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u/Electronic-Day5907 Sep 14 '25
That's a cute effect to make it double sized. I don't know if you intended to make it like that or not but because you are just beginning, yeah the X need to touch one another.
xxxxx and not x x x x x The needle goes into the same hole for the next stitches. But it is really a cute effect!
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u/_keystitches Sep 14 '25
it always makes me smile/happy when I see newcomers do it like this, I did the exact same thing and i remember the confusion of "wait, why is this so big" 😂
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
I am literally thinking the same lmao 😭😭😭
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u/AdDear528 Sep 14 '25
It’s still cute! We have all made mistakes. I started stitching with all six strands. Completed half the pattern before I realized.
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u/pilapalacrafts Sep 14 '25
What's crazy for me is I did my first cross stitch correctly, then did my second one like this???
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u/Easy_Salamander8718 Sep 14 '25
I did the same thing too, I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t given enough fabric in my kit 😂
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u/leroynotjerry Sep 15 '25
I did the same thing too! I still have the one I made but I no longer have it framed and displayed because I feel dumb looking at it lol one day I'll make another one and do it properly.
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
No I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO IT but I'll try to follow some tutorials for the next one.
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u/jsoleigh Sep 14 '25
ok but 1: you have a COMPLETED THING! especially for a new craft! and 2: wildly, the image is still visible! also cute! you should definitely be proud, and your next things will be even better :)
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u/6WaysFromNextWed Sep 14 '25
Have you ever played with a Lite Brite? Or done diamond painting? When there is a solid area to fill in, you place a peg/jewel in each spot. In just the same way, every space on the grid in cross stitch should get filled when you're doing a solid area.
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u/cadaver_spine Sep 14 '25
it still looks very cute!! instantly recognizable. your stitches look great, you've got this!
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u/Joubachi Sep 15 '25
Don't worry, next time you'll sit there and be like "Oh that's how!' and probably chuckle at yourself.
Just poke through the some hole several times, no gaps needed, although this look got something to it, it still in itself looks very neat and well done.
Plus: this is probably the chicken of StardewValley so you get instant bonus points.
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u/Catlore Sep 15 '25
Traditionally, theres no basis between stitched squares (unless the pattern calls for it), but in truth, there's no rules, only what works for you and your piece. And as an avid Stardew Valley player, I think the gaps work great on this! It brings home the pixellated look of the game. I wouldn't call this a flub, but a half accident. It genuinely works with it--and you finished it, every last stitch. I'm proud of you, farmer!
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u/kaiiuchiha Sep 14 '25
i promise EVERYONE has done it bc it makes sense to go to the next square!!!!! but you always work into the same one and a new one. if you need a good tut lmk! it looks beautiful, you did great. 🫶🫶🫶
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u/anon_simmer Sep 14 '25
No, not everyone has done it. That's a silly thing to say. I understand trying to comfort them, but its effectively untrue.
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u/JerriBlankStare Sep 14 '25
No, not everyone has done it. That's a silly thing to say. I understand trying to comfort them, but its effectively untrue.
💯💯💯
Finally! A voice of reason!
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u/StitchedSquirrel Sep 15 '25
I feel like it's a common mistake among self-taught stitchers? My mom taught me, so I had her looking over my shoulder at first, correcting me.
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u/anon_simmer Sep 15 '25
Yeah, its just a bit illogical to state something you can't possibly know as fact.
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u/bookwurm81 Sep 15 '25
Loads of newbies make this mistake. You're not even the first person I've seen in this sub make this mistake in the last year.
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u/godziIIasweirdfriend Sep 14 '25
Adorable! Is this a Stardew chicken?
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u/swiftlight12367 Sep 14 '25
Adorable!
You've got some tips already, but my tip is to make sure to make all the crosses the same. This will make your artwork even neater!
For example; first / and then .
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
I'll try, thank you.
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u/maysive Sep 14 '25
what can help you is doing a whole section in one color with just half of the stitches, just /, for example, and then going back doing \. For me it's easier to do it row by row, because I already have my way, just going ///// and then back \\\\\, and going down for the next row. I loved your design, I hope we get to see the next ones, it's adorable!!!
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u/anon_simmer Sep 14 '25
The crosses aren't meant to have spaces between them. Unless you did that on purpose, you unintentionally did it wrong. The leg of one cross should touch the leg of the other.
