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complex pattern - how to keep track of where I am
Sun, Aug 9, 2009 7:47 PM
Posted by VK
I have a custom-designed pattern that is 60 floss colors. I would love some suggestions of how to keep track of where I am and how to find all symbols of the floss I am working with. I currently use a pencil and cross out the stitch I just completed. There's got to be a better way. Any advice? Thank you!
  • Reply from Melissa Clyne
    Sunday, August 16, 2009 8:47 PM
    What I do is photocopy the design, and as I do the design mark it off, but recently I have been using one colour for
    one symbol. With a pattern with 60 colours, it may be tough though to do this, so just mark off as you go with felts
    or highlighters. Go to top
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    Reply from Terry B
    Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:42 PM
    A lot of people grid their fabric to help keep track of where they are on large projects. There are several internet sites to learn about this. This is one:

    http://crossstitch.about.com/od/tipsfabric/qt/griddingtips.htm Go to top

    • Reply from Claire
      Thursday, September 10, 2009 5:51 AM
      I pencil off as i go, then if i want to use the pattern again i can rub out the pencil. on a large project I photocopy first. Go to top
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      Reply from Carol P
      Sunday, November 16, 2014 3:06 AM
      Iuse regular thread to grid my material. I use RED for my horizontal and vertical center lines, and a different color for all the rest. If I have a pattern that has multiple pages, I then use a different color to find the vertical center of each page. This makes the project manageable. I block it out in 10 x 10 grids. This generally matches the grids of kits well. As I work a pattern, I use a highlighter on the pattern page to highlight all stitches completed (including the 'blank' spaces with no stitches. If you plan on using your pattern again, just make a photocopy of it before you start. When I grid, I use the holes as a guide across the line and lightly tack about every 20 stitches. This keeps the thread taught enough to maintain the grid, but flexible enough to more out of the way when stitching close to the grid lines. It is very easy to remove when you are completely done with the stitching. Takes time to do, but makes a world of difference in doing the stitching. I also learned, that , if you use a roll frame, if you slip stitch (using a long stitch on a sewing machine) about two inches of any kind of fabric at the top and bottom of your aida, it will roll better and you can keep your stitch area farther away from the rollers. When you are done this extra material is easy to remove. Go to top
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        Reply from Pauline
        Sunday, November 16, 2014 6:50 AM
        I am sure this work in progress has either been finished or put aside since the post is dated in 2009. Go to top
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          Reply from even uyicli
          Monday, November 17, 2014 9:02 AM
          Doesn't matter if that project has been finished or not. The suggestions are great.I follow a similiar procedure but never thought about sewing extra fabric ton to large projects using a frame. Now, if I can only find the box with my sewing machine tools I would be a happy camper Go to top
          • Reply from elaine
            Saturday, January 23, 2016 8:22 AM
            have you made a working copy? i don't grid but when finding my spot i will use a highliter works good for me. Go to top