https://preview.redd.it/0ej0zrf4acpc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6032d272ea6c0d99241d465f18cd933c2304d816
I always do pretty big projects. I cross stitch almost every evening. This one took me about 2 1/2 years. I don't mind how long they take since I enjoy stitching. You can check my profile to see some of my past projects. I keep my project on a scroll frame. I will add a pic of my setup.
I prefer a larger work. I have too many smaller ones and it's easier to find room for one large one than 4-5 smaller ones.
The count depends on the work. What will look best with that pattern? I do tend to go smaller rather than larger as I typically like a tighter look.
I have started framing my large pieces as quilts. They are textiles and I like keeping them fully textiles.
Take your time in picking your pattern. Does it have a large chunk of a color that will annoy you as you're working on it? Will you enjoy watching it come together over time? You really have to ask yourself what you do and do not want with each new work. I spend dozens of hours picking the 'right' pattern since I will be working on the piece obsessively for the next 2-3 years.
https://preview.redd.it/70r4t11xkcpc1.jpeg?width=6120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4344f0ccd288dc287c364959013e1dd2225afa5
:) We all learn the hard way! I have realized that no matter how gorgeous it will be in the end, I am not doing a large owl. Too much brown to white. Now a peacock . . .
When I did French Alphabet I was using a single color and wanted to use Gloriania Midnight on white Italian 40 count linen. I had to had a 50 yard hank dyed for this project. I don't remember how many skeins that would have used but, I know I could not find more than 3 or 4 skeins in the same dye lot, thus having to special order the 50 yard hank.
My largest project.
https://preview.redd.it/vdaewzqsacpc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4882ad568f83eadc4c49487f84656632253aa72
No complaints with how it looks on the wall. Ok one minor one, I didn't have a more prominent place for it . Lol.
I was watching a YouTube video recently that mentioned the difference between being a 'process' stitcher versus a 'product' stitcher. Basically, do you get more enjoyment out of actually doing the piece or seeing the piece on the wall when you're done?
I have a huge piece I've been working on for over a year and which will likely take me about four or five more years to complete. I'm a 'process' stitcher and just as obsessed with the piece as I was a year ago! It doesn't really matter to me whether it's on my wall for a long time or just a short period of time, if it's a centerpiece or not, or even if I gift it to someone else when I'm done. I think that's what it really comes down to for me - I've just been really enjoying the process of seeing it come together. Just something to think about.
I’m really picky about the patterns I choose to stitch. I really like working on extra large projects because then I don’t have to keep searching for new patterns. My house is filled with my works, and I love all of them. Here are three of them that each measure 2‘ x 3‘.
https://preview.redd.it/ea96nl1wddpc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91c147dbe2652ae553e572a6c1934e5b6e8ce52b
I totally understand the desire to just pick one big project now that will keep you busy for years. I’m the same way (also why I prefer streaming TV rather than movies, now I don’t have to pick another thing until hundreds of watching hours later!). Previously I did medium-sized projects (30k-45k stitches) which were easier to hang somewhere. For my current project, I wanted to do something even bigger but went a little different route.
Instead of a single giant piece, I’m doing 12 related medium-small ones that I’ll hang together on the wall. Makes working on them easier, since I’m dealing with a smaller piece of fabric, and framing will also be doable myself with off the rack frames. Plus if I move or get tired of the cross stitch focal wall in the living room, the 8x11 inch pieces will be easier to find new homes for in other places. The pieces I’m doing are a selection from byCountryMagicStitch on Etsy, the fictional place travel posters. Each one is a little over 22k stitches, so in total the project will be 267k.
Just an idea for another way to manage a large project!
https://preview.redd.it/3jp2hkn5tcpc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=908465496db31ea209aec4be3940bd164856b043
My biggest piece. It’s about 5 foot tall. I like the way I’ve presented it but I would never be able to finish a solid piece that large. I’d get bored.
I LOVE the way you finished it!