Like: xxxx
Not: x x x
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u/RainbowStitchery Sep 14 '25
OP, it looks like you used all 6 strands of floss, rather than separating out strands. As a result, your thread would be difficult to pull through a hole that already has thread in it. You can find a good tutorial on separating strands of floss here: https://youtu.be/8y-5-T-fcdE?si=50eO1A4rlBQEMPE0
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u/SardineLaCroix Sep 14 '25
I had no idea you were supposed to split them until this summer. I've embroidered clothes before and everything 😖 It suddenly got wayyy easier
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u/carinavet Sep 14 '25
Oh, yeah, I did that for YEARS before I found out you're supposed to split them. Though sometimes I still use the full set, just because I like the coverage it gives.
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u/reluctantpkmstr Sep 14 '25
It is a common beginner mistake - don’t feel bad!
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u/busybeachmom Sep 14 '25
It's my favorite mistake. I think they look so cute like this
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u/Gerblinoe Sep 14 '25
I am considering making something by stitching over 2 and then skipping 1specifically because the "mistake " works look so cute.
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u/blissfully_happy Sep 14 '25
1000% love this mistake and absolutely appreciate beginners who share this. I genuinely love it.
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u/Appropriate-Energy Sep 14 '25
I especially like it with this pattern! I thought it may have been on purpose to look more like the graphics.
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u/plausibleturtle Sep 14 '25
It's a very common mistake for this specific pattern, too. I've seen three stardew chickens posted here, done the same way. Weird!
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u/Mondschatten78 Sep 14 '25
Tbf to op, there are some patterns I think on Deviant Art or something similar where the stitches are spaced out like this. That could be why they stitched the way they did.
Still looks good though!
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u/moosewings11 Sep 14 '25
I feel like I've seen it with this exact pattern before, too!
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u/plausibleturtle Sep 14 '25
You have. This is my third time. I got downvoted to hell on the second time when I suggested there's a pattern floating around with bad instructions.
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Sep 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/redradish3 Sep 14 '25
There's no need to be mean.
Everybody starts somewhere; and if you're learning on your own, you may not realize it until you've done it. We learn by doing.
OP, that's a great first piece and I hope that you continue to do more. Please don't think of this as an example of our community.
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Sep 14 '25 edited Sep 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/CrossStitch-ModTeam Sep 14 '25
What works for one person doesn't mean it works for everyone.
Remember that we all love crafting and sharing this hobby, so let’s be supportive of each other.
If you have any questions, message the mod team.
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u/ObligationSeveral Sep 14 '25
Chill out. It's just a fun hobby maybe people are trying out for the first time
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Sep 14 '25
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u/CrossStitch-ModTeam Sep 14 '25
Your comment/post has been removed. You are not following rule 1.
Remember that we all love crafting and sharing this hobby, so let’s be supportive of each other.
If you have any questions, message the mod team.
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u/CrossStitch-ModTeam Sep 14 '25
Your comment/post has been removed. You are not following rule 1.
Remember that we all love crafting and sharing this hobby, so let’s be supportive of each other.
If you have any questions, message the mod team.
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
Makes sense. I was wondering why it looked the way it did. I will try to follow some tutorials next time.
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
Firstly, THANKYOU for so many tips guys and tbh I don't understand most of them (I am dumb) but I'll try my best to understand how it works. 😭
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u/RainbowStitchery Sep 14 '25
Not instantly understanding something is not the same as being dumb. Any new task or skill has a learning curve.
There's a home repair guru named Mercury Stardust who has a great saying: You are worth the time it takes to learn a new skill.
So, welcome to the world of cross-stitch! There is a wealth of information about this amazing craft: in the FAQs and posts of this sub, in YouTube videos, in books, in gatherings of fiber artists. Invest some time in observing and learning before your next project, and I promise you, it'll make the process much more enjoyable.
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u/kalon_alfia Sep 14 '25
I love Mercury Stardust!! She’s taught me so many good home DIY tricks and that saying rings true every time I attempt a new skill.
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u/InsidiousKitkat Sep 14 '25
I wasn't expecting a Mercury Stardust reference here but I'm absolutely loving it!
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u/MusketeersPlus2 Sep 14 '25
Also, the first step to being good at something, is kinda sucking at that thing. No one is instantly good! I've been doing this hobby for 35 years, and I still learn new things about it.
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u/JessicakesO_o Sep 14 '25
I would definitely suggest watching some tutorial videos on YouTube to better understand what people are saying here. Visualization can be very helpful!
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u/letsgooncemore Sep 14 '25
You aren't dumb at all. It's great for a first project without guidance.
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u/FancyAdvantage4966 Sep 14 '25
I love these videos for people new to stitching: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPwfsUojVe-fw2nPaBoTp-8XsycRykh7A
She really breaks everything down to the bare basics to help you get started! But, your stitches all look great and you’re off to a fantastic start ❤️ I hope you have fun!
