How do I start?
My chart for my project is in two section. The absolute dead center is in the middle of where the two sections overlap. My question is could I do one section first and then turn the fabric around and do second section? Can I tape the two sections together and start in the middle doing one row up, one row down? You can see I need some advice.
Posted by: SydneyG on 01/21/15
Page:
Hi,
I would first make 2 copies of your pattern design, so you don't mark on your Original design.
With one of your COPIES, I would then align them together where the pages overlap. Look where the pages of the pattern lines up!
Do the edges where the pages overlap have 1-3 columns of DUPLICATE symbols on each page? If so, then you want to make sure you don't duplicate the same columns of stitches when you are stitching. For example, on one of my patterns the RIGHT edge of the pattern of Page 1 has 3 columns of symbols that have a darker background which are the very same darker-background symbols of the 3 columns on the LEFT side of page 2 where the 2 pages of the pattern overlap. I then fold under one of the duplicate columns and carefully tape the two pages together to get rid of the duplication.

OR, You can always start stitching your pattern in the UPPER LEFT CORNER of the design(AFTER you measure from the top and side edge of your fabric and where they intersect is where you start with your first cross stitch to allow for the extra 2 or 3 inches of fabric for framing) and cross stitch the pattern without having to worry about the center arrows; then you would only have to worry about making sure you don't duplicate the overlap areas of the pattern.
I hope this doesn't confuse you. But when there are situations like yours, there is "more than one way
to skin a cat".
by: Bermuda on 01/21/15
thanks...Here is what I did; I switched from the 18ct fabric called for, to 14ct to enlarge the design and so I could see the squares.(lol)

My design will now be 9" x 6.86"(126 stitches W divided by 14 = 9" 96 stitches L divided 14 =6.86.) I cut my piece of fabric down to 12"h X 10w".

Next I found dead center by folding my fabric into quarters. I used a contrasting thread to make a basting stitch across the width and down the length. Then I went back to my charts, made copies (2).
I taped the two copies together matching the shaded areas so as to not make duplicate stitches.

Next step was to count stitches out from the center to the left and up from the center toward to top.
where they cross is my starting point. I had already divided the stitches in half. Don't think I left anything out.
by: SydneyG on 01/23/15
I am sure my way is not the only/right way, but I find center of project as a starting point easier for my brain..

I also copy patterns for a working pattern..

I have my first "big" project, (20 pages) to start & I am totally intimated by it..
I cannot for the life of me think of having to count over & up to start this..

you thoughts & opinions are welcome..
happy stitching..
by: dbye468 on 01/25/15
How big will the finished project be?
by: SydneyG on 01/25/15
When I start a big project, I often start in a corner, giving myself a three inch margin. The corner I start is usually the one that looks the easiest. And I just work on it little by little and try not to be intimidated by the pattern size or the finish. It all falls into place eventually. Just hang in there. We are all cheering for you. :-)
by: arottenbucher on 01/25/15
so, if I read you right:

1. cut my fabric (adding 3 " to each side) allowing for framing.
2. than measure (top left corner) 3" in & 3" down..
3. make this my starting point.
4 than I can just follow the pattern, page 1,2,3 etc. till I finish all 20 pages..

correct me if I am misunderstanding something..
thanks,
Darlene

finished project 21.5" x 21.5
296w x 300h stitches
by: dbye468 on 01/25/15
dbye,Yes, that sounds right. So you have a pattern that is 296 wide x 300 high and you are using 14 count fabric. You add 3 inches to EACH side of fabric, you should come out needing a 28 inch wide x 28 inch high piece of fabric (which is rounded up to the nearest inch). I DOUBLE CHECK my measurements; "measure twice, cut once" is an old carpenter's rule to prevent miscalculations before cutting boards). Measure 3 inches in from the top left side of fabric and 3 inches down from top left of fabric and where the two measurements intersect (in and down) is where to begin your first cross stitch.
Some stitchers add 2 inches to each side of fabric for framing but I was "taught" to add 3 inches on each side.

Any of the other ladies out there, correct this if I'm wrong.
by: Bermuda on 01/25/15
Bermuda
I was also told 3" margins.. better extra than not enough..

once I forgot to add extra; fortunately it was a small item sewn on remnant fabric & I was still able to frame it..

trial & error is a good teacher..
thanks
by: dbye468 on 01/25/15
Your welcome,
I made the mistake of not having enough fabric ONCE when I started a fairly large project and found out after about 4 weeks of work that I wasn't going to be able to stitch the whole project. Never did THAT again!!
And you know about avoiding "ridge" lines, that is, not to stitch your project doing 10 cross stitches by 10 cross stitches throughout the whole pattern, right?
by: Bermuda on 01/25/15
Bermuda
not sure about the 10 x 10 stitches(?).. but guess I have never done this ..
I stitch, usually, by the row depending number of stitches, by color..
by: dbye468 on 01/25/15