Can you Cross Stitch Faster with the Sewing Method?

The sewing method is often presented as a method you can use to cross stitch faster, but can it really deliver on this?
And are there any potential downsides to using it?
I'll share how to do the sewing method plus the pros and cons.

00:00 Start
01:26 Stab and stitch vs. Sewing method
02:47 Stab and stitch demonstrated
03:19 Sewing method demonstrated (in rows/Danish method)
06:24 Sewing method demonstrated (one stitch at a time/English method)
07:49 Sewing method demonstrated (one stitch at a time/Victorian method)
09:23 Sewing method for columns
11:35 Downsides to the sewing method
16:17 Speed comparison
18:18 Neatness comparison

**OTHER VIDEOS MENTIONED**
7 tips for cross stitching without an embroidery hoop

English method or Danish method for cross stitch - what's the difference?

How to untwist your cross stitch embroidery thread

How to railroad cross stitch

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MUSIC
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Tech Ascendancy [Full version] by MusicLFiles

[tamaralankford]

I've been stitching since I was about 8 years old (almost 40 years) and I'd never heard of railroading or sewing method until I saw your videos! Thank you for teaching me something new!

[deborahchurch]

I always used to stitch in hand using the stab and stitch method. Then somebody talked me in to using a hoop. Now I can't stitch without it. I'd love to try it this way but I can't live without my hoop! Thank you for all your videos. You've helped me a lot.

[barbarahaynes-bihk]

I stitch in hand using the Victorian method. Work right to left, then turn your fabric upside down to work back across - you will see that the top stitch lies the same way. I also work sideways for long runs, but this requires a slight variation in placing the stitches, 2nd nature once you have practiced - as long as the top stitch is correct it doesn't matter which angle you stitch from

[Paddys]

Just found your vlog on YouTube. I love cross stitch. I’ve been doing it for about 30 years when my son started school and I was home a lot during the day. I use mostly 14ct aida and always use a hoop. I find without a hoop I’ve no control over fabric. I use the stab and pull method but would find it too difficult to try a new way. I’m going to now search for more of your vlogs. From this first visit I think I’ll be hooked. 😊

[sunnykat]

I use the sewing method and stabbing methods. My secret for holding the canvas is to roll the Fabric in towards the right (I’m right handed) then hold one finger on the bottom as the guide and my thumb on the top. My thumb also works as a laying tool. Yes my stitching is faster. Ok now blocks of color with the Victorian method. I flip my work upside down and fly to the end of the row. Then flip it back up right side up. Excellent video! You explained them well especially since they are not your preferred methods😊

[starsrgood]

I have always stitched like this. I am pleased I now know it is okay as friends have commented how strange it is. My Mom taught me this about 45 years ago.

[alice]

I'm so glad you've showed the " railing" method! It is very helpful with stitching. I use this for years and my crosses looks really neat and tidy😊

[marionanthony]

I have returned to cross stitch (25 years away). I have not had success with my stitches. Thanks for the tip of the tightness of stitching. It has worked.

[minajones]

I learned to do stab and stitch 40+ yrs ago and will continue as I learned. To be honest, I wasn’t even aware there was any other way to do cross stitch. Haha. I’m glad I found your channel and look forward to watching your other videos. Blessings! 😊

[thieleaf_the_shelf_dragon]

i use a hoop for sewing method! you just dont pull the fabric tight. it makes it a lot easier to manage tension because the fabric isnt trying to flop out of my hands, and i can park threads without the tails going all over the place ^^
ill also add that when i do victorian style (i didnt realise it had a specific name!!) and i just turn the piece upside down to travel backwards

[katiobrien]

I've always used the stab and stitch method, but your video on the railroad style fascinated me and when I do pick it back up, I am going to try that. Once again, thank you for the tutorial information.

[solveigfrank]

Can we talk bout the way she presents her informations tips n tricks in her videos <3 absolutely awesome so professional no nonsense no nothing

[kevinbetts]

You can kind of sort of do this in a hoop. I start on the top, put the needle through and immediately flip it underneath then and come up the next hole. Then I pull the thread only from the top. I have practiced this and it seems to tangle the thread a ton less than down / pull / up / pull etc. Also if you are going to get a tangle or knot in the thread it is obvious on the front of the work instead of you not noticing it on the back until you have done more stitches.

[marionanthony]

PS. I have your pattern 'Rainbow Christmas' I enjoyed stitching them. The pattern is easy to follow. The design and colour change in each row, adds dimension.

[barbarawest]

I'm left--handed and have experimented with the sewing method but t doesn't come as easily for me as the stab and stitch method. But it was fascinating to watch you combine sewing and railroading. I'm definitely going to try your technique on that. I had just about resigned myself to sewing the bottom leg and stabbing-with-railroading the top leg.

[daisysew]

Thank you such an interesting video. Always wanted to know about sewing method. Think will stick to stabbing! Many thanks too for your other videos.😊

[karenkiss]

I like the stab and stitch method, I think I’d get so confused with the others. X

[achimwasp]

I mostly use the Danish sewing method as well, but going a step further. Not only making the first half first, but even doing it over multiple rows or if I have to go diagonally (it's an Austrian method called "Ebenseer Kreuzstich" - there's some videos here if you search for it). You have to know how many stitches you can make with the length of thread you have, so you have enough thread to go back to the start making the second halves. It's quite involved, but the backside will only have vertical lines, so it's especially useful for stitching on e.g. towels which have a strip of Aida. The backside will be visible on those, so should be as neatly as possible. The downside being that at times it's necessary to first make the second half and on the way back go under it to make the first half. Even the loop start method has to be tweaked a little so that it doesn't create a diagonal line on the backside.

[tarafurnas]

I’ve never tried the sewing method. I think I might give a try with a softer fabric.

[jaxthegamer]

Thank you for this video. I prefer using a hoop my tension when I stitch in hand is too tight and the fabric pulls skew