I’m sure if you’ve been around any cross stitch community for a while, you would have heard the terms “over one” and “over two.” In case you have no clue what these mean (or you’re not sure when you should use each), this video tutorial should help you stitch up your projects like a pro. 🙂 In this tutorial I also show you some tricks for stitching over one on linen or evenweave, as the weave of the fabric can sometimes make your stitches “slide” under the strands of fabric.
Stitching tips:
- Over one = one stitch over one grid square of your fabric, no matter the fabric type.
- Over two = one stitch over two holes or grid squares of your fabric.
- Usually patterns will be stitched over two if using a high thread count fabric like linen or evenweave fabric
- Stitches are the same size if stitching over one on 14 count Aida versus 28 count linen/evenweave
When to use over one vs over two?
- If you want to use high thread count fabric like linen or evenweave, it’s usually ok to stitch over two.
- Check the finished size on the pattern via the number of stitches (divide the # of stitches by the thread count of the fabric, like 140 / 14 = 10″ on 14 count or over two on 28 count). Some patterns are massive and if you stitch over two you won’t be able to find fabric wide enough for the project.
Formula to remember:
# of stitches divided by thread count of the fabric = finished size in inches (not including your framing/finishing margin).
Featured links in the video:
How to stitch fractional stitches
6 Responses
Dee
Thank you for the great video! I am going to watch the one over one on linen next. I have read in a variety of places that it does matter which hole you start in. It said to start where the warp is going over the weft. Do you think this is essential? Thanks!
Dana Batho
I’m pretty sure I cover that in the lesson, don’t I? Just stitch in whatever way works for you (and obviously keeps the stitches locked in). 😊
Jessica Campbell
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to explain things! Your tutorials are always so clear and I understand him the first time. I can’t wait for the SAL release!!!! Side note- I love the color of your nail polish.
Dana Batho
Ahaha thanks Jessica, glad it was helpful! And yes, I love that polish too, I randomly decided to match the pattern I was teaching in one of my Skillshare classes, and then I filmed a few other tutorials too. It just cracked me up editing the video footage… 🙂
Sandra Pirrie
Thank you so much for this months tutorial. It was very helpful indeed as are all your tutorials which are much appreciated.
Kindest regards Sandra Pirrie
Dana Batho
You’re very welcome Sandra, I’m glad it helped! 🙂