I can not make myself love machine embroidery cross-stitch. Why is that? I used to do hand cross stitch all of the time. Is there some aspect of embroidery that you have tried and wanted to like but couldn't?

I must admit I feel the same way.
Something about it just doesn't look right to me.
Hugs
Diane

I think they all have the xstitch too small, when done by hand its about an 1/8th inch, but everyone I have tried you can hardly see the background fabric through the x's, so I digitize my own...wendy

I love machine cross-stitch but don't do it. I would like to see some posted in projects also. Thanks!

1 comment

by jrob 14 Jul 2014

Maybe we will get to see some soon.

I haven't tried machiine embroidery x-stitch yet - just can't seem to get myself to. I have d/l a few designs, but still haven't tried - sometime.

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by jrob 14 Jul 2014

On your to-do list. ;)

Nope not for me, but cheers to those who do machine embroidery cross stitch.

I love counted cross stitch. Thought machine would be wonderful. It's not for me either. I've tried it on 2 machines and it just looks horrible. Tried adjusting and still don't like it. Too tight or something. I don't even save cross stitch designs cause I know I won't use them. You and I are no longer alone.

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by jrob 09 Jul 2014

{{{{smile}}}}}

Hi Jerrilyn, I absolutely love the machine cross-stitch. I've done a series of the ones from Becky's Cross-stitch company. Of course they were the Santas as I love everything Christmas. Love Chris

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by jrob 09 Jul 2014

I'm trying Chris.

I used to do all my Xstitch by hand until I found machine embroidery, now I do as much xstitch as normal embroidery.. I love it.. but I suppose each to their own..

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by jrob 09 Jul 2014

Well, I need to see your work!

I am not too crazy about doing any cross stitch [hand or machine] However I did do a border of pink flowers from Cute Cross Stitch. I made sure it had only 3 colour changes and that was better. Sewed it onto the end of a hand towel and was very pleased with result.

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by jrob 09 Jul 2014

I'd love for you to post it in Projects to give me some ideas.

I'm glad that I'm not the only one and I see that there are other things some of you don't like besides Cross-stitch. Thank you for the enlightening and lively discussion my sisters.
So I will give a cheer for each his own! Hurray!

If you don't like it there is no reason to try to make yourself like it. There are way too many other designs and projects out there. Some don't like the zipper bags but they are one of my favorites, I also don't do the machine embroidery cross stitch,too many other things out there that do interest me
Bev

I mostly embroider on garments and other washables so am not a big fan of most redwork. The small, narrow stitches get lost in the fabric--even with topping.

I'm with you-no matter what the design is, I completely dismiss machine embroidered cross-stitch designs-don't know why it is for me either. I used to love doing it by hand also and I still do like doing it on Aida cloth-although,unless I wear my glasses-i have a hard time doing much at a time because it get difficult to see.

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by airyfairy 09 Jul 2014

I also love hand cross stitch but seeing the stitches is a very different thing!!!

Me neither...YUCK, LOL! I also use to hand cross stitch :) I keep promising myself that I will try it with some smocking on a shirt ;D

Here are three of the designs I had done, the colors of thread I could have done better, I had done these years ago, just as trials. They were quite stitch intensive. This is the cow, porcupine, and butterfly babies. I've never made anything out of them, thought I might frame them someday but still haven't even done that. Here is the current link. I think they were digitized by Sherio? I kind of forgotten.

1 images:[1]

3 comments

by mops 08 Jul 2014

I am not particularly fond of cross stitch designs. It feels like cheating, not only when stitching them but also when designing - that is like colouring in tiny squares and that's it. Not as bad as auto-digitising, but close.
Unlike "normal" embroidery designs where the play of light on different stitch directions bring a design to life, cross stitch designs need a lot of colours to get shading. The traditional, folk style, designs are better suited for ME.
Moreover I hate jumps as every tie-on and tie-off stitch leaves a small but detectable thickness. And cross stitch designs don't allow connection stitches.
But I have made a number of designs that weren't too bad and people who did not know they were done by machine liked them - which made me feel even more like a cheater.


I don't like the crochet FSL, but to be honest I don't like that sort of crochet done by hand either.

by jrob 08 Jul 2014

I think the cheating thing is my biggest problem with it, but I must admit I do machine quilting, so is there a difference?

by marianb 09 Jul 2014

I don't know I think it's grand..