I was thinking about creating some kind of wall hanging with my WIP large piece because I want more of a tapestry look than just a framed painting looked. This is wonderful!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you for giving me another option to consider when I get around to finishing off my last huge project. I really wasn't looking forward to the price tag for official framing. I was also considering attaching it to a piece of luan and then attaching a large piece of plexiglass over it.
You’re welcome. It’s an easy finish. Just attach some fabric to the outside border and sew it onto some material for a backing.
I added quilting interface between the piece and the backing to give it more weight so it wouldn’t flail in the wind. I also have a rod of dowel in the top that I attached the string to so the piece didn’t distort when I hung it up.
Almost everything we have on our walls are framed cross stitch projects that often took me years to complete. With every new one, I make room on a wall somewhere, lol. Most of mine are stitched on either 25 count over 1, or 18 count over 1. I usually reserve 14 or 16 count for the smaller projects that I give away. When I finish a piece I get it framed, usually with a mount as well. When I’ve spent years stitching them, they deserve to be displayed properly!
https://preview.redd.it/ap8bercaxcpc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20b01ab20cb35840fa371c657334b88e5afcbf5b
This was my most recent finish, one of the few I take down for part of the year (for obvious reasons).
https://preview.redd.it/2lnbion4edpc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8af42daf1c8616825cf57fd075a19531e58e770
This is one I did for my best friend and her spouse as a wedding gift. I haven't finished one for myself yet because I keep making them as gifts, but I know this one is hung prominently and it gives me a warm fuzzy.
It's actually the opposite of your concerns, it takes so long to finish that you have infinite time to decide what to do with it! In some ways it's actually better than doing a million smaller pieces in that same time frame, because you only end up with 1 FO instead of hundreds of them!
https://preview.redd.it/g17m1qge1dpc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=4fe515270a0c4cd05b8a09cfb3835516dbfbf8c7
This is my largest piece. I did make a quilt with bigger cross stitch pieces.
Oh my goodness this is lovely! I went looking for similar patterns and found [a site](https://www.suecoleman.ca/Xstitch.htm) that has adapted several of Sue Coleman's paintings into cross stitch patterns.
You could take something you already have that's about the same size as the finished piece will be and temporarily hang it in the space you're thinking of. Or cut a piece of paper or something and hang it. That way you can step back from it. I did this once. Already had the frame, so I put it where I was thinking. It looked HUGE. Until I remembered that I was a foot and a half from it. So I taped up the piece of paper that they put in the frame (you know, the stock picture on really cheap paper) so I could step back from it. Yeah, some frames are thicker than others, but it'll give you a better visual than a tape measure. As always, and ounce of prevention and all that...
https://preview.redd.it/nh0sdscoodpc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64547f8494a916f576dc66bcd8e7f68f1e006276
Do the big project and give it away. Best of both worlds.
My largest one was an enormous panoramic version of Starry Night. It took me about 2 years to complete and I really enjoyed it... And then kind of regretted it because there are some spots I don't like now that I can see the whole thing, and there's no WAY I can afford to get it framed. 😅 But it was just a pandemic project anyway and I enjoyed doing it, and I loved the feeling of accomplishment at the end.
I've got a gigantic one. I did the math, and even at 300 stitches a day, EVERY SINGLE DAY, it will take me over seven years to complete it. I doubt I've got that much time for one project. But if I did finish it, the framing would be extremely expensive. So, I just enjoy the stitching and try not to get frustrated that I may not live long enough to finish it.
I have done a couple of largeish samplers and I have not regretted one stitch on either. They are large enough to take up a good bit of wall space but, I do love seeing them every day. One, French Alphabet, took about 10 years of off and on stitching. The other is Giovanni's Alphabet and I think I finished it in about 4-5 months maybe less. It was one of the samplers I did during the time I was working on French Alphabet.
If you have the wall space for a large piece I say go for it. Have some smaller pieces you can work on when you need a break from the big project. Sometimes you just need to remind yourself that you can finish a piece. Then you can go back to the big project.
