Table of Contents
Introducing Anchor's New Linen Embroidery Threads
Anchor’s linen thread range arrives in color-curated sets and single skeins, and the video kicks off with a giveaway of the ‘Shoreline’ box while demonstrating with the ‘Mountain’ colors. You’ll see the threads stitched in cross-stitch on Aida to show how they perform while minimizing wear.
Pro tip
- If you missed the technical deep-dive in a previous video, the creator notes it’s linked in the corner. That earlier session covers handling, thread structure, and getting comfortable with linen’s different feel.
From the comments
- Several viewers remarked on the creator’s clarity and focus—one even noted they’d thought the “scraping” sound was a good sign, but learned it can mean the needle is too small. Listening for friction is a helpful habit.
Your Next Project: The Free 'Mountain Sampler' Pattern
The ‘Mountain’ box set includes a free cross-stitch sampler pattern. If you don’t have the box, you can still download the same design free from the Anchor website. In the video, instead of stitching the full sampler, the creator borrows a few elements to build a compact, scenic composition.
What’s inside (per the video)
- The ‘Mountain Sampler’ chart comes with the box set.
- It’s also available free to download.
Watch out
- The video doesn’t list exact color numbers beyond mentioning a pale blue (color 29) used for clouds. If you want exacts, refer to the sampler chart or your thread set’s key.
Quick check
- Have your fabric mounted securely in a frame and your chart placed where you can count confidently.
Creating Your Own Mountain Scene: A Step-by-Step Guide
The stitched scene features a deer, trees, mountains, and a cloud. The creator starts with a focal element in front, then builds the background behind it.
Planning your composition
- Elements: a deer, trees, mountains, then a cloud.
- Order of stitching: front to back. The deer first, then the tree, then mountains, then a second tree, and finally the cloud.
Stitching the foreground and background elements
- The deer is worked first so it sits in front visually.
- Background trees and mountains are filled in next.
- The cloud tops it off, stitched in a pale blue.
Pro tip
- Working front-to-back makes counting simpler and helps you avoid traveling threads across unstitched areas.
From the comments
- Viewers loved seeing a sampler reimagined—one called the pine cones “little” and charming, while another said it sparked fresh ideas for their Christmas trees. If you like composing, you’re in good company.
Side note for machine-embroidery readers
- This tutorial is hand cross-stitch focused. If your setup leans machine, you may already be weighing frame options like magnetic embroidery hoop. These tools are a separate topic, but it’s smart to choose frames that fit your machine and stabilizer approach.
Top 3 Tips for Cross-Stitching with Linen Thread
Linen behaves differently from cotton floss. These key adjustments make it smooth and satisfying.
Tip 1: Use Short Lengths to Avoid Fraying
The creator emphasizes short thread lengths—think fingertip to just before the elbow. Linen will wear as it passes through fabric, even on Aida with its preformed holes. Short lengths minimize fluffing and keep stitches tidy.
- If you notice the tail getting fuzzy, end it, weave under the backs of adjacent stitches, and start fresh.
- Keep an ear out: a scraping sound often means the needle is too small for the number of strands you’re using.
Pro tip
- Separate strands cleanly before recombining. For this project, the creator favors four strands for coverage on 14-count, despite the chart suggesting three. That change is about coverage preference, not correctness.
Watch out
- If you’re building a machine embroidery toolkit as well, it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole of accessories like snap hoop monster or mighty hoop. Keep those in a separate workflow from hand cross-stitch supplies so you don’t mix processes.
Tip 2: Adjust Your Strand Count for Perfect Coverage
On 14-count Aida, three strands can look a touch sparse depending on color and tension. Four strands add fullness. The creator also mentions a flexible option: keep three strands of linen and loosen your tension slightly, or add one strand of a different fiber (like a sparkly thread) to boost coverage and texture.
- Consistency matters: Keep top legs of your crosses leaning the same way for a polished finish.
- Mind your tension: Relax just enough that holes don’t enlarge, but stitches sit plump and even.
Side note for machine users
- If you do machine embroidery as well, you might already be exploring accessories such as dime magnetic hoop or magnetic embroidery frames. Those are great in their lane; they don’t affect hand-stitching technique.
Tip 3: Choose the Right Needle Size
The creator starts with a tapestry 24 and suggests going up to a 22 if you hear friction or feel drag. A slightly larger needle opens the hole, reducing wear on the fibers.
- The goal is smooth passage without forcing.
- If you’re mixing fibers, revisit needle size—synthetics can increase drag.
