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How to Weave a Short End in Cross Stitch

August 5, 2024 by Sarah White

I know we all know better than trying to stitch with what’s obviously a too-short piece of embroidery floss, but that’s also never stopped up from trying to stitch up every last inch of thread.

If you’ve played thread chicken, whether you won or lost, you’ve probably left yourself with a super short end of floss that you can’t thread onto a needle and weave in at the back like you normally would.

Generally when I do this to myself I separate the threads and try to tie a knot, which isn’t all that easy to do, probably isn’t really helpful, and it leaves you with a knot in the work (which I don’t care that much about, but I know some people do).

Of course there has to be a better way, right?

Some stitchers who are way more clever than we are surely have a technique for dealing with these little threads. Aside from being willing to join in new thread even when they’ve only got a few stitches left because it will be easier than messing with a tiny end, right?

If you’ve ever wondered about what to do with a tiny tail from a game of thread chicken, you need to check out this video from Catkin and Lillie. It will probably take you less time to watch than it took me to tell you about it, and I don’t want to spoil her method, so you’re going to have to click over to YouTube and watch it for yourself.

It’s definitely worth it for the both simple and life changing advice on offer. I know that sounds dramatic but the way you stitch is part of your life, so it’s going to change your life when you try this technique.

Go check it out on YouTube, and give them a subscribe for tons of helpful tips, techniques and floss tube episodes.

[Photo: Catkin and Lillie]

How to Cross Stitch on Linen

How to Stitch Whipped Back Stitch

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Stitch Some Small Cross Stitch Patterns for Fall

I have a pretty short attention span these days (I was going to say when it comes to cross stitch, but actually it’s everything) so I’m always on the lookout for little patterns that can add some cuteness to my decor without taking a lot of time. So here are some small cross stitch patterns for your fall stitching and decorating enjoyment. 

One thing I do still try to pay attention to is reading, so I had to share this little pumpkin bookshop from Mango Charm Studio. At 46 by 48 stitches, it shouldn’t take long to stitch up the project, which uses 16 colors (because small doesn’t have to mean it lacks details!). On 14 count fabric this one comes out to 3.3 by 3.4 inches, or 8.3 by 8.7 cm. 

These cozy autumn icons from Stitch Bloom Garden would be fun to stitch on a single hoop as shown or work each little one on a different project. You could stitch leaves on napkins or use the designs in little frames. The full set is 108 by 106 stitches, which some out to 7.7 by 7.6 inches, or 19.5 by 20 cm, on 14 count fabric. The full set fits in a 9 inch frame and uses 21 colors. 

Pattern House US has this cute maple leaf stamp cross stitch pattern that comes out to 3.93 by 4.64 inches/9.98 by 11.79 cm on 14 count fabric, but you can make it even smaller if you like. This project uses 7 colors and is 55 by 65 stitches. 

Another one that reminds me a bit of a stamp is this pumpkin design from KC Patterns Studio. This one uses 6 colors and is 40 by 40 stitches, which comes out to 2.5 inches or 6.5 cm on 14 count fabric. 

Find more cute minis at Dreaming Cat Patterns, which has a set of 12 mini fall motifs, leaning toward Thanksgiving but really pumpkins and pies and turkeys are great all throughout the fall, right? The designs are all 50 stitches wide and vary a little bit in height (all are 40 or fewer stitches tall) and number of colors needed. The biggest one is 3.57 by 2.86 inches, or about 9 by 7.3 cm on 14 count fabric. 

And if you want to get super tiny, try the pumpkin and fall leaves minis from Bella Rose Craft that fit in tiny frames (just the pumpkin is shown above). The pumpkin is just 12 by 12 stitches and the leaves are 15 by 21, and they both fit in a tiny 1.5 by 2 inch hoop. So cute!

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