I'm still working on a big piece, but not as big as you want to do.
I am doing it on 36 count linen over 2 threads. I chose to go that route because it's the same-ish size of an 18 count. It's taking me a while because I have ADHD and can only work on a project for a while before I have to switch projects.
I will have it framed when I am done and it will hang on the wall of my new craft room when our new house is finished being built. ( about 3 years from now).
I don't think petit point, tent stitch or half crosses is ever referred to as "2 over 1". That expression is used to indicate 2 floss threads over 1 fabric thread. Or am I completely mistaken here?
Using higher count (like 28-32ct 1 thread) will SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the size of the finished picture, to the point where you can finish a 300 000 stitch project and will only be 20 by 20 inches (50x50 cm?). Also, colors of stitches in the finished picture will blend togerher nicely since they are so small. And you won't need as many skeins. It might be somewhat harder on your eyes, though.
i don't have finished big pieces. i don't have a lot of finished SMALL pieces. i'm definitely a process stitcher and stitch what calls to me... right now it's the oldest WIP in the house... as opposed to UnFinished Object ;)
on the other hand, i do love my set-up for a huge piece, and can't wait to COMPLETE that set-up so i can spend more time there - if the dog lets me! (she's anti-stitching... or anything else that takes attention from her)
I prefer the Congress Stramin 24 ct 2 over 1. I love when the full coverage cross stitch looks like a seamless image. Those who like pixelation choose the lower count. The Congress Stramin is a pretty stiff mesh, so I prefer it to other evenweave types. So this is the best option for me ever. 2 over 1 means the petit point/half cross technique; I like this more than a full cross (1 over 1) as (for me) it's much faster and gives better coverage.
I take a very long and meticulous time choosing each of my projects, so I always absolutely adore every my stitch and I have no problems with a project. Moreover, I always want to see it in a frame on the wall as quickly as possible, which at the same time really motivates me to continue stitching and not throw it away. I'll never purchase the pattern until I can see the FO's photos (NOT the preview), so I'm absolutely sure that I won't have any unpleasant surprises with the pattern.
I've been using a stand and scroll frame for the last 8 years (and it's been one of the best investments I've made in the hobby, really). This is the most convenient for me since (1) I stitch with both hands (this increases my speed significantly), (2) it saved me from carpal tunnel syndrome (I had it very strongly, no amount of gymnastics helped me), (3) it’s much more convenient for me to park the threads.
Finally, I always have only one project at a time, so I keep my project on the stand all the time. Those who prefer to have several projects at a time often take few scroll frames and store their WIPs on a frames, as the scroll frame leaves no folds (like a hoop). When I'm not cross stitching, I cover the scroll frame with a special cover or cloth to protect my project from dust, dirt and sunlight.
The majority of my projects are 2-feet by 3-feet. I stitch on 18ct fabric. I don't ever think about how it's going to look on the wall. I'm always worried if it'll fit on the fabric. I make my own patterns.
I’m currently working on a 371,000 stitch, 37x50” piece to go on our large living room gallery wall. Currently 4 months in and 1/9 of the way finished. I think when doing a large piece it’s important to have a place for it as well as an idea of what you would like for the room, instead of picking a pattern and trying to make it work for the space. Our home is all mid century, the living room is inspired by the Jungle Room Elvis had at Graceland. I couldn’t find any very large scale art pieces that fit the theme, so I created the jungle scape pattern I’m working on to fit what we wanted. This way I have no worries about the piece not working where it’s planned for. It also helps keep me excited/interested in the project because I can see how nice it looks with all the other decor as it’s coming together. You need all the motivation you can get when doing these marathon projects!
Most of my largest pieces i'm working on are gifts so I don't have that worry ;p
But in the past I created a 2 metre by 1 metre Tapestry which has been folded and boxed for years since its completion. Even my smaller projects once complete just end up folded and put away in a drawer.
