Got a cross-stitch bib kit, stamped on front of double layer bib. How do I know where to stick the needle?

Question

I know this sounds stupid, but this is my first cross-stitch as I just wanted to try it. Ok, so it is a bib, fully sewn with a front and a back layer. The pattern is stamped on the front. You cannot see the pattern from the back so how are you supposed to know where to stick the needle thru the back. Just poke around every time? Its fine the first time but it will take FOREVER if I have to do that every time until I find the exact place on the front where the stitch is supposed to go. Has anyone ever done this type of cross-stitch and am I missing something? FYI it is a cross-stitch kit by Janlynn.

Answer 1

Here is a link to show you how but be careful, it's addicting and overdoing it can cause pain in your hands from the repetetive motion.

Answer 2

You are right.  You have to start by sticking the needle from the back to the front.  I know it sounds mondane, but you will get good at it.  I have never done a stamped project.  I always do the counted projects because the material is a lot easier to work with.  You can also make your project on cross-stitch material and sew it onto a baby bib.  I have done that and it looks nice too.

Answer 3

There are two methods for doing this.  There's the quick method and the fussy method.

With the fussy method there is absolutely no thread showing on the back of the bid afterward.  It's not for beginners or for folk who bore easily.  Cut the thread doulble-long and thread the cut ends into the needle's eye.  For the first stitch, go down from the top, into the middle, but *not* through, instead go back up again and "catch" the doubled loop of thread ... that's the beginning.  Go back down through one of the first two holes and the Lark's Head beginning knot disappears into the middle of the layers.  Never go all the way through.  Always go through the middle.  Your needle will always be on the same side as the stamped image.

With the quick method there are often lumpy knots on the back that can come undone in the laundry.  *Most* folk do stitch through all the layers.  The tidiest method through all the layers is to try to make the stitching reversible or good both sides.  With stem stitch, the back can look like a perfect backstitch, if you fuss enough.  This makes it relatively easy to find where the next stitch will go.