How to Cross Stitch With Multiple Colors
Cross stitches that require multiple colors can be tricky to navigate through. You must ensure that the method you choose will give you an easy time when sewing.
When cross stitching, you will be following a specific pattern. You need to transfer this design to a cross-stitch fabric.
Some patterns will require a variety of different threads colors. As such, you will be required to change the colors as you sew one at a time.
Are you wondering how to do this? This article got you covered!
How to Cross Stitch With Multiple Colors?
Contents
There are different ways you can cross stitch with multiple colors. Some methods will require you to change the colors frequently.
For others, you don’t need to change it often. To make it easy to change the colors, you can use multiple needles, each carrying the threads you intend to change.
Then, start stitching with one needle, following the pattern of your design. Once you finish stitching that area, go in with the next color.
Every time you finish stitching with a specific color, ensure you bring the needle out of the area.
How to Cross Stitch With Multiple Colors Using Parking Method?
The parking method will ensure that you have your stitching procedure in place. It is a great way to ensure that as you sew, you are neat.
With it, you will also know where you are about to stitch and where you have not.
The parking method is usual when cross-stitching multiple color threads. It ensures that your pattern moves logically.
You will also know what to do when following your pattern. The parking method is also ideal when your pattern is complex.
With the parking technique, you will not be leaving spaces or rows along the rows while stitching. Also, have a needle on each thread that you will be using.
Below is the procedure for carrying out the parking method when dealing with multiple colors.
Step 1: Prepare the Garment
Make sure that the fabric you are going to use for the parking technique is ready. Start by washing it, then iron it so that the pattern you will be sewing comes out as neat.
Step 2: Select the Threads You Are Going to Use
Some projects will require three threads, and some you may require more than ten. Honestly, it depends on the design you are about to sew.
Step 3: Thread the Needle
Have several needles for your stitching to look great. Thread all your needles with a different color thread.
Having a needle for each color ensures that your project is neat.
Step 4: Start Stitching
When stitching, do so, row by row, following the pattern that you are using. Start with one color.
After seeing it for a while or up to where you wanted it to reach, park it. Start from where you parked the first thread and go on with a different kind of thread.
You can go back to the beginning of the stitch. But this time, you will not make the stitch. You should leave the thread and the needle fixed at the front of your garment.
Step 5: Cross Stitch
Once you have the first stitch of your pattern, cross over to make the other stitches. You will be using a different needle and different color thread.
You need not worry about the hanging thread since it won’t fall.
Step 6: Stitch the Next Row
If your pattern has a zigzag shape such that you end up with patches representing different colors, start with one color.
Of course, at this point, you have already stitched the first row. Move on to the next row and make stitches following your pattern.
Like the second row, make the stitches with the same color as the stitches on the first row. Once you finish, park the thread and go to the next row to make the exact color stitches.
Step 7: Sew the Next Pattern
Before sewing the subsequent pattern, you need to make sure that, for instance, you are done with all the duplicate color threads in the first row.
You can now go in with a different color and pick up from where you had parked the first thread.
Ensure you go in with one thread at a time and sew its pattern on all the fabric’s required areas without leaving holes.
Step 8: Continue With the Parked Floss
You can now pick them up and stitch according to the pattern for the threads you have been parking after finishing to stitch, anchor, and trim the remainder.
How to Cross Stitch Without Parking?
Though the parking method is most common, it is not easy to use. If you don’t own the right skills to use it, you may confuse where you left.
You need a more straightforward method. Here are the steps you should follow.
Step 1: Thread the Needle With the First Color
Thread your needle and also determine where you will start the sewing process. It is better if you can start at the middle and follow the pattern to the end.
Step 2: Start Stitching
Insert the needle on your clothes right side. Ensure you leave an inch or so of the thread outside. Secure the tail with your finger. Make a few stitches to secure the tail.
Step 3: Stitch the First Color
Follow your pattern and make stitches using the first color of your thread all through the linen. You can finish with a row or a specific area on the pattern, depending on the design you want.
Step 4: Secure the Stitches
Move the needle to the wrong side of the fabric. Sew through the stitches to keep them intact.
Trim the thread. You can now go-ahead to the next color!
Step 5: Thread the Needle With the Next Color
On the same needle, thread it with a difference that you will use next.
Step 6: Stitch With the New Thread Color
Following your pattern, stitch the fabric with the new color. Ensure you also leave a trail of this new thread.
Also, stitch it at the wrong side of the fabric using a couple of stitches.
To finish stitching with this new color, insert the thread to the wrong side of the garment. Secure the stitches and cut the excess thread.
For the remaining colors, you should follow this procedure. Follow your pattern design to determine the thread to use next.
Tips for Cross Stitching With Multiple Colors
1. Ensure You Go Through Your Design Chart Thoroughly
You cannot make cross stitches out of anywhere. You need to ensure that you go through the pattern you will be using when stitching keenly.
Know where you should start with this thread and where to end with the other. Learning the pattern will minimize mistakes and ensure that you come up with a neat-looking cross stitch.
2. Deal With One Cross Stitch at a Time
Once you know how to navigate through your pattern, the easiest way to make great stitches is by dealing with one cross stitch at a time.
Once you finish stitching with one stitch, you can now go ahead with the other color.
3. You Can Stitch Incomplete Rows
You may want to come up with a remarkable color variation. Rather than dealing with one cross stitch at once, stitch the rows back and forth.
This method will help you create blended color effects.
Should You Stitch in the Same Direction?
If you are dealing with multiple colors stitching in the same direction is a great option. Ensure that you use the same method when creating different stitches.
As such, you can be sure to have a lovely and neat pattern at the end.
Sewing in the same direction also ensures that you remain focused on your sewing. You can pick it up easily from where you left.
Should You Thread the Colors on Different Needles?
Yes. The best option is to deal with a single needle for each thread. You will save yourself time since you need not re-thread.
Also, you will be able to have neat work. Though it gets bulky, at least you won’t be dealing with tangled threads.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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