was particularly concerned about learning to stitch on linen or evenweave, but I'm thinking I'll check out the 22 count fabric you mentioned to see how that might work. I've always stitched in isolation, so just now starting to get connected with other stitchers like yourself to see how things are done - I've stitched for about 20 years but just learned about parking! :)
I have one question for you - is it advisable to pre soak or wash the thread before using it, to avoid any colour bleeding later on? Is it necessary to wash a design once it is finished? I'm so worried about those dark colours running!
Thank you Marina! I'm the wrong stitcher to ask about washing your work - I NEVER wash my work :). Most of my stitching uses threads or fabrics that are not colourfast, so I'm very careful with how I handle and store my work. Other stitchers regularly wash their work, including HAEDs, as they use a washable pen to grid their fabric - it's just personal choice whether you choose to or not. If I was stitching a design with a lot of red DMC (or other colours that are notorious for running) and I wanted to wash my finished piece, I would be inclined to pre rinse my threads just in case - I don't like to take risks with my work :).
MrsMilkybarKid Thank you for the reply! Actually this is helpful because I'm just like you. But thought maybe I was missing an important step. :D I love how you said in this video that so often people just need someone to tell them they can do things however they want so they have the confidence to do so. That's utterly how I feel after discovering this amazing community of stitchers on the internet - I was starting to think I'd been doing things 'wrong' all this time! I learned to stitch from a school teacher in elementary school and other than my grandma showing me how to do a french knot, it's been a solo journey for me. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos. :)
Great video. I learned a lot. Question: what size needles do you use on evenweave and/or linen?
It's a personal thing, but I use size 28 tapestry needles for everything - 18ct, 28ct, 32ct and 36ct and even beading when I can get away with it :).
HI,my name is Maggie and i really enjoyed your video.You gave me a couple of Ah Ha! moments,so thank you for that.I'm going to feel silly asking this but,i'll ask it anyway.Can all cross stitch charts be done in tent stitch.I bought some charts on sale from HAED and on some charts it says that you can do tent stitch,and on others it doesn't say anything.
Hi Maggie, not a silly question! Any chart that is just cross stitch (no fractionals etc) like HAEDs can potentially be stitched using tent stitch. Finer counts of fabric (25ct - 32ct) are more suited to tent stitch, but you could use more strands on a lower count of fabric if you like. Any HAED can be tent stitched, it's entirely up to you how you choose to stitch them :)
Sorry. My typing was not clear. I would love for you to do a video on gridding your fabric. Thanks
Great video! I just have a quick question- how do u keep the parked threads organized so they dont tangle or annoy you? Thanks muchly!
I use my needle minders :)
Hey Amanda - In the category dumb questions, I have a big one for you ;) and I have a 'real' question too please.
I have stitched for a long time including HEAD's, SQ, GK, etc. You'd think I'd get the basic idea by now.
It's funny, I have over the years many times something along the lines of...'oh..cross stitch, is that not really boring? Not much of a challenge, you simply make a cross and follow a pattern.... '.
But it's odd really...there are many hobbies you can break down like that, but people don't, why do they with cross stitch?
Because if it is THAT simple, how come after having completed millions of stitches I still have questions? Or am I simply particularly dense?
(The latter is possible as I find myself going through a phase of being unable to stitch properly on 18ct. Aida 2x1 - my standard count for full coverage for years, and suddenly my stitches look uneven?? Do NOT have that problem on any other count....)
And on the same account - if it is THAT simple, how come scores of people stitch for decades?
Obviously people like different things. But somehow needlework, in particular cross stitch, has no value. World famous paintings and all other types of artwork can be sold for millions of dollars.
And again different people like different things. There are pieces of art worth millions of dollars of which I, no matter how hard I try, do not see why it be worth anything. Even when I read the thought process of the artist.
Fine, no problem, just a different taste.
But that still doesn't explain why a completed cross stitch or other piece of needlework has no artistic value.
How come needlework is such a tremendously undervalued art form?
If we go back several centuries a lady's artistic talent was proudly displayed to a potential suitor by showcasing her needlework pieces.
But the now world famous painters from that same Era often died penniless.
In any event, I am just waffling on as that's not at all what I wanted to ask. Sorry, sorry...
My dumb question:
I stitch in the same order as you do.
Left bottom - top right - right bottom - top left
& had same issue on 1x1 evenweave
So switch it to...
Left bottom - top right - top left - right bottom
But now I can no longer start left bottom.
Consequently I start top right, but I really don't like to do so. What's your solution?
Question 2 - I have a problem parking as I find I cheat. Instead of leaving the thread in the next 10x10 I make those stitches too (real quick without 'me looking'). Obviously that defeats the purpose of parking and I would like to give it a proper try.