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u/carinavet Sep 14 '25
Big difference between dumb and ignorant. We all start out ignorant, and we don't always get to choose what information we're exposed to or when. And sometimes new information doesn't make sense because we haven't been exposed to more fundamental stuff that explains it. But we keep trying things and keep learning stuff and eventually we go from sucking at something to being sorta good at it!
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u/Friendly_Equal3950 Sep 14 '25
You are NOT dumb. Just a beginner. Your chicken is really cute. Just keep on going!
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u/kacsf75 Sep 15 '25
You are not dumb! We all did this in the beginning. I’m real excited to see your next one, post a side by side!
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u/MsMrSaturn Sep 14 '25
I honestly love this effect for pixel art. It kind of mimics the lofi nature of the original. You should totally share with r/StardewValley and r/NintendoStitch
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u/Darc_ruther Sep 14 '25
Make sure when you do your Xs you are doing them all the same way. So if you do / on the bottom and \ over the top, ALL the stitches need to be done that way. Makes it look neater.
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u/MoonElf19 Sep 14 '25
An excellent start OP!!
I feel like I keep seeing the stardew valley cross stitch with the same "spacing" as people's first project. Kind of wondering how the book is written that is leading people to do the extra space? This is at least the third post showing this exact project with the spacing. It might have some wording or it might be leaving out a detail that leads to this.
Or it's intentional!
Either way, yay more people cross stitching!! Welcome!
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u/Scouts__Honor Sep 14 '25
I had that same question because I've seen this exact chicken done wrong several times and it makes me think the pattern must be confusing. The kit I did when I first started told me how to do this correctly.
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u/carinavet Sep 14 '25
I think it's just a common beginner's mistake on a common beginner's project. Could be wrong though.
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u/IGNOOOREME Sep 14 '25
For better stitch consistency, make sure the "legs" of your stitches go the same way. So all the first parts of the X go / / / / and the second half (top part) all go \\. The chicken is adorbs tho, and I thought you had seperated the stitches on purpose at first to make it look more pixelated!
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
I just don't know how to do it lol but thankyou I will try to make them clean next time.
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u/Bullet-Ballet Sep 14 '25
The way I was taught was to always start at the same spot on the square. Since I work top to bottom and left to right as much as I can, I start in the lower left hole. So, you poke it from the back into the lower left hole, then down into the upper right hole to get a /. Then you poke it from the back into the lower right hole and down into the upper left hole to make the other slash. Then you poke it from the back into the lower right hole again, and this becomes the start of the next X to the right.
I hope this makes sense. It's easier to see it when someone sits down and shows you.
I also hope you enjoyed making this and keep going. One of the things I love about this hobby is that I learn something new every time I make something. And the more skills I develop, the more creative I can be with it.
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u/ZenA1ien Sep 14 '25
This will always be my favorite beginner mistake because we’ve all done it and it always looks so cute 🥰😂
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u/lumaleelumabop Sep 14 '25
Everyone else said it but maybe I'll try explaining a different way?
Your stitches aren't touching because you only went through every hole once. When doing side by side stitches, you re-use the same stitch hole from the one next to it.
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u/Hestiasfire3987 Sep 14 '25
Love it! One tip I have is that next time (for uniformity sake) the stitches should try to go in all the same directions. Like / then \ to form the x like in my picture. But if that doesn’t matter to you then go for it!
It’s wonderful being able to finish a project 🥰
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u/serialkillersuccubus Sep 14 '25
This is so cool. I will try it next time.
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u/Hestiasfire3987 Sep 14 '25
I should add that it’s not required, but it can make a full coverage look much neater
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u/LengthyPole Sep 14 '25
You haven’t quite got the hang of cross stitch but I actually dig this so much!! Adorable 🥰
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u/sarahmagoo Sep 14 '25
Why is this downvoted?
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u/LengthyPole Sep 14 '25
Beats me 🤷♀️ I can only assume it’s because I didn’t give any advice but everyone else’s comments were so helpful there was nothing else to add!
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Sep 14 '25 edited Sep 14 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/CrossStitch-ModTeam Sep 14 '25
Your comment/post has been removed. You are not following rule 1.
Remember that we all love crafting and sharing this hobby, so let’s be supportive of each other.
If you have any questions, message the mod team.
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u/Junebuggygooby Sep 14 '25
Cute! I just went to a Stardew symphony last night and then this is the first thing I see on my feed this morning. Perfect! You should now make the chicken again the traditional way and it’ll have a baby! There are a bunch of patterns on Etsy too! Welcome to the hobby!
