Cross about cross stitch

[figginz]

I bought my first ever cross stitch DIY kit so that I could make my SIL a beautiful home crafted total show off gift for her pfb's imminent arrival.

It's all gone completely wrong. I am so upset I have just gone to bed in a huff.

I realised half an hour ago that I was running out of one colour thread already. I've only done about ten rows and should only have used about a quarter of the thread by now. I might be stitching wrong though I thought I was following the instructions pretty well. Showed it to DP and he said that he thinks I should have unravelled each strand to make thinner threads. Does that even make any sense?

I am so furious.

DP laughed at my fury.

What can I do to salvage this pathetic attempt at being a domestic goddess?

[Pigeonpost]

Oh no! If you've only done ten rows then definitely unpick although chances are you will need to buy some more thread in that colour as the thread you have used will be worn. Your kit should tell you what brand of thread it is (probably DMC or Anchor and the thread number) and if you go to the katzxstitch website you will be able to order a new skein for under £1.

You do have to divide the thread I'm afraid. The floss is combined of six strands, most kits will recommend using 2 threads if it is being stitched on 14 count aida. To get one thread out take one thread and sort of slide it down the other 5 between your fingers. If you just try and pull it out it will tangle horribly.

Unpicking is referred to by lots of cross-stitchers as 'frogging' because you have to 'rip-it rip-it' which sounds like the noise a frog makes...

Unpicking is infuriating but happens to us all. I've been cross stitching for 20 years and still have to unpick quite often!

Good luck!

[Wolfiefan]

Unpick carefully. You may find stitching with "thicker" thread has made the holes bigger.
I can't figure out how ladies in olden times did embroidery. Did they not swear at the fucking thing when they went wrong?

[figginz]

Oh dear



Thank you both. I shall enjoy learning to frog.

Gah. This has just become pfb's first birthday present!

[BankWadger]

I mad3 a cross stich grow chary for my pfb. It took me 8 months and much much unpicking. He was wwll over a year by the time it was hung and his measurements put on.

I still love cross stitching though.

I bet ladies of old swore, but then they also worked at it most days from young so would have been very proficient.

[shouldwestayorshouldwego]

I bought some cross stitch to do for dd's birth, I am fairly experienced. Had done a little when went to hospital to have her. Haven't had time to do any since. She's now 11 and probably could finish it herself! Good luck with it take up sewing instead, you can produce something recognisable in 30 min