Quick check
- When your working length starts to feel “tired” or fluffy, finish it and switch. Don’t push it further; you’ll risk fuzz and inconsistent coverage.
From the comments
- One viewer asked how linen compares to cotton overall. The creator replied that linen is less shiny and looks more rustic—ideal for traditional or heirloom-leaning pieces.
Wellness note
- A commenter asked about tendonitis. The creator shared that stitching with both hands can reduce strain and speed you up. Breaks and a relaxed grip help, too.
Adding Texture and Sparkle to Your Work
Texture is half the fun. The video shows two easy ways to elevate your scene: blending a sparkly thread into your linen strands and adding beaded pine cones to the trees.
Mixing Linen with Metallic Threads
To stretch coverage while keeping three strands of linen, the creator adds a single strand of a synthetic sparkly thread (DMC Light Effects) for a four-strand bundle. This adds gentle shimmer to the cloud without overpowering the scene.
Watch out
- Mixed-fiber bundles can twist or sit unevenly.
How to Use a Laying Tool for Smooth Stitches
A laying tool (the creator uses a Mellor) helps align the strands so they lie parallel and flat as you complete each stitch. This is especially helpful when mixing materials with different behaviors.
Pro tip
- Take it slow on your first few mixed stitches. Guide the bundle, place the thread, then pull the needle through.
Side note for machine-embroidery readers
- If you also run a machine setup, you may be comparing frame types like embroidery magnetic hoop or even brand-specific tools such as magnetic hoops for embroidery. Those choices won’t change your hand-stitching, but it’s smart to keep your tools organized by workflow.
Embellishing with Beaded 'Pine Cones'
To bring the trees to life, the creator switches to strong, fine sewing cotton (doubled) to attach small brown glass seed beads (Mill Hill). Place beads near the branch edges to mimic how pine cones cluster in real life.
- Technique: Up through the fabric, through the bead, back down on the other side to seat it securely.
- Durability: Weave off under the backs of cross-stitches to finish.
Result
- The added texture is subtle but incredibly effective. The piece reads as rustic and dimensional without feeling heavy.
From the comments
- Multiple viewers appreciated the improvisation—blending chart elements and adding beads sparked ideas for their own seasonal projects.
Side note for machine-embroidery readers
- If you’re building out a machine toolkit, keep a running list of frames you want to test. Some stitchers compare options like magnetic hoops for embroidery machines or embroidery hoop machine accessories depending on their model. That’s a different craft lane—but organization is universal.
And the Giveaway Winner Is...
The creator uses a random comment picker to choose a winner for the ‘Shoreline’ linen thread set—congratulations to Agenia Milner! Viewers chimed in to send well-wishes and share excitement for their own stitching plans.
Materials and Tools Mentioned in the Video
- Threads: Anchor linen (Mountain set for the demo), plus a DMC Light Effects strand for sparkle
- Fabric: 14-count Aida
- Needles: Tapestry 24 or 22
- Tools: Embroidery frame, scissors, laying tool (Mellor), beading needle
- Embellishments: Mill Hill glass seed beads; sewing cotton for attaching beads
Pro tip
- If your thread feels draggy, try a larger needle, relax your tension, or shorten your working length.
Watch out
- Linen won’t feel like stranded cotton. Give yourself a few rows to adjust to its natural texture.
From the comments
- A viewer asked about availability in the US; the creator replied they don’t think it’s available there but that their shop ships worldwide.
Side note for machine-embroidery readers
- Managing a dual craft life? Keep notes on your machine frames so you don’t duplicate purchases. Some stitchers jot down phrases like dime magnetic hoop or magnetic embroidery hoop on a wish list for future research.
Wrapping Up: What This Demo Proves
- Linen is absolutely cross-stitch friendly on Aida. The preformed holes make it slightly easier than stitching on plain linen ground fabric.
- Short lengths are non-negotiable for keeping fibers crisp.
- Four strands often give nicer coverage on 14-count, but you can finesse three strands by loosening tension or adding a complementary strand for body.
- A laying tool pays off when mixing fibers.
- Beads add quick, reliable dimension—attach them with strong sewing cotton for confidence.
If you try the ‘Mountain Sampler’ or remix it into your own mini scene, snap a photo before and after adding beads—you’ll be amazed at the difference. And if you’re balancing hand stitching with machine embroidery, keep your workflows—and tools—tidy and separate so each project gets the attention it deserves. For machine-focused readers, it’s totally fine to keep a side list of frames to explore, from magnetic embroidery frames to brand-specific options like mighty hoop.