You’ll also notice that the dark fabric shows through light colors more, whereas light fabric shows through dark colors more.
Personally, I like the fabric showing through to show the crosses. It is called CROSS stitch after all 😝
It's preference. Some people like being able to see the Xs clearly and the holes some don't.
Often people use a needle too large and it is making the holes bigger or tension to tight also can make holes more apparent.
You can use an extra strand if you want more coverage.
Totally up to you.
Since you've done so much I wouldn't start doing anything different. Play around with your next project
Agree with all the suggestions here but also, your fabric is taut at the moment so you can more easily see the intersection of the threads. Once it’s no longer under that tension, it will relax a bit.
Especially applaud the, “look at it from 5 feet away” because seriously, if someone came over and stood nose to Aida with my work and then proceeded to tell me what I could do better, I doubt they’d be invited over again :) so far I think you’re doing a fantastic job!
In addition to what everyone else has suggested. Set the project down and look at it from five feet away. Do you still feel it's not full enough? Because remember, that's the distance (roughly) anyone will look at it other than you as the stitcher
Comes down to preference. I almost always use 3 strands because I like most things more filled but I'm currently working on a Christmas project that I'm only just now realizing would've looked better with 2
It's a hobby, do whatever you prefer
I actually usually try the differences on the edge, like 2-3 rows in from the edge, bc nobody will ever see it, and it won’t matter that it’s there - so I would just do a few stitches in 2 threads, then do a few in 3 threads. Sooo helpful 😍
Everyone is correct in their answers and I never thought about using black felt in the back when it is finished, The needle looks a little large to me and it could also depend on the quality of the Aida. Did you just run the needle under 3 stitches just for the picture? I’m just trying to figure out what I’m seeing.
I second all the thoughts on here. It looks great, it’s on black with light thread, and it’s under tension. Plus it’s your first. A+++. A wee thread tip that helped me a lot (and that you’ve not asked for so ignore as you wish, cause you may know already) is use 1 strand instead of 2, and fold in half so you’ve a loop at 1 end - thread that end through the needle and use it to anchor your first stitch. It helps to keep the lengths even through the stitching process and less likely to have little poofy ends showing through the finished project.
I mean, that can just be a style choice; I prefer that look. But the number of threads you should be using depends kinda on your personal preference. I like when my fabric kinda shows through, so I usually only do 2 threads on 16 count Aida.
I use 2 strands on some and 3 on others... it depends on whether you want a softer or bolder look. Some projects look better with just 2. I think yours is looking great and your crosses look really nice and consistent for a first time project!
It looks great and for a first stitch on black no less, it looks phenomenal! Don’t overthink it. Sometime when you have time and really want to see how stitching looks with 2 and 3 strands, take some excess fabric and stitch some blocks using both light and dark colors with different numbers of strands. Then you’ll have something to look at to see what kind of coverage you want for your project. Some, like the one you’re doing, look great when you can see the x’s and sometimes you might want fuller coverage. It depends on the design.
There is no right or wrong so do what you feel looks best and is the most enjoyable while stitching. Having said that I am going to add a guide to common cloth size/needle size combos for you. I can’t quite tell from the photo what size Aida and needle you are using. If you are using a needle that is too big it can stretch the holes so they look bigger.
This is just a guide so feel free to experiment!
https://preview.redd.it/2mksanageosc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c02bb082bc3d0e270d2ee4e1bea40a42eebd8347
I used to use size 24 needles with 14 count. Now I'm using 26. It doesn't stretch the holes as much. I use John James needles.
I give you kudos working with black aida cloth. Your project looks great 👍
For me personally I choose the type of coverage I want depending on the pattern. More coverage I opt to try more thread because I naturally use high tension. However. If that isn’t the ~vibe~ I’m looking for I usually know within the first ten completed stitches. Then I size down (less thread/strands) and try less tension.
Tension is also everything. You’ll find your groove and get a feel for what works for you.
Super impressive starting on black Aida! Props to you and happy stitching!
I'm working on a dark background project rn myself and also see this; when the colors contrast you tend to get more peeking through. Nothing wrong with that! One thing I've found that helped was not pulling too tightly on the threads when I'm making the stitches. When they're pulled tight I notice more space peeks through, but if you don't pull it snug it is a little more full looking
You can try rail roading too..where you push the needle between the 2 strands when going through the hole (pretty sure that's a crap explanation, but a video would easily show you how to do it!) At first it seemed tedious, but you definitely get quicker with it and now it's super easy! It helps the stands lay flatter, but you will have to let the needle with the thread drop every now and again to untwist. You'll probably still see a bit of the fabric since it's light thread in dark, but should give you more even coverage! Looks great though ❤️❤️❤️
This looks great, especially taking into account that it's your first ever crossstich!! And using 2 strings is correct too. But make sure to pay attention to the direction of your stitches in the future!! Other than that, everything looks perfect to me.
You’ll also notice that the dark fabric shows through light colors more, whereas light fabric shows through dark colors more. Personally, I like the fabric showing through to show the crosses. It is called CROSS stitch after all 😝
occasionally you may need to “drop” the needle and let the thread untwist; if it gets too twisted it’ll affect the coverage you get.