Having thought about 'why do I cheat?' I am thinking it might be the idea of constantly threading a needle is more time consuming? What's your thought/experience on this?
(I tried parking with needles and found that to likely be the quickest way to get a one-way ticket to Broadmoor.)
Thank you so much. I love your videos - never would have considered a Chatelaine if it wasn't for you. Am guessing Hardanger will become unavoidable in my future as well as I LOVE your work. Nevertheless I also still like my big cross stitch projects as well....:)
Hi Bianca, in answer to your questions:1. I very very rarely stitch over 1 full cross on evenweave these days - I never did it with HAEDs, it was one of the reasons I went with tent stitch in the first place. Chatelaines I can remember stitching over one on (butterflies and phoenixes) and of course Red's skin this year. IMHO it really doesn't matter what order you stitch your legs in as long as they go the same way and (for over 1 stitching purposes to prevent slippage) are horizontal on the back. To be honest some stitchers have no issue with thread slippage so don't worry and just stitch individual full crosses as you would if you were stitching over 2. I never had issues with changing my stitching direction specifically for over 1 I guess.2. Again, I haven't parked for ages since finishing my HAED last year - they aren't really my thing anymore. There are no rules and I often used to do stitches in the next 10 x 10 just to save time. Parking isn't a rigid set of rules but about doing what works best for you - so there is no way you can possible cheat :).
On the other topic, I would say needlework definitely has value as an art - but as a cross stitcher myself I wouldn't put the type of cross stitch I do in that category :). A craft yes, but not art. I follow the work of quite a few embroidery and textile artists on IG as well as a lot of RSN students and tutors, what they create to me is art, but art means different things to different people :).
Thanks for all the helpful info!
It sounds like I park the same way you do. It makes the most sense to me, but one thing I continually struggle with is what to do to keep all the parked threads out of my way as I'm stitching. (The threads that are to be used in the block I'm working on but haven't been stitched yet, if that makes sense). How do you deal with that?
Thanks Kelley Jo! To keep my parked threads out of the way I use my needle minders - you can see them a bit in this video, but I talk about them a bit more in my #2 video. I park in rows across the page - I should imagine if you park in columns your threads getting in the way would be more of an issue. Other stitchers use hair clips to pin them up out of the way, or even just good old needles!
When do my parking video I will mention this as I stitch in columns and I have come up with that issue :)
Thank you!! I stitch in columns too. (I tried doing rows first, and for some reason I just find columns easier. The threads seemed even more in the way when I did rows. ) Looking forward to your video.
Thank you soooo very much for making this video it wasnt at all confusing, I'm doing my very first HAED and im jumping in at the deep end as thats just my personality. So 1st time using evenweave, 1st time gridding, 1st time parking and so far everything is going great because of your help. But i do have one question if you could answer it would help a ton, Do i have to worry about lines showing on every 10x10 or is it just on the page ends so basically i'd like to know if i should i stagger evrey 10x10 grid or just at the page ends thanks for all help. Oh and i do my x stitch much different i start at top right to bottom left then top left to bottom right will i have to worry about the slipping? xoxo.
I've never had any lines show on pages so I've never worried about 10 x 10s - though to be honest when I was stitching HAEDs I was not very strict about sticking to my 10 x 10s anyway lol!
thanks for answering so quickly i guess ill just throw the odd stich around lol
I am thinking of trying tent stitch but I am not sure what is the best way to finish the thread. Until now I was using the pin stitch but I guess with 25 count lugana and tent stitch it can't be done. What is your preferred way?
Wonderful video!
Thank you :)
Hi there! Me again, sorry! I've rewatched this video as I've finally got round to buying a HAED kit and wanted to double check couple bits...firstly I bought my kit 25 count magic guide 2 over 1but on the site it doesn't actually say whether it's Aida or even weave...I'm guessing even weave but do you know? Also what size needle would you recommend for 25ct? I wouldn't normally be v picky but as its such a special kit I want to do everything right :) xxx
How exciting that you have your HAED ready to go! The 25ct Magic Guide fabric is an evenweave (aida only goes up to 20ct or 22ct if you include Hardanger) and the grid lines are in 20 x 20 stitch blocks, so some stitchers break them down in to 10 x 10s to match the grid lines on the chart. As far as needles go, it's up to you but personally I use a #28 tapestry needle for everything from 25ct to 40ct!
Hi there great video. I am planning on doing a HAED. I have done several tests and am happy doing 1 over 1 tent stitch on 28ct fabric But I am not getting total coverage, so am thinking of going up to 32ct. Will I lose detail by doing this. Thanks
You could go up to 32ct, but depending on how you start and finish your threads and how confetti heavy your chart is, you might find the back of your work gets quite bulky - but that might not bother you. I found that 2 over 1 tent stitch on 28ct was perfect for me, but everyone is different so you may have to do a bit more test stitching to see what combination of thread strands and fabric count, tent or cross stitch that you are happiest with.
