Cross Stitch|
Oct
23
Filed Under (Starter Kits) by Kert
Hamidah Gul asked:
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
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
Comments Off
Aug
25
Filed Under (Hobbies) by Kert
Yiota Christodoulou asked:
As many online cross stitch stores offer amazing downloadble/printable products, buyers have a great opportunity and many choices.
However there are some guidelines to help buyers make the right choice and be certain that the cross stitch chart they chose is reaching their expectations.
First browse the seller’s website and read carefully what they offer. When purchasing a cross stitch pattern you must receive the following:
* Cross stitch chart in black & white symbols or chart in color
* List of threads required
* The picture/image used to make the pattern
* The finished picture of how your cross stitch project will look like when completed (either in virtual stitches or “real” stitches.
It is very important for the seller to offer all of the above. Another way to be certain of the product’s guality is to look for any free cross stitch charts. Search the seller’s website for any free cross stitch patterns to download. Try to download a few and check out the quality. Are you happy with the result? Satisfied with the chart? Are the symbols big enough to read them? Is the pattern clear and easy to read? Is there a complete list of threads? If you are satisfied with the free cross stitch chart, then it is most likely that you will be satisfied with the products this website has to offer.
Another good way of choosing a cross stitch pattern is to look for how many colors the pattern is offering. This might seem irrelevant but it is not. In my personal opinion taking into consideration my many years of experience, the more colors the chart offers the better quality and resolution in the picture. More colors in a cross stitch pattern, it means the chart offers you details and shades. Especially if you are looking for fine art cross stitch patterns, then you definitely need more colors in the chart. However, be careful on the amount of colors used in the chart. Too many colors might be difficult to keep up with and only experienced stitchers should go for it. My opinion is that a cross stitch pattern up to 60 colors can capture a detailed image. If you don’t feel comfortable stitching a project with 150 colors, then do not buy it.
I hope this simple guide will help buyers choose a downloadable/printable cross stitch pattern with confidence.
GILBERT
___________________________________________________________________
As many online cross stitch stores offer amazing downloadble/printable products, buyers have a great opportunity and many choices.
However there are some guidelines to help buyers make the right choice and be certain that the cross stitch chart they chose is reaching their expectations.
First browse the seller’s website and read carefully what they offer. When purchasing a cross stitch pattern you must receive the following:
* Cross stitch chart in black & white symbols or chart in color
* List of threads required
* The picture/image used to make the pattern
* The finished picture of how your cross stitch project will look like when completed (either in virtual stitches or “real” stitches.
It is very important for the seller to offer all of the above. Another way to be certain of the product’s guality is to look for any free cross stitch charts. Search the seller’s website for any free cross stitch patterns to download. Try to download a few and check out the quality. Are you happy with the result? Satisfied with the chart? Are the symbols big enough to read them? Is the pattern clear and easy to read? Is there a complete list of threads? If you are satisfied with the free cross stitch chart, then it is most likely that you will be satisfied with the products this website has to offer.
Another good way of choosing a cross stitch pattern is to look for how many colors the pattern is offering. This might seem irrelevant but it is not. In my personal opinion taking into consideration my many years of experience, the more colors the chart offers the better quality and resolution in the picture. More colors in a cross stitch pattern, it means the chart offers you details and shades. Especially if you are looking for fine art cross stitch patterns, then you definitely need more colors in the chart. However, be careful on the amount of colors used in the chart. Too many colors might be difficult to keep up with and only experienced stitchers should go for it. My opinion is that a cross stitch pattern up to 60 colors can capture a detailed image. If you don’t feel comfortable stitching a project with 150 colors, then do not buy it.
I hope this simple guide will help buyers choose a downloadable/printable cross stitch pattern with confidence.
GILBERT
Comments Off
Apr
27
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
mezanne2000 asked:
I’ve recently completed a cross stitch baby blanket for the arrival of my nephew. However, he is due any day and I need to wash the blanket at home quickly instead of waiting on the dry cleaners. I’m scared to death that I will ruin this blanket if I wash it at home. Please Help!!!
BILLY
___________________________________________________________________
I’ve recently completed a cross stitch baby blanket for the arrival of my nephew. However, he is due any day and I need to wash the blanket at home quickly instead of waiting on the dry cleaners. I’m scared to death that I will ruin this blanket if I wash it at home. Please Help!!!
BILLY
Mar
07
me_you_together asked:
During a steaming/ironning process, the thread in my cross stitch bled colors into the rest of it. How do I remove it without ruining it further? Please advise!! This is a present to my mother that’s taken me three years!
HOWARD
During a steaming/ironning process, the thread in my cross stitch bled colors into the rest of it. How do I remove it without ruining it further? Please advise!! This is a present to my mother that’s taken me three years!
HOWARD
