• 2019 SAL
  • Shirts
  • ~ My Favorite Cross Stitch Supplies & Tools ~
  • Tutorials & Reports
    • Tips for Stitching on Black Fabric
    • Cross Stitching Over Two on Evenweave or Linen Fabrics
    • How to Use Counting Pins
    • How to Make a French Knot Easier
    • More Articles and Resources
    • Printable Sheets
  • Newsletter
  • About
    • What I’m Cross Stitching
    • Contact Loretta
    • Be Our Guest
    • Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Services
  • Facebook Group

Stitching the Night Away

Cross Stitch

  • Fabric Calculator
  • Pattern Shop
  • Free Patterns
  • Product Reviews
  • Stitchqueries
  • Printable Sheets

How to Use Counting Pins in Your Cross Stitch

So we had a discussion on Facebook and here about using counting pins, especially on larger projects. I mentioned that I was looking at ordering some and wanted to hear everyone’s experiences. In an effort to better understand the whole concept of using counting pins in counted cross stitch I turned to Tommye J Bunce (aka TJB Designs) and asked for a brief explanation of how these beautiful tools worked to make our stitching easier……

(by the way, hop over to http://facebook.com/tjbdesigns and give her fan page a “like” if you haven’t already)




—–TJB counting pins explanation for cross stitchers—–

Counting pins are a must for anyone who does counted thread embroidery. They will scare away that ugly frog!! The tips are blunt like tapestry needles, so they won’t split the threads of your fabric. Rubber earring nuts are used to hold the pins in place.

The most common way to use them is when moving from one stitched area to another spot where you want to start stitching. For instance, if your next stitching point is 12 stitches left and 15 stitches down from completed stitch “A”, using the counting pin to count 12 stitches to the left of stitched point A. Insert the counting pin into that hole, bring it back up 2 or 3 stitches away and put the nut on the pin to anchor it. Take a second counting pin and count down 15 stitches from where the first pin was inserted. Insert the second pin at that point and anchor it. Then you can thread your needle and start stitching.

TIP: if you are truly paranoid, pick a completed stitch “B” in a different area, and figure out how far your new stitching point is from point B.

Repeat the counting and marking process, as before, from point B. If you come up in the same place as you did when counting from point A, you’re ready to go. If you don’t, recount. If you still don’t, you probably made a mistake in your previous stitched area somewhere between A and B. (you probably weren’t using counting pins then. LOL)

Another popular use is when stitching long bands or rows. Insert a counting pin every 25 or 50 stitches, or whatever number you are comfortable with. That way you don’t have to count the whole row over and over again trying to figure out when you are done.

This photo isn’t a good demonstration of the counting and marking process, but it does show how to anchor them.

And, of course, all are welcome to visit my Etsy shop for more counting pins, many of which are color coordinated with (super pretty) scissor fobs. http://etsy.com/shop/tjbdesigns

And to keep up with new products, be a fan of TJBdesigns Facebook page. http://facebook.com/tjbdesigns


A special thank you to TJB Designs for this great explanation and for getting me off the fence about ordering a set of counting pins. Actually, two sets. I ordered these and these from TJB Designs Etsy shop on Sunday afternoon. I figured if I didn’t get to stitch I could at least shop for stitching goodies!

I grabbed both the large and small size because even though I usually stitch on evenweaves and would be using the small size pins, I do have a project coming up in my stash that I think those large pins will come in handy for – besides that they were pretty and they matched! You know how that goes 😉

As always, happy stitching everyone!
Loretta


Filed Under: Articles and Resources, Cross Stitch Tutorials and Reports Tagged With: counting pins, scissor fobs, stitching gadgets

Stitchqueries: Do you use counting pins while stitching?

This weeks question is actually for you from me – after all one person can’t possibly know everything there is to know about stitching!

Do you use counting pins while you’re stitching?

I’m one the fence about ordering a set of counting pins for myself and I’m wondering if you use them in your own stitching and how you like them.

Pros? Cons? Must have stitching accessory or just a shiny stash object?

I know we’ve talked a lot about gridding recently and I love gridding for large projects, but I don’t take the time to grid out my fabric for smaller projects (although sometimes I think I probably should) and I’m hoping that some counting pins will help me keep me moving along on my projects quickly and without tons of recounting or errors.

Leave a comment below and tell me what you think…. (and of course I’ll let you know what I order when the time comes ;))

Thank you!
Happy Stitching,
Loretta

Filed Under: Stitchqueries Tagged With: counting pins, gridding

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Amazon

Don’t Miss a Stitch!

Your cart is empty
Visit The Shop

Bits of Thread from Our Sponsors:


Free Cross Stitch Fabric Calculator Apps on the web, available for iPhone, Android, and Kindle
==> Click here for app info!

Categories

Featured Freebies at FreeXStitch.com: Free Cross Stitch Patterns

Free Cross Stitch Stitchalongs 2023

Free Cross Stitch Stitchalongs 2023

Home Pride Home from Ikea

Home Pride Home from Ikea

Free Guide to Evenweaves

Download this free guide about how to cross stitch on evenweaves and linens

If you haven't taken the plunge from aida fabric to evenweave fabric, now is the time to do so.

Expand your project options and enjoy something new.

retta719

Actually stitched a little every day this year so Actually stitched a little every day this year so far. Mill.Hill Ocean Quartet Turtle 🐢,

 #crossstitching #crossstitchersofinstagram #wipwednesday #crossstitch
New project start for the new year.On Mill Hill Ma New project start for the new year.On
Mill Hill Marine Life Quartet Turtle 🐢
#crossstitch #crossstitchersofinstagram #crossstitching #millhill
The annual stitchalong list is up on the website t The annual stitchalong list is up on the website this week at StitchingtheNightAway.com ~ I hope you find something fun to stitch in the new year. Enjoy and happy stitching 🙂 

#stitchalong #sal #crossstitch #crossstitchersofinstagram #crossstitching #sal #stitchingthenightaway
The annual list of stitchalongs has been posted at The annual list of stitchalongs has been posted at Stitching the Night Away if you're looking for a new #crossstitch project ❤️

https://www.stitchingthenightaway.com/big-list-of-cross-stitch-sals-2022/

If you know about one that I've missed, please do share a link in the comments on the blog and point us in the right direction.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy for Stitching the Night Away
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2001–2023 Loretta Oliver & Stitching the Night Away
...
I may be an affiliate for products that are recommended throughout this website and as such if you purchase those items through links on this site it may result in me earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made there. This website and its author are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.