As always start from the middle of the material. Then build up your stitching on that. Have fun.

If you are overwhelmed by this pattern I can make a few suggestions.

Use a cream colored over dyed fabric. Do not stitch the background. Only the flag, basket, and stars

I would not use multiple needles. I think that they would get too tangled up. Many of our stitchers recommend multiple needles so try if you want.

I would recommend that you pre-grid the fabric. Look at previous chats for discussion on that.

I would not say "always start in the middle." In this case I would recommend it. You don't have to start in the exact center. You can start on the right of left side and do one page at a time. Work your way across. Then work down. Turn your pattern upside down and your work upside down and continue stitching.


Take a big breath and relax. Do not hurry to finish. This will be very pretty when finished.

All of the suggestions that NancyE G has given are very good. The only thing I want to add is just like she says You don't always start in the middle of a project especially if it is a pattern that has many pages. In that case I start in the top left hand corner of the first page 3 inches in from the top and 3 inches in from the left side. Don't forget to add 6 inches to the width and 6 inches to the length of the finished size when you order your fabric.

Another tip especially for a Mystic Stitch pattern or any others that are many pages long. Be sure to make at least one copy of the pattern to use and mark on as you stitch so as to keep your original clean. I always make 2 copies - one for marking and one to put on my design wall all taped together.

This is a beautiful project. If you take your time you will be very happy when your are done.

Sherry - I like your suggestion to add six inches to the height and six inches to the width is a lot easier to understand than adding three inches to each side. Why didn't I figure that out a very long, long time ago when trying to explain that concept to someone?????

NancyE G - I get why you suggest to folks to add 3 inches to each side, because that's what you need to keep in mind to ensure your project is centered on the fabric!

syagel - I get why you suggest to folks to add 6 inches to both width and height of pattern, because that's what you need to keep in mind to ensure you've got a sufficient size of fabric for your project!

Both are extremely useful tips!!

I'm getting more & more into counted cross stitch (vs stamped), and larger and more detailed projects. I've also been tweaking patterns and floss colors, and starting to "play" with fabric colors, types and counts to get the end look that what I want. I'm also starting to design my own projects - very exciting! I'll definitely keep each of your tips in mind, as they're both essential for ensuring beautiful projects AND stitchers who are happy with the results and keep stitching!

Thanks, all, for your great tips and helpful hints!

Based on the stitch count I am thinking that the background (door) is stitched. I would add that detail if I were you.

I agree with Nancye. I would not stitch the door in the background.

The basket and flag are supposed to be a door decoration. Without the door all you have is a basket and a flag and a whole lot of unstitched background. That's like a bouquet of flowers that are in a vase and the vase is not stitched. I know it's a lot of stitching but I would choose a different motif if it were too much for me.

First, I would grid the fabric...not white, but something to ensure I don't have to stitch the whole door, just the accents...light and dark...

Second, I would start in the center....that way I could decide whether I want to do the whole door, or not.

I'm with you, Tex. Ignoring the door would be losing part "of the story".

There was a designer...way back...that used to stitch a "rough" picture...No hard boundaries on her background. If she had a tree on the side, the whole tree was stitched, nothing was cut off....good grief, nothing like nonsensical descriptions. How do you describe an "unruled" edge of a picture? Not sure I'm smart enough to comment today. Nevermind... :)

I get what you're describing, VCESS. I had a weird few minutes this morning, I could not come up with the word "giraffe". I saw the animal just a clearly as can be in my mind's eye. Zebra popped into my head. Finally it came to me and I was able to go back to sleep, then GD came over on her way to science camp. DH had a radiology appt this pm. The procedure took almost 2 hours. I was brain dead by then and decided to forget the grocery shopping. I had left the list at home again.
DD and GD stopped by and cooked something for themselves and now I have to clean up the kitchen and get ready for the big event tomorrow - the mattress delivery! Wish me luck. GD already said that she can't wait to try it out. I can see it now, the mechanism will be worn out in a couple of months elevating the head and feet! That's life.........

Think I'll stitch for a while. Still waiting on Sticky Bob! It should have been here already. I have to check my orders on Amazon. I ordered a doll carriage from Germany and it was here in 4 or 5 days. I love Amazon Prime.