By: Camille Heritage

Cross Stitch "Holding" Stich Trick


        My friend taught me this really neat trick last night and I wanted
to share it with everyone.  I just hope that I wasn't the last one to
learn this.  This makes it so that you don't have to catch the end of your
thread through your first several stitches to secure it.  Here goes:

        First this only works when you're using an even number of strands.
Let's say your pattern calls for 2 strands.  Pull out a strand that is
double the length that you want it to be.  Fold it in half.  Then put the
two cut ends through the eye of the needle and pull it through about half
the length of the yarn.  Start your stitch but leave a little bit of the
loop in back.  Then when you bring your stitch back down through the
material, send it through the loop and pull tight!

        I was so excited to learn this little trick.  Hope it helps
someone else too!  :)

Camille