Easy count guideline
I need to work on an extremely large project in cross stitch. Do you have any suggestions to accomplish this task? Would something along this line be helpful?
Posted by: planeknights on 07/16/14
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Can U tell us what do U have in mind about that please? Maybe I can help.
by: miss crossstitc on 07/16/14
Gridding the fabric to match the chart works well for a lot of stitchers. This new filament has the advantage of not being pierced by the needle. It takes time to baste in, of course, but if you'' be stitching the design for months, it may be worth it.

I'm too lazy to baste that much, so I do get lost on big projects. I try what I call an "Inadvertant Interpretation" (lol) to get back on pattern. Usually happens among natural things, and Mother Nature never tells that the flower isn' t exactly as designed.
by: jlhewes on 07/17/14
I am currently using the filament on a large project and I LOVE it! If you have a zillion stitches and you get lost in the single stitches and you're getting tennis-neck going back to your pattern, I highly recommend it. Yes the grid takes time but it took me DAYS to do 70 stitches! Since I didn't know if I would like it or use it, I only did the center grid (100 rows lengthwise and 100 by width, or, 10 squares by 10 squares); took a fraction of the frustrating time I was racking up! I will probably finish the grid....it just makes it so much easier......and enjoyable. It can't hurt to try it. I have never gotten lost on a project or felt this type of frustration...so glad I stumbled onto this product.
Their website states they either have a gridded fabric or will have soon....I forget....might be part of the my problem. :) Good luck! Make it fun!
by: shorterhorse on 07/17/14
Do you use any type of filament you have on hand or is there something unique that you use? I can't believe I never thought of doing something like this. I am currently working on a 16 page chart.....Yikes!
by: hutchj on 07/18/14
I use the R&S Easy Guide and find it to be a necessary evil! If you want your stitching time well spent, I would use guidelines. Did you know R&S sells 14 ct aida that has the grid line in it? Check out their website for details. Also, Hershner's online (www.herschners.com) sells Zweigart 14 ct Easy Count Guideline Fabric 36 inches by 43 inches for $34.99 The Zweigart fabric has gridded grey lines that can be removed or dissolve when washed. I find both of these fabrics very helpful for my larger projects. It is just too easy to get lost. I look at it as when sewing a garment, you must prepare the fabric before you cut out your item. right. So why wouldn't you take some extra time or extra cash and get the best. After all, you are making an heirloom. Whatever you choose, have fun.
by: AuntieBea on 07/18/14
Hi! I am also using the R&S Designs Guide Line. I stumbled on this product on Amazon....had never heard of such a thing but it got my attention, so I spent $7 for 300 yards....shipping was free because I am a Prime member. While researching the product, I discovered a note about a new product, the 14 count aida by R &S Designs, but don't know if it is on the market yet.....didn't care, I wasn't starting over! I did not know about Hershner's products, but I would really research something that you have to wash out.....the red fishing-line-like product is great and works for me. The printed grid, I think, would be great if you aren't worried about washing your finished product...but it makes me nervous. :) I used the line right over and under the stitches I had already completed....E A S Y, and went quickly. Any more questions I will be glad to share my meager knowledge. Hope this helps you out and encourages you!
by: shorterhorse on 07/21/14
Some really good advise on this topic. I'd like to share one little ditty...I am presently working on The Little Shepherd Christmas stocking. It's been a bit of a challenge. I can't believe, with the dozens of stockings I have done, that it never occurred to me to make myself a grid before now!!! But I also found another time saver in the process. I made a horizontal grid on narrow masking tape marking each inch along the tape and placed it on the corresponding grid to the pattern. I have placed the tape on the wrong side of the fabric that is rolled up on both the top and bottom of the fabric that is rolled up on the frame. Between the tape at the top and bottom of my work, as well as the grid I have basted onto the cloth, it is pretty hard to get lost. Why didn't I think of this decades ago???? :-)
by: toosh2000 on 07/23/14
I have never added my comments to a blog before, but I just have to tell you how much I enjoy using the Easy-Count Guideline, or the very thin red fishing line, as I call it. It makes cross stitching so much easier, and I even use it on my smaller projects. What I like is that I can start anywhere on my picture, not just the center. And I can move to stitch wherever I wish, just tripple checking that I have moved to the correct square. With the 10 by 10 stitch squares, I have yet to be off, or if I do make a mistake, I catch it within the 10 stitches. And yes, it takes time to lay out the grid, especially on a large picture, but it is well worth it, and I just consider it part of my hobby. I have never tried the special pre-grid cloth you can buy, and I doubt that I ever will. I like this "red fishing line" very much and have used it on over ten projects and love how easy it is to remove at the end without hurting my stitches. However, I have only used it on Aida cloth. Has anyone used it on anything else?
by: arottenbucher on 07/23/14
I am like jlhewes and don't use any grid products. I did finally invest in a line magnifier to keep lined up, but rarely use that either. I have several projects going at the same time and so far these 66 year old eyes have not failed me. I do use a bright fluorescent light now, but other than that it is just me and the project. Works for me, but always interested what every one else uses.
by: syagel on 07/23/14
I love challenging projects that take time and effort- as in Miss Hathaway's Garden was one of my favorites. In order not to get lost I would make a photocopy of the chart and blow it up. I would then use a highlighter to mark off sections that I have done so that I would never lose my place. If it is a chart of a lot of the same color vein, I would work it in blocks of 10x10 only and highlight the copy of the chart to indicate what I have done. This way it is virtually impossible, for me at least, to lose my place if I have to identify 10 different colors of reds for the same design.
by: joanne2165 on 11/20/14