Message:

I like counted cross stitch and I understand the basics on how stitches are formed. But I have a real problem with using the charts. I know how to read them; but even when I count the stitches very carefully, the design on the chart often does not correspond to what ends up on the fabric. I'm always careful to mark the middle of the fabric and move from there; and again, I'm careful about counting stitches as I go. But I run into this problem over and over again, even with simple designs. Can someone please help me? This problem makes it somewhat difficult to enjoy the hobby; and I really, really want to. My grandmother used to do counted cross stitch and she was great at it. For reference, I normally use 14-count Aida cloth. -- Amber from TN

Replies:

• you said you mark the middle of your fabric, but do you mark the middle of your chart before you begin? I cant see why you count and the pattern does not correspond - this is the only thing I can think of that might work for you -- laura from -- Sep 30
• The center of your fabric and the center of the pattern don't always match. You need to look at the grid. If you want to start from the center and work outwards; make sure that you are starting at the corner of a 10 square block that is closest to the center block of the pattern. -- NANCYE from -- Oct 04
• Find the center of your fabric. Find the center of your pattern. Using the center of the fabric, count up to the top line of the design. Example up 45 rows, is the first line of the pattern. Start with this line, and work down. Many start in the middle, of the design, and I find it is harder, to make it come out right. -- Lisa from Douglaslville -- Oct 08
• Are you marking your chart as you work? I mark several of the same stitch in a 2 or 3 block area in yellow highlight, then as I do the stitches I mark them in a darker colour. Then I go back and select another stitch and mark them in yellow again and carry on from there. I find this works good for me and seldom have a problem keeping track. good luck -- Doreen Lund from Brampton, Ont. Canda -- Nov 18
• You should grid with thread to mark every 10 rows going vertically and diagonally. I could not work without gridding. they make nylon thread that you can use or else use other thread. this will keep you aligned rightly. also keep counting to make sure you are in the right spot. even I being careful have thought I was on row 2 but really was on row 3. Sometimes mistakes don't matter like if you are doing a background or something.. but of course if you are doing a sky and you accidentally put a red x in there of course you should remove it. but oftentimes I can make a mistake with a blue that is similar to another blue and it doesn't matter. -- MARY T from CHICAGO -- Dec 12
• I'm not sure if you are still looking for answers concerning getting your stitches to match the pattern but, I might have a solution. You can buy a magnetic board with 4 magnetic strips. If you place your pattern on the board and use a line magnifier with sliding markers (also available with the magnetic board), you might be able to keep your place more efficiently. Perhaps you could somehow mark where you begin and continue from there. You can buy the board in two sizes and it also has a stand, if you'd be interested in that. Just a thought, since you seem to have problems using the center as a starting point. I hope this helps! -- Priscilla Cooksey from Colville, WA -- Mar 23

• All fields must be filled in for your reply to be posted. Please press 'Submit' only once to avoid multiple postings.
  Use your browser's 'Refresh' button if you don't see your message.
• Content that is not allowed:
  • No commercial advertising.
  • Asking for or offering illegal copies of patterns (see 'About Copyrights' below)
    
  • Posting links to sites that offer illegally copied patterns.
  • Objectional content, bad manners, ect.
  • Unrelated content, spam.

About Copyrights: