Make Time for Cross Stitch - Time Saving Tips for Stitchers

Keep Supplies Organized to Save Time

Keeping your stitching stash organized will definitely help with making more time to stitch. I used to dread starting a new project because my supplies were all over the place. But now, I have an organized system and it is easy to find my floss and fabric for a new project. And, I know exactly what I have at a glance.

Make a Stitching Space

If possible, make a spot for your stitching where it is easy to get at to avoid having to put it up and take it out each time you start working again. I have a basket by my favorite chair I put my projects in.

Work on Multiple Projects

Work on more than one project at a time. If you get tired of stitching on one, you can turn your attention to another one until you are ready to return to the first. Just don't get too many projects going at once. (I am so guilty of this.)

Use the Rotation Method

If you have several projects going at once, then use the rotation method to save time. Work on one a week, one a day, or whatever schedule you choose to set up.

Travel with Your Cross Stitch

If you are stuck in a waiting room, stitch. I get funny looks sometimes, but I would much rather stitch as I wait than look at germ-laden outdated magazines or watch talk shows on TV.

Adapt Your Schedule

Make time to stitch. Get up thirty minutes early or stay up later than the rest of the family.

Hire a Sitter

Hire a sitter and take an evening off to stitch. Better yet, send the kids out to a movie or to play miniature golf and stay home and stitch. Or, find free activities in your community for the kids to help you make time to stitch. Take your stitching to the story-time at the library or swimming lessons.

Two Needle's worth

Some days, it is almost impossible to find time to stitch. I used to feel guilty if I took time from doing housework to sit and stitch. Now, however, I take breaks during the day to stitch two or three needlefuls of thread on my project. I get as much housework done, I am more relaxed, and I get a little work done on my stitching!

Post a Time-Saving Tip in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum

The Cross Stitch Forum is filled with stitchers of all experience levels who share helpful stitching tips and answer questions of all kinds.

Read Recipes Shared by Stitchers and Post Your Own

In the About.com Cross Stitch Forum, we have one section set aside for sharing recipes and (clean) jokes. After all, a little levity never hurts and some of the recipes sound really yummy. Read what other stitchers have posted and share your own time-saving recipes.