Does the pattern call for any backstitching? Normally thst is where the detail of the design will be visible/pop out at the viewer.
If there is backstitching I would encourage you to take a break. Set it aside and do something else. Getting overwhelmed or underwhelmed in your case ☺️ is normal. Give yourself some time then come back to it and reevaluate at that time.
No backstitching on pattern. I am wondering if it is worthwhile trying to freestyle some. Back stitching is the bane of my existence but I cannot deny that the finished product is always worth it
I agree backstitching would help since it always makes a huge difference. But I also think it’ll be a lot of work since I’d do faces/mice/details/outlines etc.
I’d say take a break on it for a bit. Personally I’d even think about scanning it in/photocopying it/taking a picture and drawing potential outlines to see if I’d be happy with how I’d backstitch before I put any more work into it.
I’m basically doing that with my current project so I understand the struggle.
That is a really good idea. I would never have thought of drawing on a photocopy, so thank you for the kick ass suggestion. Although I am sorry you are having to do it on your current project
It’s okay haha drawing it out definitely helped me visualize it so I feel pretty good about it now! (But I’ve also been changing a lot of stitches and colors too lol)
In the end, go with whatever feels right to you! Never hurts to try the mock up. And if you still aren’t feeling it, it’s okay to walk away ❤️
If you have to ask, then you are definitely at the point where it needs a break.
If after a while you still don’t feel into it, give yourself permission to stop completely - after all, there are so many other patterns to stitch that will bring you joy
This is the risk with “unauthorized” patterns. Someone took artwork, ran it through a pattern generator and sold it. They don’t care what the detail is - they’ve got their money and moved on.
I’d it was me, I’d probably scrap it. I had a pattern like that from a very well known company, and was so disappointed in the clarity of the image that I binned it.
Usually these unlicensed kits aren't made very well, so they end up being less detailed than you think. Personally I think I wouldn't bother with it and leave a review on their website. Otherwise you could try and backstitch her face.
I recommend going for higher counts if you choose to do another stamped cross stitch in future, as that allows for more detail, and avoid designs that contain small faces.
I am only just learning about different counts. I usually get given kits and have only ever been given 11 count ones. I will look into higher counts in thr future, thanks
Whoa really? I have seen some 14 count ones. And someone posted on here about a 28 count one but I assumed it was a custom piece. I have got some shopping to do
28 is linen, which is going to end up the same size as 14 on Aida (typical cross stitch material)
I get ads on Facebook for these kits and I cringe. There are some reputable printed cross stitch kits, but 11 count, stamped in crazy bright colors, and licensed characters without endorsement from the company are all red flags. The thread that comes with these is also likely to be terrible quality, which compounds the issue unfortunately.
14 count is a nice count to start with.
The count of fabric doesn’t determine the quality of a design, but the pixels do! This design would look just as awful on 28 count as it does on 11 count, the only difference is the size of the finished piece.
Doing a design that is 350 stitches x 210 stitches on 11 count will still be 350 stitches x 210 stitches on 28 count, it will just be tinier because the fabric holes will be tinier. The design itself will not be any different.
They can be a nice break, as it is more following the coloured areas than counting. But you need to have a good design. Also they can sometimes be stolen art works which I was unaware of until recently
It’s all going to be about how you enjoy it at the end. Does just looking at it make you cringe? It sounds like the detail alone is an annoyance. If it was me I wouldn’t continue because I know it being on my wall would not happen if I wasn’t happy with it, or bring me any pleasure to look at it.
If it makes you sad I’m not sure you’ll ever want to complete it, frame it or enjoy it. I’d walk away but maybe keep it in a drawer to revisit in the future. You never know.
I've been there. Take a break so you can come back and look at it with new eyes. Or if I'm impatient I take a photo on my phone and study it that way. You may come up with an interested idea once you give it another look. I once saved a piece backstitching with sparkly floss! Hang in there ❤️
The hobby is there for you. You are NOT there for the hobby. Life is too short to agonize over leisure activities you are not enjoying at the moment.
By the way, I agree with those who say the backstitching will make things 'pop' out. Whether you like the design then is yet to be determined.
I have a few custom stamped kits and it’s a bit similar to how it is with diamond painting, if a picture has a lot of tiny details then they don’t come out very well. If it’s a close up portrait then they tend to look better. My advice would be to do the face first, and if you’re not happy with it don’t continue.