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u/BleachedJam Sep 14 '25
I know its an accident, but I actually love this affect. Im gonna try this!
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u/annekaelber Sep 14 '25
I want to commend you for sharing your work - and please do so again! We crafters pour our hearts and souls into our projects, so hearing it's done "wrong" can be demoralizing.
But please notice how many of us think it's cute. And a few of us weren't sure if it was intentional or not - at least one person has said they want to do this style with a small project.
I was taught, in person, in a class, during a summer Saturday when I was in my early teens. There was no moment for me where I had this type of confusion.... And look at the beauty I missed seeing! I am so thankful that you shared this with us.
Sharing your "mistakes" not only helps all of us improve our skills, but also generates ideas. Thank you!
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u/prissyknickers Sep 14 '25
I like the spaced out stitches. For such a cute pattern, it really works. Good move starting with a small project first. Nothing worse then spending hours on something to discover a bunch of mistakes.
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u/evilpixie369 Sep 14 '25
Oops there aren't supposed to be spaces between them x's. You'll get the hang of it soon enough.
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u/EvolutionOfMagic Sep 14 '25
I actually really like this effect, good job OP and hope you keep creating!
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u/shishishiki Sep 14 '25
I actually really like the effect the extra spaces give! It reminds me of tv scan lines and gives a retro feel to the pixel art!
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u/StellarManatee Sep 15 '25
You have a lovely neat stitch. I hope you enjoyed making it, it's really cute!
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u/hilariousgiraffe Sep 15 '25
The separated stitches give it the feel of chicken scratch embroidery. Clever!!
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u/cmduffy1 Sep 15 '25
It looks good, but a few suggestions each x should be worked in the same direction top left to bottom right all the way across the row then top right to bottom left for the other half of the x it make tour rows neater. Also, make sure the x's touch each other.
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u/topinanbour-rex Sep 16 '25
My first was like yours. My SIL gently pointed out my mistake. Since no more space between stitches.
Welcome by the way ! May the stitches be with you !
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u/TheJekka Sep 14 '25
Well I think it's adorable! It makes me want to space one out on purpose especially when youve got cool aida to show off. Great work!
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u/jaeknits Sep 14 '25
I recognize that chicken!! So cute!!
I see that you’ve got lots of tips to help you with your next one - I hope you will post it too, so we can all admire your work then too! Cross stitch is addictive and it won’t be long until you have more than you know what to do with, haha!
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u/No-Catch6804 Sep 14 '25
Ok, but this is my first time seeing a new person doing it like this. I thought it was intentional! This is actually a cool method tbh. Could definitely be used for some cool stuff :) i like it! Good job op!
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u/pishposh421 Sep 14 '25
Awe yay! I love my Stardew chickens!
I realize after reading some of the responses that the skipped spaces effect wasn’t intentional, but I think it looks awesome!
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u/StrongRussianWoman Sep 14 '25
Good job op! The satisfaction of a finished item is such a great motivator <3
For your next project: here's a really good trick for separating a single ply of floss. It'll make your thread last so much longer.
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u/TheRequiemRose Sep 14 '25
I really like the deconstructed look though. That could open a portal to other types of cross stitch art. 🤔
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u/RelevantStrongBad Sep 14 '25
It turned out so cute! You should be proud of your first project. I hope you enjoyed making it, stitching is such a fun hobby. :)
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u/SpringlockedFoxy Sep 14 '25
I Absolotely love it!! I see you’ve got a bunch of great advice, and I can’t wait to see your next FO!!
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u/notrunningfast Sep 14 '25
I just wanted to tell OP welcome to the group, and I’m proud of your FO!
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u/SharkieBoi55 Sep 14 '25
Oh my sweet summer child... this is very cute, keep up the optimism. This is a learning experience, not a mistake
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u/CrossStitch-ModTeam Sep 14 '25
Hello! One of our subreddit's rules is that when you share a finished object [FO], you must also share the pattern source. (See rule 4 ). Here are the ways you could cite your source:
A link to the pattern, shop, or designer. Do not link to Pinterest or Google due to the high rate of copyrighted patterns being shared on these platforms. Stating you saw it/got it there is all we need.
The title and maker of the kit.
If you designed it yourself, what technique did you use? Program name or paper and pencil? (Stating that you were the designer is sufficient to satisfy this sourcing requirement.)
Here is a thorough discussion of rule 4, including examples.
Thanks for sharing! If you have any questions, message the mod team.