Question
I just watched a how to video -'How to cross stitch with perfect finishing'. When she started stitching she anchored the tail on the top side of the project. When she was done with the row she threaded it under the finished stitches again on the top side. I really did not like the look of it. Does anyone stitch like this? I use the loop method when I start and then when I finish I thread it under the stitches on the back. I know there is really no right or wrong way, you do what is comfortable for you. I taught myself how to stitch and have been stitching over 20 yrs. but I am no expert. I just enjoy stitching. Just was wondering how all you long time stitchers do it. I am always learning something new from you. You all have a lot of knowledge to share. Happy Stitching!
Posted by: maryaa1183 on 11/04/14
marya, I stitch like you. I have never hear of finishing off the floss in the front. I can't imagine doing it in this way. I would think that it's readily visible and the threads show where they've been cut along with the stitched having a puffy appearance.
I agree to each it's own. I'm not a perfect stitcher and still have a lot to learn but I try to give it my best! LOL
by: Texas Stitcher on 11/04/14
The way that video showed you how to do it makes no sensible reason for it. Who would want all that floss ends on top? I do mine on the bottom and then press fusible interfacing over the threads on the back to protect and hide them. Every one has their own way of doing it.
by: syagel on 11/04/14
I've only heard of that method for "reversible stitching". & she would have said on the video, if it was that. Weird!
by: jlhewes on 11/05/14
Hi all this is my first post. Just found this chat yesterday when I was looking for fabric on this site. I had to reply, if this is the same video I watched, she stated that she stitches everything this way now, but initially started doing it on things where you can see both sides such as hand towels and the like. Also if you watch it carefully in order to make crosses on the back also she does not worry about having all her crosses cross in the same direction and it drove me crazy. To me it is just so noticeable when they don't all cross the same way.

This seems like a great group of stitchers, I will check back here frequently for tips and put in my two cents when I think it might be helpful.
by: kty6toz on 11/21/14
Just goes to show that any nut with a needle can sell their "knowledge" for what it's worth! LOL!
by: shorterhorse on 11/21/14
I guess if you used a large. number of strands, it wouldn't show. Might be worth trying if you suddenly get the urge to stitch one of those pre-quilted crib quilts.

Or, write me, and I'll try to talk you out of it. LOL!
by: jlhewes on 11/21/14
I thought that the cardinal rule in x-stitching was that the stitches all had to be crossed in the same direction.
I attended and paid for lessons once - what a joke. The woman sounded much like the online "instructor" mentioned. I got so angry because ladies totally new to the craft were there and why teach them something that they later have to unlearn. I sort of took over until my daughter intervened.
My work is a long shot from perfect but I try to do the best I can and having my stitches going every which way is not my idea of stitching but creating a big mess. Whenever possibly I try to weave the ends in vertically, they show less that way. I am not opposed to the horizontal way when the back is covered but in the front????????
I was very interested in HGTV at one time and noticed what sloppy work the people turned out on those low cost make overs. That's when I decided to no longer watch. It makes me angry. Sorry, I had to vent on that one.
by: Texas Stitcher on 11/22/14
For your historical enlightenment, Texas Stitcher, & anyone who cares. The rules weren't so tight in bygone eras. Some old samplers, which every girl had to produce, have different direction stitches. In fact, all undergarments had to have the owner's initials stitched on, because laundry was a big job & all done at once. Marking Crosses, as they called them, went every which way to make the owner clear front & back. Read this in a magazine somewhere, & presume it's true. Happy to be corrected.
by: jlhewes on 11/22/14
jl, thanks, very interesting. Now I have an excuse in the event that I make mistakes. LOL

I've often wondered how they produced such beautiful items without all the "enhancements" that modern day stitchers require. I bought magazine upon magazine approx. 15 years ago on various types of embroidery, cutwork, you name it but soon realized that it was beyond my skill level. To think that they worked by candle light and we require specialty lamps, etc. I've seen photographs of early samplers and some did look rough. I wanted to visit a museum, it was located in northern Germany, but never made it.
by: Texas Stitcher on 11/22/14