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J-Cek asked:


I’m new to Cross Stitching and the pattern says to “Embroider” the pattern on the fabric. Is that just lingo for “Out Line.” If so, do I just sew it in a line or should I be doing one of the “Cross” techniques they use inside? If not, how DO I Embroider? I’m confused and can’t find it online.

Thanks!

SAMMY

Happy_Wheatland asked:
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Does anyone have a lot of cross stitch patterns/Leaflets/charts in good condition for sale? I need a bunch of them for lessons in a senior’s home……….I need like a 100 or more……Thanks

ISAIAH
Oct
23
Hamidah Gul asked:

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There are not many things you need to get to start this amazing hobby. In fact if you were to get a kit, it would come with everything you need in one package. But if you choose to get a chart there are a few things you need to get before you begin your project.

1. Fabric

The most important to get and there are so many types that you wonder how will you choose. First you decide on the count that you would like to do the pattern on. Most charts will tell you the size based on their own recommended count but there is no pressure to stick to their recommendation. If you don’t feel comfortable doing your cross stitch on a 28 or 32 count which has ultra small squares, then by all means choose a more comfortable 18-count fabric. It’s easier to stitch on and it doesn’t compromise the end result that much. The only thing you have to consider is the size of the fabric. Because of the tiny squares, a design on a 32 count fabric will be smaller and tighter. But a design on an 18-count fabric will be a few inches bigger so always do check the size of the fabric before you get them and don’t forget to include at least 3 inches extra for framing.

After deciding on the count, you can decide on the kind of fabric you will want. There are softer fabric, hard fabrics, fabrics that don’t fray, and embellished fabrics. The most common fabric is called Aida and this you can find anywhere. Fabrics will get softer and easier to hold as you go along with your project.

2. Needle

There are a few sizes to the needle and it’s better to choose the needle that is fitted for the fabric count. There are sizes 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28. The most commonly used one is size 28 which is perfect for 18-count Aida fabric.

3. Thread or Floss

There are a few manufacturers of cross stitch thread and the two biggest ones are Anchor and DMC. The threads come in all the colors you can imagine. And each thread is made of 6 strands. For cross stitch, you have to separate these threads into sets of 2 strands for the most common stitch. The half-stitch at times require only 1 strand and there are stitches that require a combination of 2 colors. These are just one of the most exciting parts of doing a cross stitch project.

When you are done with your cross stitch, don’t throw away the extra floss. Keep it for future patterns that come in a magazine or you can even create your own mini designs. You never know when you might be short of thread so those leftovers will come in handy later.

The above are the three most important things you need to begin your cross stitch. Other than that, you can find the rest of the things around the house or even at the nearby store. Things like a storage space, an embroidery hoop or a thimble are just optional things to get. It’s not that essential but if you feel that you need it and it makes your job more enjoyable by all means, go for it.



RODNEY
expertvillage asked:


Learn how to make French knots for cross stitching in this free embroidery video lesson. Expert: Vickie Pavone Bio: Vickie Pavone is a wife and mother of 8. She also teaches Cross Stitching at her church. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

ELDON

ribstealers asked:


I saw a cross stitch wall hanging of Jesus done in white thread on black cloth. The cool thing about it was that it was just the highlighted parts that were stitched in–like just where the light would hit. I actually looked at it several times before I figured out what it was. Does anyone understand what I mean? There is probably a term for this kind of picture, but until I figure it out, I’m not having much luck finding anything similar. Any help would be much appreciated!
So far I’ve received 3 answers, and I gotta say, the first responder was right on target with that first image. That’s really close to what I’m wanting, but if anybody knows where or how I can convert this to cross stitch, I’d love some advice. I’ve never tried to get a pattern online before. The second person who answered had some really cool links, too, but I don’t think I’m talented enough to use those pictures, although I did save the links, just because I think they’re awesome! The third answerer, well, I guess he/she just didn’t get it.

TERRY
Stuart asked:


Live on Cyprus and make embroidery patterns. Problem is I don’t know what to ask when I sell them. Can you help please? Thanks.

