Counting pins

So, does anyone use counting pins for cross stitch?  Ive been looking at different ways to grid my fabric.  Ive used both water soluble and heat erase pens and have had issues with both.  They seem to be fine with white or ecru fabrics but when used on colored fabrics they leave behind a mark.  Ive also tried gridding with fishline which is time consuming and awkward to use.  The next thing on the list to try is counting pins.  Any tips, suggestions or comments both positive or negative would be appreciated!

stitch.forever

My understanding of counting pins is you use them when you have to count out a good ways and then mark your place while you double check the counting for accuracy. These wouldnt be the best solution for "gridding fabric" in my opinion. Hope this helps :)

CraftyLouAnna

I  have been using fishing line as well and only grid where I am working.  I dont want to spend an eternity gridding my fabric.

Mazda

Great Work !

marlihc

Thank you so much for this topic.  I didnt know the heat erase pens would leave a mark on colored fabrics, that scares me now.  Im used to just grid where Im working, but its a pain to always be recounting..  

KatharinaV-NL

If I would grid I think Id use light blue sewing thread. Easy to pull out and distinctively different from a floss thread.

DiX

I marked grid on my dark canvas with silk thread. Its softer than fishing line and slippery for easy remove.

DiX

I cant figure out why my floss should catch up in the silk thread?

Ive already finished that work, and had no issues with it. Except I spent more time marking the grid. But it was hard only when I marked a perimeter and much easier when I marked the grid itself.

When I finished some area and didnt need the grid on it any more, I just cut the silk thread and removed it. You may see this on my Mysteries of the deep" progress thread. Sorry, Im not allowed to post the link.

DiX

Yes, the silk thread is slippery and easier to remove than the regular one.

Looking forward to hear how do you like it for marking the grid :)

DiX

I started with 1 thread over, then 2 under, 4 over, 2 under, then I used continuous pattern: *2 over, 2 under, 4 over, 2 under*. And the last cell I finished with 1 thread over.

This method gives 10 to 10 grid, and also helps in orientation, because the center of  the baste stitch over 4 threads shows the center of the cell.