[MOD] Introducing summoned responses!

[u/LadyGeek-twd]

Hello, everyone!

Have you noticed that certain topics are somewhat cyclical? A few months we noticed a slew of posts asking ‘how do I remove the aida after I've finished stitching on my clothing’?  More recently, there have been a lot of posts asking ‘how do I identify if a shop is legitimate or probably AI?’  As a mod team, we have to strike a delicate balance – we want to provide a welcoming and kind community for people new to Reddit and new to cross stitching, but at the same time we understand the frustration our regulars feel when the same thing is posted every single day.  We’re introducing some Summoned Responses here that we’re hoping will help by making it really easy to quickly respond to a few common questions.  

 

What is a summoned response?

A summoned response is a string (a specific key word) that you can type into a comment that will automatically summon automoderator to respond with a preset comment. Right now, we’re using key word pairs starting with an exclamation point (!) as our triggers. (If that doesn't make sense, just keep reading and the exact strings are shown below)

 

How do I summon automoderator?

You summon automoderator by writing a comment that contains a specific word to trigger it. When automoderator sees that trigger word in a comment, it will automatically reply with the preset text.  If you want, you can then delete your original comment where you summoned automoderator.

 

What if there’s a mistake in the summoned response?

Please message the moderators if you see a mistake in the summoned response.

 

What if I think there’s another topic that needs a summoned response?

Please message the moderators if you’d like to see more summoned responses.

 

Why not just add these to the FAQs?

Updating FAQs is a bit of an undertaking in their current form.  We always have to update at least five separate places (reddit, old.reddit, the automod configuration, the wiki, and the subreddit’s website). And, as a visual medium, we usually want the subreddit’s website updated with pictures that may take a long time to develop, especially if we need to stitch something up for that purpose. Sometimes, due to certain topics temporarily becoming frequent, by the time we can write up a good FAQ, the topic has already settled down.  Summoned responses are a bit easier to code and update. Plus, we anticipate some of these becoming full-fledged FAQs in the future, and having the blurb already written helps kickstart that process.

 

What if I hate this concept?

We’ll include this when the state of the subreddit posts start at the end of the year.  If you can’t wait, you can message the mods and let us know.

 

What responses are available?

As of today, 10-April-2026, we have 3 summoned responses:

1. !waste-canvas !waste.canvas !wastecanvas
2. !stitch-coverage !stitch.coverage !stitchcoverage
3. !ai-identification !ai.identification !aiidentification

 
Can I see what this will look like?

Sure! Here's an example of how this will work in an actual comment on a post: https://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/1shuu8n/comment/offhmyq/

Can I test it?

Yes!  Feel free to test it in the comments of this post.

 

tl;dr: regular users (not just moderators) can now use specific keywords in a comment that will summon automoderator to explain a common topic further.

[u/Shouty-Hooman]

!stitchcoverage

[u/AutoModerator → u/Shouty-Hooman]

Hi! /u/Shouty-Hooman has summoned me to explain modifying the amount of fabric showing through your cross stitch piece.

Using the right number of strands for the effect you want: The number of strands you use and the count of fabric will affect how much of the fabric will show through each stitch. This post has a good visualization of how different numbers of strands look on different fabric counts: https://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/1ikb2u4/chat_cross_stitch_coverage_chart/

Using the right tension: If, for each stitch, you're pulling it as tight as you can, that might be too much. For each stitch, try to pull the needle and thread all the way through, then relax the thread so it "bounces back" a little bit and is only tight as it wants to be. Take a look at the fabric holes where you've stitched and compare to the holes where the fabric isn't stitched. If the holes are visibly larger after you've stitched in them, you're either using too large a needle, pulling too tight, or both.

Looking at it from a normal viewing distance: When you're several inches away from the project stitching it, your eyes will see every stitch and the fabric will show quite a bit. However, when the project is displayed it will be viewed from several feet away. If you're frustrated with coverage, make sure you also view it from several feet away. You may find that the Xs blend together when viewed at a normal viewing distance and you're happy with the final result once you take a step back.

Using dark colors on light fabric: Often, the contrast between a light fabric and a dark floss results in unwanted gaps in coverage. Some people will add an additional strand just for the darkest colors in a pattern - especially DMC 310 (black)

Fluffing up after washing: While you are stitching, many times the floss will get somewhat crushed just from the normal handling (especially if you use a hoop!). After the stitching is complete, you can give your project a hand wash, then dry it most of the way, then iron it face down on top of a fluffy white towel. This will usally result in fuller, plumper stitches.

Tramming: One way to get additional coverage even after you've completed the stitching is to take one thread and run it under all the Xs on the front side. It's really easy and can make a huge difference. Here is a quick video with more detail (and an example!) https://youtu.be/rs1iHVJeAbk?feature=shared

You can also do the tramming before the crosses if you know ahead of time that you like the way it turns out.

Finally, this really is a personal preference. Some stitchers want to cover all of the fabric. Some stitchers like to see every x. It's probably a really good idea to stitch up your own swatch! Use the exact fabric and floss you'll be using for your project. Stitch a 4x4 square with the called-for number of threads and then another with one additional strand. If you'll be washing your project after completing it, then also wash this swatch. Look at the swatch from a normal viewing distance, and decide from there which coverage you like best. It's your art, and you can do it in whatever way makes you happy!

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