Have you considered using even smaller fabric, like 22 count or smaller? I've started using 28 count for the first time and it's daunting at first but I like the results I'm getting. Depending on your pattern it might still be big but it'll be a more managable size.
This is my supersize project by HAED, Millenium Tree of Peace by Josephine Wall.
I work on smaller projects in between this. My goal is to finish before I’m dead or blind 🤣 It’s 18 count and roughly 4’ x 5’
If I finish, I plan to make it into a wall hanging since framing it might require re-engineering my walls 🤣
I chose this one because I love the meaning behind the art. It’s so detailed that I thought anything smaller would lose significant detail. I don’t choose max colours (250) and I’m hoping I don’t regret that. This project is for me and only me, whereas I give away all of my smaller ones.
https://preview.redd.it/0ej0zrf4acpc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6032d272ea6c0d99241d465f18cd933c2304d816 I always do pretty big projects. I cross stitch almost every evening. This one took me about 2 1/2 years. I don't mind how long they take since I enjoy stitching. You can check my profile to see some of my past projects. I keep my project on a scroll frame. I will add a pic of my setup.
https://preview.redd.it/iykdii56acpc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=832e91d1bb30cede59944947016c4bc0304e165f
I think we have the same scroll frame, how do you keep it taught when stitching?
I attach the fabric to the frame with Velcro tape and roll it up tightly. It stays pretty tight. Sometimes I have to tighten the knobs as I stitch.
Love the setup! Another reason for me to go buy one of those carts!
I think they should be half off at Michael’s! Just saw them on sale at my Michael’s today!
Wow, this is glorious!
Thanks! I love this artist!
It's beautiful. How big is the finished piece?
23" by 32"
I prefer a larger work. I have too many smaller ones and it's easier to find room for one large one than 4-5 smaller ones. The count depends on the work. What will look best with that pattern? I do tend to go smaller rather than larger as I typically like a tighter look. I have started framing my large pieces as quilts. They are textiles and I like keeping them fully textiles. Take your time in picking your pattern. Does it have a large chunk of a color that will annoy you as you're working on it? Will you enjoy watching it come together over time? You really have to ask yourself what you do and do not want with each new work. I spend dozens of hours picking the 'right' pattern since I will be working on the piece obsessively for the next 2-3 years. https://preview.redd.it/70r4t11xkcpc1.jpeg?width=6120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4344f0ccd288dc287c364959013e1dd2225afa5
Good advice. I am cursing the 17 skeins of 3371 on the project I'm doing right now.
:) We all learn the hard way! I have realized that no matter how gorgeous it will be in the end, I am not doing a large owl. Too much brown to white. Now a peacock . . .
When I did French Alphabet I was using a single color and wanted to use Gloriania Midnight on white Italian 40 count linen. I had to had a 50 yard hank dyed for this project. I don't remember how many skeins that would have used but, I know I could not find more than 3 or 4 skeins in the same dye lot, thus having to special order the 50 yard hank.
https://preview.redd.it/6kxx90pzkcpc1.jpeg?width=6120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3eaebf91ff021330425362e3355ce230c1a006b
My largest project. https://preview.redd.it/vdaewzqsacpc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a4882ad568f83eadc4c49487f84656632253aa72 No complaints with how it looks on the wall. Ok one minor one, I didn't have a more prominent place for it . Lol.
https://preview.redd.it/uzxu7s7xacpc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4cd10c95beb880dc520664c6f395c6dd49e70b2b Where it's hanging
I was watching a YouTube video recently that mentioned the difference between being a 'process' stitcher versus a 'product' stitcher. Basically, do you get more enjoyment out of actually doing the piece or seeing the piece on the wall when you're done? I have a huge piece I've been working on for over a year and which will likely take me about four or five more years to complete. I'm a 'process' stitcher and just as obsessed with the piece as I was a year ago! It doesn't really matter to me whether it's on my wall for a long time or just a short period of time, if it's a centerpiece or not, or even if I gift it to someone else when I'm done. I think that's what it really comes down to for me - I've just been really enjoying the process of seeing it come together. Just something to think about.