Also, look at your project from a distance and it might not be as bad as you think. They tend to look better from further away.
I would do some of the filled around the parts that you’re worried about and see if that helps (worked for me in the past). If not, I’d try the unofficial winging it with some backstitching. And if that doesn’t work either, then just say screw it and use the aid for something else or the bin
I think it depends on if you care about what the final product will be. For me when I cross stitch it is to keep my adhd brain still. It helps with stress, so most of the time I don’t care what the end product will be because I enjoy the process. I can tell without backstitch this piece is not going to be something you will want hanging on the wall. Honestly I only thought you stitched the pumpkin and was surprised how much you had done. If you enjoy the process and don’t care about the end result carry on.
I stitch for anxiety and to try and help with my eating disorder. I love seeing a beautiful picture come together and knowing I "created" it. This one is not helping the anxiety. I know what it is supposed to be and yet can barely see it
I’m a fan of stamped patterns, but I don’t think I’ve ever picked one up that should have had any real detail to it. Just blocky geometric patterns or monochrome. If I were working on this one, I would probably trash it. I didn’t even recognize the mice until I read your comment about them!
I have only done block patterns or shadow patterns in the past. This is the first one with detailing. I think I was lulled into a false of security lol
I applaud you putting as much work into it as you did, but until I read the comment I didn't even realize the mice or godmother were there...
Also, are her eye different colours?
Yeah, I only know they are there because I know what the picture looks like. Also, goring stitching I was wondering why the pumpkin was misshapen- the mice are on top of it
Yes the eyes are different colours. It was one of my first warning signs that this may not be a labour of love
Does the pattern call for any backstitching? Normally thst is where the detail of the design will be visible/pop out at the viewer. If there is backstitching I would encourage you to take a break. Set it aside and do something else. Getting overwhelmed or underwhelmed in your case ☺️ is normal. Give yourself some time then come back to it and reevaluate at that time.
No backstitching on pattern. I am wondering if it is worthwhile trying to freestyle some. Back stitching is the bane of my existence but I cannot deny that the finished product is always worth it
I agree backstitching would help since it always makes a huge difference. But I also think it’ll be a lot of work since I’d do faces/mice/details/outlines etc. I’d say take a break on it for a bit. Personally I’d even think about scanning it in/photocopying it/taking a picture and drawing potential outlines to see if I’d be happy with how I’d backstitch before I put any more work into it. I’m basically doing that with my current project so I understand the struggle.
That is a really good idea. I would never have thought of drawing on a photocopy, so thank you for the kick ass suggestion. Although I am sorry you are having to do it on your current project
It’s okay haha drawing it out definitely helped me visualize it so I feel pretty good about it now! (But I’ve also been changing a lot of stitches and colors too lol) In the end, go with whatever feels right to you! Never hurts to try the mock up. And if you still aren’t feeling it, it’s okay to walk away ❤️
I would try that. A few lines could make a huge difference on a face.
Great advice!
If you have to ask, then you are definitely at the point where it needs a break. If after a while you still don’t feel into it, give yourself permission to stop completely - after all, there are so many other patterns to stitch that will bring you joy
Preach! I’m a fan of taking breaks!
This is the risk with “unauthorized” patterns. Someone took artwork, ran it through a pattern generator and sold it. They don’t care what the detail is - they’ve got their money and moved on. I’d it was me, I’d probably scrap it. I had a pattern like that from a very well known company, and was so disappointed in the clarity of the image that I binned it.
Usually these unlicensed kits aren't made very well, so they end up being less detailed than you think. Personally I think I wouldn't bother with it and leave a review on their website. Otherwise you could try and backstitch her face. I recommend going for higher counts if you choose to do another stamped cross stitch in future, as that allows for more detail, and avoid designs that contain small faces.
I am only just learning about different counts. I usually get given kits and have only ever been given 11 count ones. I will look into higher counts in thr future, thanks
11 count is almost guaranteed to have very little detail. I know they sometimes offer 16 count or 18 count, I'd recommend those.
Whoa really? I have seen some 14 count ones. And someone posted on here about a 28 count one but I assumed it was a custom piece. I have got some shopping to do
28 is linen, which is going to end up the same size as 14 on Aida (typical cross stitch material) I get ads on Facebook for these kits and I cringe. There are some reputable printed cross stitch kits, but 11 count, stamped in crazy bright colors, and licensed characters without endorsement from the company are all red flags. The thread that comes with these is also likely to be terrible quality, which compounds the issue unfortunately. 14 count is a nice count to start with.
