Cross Stitch Laying Tool vs Railroading for Neater Stitches
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- čas přidán 12. 07. 2024
- You asked for a demonstration of how to use a cross stitch laying tool, and you've got more than you bargained for because we're going to talk about railroading too. It'll make sense, I promise!
00:00 Intro
00:42 Side-by-side comparison
01:59 How to railroad your cross stitches
03:08 How to use a cross stitch laying tool
04:52 Tips & tricks, pros & cons
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Didn't know what a laying tool was until you explained it. I finally learned what railroading was a few months ago. I usually don't bother with it unless my stitches are really not looking right, and then I do the top leg. I've found that if I let the floss spin once in awhile it lays nicer and my worst stitches seem to be at the end of my thread.
I tend to only railroad the top of my cross stitches, the bottom stitches can do what they like it's none of my business.
I won't live without a laying tool. I love it. Though, I will say I ALWAYS use it in needlepoint, and only sometimes for cross stitch. It makes a HUGE difference in the thicker threads and yarn used in needlepoint. Here are my tips:
1. Try keeping the laying tool as flat as possible against the fabric. This will help keep those threads in position as you do the following.
2. Instead of inserting it into the loop after placing your needle, pull the needle/thread in the opposite direction of the hole and use the laying tool to stroke the threads into position, holding them in place against the fabric as you insert the needle and pull the thread through. Makes for a much smoother motion. (LMK if you'd like me to point you to a quick demo I have.)
Also, I prefer the handled version, but can only use it when using a stand. So I use the trolley needle when I'm holding my frame. I go between wearing it on my index finger or thumb, depending on where I'm holding the frame or what area I'm stitching. I do sometimes need to hold my work upside down to reach a given area.
While tricky to hold on to, you can also try out the technique with a tapestry needle. Some trolley needles are literally just tapestry needles attached to thimbles.
My results with railroading are always unsatisfactory. Sometimes it works, but my threads often still twist regardless, so I rarely bother.
I find the same with railroading, where the floss can have a tendency to twist or tangle. So, I actually use my Trolley Needle to help me control my thread better. If I see a knot starting, I'll pull back on the Trolley Needle to make the thread more taut and I'll pull my thread through more slowly. Most of the time, this helps prevent the twisting and tangling. But if it just tightens the knot, it also makes it easier to catch faster so it doesn't get so tight that you simply CAN'T untie it. I usually railroad and use the Trolley Needle together on quarter, three quarter and top stitches, and only feel comfortable wearing it on my pointer finger of my left hand as I stitch with my right. It's a lot more convenient for me to do it that way because I typically only stitch in-hand, so holding a laying tool separately doesn't seem to be very comfortable.
Oh Lindsay you have me so excited with this comment, because I recently invested in my first needlepoint supplies (I think, anyway...long story) and am just trying to find time to give it a whirl. Will make sure the laying tool is handy when I do! Thanks for the tips 😄
@@TheGiddyStitcher Yay! I really think you're going to like it! It's a great middle ground between cross stitch and embroidery. It's one of my low-key missions to get more people to try it. If you've already got your supplies, you probably don't need this, but I put up a video a few weeks ago going through a lot of that stuff. You might find a few more tips there, including (I think) a couple that can help you be frugal with it 😉. Can't wait to hear how it goes!
Well as a Happy 73 Year Old Ager You Both have taught me some great Visual images with sound reasoning,,,,Who says You can’t teach this old Mare some new tricks?…..loved “Crack On”…..do I understand it to me “carry on”?
@@sherryzimmerman9220 Haha, yes correct. Bit of a British slang moment there! 😅
@@TheGiddyStitcherLove British slang 😄
Thank you for showing these techniques. I use both (although sometimes my laying tool is just another needle) and also the frog stitch. Sometimes I have to 'rip out' stitches and try again. Usually just one or two. Drop the thread. Railroad for a bit. And there should be an improvement. This happens mostly when I'm trying to use that last bit of floss. It's too short and getting twisted. I know that I shouldn't force 'just one more stitch.' It helps to end that thread and start with a new piece of floss.
