We’re no strangers to massive cross stitch projects here; from crazy transforming cross stitch to our epic Pokémon patterns, but taking on a cross stitch masterpiece can be not only a daunting task but one you really need to work at.
So, if you are tackling an epic piece to attempt a cross stitch world record, or just looking to stitch your second project, we’re going to guide you on a step-by-step journey to make sure you get it finished and enjoy doing it.
Get Prepared For The Long-Haul
Let’s assume that you’ve found a pattern you like and you’ve avoided finding a bad cross stitch pattern and you’re all raring to go.
Now we need to be serious.
You see, the energy and enthusiasm you have right now, will fade. It might go completely, it might just wane, but you’re as impassioned as you’ll ever be right now.
Reconsider
The fact of the matter is, that if you’re not 100% sold on the idea right now, then it’s unlikely you’ll make it far on your next project. So really be honest with yourself and for a second, think about if you have what it takes to finish.
But Don’t Throw Out The Idea
If you’re not 100% committed, but part of the way there, that doesn’t mean you have to give up.
Consider finding a smaller pattern that’s themed the same way, or one, of the best ideas we’ve come across; don’t take the idea too seriously.
We break up big projects by stitching little ones throughout. By breaking it up you give yourself a little bit of respite to build up your enthusiasm again.
Price And Time It Out
The next step is one of the most important ones, and frankly, one of the biggest hurdles too.
You need to price out and time out the project.
Price It Out
Price is the big one; cross stitch supplies aren’t free. The price of aida, threads, needles, and anything else you need (such as a cross stitch frame or under light for stitching on black aida) should be priced out.
You need to be as accurate as you can here too. A big cross stitch pattern should come with skein estimations, but sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes people stitch with more or less thread. We created a cross stitch thread estimator for just this purpose if you need it.
But also; don’t get disheartened.
Sure, you might not be able to afford the piece if you work on the price of DMC threads on their website. But the price of DMC threads varies so you might be able to find a better deal. Or even buy a cross stitch cone for some of the more popular colors of threads.
You can even consider swapping out your cross stitch thread brand for a different one, we rate cheaper cross stitch thread brands.
There is always an option to lower the price somehow. The only question is if you’re happy to pay the price, be that in money, time, etc.
Time It Out
But price isn’t the only consideration when it comes to big projects. The second is time.
Your next stitch might take you 10 hours to complete, 100 hours to complete, or even 1000+ hours to complete, but however long it is, you need to be honest with yourself.
You can’t stitch a 100-hour project in 3 days. You can’t stitch a 10-hour project in an afternoon.
Whatever the time implication is, be prepared.
This is especially important if you need to stitch something for a specific date.
Sure, a 100-hour project in three months seems doable, until you realize that’s 1.5 hours every single day, for 3 whole months.
Collect Everything You Need Upfront
So we’re found the cross stitch pattern we want, we’ve worked out if your enthused enough, we’re costed and timed it out and we’re still on board to make this a cross stitch masterpiece.
Then let’s go shopping.
There are two parts to this, but I would always suggest buying everything you need upfront.
Firstly, you need to think of availability. Sure, you might be able to find supermassive aida this week, but can you next week?
What happens when your cross stitch brand gets purchased or some of the threads you need get discontinued?
By buying upfront you make sure you have everything you need.
And the second part primarily refers to threads.
We debunked the DMC thread dye lot issue a long time ago, but you do still find threads that don’t match color due to how embroidery threads are stored, so by buying all of the threads upfront (or at least all of that specific color you need together) you will avoid any issues with the colors not matching what you’re expecting.
Don’t Loose Enthusiasm
We mentioned this above, but sometimes, you just need to ground yourself a little.
Maybe you’ve been stitching at a super fast rate, maybe you’re just not feeling it as much anymore.
Adapt.
Maybe cut the pattern down, stop stitching as much each day, or give yourself more time to enjoy it.
But Accept If You Have To Give Up
Its OK to give up your cross stitch project.
Yes, you may have put a boat load of time into your project, but at the end of the day, if you’re just not having fun; bin it off.
That might be to stitch something else in the mean time and come back, as we mentioned above, or it could simply be to stop.
I have a cross stitch project half completed in my draw at home, and that’s OK. Maybe one day I’ll go back and finish it. Maybe it will just live on as an .
Sometimes; that’s just how it has to be.
We hope this step-by-step guide on how to tackle your next big cross stitch project has been helpful to you, and good luck stitcher!
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan