Though I know and appreciate the benefits of gridding large to very large projects once I'm stitching(200 - 300+ stitches) , it is SOOOO time intensive. I'm just curious how long it takes everyone to do this. I feel like every time I have to do this it takes me so long (I am in the midst of gridding 2 large projects right now) and I'm wondering if it just comes with the territory, or if I can streamline my procedure to make it go quicker, so I'm checking in with everyone here to see if anyone has come up with a quick and efficient process.
I have small hands and I know that trying to handle all of the fabric without the hoop makes it difficult---my arm and wrist actually get tired ): I always seem to tangle my gridding thread under the mass of fabric and don't realize until I'm a few stitches out that I have a tangle, then have to remove the stitches and fix. I grid 4 under, 6 over and tie out at the end of each row and my starting point is at the top left grid line---I know many people grid from the center out. I would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks everyone.
Posted by: lbcatlovr001 on 01/28/15
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Couldn't pay me enough to do that. I'm hurting just from reading your blog!
Posted by: jlhewes on 01/28/15
I grid the same way that you do. It does take a very long time. The inventor of this system claims that it saves at least 30% stitching time. It really helps keep me on track. Do not know for sure about the time savings. The only way to know for sure is to do the exact same project twice. NO WAY -- not in this lifetime.
Posted by: NANCYE G on 01/28/15
I don't grid...
Posted by: Bermuda on 01/28/15
I do a lot of large projects and there isn't enough money in the world to make me grid them. I tried it once and threw the grid thread away after only 3 rows. Too much wasted time to do it. I just make 2 copies of my patterns and mark one up as I go. Works great for me even on my projects that have 100,000 plus stitches.
Posted by: syagel on 01/28/15
I always grid. Large and small projects. It is tedious and time consuming but in the end it pays off. I don't have to count continuously. I can always easily find my place on the pattern and can spot and correct mistakes quicker. I find I relax more and enjoy my stitching.
Posted by: valerie001 on 01/28/15
I always grid, except for very small projects. I know some don't like to, but I can't stitch without it. It has saved me from having to tear out many mistakes and I always know where I am in my pattern.
Posted by: arottenbucher on 01/28/15
Oh, and I don't know if this will help, but I used to dread the chore of gridding because I was so excited about getting started on a new project. Now I start gridding for my next project before I am finished with my current project, so I alternate between gridding and stitching on some days. I also grid watching one of my old favorite TV shows, like Perry Mason or Rockford. It makes it go faster, it seems. I grid from the middle out, doing the four down and six up as instructed with Easy Count Guidelines. And I grid little by little, not all at once.
Posted by: arottenbucher on 01/28/15
I am so with jlhewes and syagel. I do not grid. So far I haven't had a problem, especially since I use the system that syagel uses with the working copy, etc. I have made mistakes, due to inattention, and transposed colors but it was minor and easily fixed. If I had to grid, I'd give up stitching. Can't you use the disappearing ink instead?
The only other alternative that I can suggest is that you teach your husband how to grid and threaten to take away what he loves most if he makes mistakes, doesn't finish in time, etc.
Male stitchers, do you grid????
Posted by: Texas Stitcher on 01/28/15
There was a woman in the EGA chapter whose husband threaded needles for her. Everyone thought that was amazing!
Posted by: jlhewes on 01/28/15
See, that's what I'm talking about!!!! DH has essential tremors. What's this saying about a camel fitting through they eye of a needle before whatever....... That's how long it would take him. I was touched when he cleaned up all the orts off of the carpet. LOL