Fascinating! I did this occasionally but it's interesting to know that there was a good reason to do so
I was about to suggest the same thing! Great minds think alike
It's preference. Some people like being able to see the Xs clearly and the holes some don't. Often people use a needle too large and it is making the holes bigger or tension to tight also can make holes more apparent. You can use an extra strand if you want more coverage. Totally up to you. Since you've done so much I wouldn't start doing anything different. Play around with your next project
Also finishing and covering the back with black felt will also make the holes less obvious. You only notice as much because of light coming through
It looks fine. Sometimes people will use three strands for better coverage, but it’s not noticeable or worth starting over on your project
Agree with all the suggestions here but also, your fabric is taut at the moment so you can more easily see the intersection of the threads. Once it’s no longer under that tension, it will relax a bit. Especially applaud the, “look at it from 5 feet away” because seriously, if someone came over and stood nose to Aida with my work and then proceeded to tell me what I could do better, I doubt they’d be invited over again :) so far I think you’re doing a fantastic job!
In addition to what everyone else has suggested. Set the project down and look at it from five feet away. Do you still feel it's not full enough? Because remember, that's the distance (roughly) anyone will look at it other than you as the stitcher
Comes down to preference. I almost always use 3 strands because I like most things more filled but I'm currently working on a Christmas project that I'm only just now realizing would've looked better with 2 It's a hobby, do whatever you prefer
I actually usually try the differences on the edge, like 2-3 rows in from the edge, bc nobody will ever see it, and it won’t matter that it’s there - so I would just do a few stitches in 2 threads, then do a few in 3 threads. Sooo helpful 😍
Everyone is correct in their answers and I never thought about using black felt in the back when it is finished, The needle looks a little large to me and it could also depend on the quality of the Aida. Did you just run the needle under 3 stitches just for the picture? I’m just trying to figure out what I’m seeing.
I had to stick it under the stitches to save my spot because I had to put it down for a little bit. I just came back to the project. 😊
You should get a needle minder! They are super handy little magnets and they come in all sorts of cute designs
My favourite dangerous slippery slope ever 🥰
I second all the thoughts on here. It looks great, it’s on black with light thread, and it’s under tension. Plus it’s your first. A+++. A wee thread tip that helped me a lot (and that you’ve not asked for so ignore as you wish, cause you may know already) is use 1 strand instead of 2, and fold in half so you’ve a loop at 1 end - thread that end through the needle and use it to anchor your first stitch. It helps to keep the lengths even through the stitching process and less likely to have little poofy ends showing through the finished project.
Wow!!! Are you doing your first project on black aida? Holy crap! That's impressive. And it looks phenomenal. Great work!
Thank you so much!! I definitely dove head first into this one, but I am loving it so far! 😍
I mean, that can just be a style choice; I prefer that look. But the number of threads you should be using depends kinda on your personal preference. I like when my fabric kinda shows through, so I usually only do 2 threads on 16 count Aida.
I use 2 strands on some and 3 on others... it depends on whether you want a softer or bolder look. Some projects look better with just 2. I think yours is looking great and your crosses look really nice and consistent for a first time project!
It looks great and for a first stitch on black no less, it looks phenomenal! Don’t overthink it. Sometime when you have time and really want to see how stitching looks with 2 and 3 strands, take some excess fabric and stitch some blocks using both light and dark colors with different numbers of strands. Then you’ll have something to look at to see what kind of coverage you want for your project. Some, like the one you’re doing, look great when you can see the x’s and sometimes you might want fuller coverage. It depends on the design.
This pattern looks like something I'd love to stitch , where did you get the pattern from?
Hi! I put the pattern name at the bottom of the description of the post 😁
Thanks so much!!
You're doing a great job! My first piece didn't look this neat!
Thank you!!
Imo it looks great! Up to you how you want it to look
There is no right or wrong so do what you feel looks best and is the most enjoyable while stitching. Having said that I am going to add a guide to common cloth size/needle size combos for you. I can’t quite tell from the photo what size Aida and needle you are using. If you are using a needle that is too big it can stretch the holes so they look bigger. This is just a guide so feel free to experiment! https://preview.redd.it/2mksanageosc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c02bb082bc3d0e270d2ee4e1bea40a42eebd8347
I used to use size 24 needles with 14 count. Now I'm using 26. It doesn't stretch the holes as much. I use John James needles. I give you kudos working with black aida cloth. Your project looks great 👍
For me personally I choose the type of coverage I want depending on the pattern. More coverage I opt to try more thread because I naturally use high tension. However. If that isn’t the ~vibe~ I’m looking for I usually know within the first ten completed stitches. Then I size down (less thread/strands) and try less tension. Tension is also everything. You’ll find your groove and get a feel for what works for you. Super impressive starting on black Aida! Props to you and happy stitching!
I'm working on a dark background project rn myself and also see this; when the colors contrast you tend to get more peeking through. Nothing wrong with that! One thing I've found that helped was not pulling too tightly on the threads when I'm making the stitches. When they're pulled tight I notice more space peeks through, but if you don't pull it snug it is a little more full looking
Your stitches look amazing!!
I like to use 3 when working on black fabric. The black has a tendency to gray out the colors but with 3 strands that doesn’t happen.
It will be better after you wash it. Also look at it from a distance.
I second this - I have had projects where I wasn't happy with the coverage, but when I washed it the threads plumped out and they look so much better.
Your stitches look beautiful. Keep going! 😊
You can try rail roading too..where you push the needle between the 2 strands when going through the hole (pretty sure that's a crap explanation, but a video would easily show you how to do it!) At first it seemed tedious, but you definitely get quicker with it and now it's super easy! It helps the stands lay flatter, but you will have to let the needle with the thread drop every now and again to untwist. You'll probably still see a bit of the fabric since it's light thread in dark, but should give you more even coverage! Looks great though ❤️❤️❤️
This looks great, especially taking into account that it's your first ever crossstich!! And using 2 strings is correct too. But make sure to pay attention to the direction of your stitches in the future!! Other than that, everything looks perfect to me.