So I've asked my very experienced cross stitch friends on facebook and Instagram today for their best cross stitch tips and they haven't disappointed.... here they are!
Caroline:
"Make sure your hands are clean and everything close to hand before sitting down to stitch."
Some nice clean white aida... Image from my YouTube channel 😉
Karen:
"Measure and re-measure your fabric - especially with bigger projects xx"
Annie:
"You need to sit in a good light. There is nothing worse than squinting in semi-darkness."
Amy:
"Needleminders. Can't live without one. I stick my scissors and needle on mine so I don't lose them!"
I've had a look on Etsy and found some wonderful needle minders. Here are my four favourites with links below the pics x
Nikki:
"Remember it is supposed to be fun, not a race!!"
Vicky:
"The railroad technique will ensure that your stitches always lay flat, meaning a much neater end result! :)"
She explains...
"So the trick is, after you have done the first stitch of your x, you divide your 2 strands, put your needle through them, into your hole, and pull through gently (in case they get caught). It takes a bit of extra time but will ensure that your 2 strands lay flat next to each other, like this '//' instead of possibly twisting which can occur as you sew!"
Gemma:
"Handy highlighter to mark off the pattern as go along, and don’t be afraid of the dreaded frog 🐸 x"
I saw these unusual highlighters on etsy and thought they were the cutest!...
Erika:
"My mantra - count, recount, *then* stitch, then recount your stitches and double check the placement. Follow these steps and there'll be little frogging to do!"
If you have some frogging to do, there are some lovely scissors in my etsy shop
Thank you everyone for all you hints and tips! I will keep an eye on my social media for more 🙂
Some of these are from facebook cross stitch groups which I very much recommend you joining if you want to meet some lovely people... and some from my Facebook page:
I loved looking at all the cross stitch products out there, I think I will do another post on needle minders and other pretty cross stitch accessories x
If you want to ask me any questions just pop over to the contact section on my website or the chat bubble.
😘 See you soon!