I have done lots of hand cross stitch over the years before I had my embroidery machine and for me it is always the best. But I have done a couple of free ones from Ellen Mauer Stroh and her designs are outstanding. Hope you find some you like !

1 comment

by jrob 08 Jul 2014

Thank you, I will check them out.

Am wondering how many of the ladies have undertaken Hardanger and/or Hardanger FSL embroidery designs on their embroidery machines? If so, what articles did you make. Greetings, Patricia

I have never embroidered cross stitch by hand, that's why I like cross stitch designs when my machine does it for me, he he he... I even love them where there are just one or two colours, they are very quick to stitch! I just avoid the ITH projects that include the use of a zip, but I don't dislike them, it's just laziness, I suppose.
Hugs, Lidia

1 comment

by jrob 08 Jul 2014

I'm sure you aren't lazy. Those ITH zip projects do require some extra planning so that you have the correct zippers, though.

I onc.e through and read all the pros and cons. Hand cross stitch is a take along relaxation for me. Sitting in hosp., Drs. office or just sitting and relaxing at home, I also read, crochet and knit but seems like the cross stitch occupies my mind more. I haven't done a lot of machine cross stitch but have found the tiny little animals look cute on baby things and have done some teacups that turned out nicely. I do like lacework except that it takes so long to make even a small piece and I do not leave my machine while it's stitching, don't have time to sit at machine all day(unless I'm hand cross stitchin that is)LOL I love to sew and quilt and emb./Lillian

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by jrob 08 Jul 2014

You do lovely work. Your hand cross stitch is gorgeous! I have let my hand work slide lately and I don't baby sit, I baby chase and don't have time for it. I am making a Grandmothers flower garden with hexes all by hand and you have reminded me to get it back out and get going on it. Love you!

I feel the same way about cross stitch. My favouites are ITH because I have made so many useful things and also applique.

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by jrob 08 Jul 2014

I'm trying to have an open mind, but it's not coming around quickly. LOL

I am with you for some reason I really don't care for the cross-stitch and it irritates me to look at it. I would like to want to make some of the designs but I just can't make myself do it.

2 comments

by jrob 08 Jul 2014

The next time we want to challenge ourselves, we will have to make a pact to try it. I'm game if you are. :)

by mumzyfarm 09 Jul 2014

I have been thinking about seriously Have seen some interesting designs Perhaps I could do that. :)

My not so favorite technique is ITH projects. Most are just too small to be useful. I purchased several designs of "stuffs" and was very disappointed in the end result. I have done some zippered bags that turned out nice, but as a rule I stay away from this technique. Hugs. Nan W

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by jrob 08 Jul 2014

They can certainly be intimidating at first, but I found that I liked them after I had tried a few. I understand what you mean by being too small. I carry an arsenal where ever I go.

I am going to get shouted at from dizzy heights but I am not very fond of FSL (lace work). I love watching it sew out and In the past I have made Christmas decorations. I like my embroidery to be useful and practical. Sorry!!!

6 comments

by PatriciaVosloo 08 Jul 2014

Sarah, a tray-cloth or runner finished with a FSL edging, by way of example, can be both useful and beautiful. It is a lot of work, but different and special. Patricia

by lidiad 08 Jul 2014

I agree with Patricia, FSL projects can be useful and practical, love to see my doilies on my furniture. In the past I used to spend quite a bit buying them from the shops, especially those imported from Germany, now I like to see the ones I make with my embroidery machine. Hugs, Lidia

by airyfairy 08 Jul 2014

Patricia - that sounds far tooooo complicated!!!

by jrob 08 Jul 2014

Well, I won't shout at you. Wouldn't it be so boring if we all liked the same thing?

by lindalee757 08 Jul 2014

I agree with you on that too Sarah-I think it's pretty-sometimes-I did try it a few times-but not really my preference either. To each his/her own right?!

by airyfairy 09 Jul 2014

Absolutely

Good question!! I have not done a lot of cross stitch or ITH projects.....
the ITH projects are cumbersome for me now with the 16 needle machine.....I haven't figured out an easy way to attach things to the back of the hoop since there is no table support from the embroidery machine..........

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by jrob 08 Jul 2014

I can see where that would be a problem, but a 16 needle is such the bomb!

I have done very little cross stitch although I find It entreating. The first one I did was a Vermillion one of a cat stretched out between two urns. I lost that design when my computer crashed in 2009. I made a toilet paper cover and the photo of it is probably here some where, when I posted it. Kay

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by jrob 08 Jul 2014

I'm sure it is in the archives on your project page, Kay. There are many beautiful designs, I am starting to feel guilty now, it's like picking a favorite child.