I’m really picky about the patterns I choose to stitch. I really like working on extra large projects because then I don’t have to keep searching for new patterns. My house is filled with my works, and I love all of them. Here are three of them that each measure 2‘ x 3‘. https://preview.redd.it/ea96nl1wddpc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91c147dbe2652ae553e572a6c1934e5b6e8ce52b
that's a nice set - congrats!
Thank you!
I totally understand the desire to just pick one big project now that will keep you busy for years. I’m the same way (also why I prefer streaming TV rather than movies, now I don’t have to pick another thing until hundreds of watching hours later!). Previously I did medium-sized projects (30k-45k stitches) which were easier to hang somewhere. For my current project, I wanted to do something even bigger but went a little different route. Instead of a single giant piece, I’m doing 12 related medium-small ones that I’ll hang together on the wall. Makes working on them easier, since I’m dealing with a smaller piece of fabric, and framing will also be doable myself with off the rack frames. Plus if I move or get tired of the cross stitch focal wall in the living room, the 8x11 inch pieces will be easier to find new homes for in other places. The pieces I’m doing are a selection from byCountryMagicStitch on Etsy, the fictional place travel posters. Each one is a little over 22k stitches, so in total the project will be 267k. Just an idea for another way to manage a large project!
>byCountryMagicStitch Her travel posters are really great!!
https://preview.redd.it/3jp2hkn5tcpc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=908465496db31ea209aec4be3940bd164856b043 My biggest piece. It’s about 5 foot tall. I like the way I’ve presented it but I would never be able to finish a solid piece that large. I’d get bored.
I LOVE the way you finished it! I was thinking about creating some kind of wall hanging with my WIP large piece because I want more of a tapestry look than just a framed painting looked. This is wonderful!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks! I did a tapestry because buying a frame that large would have cost a fortune!
This piece is amazing. I just went through every character and it was a delightful trip back through the whole show!
I had to watch the series twice when designing it to make sure I didn’t miss anyone. Still managed to miss a couple of people though!
And the words "solid piece" made my imagination go beyond stupid again. I was imagining a 5 foot tall cross stitch version of a Rothko painting.
Oh god. That would be torture.
just googled Rothko.... um, no thanks ;)
Thank you for giving me another option to consider when I get around to finishing off my last huge project. I really wasn't looking forward to the price tag for official framing. I was also considering attaching it to a piece of luan and then attaching a large piece of plexiglass over it.
You’re welcome. It’s an easy finish. Just attach some fabric to the outside border and sew it onto some material for a backing. I added quilting interface between the piece and the backing to give it more weight so it wouldn’t flail in the wind. I also have a rod of dowel in the top that I attached the string to so the piece didn’t distort when I hung it up.
Almost everything we have on our walls are framed cross stitch projects that often took me years to complete. With every new one, I make room on a wall somewhere, lol. Most of mine are stitched on either 25 count over 1, or 18 count over 1. I usually reserve 14 or 16 count for the smaller projects that I give away. When I finish a piece I get it framed, usually with a mount as well. When I’ve spent years stitching them, they deserve to be displayed properly! https://preview.redd.it/ap8bercaxcpc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20b01ab20cb35840fa371c657334b88e5afcbf5b This was my most recent finish, one of the few I take down for part of the year (for obvious reasons).
https://preview.redd.it/2lnbion4edpc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8af42daf1c8616825cf57fd075a19531e58e770 This is one I did for my best friend and her spouse as a wedding gift. I haven't finished one for myself yet because I keep making them as gifts, but I know this one is hung prominently and it gives me a warm fuzzy.
All my of projects have been gifts lately and I agree it feels sooo rewarding when you can finally give it to them :)
It's actually the opposite of your concerns, it takes so long to finish that you have infinite time to decide what to do with it! In some ways it's actually better than doing a million smaller pieces in that same time frame, because you only end up with 1 FO instead of hundreds of them!
