Really basic cross stitch question.
 

I'm getting ready to start my first cross stitch project but there's one thing I don't understand and it's so basic that books and blogs don't mention it. I understand that you put a strand through the needle and double it over. But when the instructions say "Use two strands," does that mean to put one strand through the needle and double it, thus the "two strands" go through the fabric? Or do you actually use two strands through the needle, ending up with four strands going through the fabric?

I assume it's the first example and I'm just over-thinking the second example, but it worries me.

Tate

Actually, I’ve always thought it meant putting two strands through the eye of the needle. Never thought of doing it the other way. Will be interested in what others do.

I was taught to put two strands (of the six) through the eye of the needle. My daughter uses three strands and I like it a lot better.

This short video might help you -

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B8sbriH8KUQ

Those instructions mean that you put 2 (of the 6) strands through the eye of the needle and stitch with those. The 'count' of the Aida cloth determines the number of strands you work with, generally, unless you want to use more/less strands for a different effect in some parts of your cross stitch piece.

Back in the day when I was doing needlepoint and cross stitch -- my eyes are too tired now to see all those pesky little canvas holes! -- I tried doubling a thread. It was a big mess. Needlepoint wool and cotton floss actually have a directional nap to them. Slide your fingers along the thread, and one way will feel smoother than the other. When you double a thread, it makes the nap work against itself and may cause knotting problems. It's much better to use two strand through the eye of the needle. The threads will nest together better.

If you have trouble threading your needle try cutting a sliver of waxed paper, folding it in half with the ends of the thread inside, then slip it through the needle's eye. It takes a little practice, but it's well worth the effort. The back of peel land stick labels makes a good needle threader for wool and floss.

Be very careful with cross stitch and needlepoint projects, though. They are even more habit-forming than quilting! Ha! Ha!

Sorry about the grammar and misspellings. My fingers just don't want to work this morning.

Use 2 strands through the needle. You will only knot one end of those two strands, you will have the other end "loose" and your needle can slip off. When making a stitch pull the thread through to the knotted end, two strands are your stitch. This is hard explain!

Another method:
*Use 1 strand, fold in half and put the fold through the eye of the needle. Pull thread down so loop is the longer side. *Begin cross stitch - pull needle up from bottom then down to make first half of the “x”.
*Run needle through the loop and pull snug.
*This is first stitch ONLY, not every stitch. The result is no knot on backside so it’s neater.
*When my thread is used, I run the needle under a few stitches on the backside then cut.
*No knots ever.

I think you are thinking of sewing with a knotted doubled length of thread. In cross stitch you don't double the strand at all and you don't knot it at all. You put two strands through the needle, pull it through the fabric at your starting point then take a very tiny stitch to anchor the strands. It can be picky to learn this but will result in flatter work. (You could have a knot but that will create a lump which will be visible if you mount the piece on a back board later.
Maybe you can google cross stitch or embroidery and find an explanation(maybe with pictures) of how to begin your stitching.
Good luck. Cross stitch and embroidery are very enjoyable.

This is how I understand one version of "how to" -

When you cross stitch,be sure you cross each stitch in the same direction--left to right or right to left.

I believe it means start out by putting 2 strands of thread thru the needle and do your cross stitching with both strands.

Use 2 of the 6 strands in the floss. Both go through the eye of the needle. Make sure the end that went through the needle is left free when sewing. That way you are only using the 2 threads. Also very important make sure you have all the threads going the same direction. I go left to right then double back to do the top of the x. I start coming up from bottom of cloth and bring needle to the upper left of x, then down through fabric in lower right of x. I do how ever many stitches for that color the go back to make the x. Start at upper right and go left down through lower left of x. How you do well. It really is simple. wish I could show you.

All the above are correct. I used to cross stitch all the time. You peel off 2 threads from the 6-thread bundle and use both as you would normally thread your needle. When you have good eye sight, it is a delightful hobby. Enjoy! :)

I do it the way Tranum explained.

I just wanted to post "Thank you" for everyone who posted. I tried the loop idea Tranum suggested and thought it was pretty good.

Tate

I don't know if this was mentioned but I put a long strand double through the needle and you get a knotless and no tail on the back. I hope this is clear.
I love that tip that someone gave me.

Can we see a picture of what your making? I've seen some really cute free patterns on the internet. Some are of antique treadle sewing machines or sewing themed items.

I would also love to see what you are stitching :)
I'm working on two different cross-stitch at the moment.
One is a counted cross-stitch of an Indian Peacock. It is gorgeous, but stitch intensive for me.
The other I just started last weekend. My mom bought it for me to hang in my sewing room.
It is a mouse with a big tomato pincushion. Its cute and my very first go at a printed cross-stitch.
I've been x-stitching for 20 years now and find it extremely relaxing and fun. :)

Lots of opinions! and a lot of cross stitchers … I have always used 2 strands through the eye and left a tail on the back when starting a new thread/color … as I start the cross's I make sure to cover over the tail on the back and that has always kept it in place. I have never had a problem. Good luck!

My DGM showed me how to cross stitch and she always used two strands sometimes three through the needle. I always have used two.

In the video the instructor says to measure to your elbow. I find that is just too short for me and I get frustrated having to rethread so frequently. Another video I watched said to cut at 36 in. and fold, and another said cut at 18 inches. So my advice on length of thread: play around with it until you find the length that you work with the best. I would start with the shortest one (to elbow) and gradually increase by 2 - 4" until you get to the point where you say, "Oops, this is too long". Sort of like Goldilocks finding her length of thread that is "just right".
Have fun - I love to embroider.

Hi, I am a long time cross stitcher. When a pattern says use 2 strands, you have 2 strands passing through the fabric as you describe above. Rarely would you ever have 4 strands going through the fabric, only if the fabric had a very low count like 8-count. I’m assuming that you are aware that floss comes in a skein where 6 strands are twisted together. Typically one would cut a piece about 18 inches and pull out each strand individually. The method you describe above using a single strand and doubling it over is a common technique to use to achieve a double strand, as it allows you to secure the thread at the back of your work by making use of the loop. There are some good utube videos on cross stitch techniques to help you get started with confidence. Some basic tenets of cross stitching:
- do not knot your thread to secure at beginning or end, instead use the loop method to secure at beginning if possible, otherwise weave the thread under other stitches to secure.
- keep a consistent tension
- don’t travel too far
- be consistent in the direction of your stitches, how they lie on top of each other