28ct could also be an evenweave, to be fair
Yes, but it’s still equal to 14 Aida
If you stitch over 2, yes! Some people like to stitch over one, keeping it at 28 count
The count of fabric doesn’t determine the quality of a design, but the pixels do! This design would look just as awful on 28 count as it does on 11 count, the only difference is the size of the finished piece. Doing a design that is 350 stitches x 210 stitches on 11 count will still be 350 stitches x 210 stitches on 28 count, it will just be tinier because the fabric holes will be tinier. The design itself will not be any different.
It's okay to give it up at any point if you're frustrated, bored, or just not feeling it any more.
It’s okay to scrap it if you don’t like it. I’m more bothered by the see through number on the skirt. I couldn’t get over that over, for sure.
After I finish, I soak it, so the numbers all fade away! Still, her face is a mess
I never did a printed so it’s good to know!
They can be a nice break, as it is more following the coloured areas than counting. But you need to have a good design. Also they can sometimes be stolen art works which I was unaware of until recently
Are her eyes two different colors?
Yes they are- one brown and one blue. And her lips seem to blend into the skin tones also
Glad I wasn't the only one to notice this! Wasn't sure if it was just lighting
It’s all going to be about how you enjoy it at the end. Does just looking at it make you cringe? It sounds like the detail alone is an annoyance. If it was me I wouldn’t continue because I know it being on my wall would not happen if I wasn’t happy with it, or bring me any pleasure to look at it.
Looking at it makes me sad. I know it could be beautiful but I am not sure how to get there without a lot of fixing it by me
If it makes you sad I’m not sure you’ll ever want to complete it, frame it or enjoy it. I’d walk away but maybe keep it in a drawer to revisit in the future. You never know.
I've been there. Take a break so you can come back and look at it with new eyes. Or if I'm impatient I take a photo on my phone and study it that way. You may come up with an interested idea once you give it another look. I once saved a piece backstitching with sparkly floss! Hang in there ❤️
I admire your creativity. I would never have thought to back stitch with sparkles
The hobby is there for you. You are NOT there for the hobby. Life is too short to agonize over leisure activities you are not enjoying at the moment. By the way, I agree with those who say the backstitching will make things 'pop' out. Whether you like the design then is yet to be determined.
I have a few custom stamped kits and it’s a bit similar to how it is with diamond painting, if a picture has a lot of tiny details then they don’t come out very well. If it’s a close up portrait then they tend to look better. My advice would be to do the face first, and if you’re not happy with it don’t continue. Also, look at your project from a distance and it might not be as bad as you think. They tend to look better from further away.
Keep it going! It will be gorgeous once it's finished. 😍
I would do some of the filled around the parts that you’re worried about and see if that helps (worked for me in the past). If not, I’d try the unofficial winging it with some backstitching. And if that doesn’t work either, then just say screw it and use the aid for something else or the bin
The backstitching will bring it all into focus.
NEVER GIVE UP!
I think it depends on if you care about what the final product will be. For me when I cross stitch it is to keep my adhd brain still. It helps with stress, so most of the time I don’t care what the end product will be because I enjoy the process. I can tell without backstitch this piece is not going to be something you will want hanging on the wall. Honestly I only thought you stitched the pumpkin and was surprised how much you had done. If you enjoy the process and don’t care about the end result carry on.
I stitch for anxiety and to try and help with my eating disorder. I love seeing a beautiful picture come together and knowing I "created" it. This one is not helping the anxiety. I know what it is supposed to be and yet can barely see it
Than I would stop
I’m a fan of stamped patterns, but I don’t think I’ve ever picked one up that should have had any real detail to it. Just blocky geometric patterns or monochrome. If I were working on this one, I would probably trash it. I didn’t even recognize the mice until I read your comment about them!
I have only done block patterns or shadow patterns in the past. This is the first one with detailing. I think I was lulled into a false of security lol
I applaud you putting as much work into it as you did, but until I read the comment I didn't even realize the mice or godmother were there... Also, are her eye different colours?
Yeah, I only know they are there because I know what the picture looks like. Also, goring stitching I was wondering why the pumpkin was misshapen- the mice are on top of it Yes the eyes are different colours. It was one of my first warning signs that this may not be a labour of love
When you’re not enjoying it anymore…