I have tried a few, and am having a hard time liking it. They haven't turned out as expected, I have tried a couple from Cute Cross stitch, cause I thought about the way of digitizing, but maybe I expect too much! Hahaha! Hugs, Judy

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by jrob 08 Jul 2014

I have to admit that I haven't done any from Cute Cross Stitch and that is why I brought up the subject.

Hmmm, I love it! I have done hand counted cross stitch since I was five years old...I think quite a bit depends upon who has digitized it, what the size cross is, how many times the cross stitches, how many colors the digitizer has used to create the look of hand cross stitch...color plays a huge part. As you know, in hand cross stitch...you may only stitch a few crosses of a color and then change to a new color....Some digitizers skimp on the number of colors they use in machine cross stitch as the stitcher must physically change the color of thread on the machine...stitch a few more crosses and change colors again. Part of the beauty of hand cross stitch would be the number of reds, or yellows or pinks that made up the rose, sometimes using 5 different shades of the color...a lot of digitizers don't take the time to do this for machine cross stitch...and some do...I personally love the machine cross stitch from EMS and also Vermillion...both digitizers take extreme care to blend their colors and will do it because it replicates a hand cross stitch color sheet and understands that the machine cross stitcher will need to make the 40 or 50 or more color changes in a design but will only get the look of hand cross stitch if the colors are not compromised. If you are going to do machine cross stitch well...get use to changing the thread colors...often...it is the price you pay for an excellent design. I have done several baby samplers by machine cross stitch and not one person has known that it was done on the machine...I have even matched the design cross stitch size to match Aida cloth...and lined up the Aida cloth in the hoop horizontally and vertically so that the needle strikes match perfectly to the holes in the Aida cloth...this does take time and patience...but it is well worth the effort...so, me, I love machine cross stitch...but I choose my designs carefully...

To answer your question...I have not done much FSL...although I do like the look...it is something I need to do more of to further appreciate...I have made crocheted doilies since I was a young girl...I haven't really done a comparison of fine hand crocheted lace versus machine FSL "crocheted lace"...another thing I need to investigate....

2 comments

by jrob 07 Jul 2014

Thanks for the great information. That is something that I haven't done properly, so will consider that next time I see a cross-stitch design I simply LOVE.

by PatriciaVosloo 08 Jul 2014

Thank you 'dragonflyer' for your in-depth response on X-stitching; I found it enlightening and informative and am sure more of us will be doing a cross stitch design soon as a result of our post. Do give a FSL edging for a runner a go; a lot of work but rewarding. Patricia

I am not a big fan of cross stitch either. I have found some lovely design and then see it is cross stitch and passed them by.

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

Maybe we are missing out? I'm open to suggestions.

I had done the animal babies by Sherrio, those were amazing when done. It was like a double cross stitch. If they are too light a design, I agree, they don't look as nice.

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

I must admit that I have only done one or two. Maybe I didn't give it a chance.

I like the look of hand x stitch...however, arthritis has ended that for me, so am thankful for the machine done! But there isn't the satisfaction factor of the hand done!!

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

Good, so it isn't just me. ;)

I have stitched out some beautiful machine cross-stitch embroidery. Love the looks of it. Just like regular machine emb. some is not as good as others. I still do hand cross stitch for confirmation students.

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

I would love to see your confirmation works. I believe I remember you did a cross stitch deer scene a bit back and it was very nice.

I agree. I think it just does not look quite the same by machine as by hand.

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

It just doesn't does it? Or, maybe someone will come along and school me on my methods. ;)

I agree with Crafter2243. I love it all. I never did the hand cross stitching. But my machine is making me very happy.

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

Well, it's good that we enjoy different things.

Me either! Can't understand it, since like you, I loved counted cross stitch years ago, but just don't care for the machine embroidery version. I just thought I was being weird!! LOL

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

Me, too. Glad there's someone else out there. :)

I love it all, even cross stitch. Somehow I can no longer justify the hours I used to do it by hand. I guess I joined the instant gratification generation.

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

LOL, Angie, I think that's why I can't like it, because it used to take so long and now I feel like I'm cheating. ;)

That is life and thank goodness that we are all different

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by jrob 07 Jul 2014

Oh, yes, I agree.