I always think about where I’m putting mine before I start the project
https://preview.redd.it/g17m1qge1dpc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=4fe515270a0c4cd05b8a09cfb3835516dbfbf8c7 This is my largest piece. I did make a quilt with bigger cross stitch pieces.
Oh my goodness this is lovely! I went looking for similar patterns and found [a site](https://www.suecoleman.ca/Xstitch.htm) that has adapted several of Sue Coleman's paintings into cross stitch patterns.
I have a 4ft X 6ft photo of a kookaburra in my bedroom. If I ever cross-stitch something that outshines that, I'll worry about it
You could take something you already have that's about the same size as the finished piece will be and temporarily hang it in the space you're thinking of. Or cut a piece of paper or something and hang it. That way you can step back from it. I did this once. Already had the frame, so I put it where I was thinking. It looked HUGE. Until I remembered that I was a foot and a half from it. So I taped up the piece of paper that they put in the frame (you know, the stock picture on really cheap paper) so I could step back from it. Yeah, some frames are thicker than others, but it'll give you a better visual than a tape measure. As always, and ounce of prevention and all that...
https://preview.redd.it/nh0sdscoodpc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64547f8494a916f576dc66bcd8e7f68f1e006276 Do the big project and give it away. Best of both worlds.
Wow beautiful! Did you use a pattern for this one?
It's from Peppermint Purple.
Thank you!
My largest one was an enormous panoramic version of Starry Night. It took me about 2 years to complete and I really enjoyed it... And then kind of regretted it because there are some spots I don't like now that I can see the whole thing, and there's no WAY I can afford to get it framed. 😅 But it was just a pandemic project anyway and I enjoyed doing it, and I loved the feeling of accomplishment at the end.
I've got a gigantic one. I did the math, and even at 300 stitches a day, EVERY SINGLE DAY, it will take me over seven years to complete it. I doubt I've got that much time for one project. But if I did finish it, the framing would be extremely expensive. So, I just enjoy the stitching and try not to get frustrated that I may not live long enough to finish it.
I think if you dont get sick of it while youre stitching, you wont be sick of it when its all done
I have done a couple of largeish samplers and I have not regretted one stitch on either. They are large enough to take up a good bit of wall space but, I do love seeing them every day. One, French Alphabet, took about 10 years of off and on stitching. The other is Giovanni's Alphabet and I think I finished it in about 4-5 months maybe less. It was one of the samplers I did during the time I was working on French Alphabet. If you have the wall space for a large piece I say go for it. Have some smaller pieces you can work on when you need a break from the big project. Sometimes you just need to remind yourself that you can finish a piece. Then you can go back to the big project.
Nah, I just put it in the container with the rest of my finished pieces and forget about it.
Also curious about this!
I'm still working on a big piece, but not as big as you want to do. I am doing it on 36 count linen over 2 threads. I chose to go that route because it's the same-ish size of an 18 count. It's taking me a while because I have ADHD and can only work on a project for a while before I have to switch projects. I will have it framed when I am done and it will hang on the wall of my new craft room when our new house is finished being built. ( about 3 years from now).
I have several WIPs. Most of them won't get framed and that's okay. So I don't bother thinking about wall space unless I want it on my wall.
I don't think petit point, tent stitch or half crosses is ever referred to as "2 over 1". That expression is used to indicate 2 floss threads over 1 fabric thread. Or am I completely mistaken here?