ALFREDO
John Wigham asked:


Cross stitching is a great hobby for children. It can help to develop hand to eye coordination, shape and colour recognition, as well as encourage cooperative behavior, patience and creativity. Most of all, it can be good fun for you and your child — an interest to share together, and become a hobby that your child can enjoy without an adult being present, and a passion for life!

The first experience of cross stitching is important. You’ll want this to be a happy experience for both of you. If it isn’t, the child may be reluctant to start again. Children usually want to see fast results, and especially to finish their first sessions on a positive and successful note.

Let your child choose a simple design, perhaps a favourite animal or character that contains only two or three colours, and in whole stitches only. As for fabric, tiny hands may have difficulty with aida or evenweave, so you may want to consider using plastic canvas or 6-count Binca. As your child becomes more experienced, 11- and 14- count fabrics will be the next step.

You’ll also need to provide appropriately sized needles. A size 22 tapestry needle will do the job very well. An easier option is to choose a kit designed and manufactured for children (see below). Choosing a kit together can create a lot of pleasure and anticipation for the project ahead.

Gentle supervision will be necessary during the child’s first attempts. Make sure the child washes hands carefully before stitching begins. In the early days eating must be discouraged, as anyone who has tried to remove melted chocolate from fabric will testify.

Arrange things so that all items are within easy reach. The child must also appreciate the need to keep track of the needle and scissors, as these are potentially dangerous items to lose. You can stress the importance of returning the scissors to its special place, perhaps in the middle of the table.

Sessions should be short enough to keep the child’s attention and enthusiasm, but long enough to achieve some sort of noticeable progress. Starting the first stitches can be the most difficult part of the project, and it’s advisable to help your child by starting off the stitching yourself, anchoring the thread carefully at the back. It’s probably unnecessary to give too much information at first, but there are certain tips that can help your child enjoy stitching.

You may decide to let your child practise the basic cross-stitch on a piece of scrap material before attempting the real thing. You’ll need to explain and demonstrate that the square in the fabric matches the square in the design. You can also demonstrate allowing the needle to dangle and spin around, at regular intervals so that the thread untwists itself.

You may also encourage making each stitch in the same way, so that the top legs of the stitches go in the same direction. It’s also a good idea for children to complete each stitch before attempting the next one. The child can then see the picture growing in a satisfying way.

As with all new tasks, children learn best by having their efforts praised at regular intervals (don’t we all?). Stitching must be fun rather than being a test, a chore or a battle of wits. It’s rewarding for the child to finish the piece, rather than have you take over, even if this means that you may do some of the more difficult parts of the design and leave the last, easier stitches for the child to complete.

The finished article should be commented on in positive terms by all the family, and you could consider ironing the piece and then placing it in a frame and displaying it so that everyone can be reminded of the achievement. As well as giving the child added confidence, this can also mean that the next project will be eagerly anticipated.

Kits for children can be bought in the UK from:

Crafts Unlimited Link to: http://www.crafts-unlimited.co.uk/system/index.html

The Coleshill Collection Link to: http://www.coleshillcollection.co.uk/shop.asp?mode=cat&item=17

Chunky cross stitch for children by Pako Link to: http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran1768-0.html



CLINTON
KOLLEGE KUTiE asked:


I like to do holidays, frogs (as in the amphibian), offensive sayings, things that can be given as gifts, etc.

I don’t want to infringe on anyones’ copyrights, so send me LEGIT & LEGAL links only.

Thanks in advance peeps! 10 points is coming your way if you find some patterns that will ring my bell!

ENRIQUE

Karencita asked:


I am looking to buy a plain Christmas stocking that you can cross stitch on the white top part of the stocking. I don’t want a huge kit that will take days, I just want to do cross stitch designs on the top part. Does anybody know of a place where you can purchase these online?

HUNTER
expertvillage asked:


Learn how to make a pattern using photo images for cross stitching in this free embroidery video lesson. Expert: Vickie Pavone Bio: Vickie Pavone is a wife and mother of 8. She also teaches Cross Stitching at her church. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

WILLIAMS