My main problem with these methods is their fiddlyness - I do the "hold the project in your left hand kinda draped between you fingers and stitch like you're sewing" method of cross stitching (although to me this is simply known as cross stitch - the internet's fascination with hoops and frames is baffling to me). What I love about cross stitch is the flow of it, how casual and easy it is. Adding this level of carefulness to each and every stitch sounds like a nightmare - granted, I haven't tried them, but they just look like they'd suck the joy out of the craft for me.
As for coverage I tend to favour working with three strands on most fabric - not only is there less need for any careful stitches, but you can also get more subtle colour changes (especially useful since I'm using second hand floss instead of buying the "proper" colours). I've also found that just adding a single strand to the top stitch is a great way to shift a colour after the fact without adding any noticeable bulk.
Definitely fair! I don't enjoy railroading exactly because it's so fiddly, so will only do it if I know it matters (going to have extreme close up photos or - one day eventually - get entered into a craft show or something where these things matter. Otherwise it's the messy life for me!
I found the laying tools actually really fun in a satisfying sort of way, there's just something about the feeling of the threads gliding over it? Idk how to describe it! But yeah if you're not enjoying, there's no point. Do what brings you joy, that's my motto.
Fantastic video - very informative. I've always wanted more details about this very topic. Thank you!
You're very welcome! Some great tips in the other comments too, but if there's anything else you'd like to know do feel free to ask 🥰
Have you done a video on tension?
I just discovered if I stitch with a hoop and railroad, my stitches are almost perfect. No hoop and stitching in hand, the first stitch is looser, then the top stitch is tighter and it all tends to look messier, even with railroading the top stitch.
Thanks for this video.
I learned a lot in this video! I even think I'll try railroading to see if my stitches can look better this way or if I am doomed 🤭 Thank you Michelle! 🥰
@@marie-low-stresslife7374 I believe in you! 👏
Great video! I recently started using a laying tool and a trolley needle. Haven’t decided which one I like best, but I do like using them. I only use these tools one the top leg of the stitches. Where these tools seem to help, is when your thread is getting shorter and twisting more. I also found if I rub the thread too much, it starts to get curly.
Yes I've found that the twisting can still be a pretty big problem even when railroading, so the old "let the needle hang and untwist itself" trick is definitely still a go-to. For whatever reason I haven't found the threads to twist as much when I'm using the laying tool but that might be more because I'm stitching two handed. So many variables to rule out, so little time!
This was a great refresher on railroading, which I definitely needed as I'm about to start a project for my soon-to-be nibbling and I have not stitched in months. Thanks. :D
At your service! *takes a long, dramatic, bow*
Hi from the US. I have been wanting to comment on a knitting video but they aren’t very recent. The next time you get the urge to knit, try the Entrelac style. It’s not for the faint of heart. But once you get you get it.
Thank you for the very clear demo and explanation! I prefer stitching in hand and have been blaming that for less than ideal stitches when railroading. But I think it may be because I'm placing the needle too far from the fabric! Going to try getting closer over the next few days to see if I notice improvement.
Looking at my three blocks side by side I was genuinely surprised by how messy the railroaded one still is compared to the one with the laying tool. Only when you stare obsessively at it up close, of course, but there is definitely a difference. So I wonder if railroading is just inherently not as effective, although maybe it's just that we both need to practise more. My point is you're not alone, haha 😂
@@TheGiddyStitcher Your demo of laying tools was clearer than lots of others I've seen, too! But I'm not ready to move to hoops or Q-Snaps. Yet.
Interesting, I will have to check that out!
Thank you so much for the video! I’m possibly the world’s slowest stitcher due to some hand shenanigans, but this makes me think maybe using either of these techniques might make my floss chicken a little neater, instead of the stringy mess it usually becomes 😂
Thank you for sharing this. 😊
You're very welcome!
I use a seam ripper if I have some stitches or hat don't want to lay right.
Oh that's living on the edge, I try and keep the seam ripper as far away from my cross stitch as possible out of general fear of my own clumsiness! But whatever works 😅
Thank you so very much. New subscriber & love your channel!