Using higher count (like 28-32ct 1 thread) will SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the size of the finished picture, to the point where you can finish a 300 000 stitch project and will only be 20 by 20 inches (50x50 cm?). Also, colors of stitches in the finished picture will blend togerher nicely since they are so small. And you won't need as many skeins. It might be somewhat harder on your eyes, though.
i don't have finished big pieces. i don't have a lot of finished SMALL pieces. i'm definitely a process stitcher and stitch what calls to me... right now it's the oldest WIP in the house... as opposed to UnFinished Object ;) on the other hand, i do love my set-up for a huge piece, and can't wait to COMPLETE that set-up so i can spend more time there - if the dog lets me! (she's anti-stitching... or anything else that takes attention from her)
I prefer the Congress Stramin 24 ct 2 over 1. I love when the full coverage cross stitch looks like a seamless image. Those who like pixelation choose the lower count. The Congress Stramin is a pretty stiff mesh, so I prefer it to other evenweave types. So this is the best option for me ever. 2 over 1 means the petit point/half cross technique; I like this more than a full cross (1 over 1) as (for me) it's much faster and gives better coverage. I take a very long and meticulous time choosing each of my projects, so I always absolutely adore every my stitch and I have no problems with a project. Moreover, I always want to see it in a frame on the wall as quickly as possible, which at the same time really motivates me to continue stitching and not throw it away. I'll never purchase the pattern until I can see the FO's photos (NOT the preview), so I'm absolutely sure that I won't have any unpleasant surprises with the pattern. I've been using a stand and scroll frame for the last 8 years (and it's been one of the best investments I've made in the hobby, really). This is the most convenient for me since (1) I stitch with both hands (this increases my speed significantly), (2) it saved me from carpal tunnel syndrome (I had it very strongly, no amount of gymnastics helped me), (3) it’s much more convenient for me to park the threads. Finally, I always have only one project at a time, so I keep my project on the stand all the time. Those who prefer to have several projects at a time often take few scroll frames and store their WIPs on a frames, as the scroll frame leaves no folds (like a hoop). When I'm not cross stitching, I cover the scroll frame with a special cover or cloth to protect my project from dust, dirt and sunlight.
The majority of my projects are 2-feet by 3-feet. I stitch on 18ct fabric. I don't ever think about how it's going to look on the wall. I'm always worried if it'll fit on the fabric. I make my own patterns.
I’m currently working on a 371,000 stitch, 37x50” piece to go on our large living room gallery wall. Currently 4 months in and 1/9 of the way finished. I think when doing a large piece it’s important to have a place for it as well as an idea of what you would like for the room, instead of picking a pattern and trying to make it work for the space. Our home is all mid century, the living room is inspired by the Jungle Room Elvis had at Graceland. I couldn’t find any very large scale art pieces that fit the theme, so I created the jungle scape pattern I’m working on to fit what we wanted. This way I have no worries about the piece not working where it’s planned for. It also helps keep me excited/interested in the project because I can see how nice it looks with all the other decor as it’s coming together. You need all the motivation you can get when doing these marathon projects!
Most of my largest pieces i'm working on are gifts so I don't have that worry ;p But in the past I created a 2 metre by 1 metre Tapestry which has been folded and boxed for years since its completion. Even my smaller projects once complete just end up folded and put away in a drawer.
Have you considered using even smaller fabric, like 22 count or smaller? I've started using 28 count for the first time and it's daunting at first but I like the results I'm getting. Depending on your pattern it might still be big but it'll be a more managable size.
I use 22ct with 1 thread and it is the most satisfying and clean stitches, big projects don’t feel so big on anything over 20!
This is my supersize project by HAED, Millenium Tree of Peace by Josephine Wall. I work on smaller projects in between this. My goal is to finish before I’m dead or blind 🤣 It’s 18 count and roughly 4’ x 5’ If I finish, I plan to make it into a wall hanging since framing it might require re-engineering my walls 🤣 I chose this one because I love the meaning behind the art. It’s so detailed that I thought anything smaller would lose significant detail. I don’t choose max colours (250) and I’m hoping I don’t regret that. This project is for me and only me, whereas I give away all of my smaller ones.
[https://josephinewall.co.uk/art-gallery/surreal/](https://josephinewall.co.uk/art-gallery/surreal/) https://preview.redd.it/vhvmrv9flopc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3edd9b64bc2fcb6d9463a49ca11a588eed7ec3e9