Thanks for the speedy response. I had thought about not being able to loop start, but I am hoping it will be ok. I have tried 2 over 1 on 28ct but the 2 threads just seemed messy. I am planning to do Silent Reverie, which looks very delicate and I thought 1 over 1 on 32ct would be nice, but I dont want to lose anything in the picture if you get what I mean. x
When you stitch your grid, do you make it even, so your thread always hits the corner of the 10x10 square? Or do you just stitch along a straight line, crossing a varying number of threads?
I always made my grid even so that the thread hits a 10 x 10 corner - although in my case the gaps without thread are where the corners are :).
After trial and error (I've started my first HAED), I found that if I come up beyond the edge by 3 threads, then over 6, under 4, and repeat, puts an intersection of thread on top at each corner. Works great. BTW, I had some metallic thread like you described, that was an awesome tip. Thank you for taking your time to make this video to help us out.
Sorry! Also am I right that HAED don't have fractionals? As that would be a problem stitching over 1 xxx
Yep you're right - no fractionals with HAEDs :).
Amanda i hear you say you stitch your designs on 28 count in tent stitch but can you stitch it as a whole cross stitch ( hope you get what I mean?) in stead of tent stitching, as my eyes are not so good now I find unable to use 25 count xx
Hi Maureen! I tent stitch stitch on 28ct over 1, I'm guessing if you say 25ct is not good for your eyes that stitching full cross over 1 on 28ct would be worse for you! Are you asking whether you can tent stitch on a lower count of fabric? I have known stitchers tent stitch with 3 strands on 18ct and 22ct - it would be a case of trying it out to see if you liked it, personally I know it wouldn't work for me, but it obviously works for those stitchers that do it! Sounds as though 18ct or 22ct might be better for your eyes, but test stitching is the only way to know and put your mind at rest. Sorry if I have misunderstood your question - just tell me and I'll try again to help :).
No Amanda sorry I meant 28 ct done as 2 over full block square as if you were doing it on 14ct I am afraid it would lose the affect of the pattern ( the same as i am using for my flowers if that makes any sense to you!!! with full crosses in stead of tent stitch? ;0(( hard to explain huh! if you look at my flower video and see what i mean? thanks for getting back to me your a sweetie, just this will be my first heaven and earth and don't want to muck up xxxx
Yep I get what you mean now! Yes you can stitch a HAED over 2 on 28ct (making it the equivalent to 14ct) - stitchers have done it, especially when the eyes aren't what they used to be :). None of the detail will be lost necessarily, just means to appreciate your work you'll just have to take a few extra steps back as it will be larger. I have a feeling Karin from Karincrafts on TH-cam finished her QS Literate on 14/28ct but not 100% sure. There is a stitcher out there stitching a HAED on 14ct over 2 with 6 strands of DMC so anything is possible :).
Thank you Amanda for getting back to me so soon, yes I find the 25ct is too small for my eyes now as you have to use the what I call small or wee box to stitch in and find that stitching 2 over one seems to bulk it out not giving much room for other stitches or is that just me xx
No it's not just you - my stitching looks awful in 2 over 1 full cross on 25ct, that's why I chose tent stitch on 28ct over 1 in the end. I've stitched HAEDs on 18ct aida (I think that's one of the most popular choices to be honest) and know lots of stitchers that use 22ct over 1. At the end of the day there is no point stitching on a fabric just because it's what everyone else does - it's what works for you that counts :).
What is the link for the Heaven and Earth forum?
I gave the link in the drop down video info box, but it's heavenandearthdesigns.yuku.com - you have to have a Yuku account and apply to join the forum - but if you are planning on stitching a HAED the information on there is priceless!
What do you mean by over 1 and over 2? Sorry, probably a crazy question but I'm clueless lol
Hi Stephanie, stitching over 1 or over 2 is something you will hear all the time when stitchers work on evenweave or linen fabrics. It refers to the number of vertical threads of the fabric that you skip over to make a stitch. For example, you can stitch on 28ct evenweave over 2 on a project and the design will be the same size as if you stitched it on 14ct aida. However if you stitched over 1 on 28ct evenweave, the design would be four times smaller! It's all because on linen and evenweave there are more holes to play with than on aida fabric - the visuals at this link may help: www.funkandweber.com/embroidery-stitching-over-two-threads/. When I stitch my HAEDs on evenweave, I stitch them over 1 thread of the fabric which results in teeny tiny stitches - so I manage to fit 74,000 stitches into a 9 x 12 inch area of fabric :). Hope that helps :).
Thank you so much! I get it now! Haha I really love your videos :)