From the article: Using Variegated Floss in Cross Stitch
Share your tips and best practices for using variegated flosses in Cross Stitch Projects. What methods work well for you? How do you achieve the best look with over-dyed flosses and fibers? Share Your Tips
Variegated stitching
- I was taught to stitch each "X" individually instead of slants first as not to dilute the color pattern. We were also told to mark a starting point on the floss and experiment stitch a little to find a likable color pattern.
- —Guest tayfan2
work in a circle
- When stitching flowers or other items where stripes occur when stitching in rows, try stiching in a circular pattern. You can start in the middle and work in circles toward the outer edge or stitch the outside edge and work in circles toward the center.
- —Guest Tommye
going to great lengths
- I love using variegated threads, but I find I often have to unwind quite a lot of thread before I find the right length with the right variation. And I spend a lot of time plotting my moves dependent on how I want the colours to end up. I like going for the marbled effects of rivers of colour running through things and this can often mean stitching in rather unconventional directions just so that the colours behave the way I want them to. I think you have to be prepare to sacrifice quite a bit of thread to get the proper effect as well. But when you get it right, it's totally worth it!
- —Guest Mr X Stitch
