I too need a needle threader every-single-time! Not sure how others do it without it!

The stitch notch is right by me!!!

I relive this is an older video but I just loved it! So many people don’t talk about their process or show their mistakes, and it’s really helpful, especially for a newbie like me! I’m still trying to move from Aida to Lugana so linen is a ways off, but it dute had a beautiful look. I’m subscribing for sure!

A new start! Always so much fun! I hope you enjoy 40 count. Yes, good magnification really helps. Many stitchers will just cut the floss at the looped section right as it hangs from the card, and then you just loosen up the knot at the top and just use your needle to separate one floss strand and gently pull it right out. It is a good length for stitching with the overdyes when you’re not going to use the loop method for a start (like you can with two strands). I usually pick the side with the prettiest mottling and trying to look for slubs to avoid. If it’s the same color on both sides, so not a hand dyed fabric, then I just do what you did...this seems like the front🤣. Still trying to avoid slubs if I can. We start all over the place, so bottom right is okie doke! Enjoy (and I’m happy to help, but I’m not an expert)🤗

I've been wanting to try 40 count but waiting - for what I don't know exactly. Afraid I won't be able to see the holes. Thanks for being an encouragement to try new things.

Nice start! My best tip would be to try the pin stitch method to start stitching. I discovered it last year and I haven’t gone back since. I learned with the tutorial from Hands Across the Sea here on flosstube. Then, I know you said you like stitching in hand, but I find that using a hoop really helps me see the smaller count linens since it stretches the fabric and makes the holes more visible, even better if I put something white on the background. Finally, you can cut the end loops on your thread cards, loosen the top loop a little and then just pull one thread from the horizontal part of the top loop. It’s cat proof 😉 Enjoy your stitching!

Very nice and enjoyed viewing your flosstube video. Enjoy and we all are constantly learning…😊

Yeah, and yes 40 count is lovely to stitch on. Bohin needles are great, Piecemaker needles are great too. I think by using 1 strand that is why people like stitching on 40 count. I typically use smaller lengths of floss but find what is comfortable for you. I pull one strand and cut it in half for that way it doesn’t knot up for you. I love that cross stitch key!!! I use a pin stitch to start and I would just search it on KZfaq, I used Nicola’s tutorial but there are several out there. I think Saltbox Stitcher and Crosshatch Quilts did videos oh how they stitch in the hand, not sure if they did railroading or not. I start upper right and go to the left, think it’s from how I knit especially cable patterns for they go right to left. I saw this www.amazon.com/Mind-Reader-LTADJUST-BLK-Adjustable-Portable/dp/B06XPX2DBL/ref=mp_s_a_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=8%2Blaptop%2Bstand&qid=1613269607&sprefix=8%2Blap&sr=8-22&th=1&psc=1 on Celeste Creates and I take it everywhere especially in the car for we travel over an hour to doctor appointments. Great job and have fun. I know there are a lot of floss tubes but if you can find a LNS that may have zoom meetings or even embroidery guilds near you, most are doing meetings virtually and I get so many tips and tricks.

I am anxious to try 40 count, but I’m intimidated! You are my inspiration...I will give it a try! (With light and magnification, of course!) 😂 Meline

If you’re using 2 strands you should try the loop method... there is also a trick to removing a single strand from the floss drop without removing all the threads

Twisting the floss takes less display space for the shop. Check out a video for the sewing method for cross stitch...it's easier and quicker then stabbing method. Don't be afraid to use magnification. Take fabric to dollar store and check out the glasses.