How do knots keep forming in my thread?

[Jack Lias]

Not doing anything wrong as far as I can see. My stuff's like that all the time, until it gets washed. They will probably sort themselves out after washing
How many thread strands and what count aida are you using for that piece?

If I understand what you're asking, then the thread count would be 3, and I think the aida is 18 count (someone bought the canvas for me a while back, so I don't quite remember what the count was on the package it came in).

[blackmageheart]

If I understand what you're asking, then the thread count would be 3, and I think the aida is 18 count (someone bought the canvas for me a while back, so I don't quite remember what the count was on the package it came in).

Yes, you do understand what I asked!
It's not strictly necessary to use 3 strands on 18 count (not saying you shouldn't, because I have many times) but if you are then there's no problem. Once the project is finished and washed the X's will sort themselves out. I wouldn't worry about it for now!

[Jack Lias]

I'm still unhappy with what the back looks like. It's a mess back there, but I am getting better. My only frustration is starting a new thread, because I have to make sure the stitches go over the end of the thread so it doesn't come loose. There's got to be an easier way, because if I had to do that for one of the larger projects I've seen floating around here, I would lose my mind. At least I'm not using knots (intentionally) on the back of my canvas anymore!

[RMDC]

Stitching over the tail of a new thread really is the best way, at least in my book. I can usually get away with only leaving out a few millimeters of tail and stitching over it twice (once if I'm lucky).

[PixelPockets]

Thanks for the pointers, everyone. I have one more question. As I was looking through the forums, I noticed that my stitches have very noticeable X's with very visible canvas underneath (as you can see from my Lashiec WIP that I've posted here earlier), while most other people's stitches... you can't really see the canvas under their stitches. What am I doing wrong?

I've noticed that when I use more threads, they fill in the square more and look less like X's and more like a pixel!
to be honest, I always forget the size of fabric I use.. but I *think* on my 22 I use 2 threads.. I think..

I pretty much stick to 3 sizes. one is for 1 thread, one is for 2 threads. and.. you guessed it, the last is for 3! =)