Woop! Welcome and make yourself at home :D
I've started railroading since you're "how to stitch faster video" (ironic I know 😂) and it does seem more consistent but on lazier days I still manage to have wonkey stitches here and there. The laying tool is intriguing though, it does seem to look much neater strangely enough. I do wonder how much is down to which is your favorite side of the fabric (left-handed/right-handed) and frames sometimes work against me. I did enjoy the demonstration of all three methods and will be checking if I have any crochet hooks or something that can lend itself as a laying tool!
Haha, well you know what they say, it takes all sorts! I found with the laying tool (probably should've said this in the video but I always forget *something*), it's a bit like the sewing method in that I find it really easy and intuitive in one direction, but a bit more awkward in the other. So there's a certain amount of adjusting grip or even turning the q-snap round if I'm holding it in-hand.
But the specifics of that will be different for everyone so like I said, just a case of experimenting to see what sticks.
p.s. I'd dug out an old wooden shawl pin of an appropriate shape to give that a try, before remembering the stitch correctors. And someone else has already commented suggesting a biggish tapestry needle. I'm sure there'll be something suitable lying around most of our houses! 😄
I'm too slow to add these although the laying tool does a nice job. But if I was wearing it I'd poke my eye out for sure.
It's definitely only a matter of time before I'm putting out a PSA video of my own about the safety goggles...
I only rail-road my half stitches per personal preference & full black stich on white fabric for the coverage
Yeah I think a lot of people do. Sometimes I'll do both legs if I'm stitching white on black or something, but generally I'll try and get away with the barest minimum extra effort that looks ok and I am not ashamed of that :D
I use a different method.i pull my needle close to the canvas till there is only a smal part of thread left between the hole and the needle. After i rotate my needle 90 degress, i hold my finger on the top of the needle (not the tip, but the part next to the hole thats facing the roof now) i hold the thread in my other hand and pull my needle till nearly the end of the thread. Since the needle is not sharp inside the hole it wont fray. But all the threads laying now next to each other. So i dont need anything else. It wont take long and last for many stitches. Its hard to explain but i tried my best 😂 hope you could understand😅
Try putting the trolley needle the on the other side of your little finger. I find this much easier. 😊
@@rachelierston9373 Little finger is one I've never seen anyone do, will definitely have to give it a try and see 😄
I find that a laying tool is particularly helpful in needlepoint.
Ok you're the second person who's told me this and now I'm very excited, as I'm literally looking at the small pile of my first ever needlepoint supplies while writing this reply and really looking forward to giving it a try :D
I'm new to your channel. Do you have any advice for people who stitch with 3 strands?
With a laying tool, your method is the same although it may take a bit more wiggling on occasion. As long as the three strands are lying parallel across the top of the tool, you're all good.
With railroading it's a bit less exact. Some people split the strands 2 on one side of the needle, 1 on the other and find that looks tidy enough for them. I know some people prefer to sort of hold the floss flat in the direction it's about to be stitched, make sure it's laying as they want, and then put the needle down (sort of like I did at 02:25, it's hard to explain in words!)
Not a black and white answer and unfortunately another case of "experimentation required". Hopefully it helped a little bit.
p.s. welcome to the channel! :D
@@TheGiddyStitcher Awesome. I'll try a laying tool.
What is that holding your qsnap? Can't find anything that fits thicker than a hoop.
I have a Lowery workstand and just use the default side clamp. It's not designed to hold a q-snap but I found that as long as there's a grippy fabric between the clamp and the q-snap (a bit of felt, a grime guard etc) it actually works fine. That said, a lot of people have commented saying the Lowery corner clamp works much better for them, so I'll hopefully get to try that one day.
Hope that's helpful, but if you have other questions about the workstand they might be answered in this video I made! czcams.com/video/kuq6WdhTczo/video.html
@@TheGiddyStitcher Thank you!
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Only railroad white stiches
Definitely a good rule to live by :D
The laying method is very interesting, but to me the puffiness of the stitches gives the piece more texture and more life in my eyes. I feel having the laying tool would make the piece look too flat. It was interesting to learn, but I will stitck to not using the laying method.
That's absolutely fair, honestly. For me I like to know about the options and can then pick and choose. But sometimes you want things to be extra textured too, like I remember stitching one pattern that called for a blend for the hair, and instructed you to let the strands twist and cross as much as they liked to give it a more realistic texture.
All just depends on what you're going for, ultimately, there's no right and wrong!
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