Hamidah Gul asked:


 

It’s been a couple of months since you’ve started the exciting journey of starting your first, second or maybe even tenth cross stitch project. It has been a wonderful therapeutic journey from start to finish, from seeing the stitch start from a simple x to a glorious masterpiece of art.

Then the question strikes you. Now what do I do with it? Most cross stitchers would just send their work of art to the frame dealer and with a little mental prayer that they don’t ***** it up, the cross stitch would be framed and ready to be hang. I have to admit I’ve been hanging all my completed works. I even have a wall dedicated only for my cross stitches.

Still there are other things you might want to consider doing. Here are 7 of my fun and unique ideas about what you can do after you have completed your project. Do take note that all ideas are dependent on the size of your patterns.

1. Make a quilt.

Make small little patterns and sew them all together on a large piece of blanket, making a beautiful patchwork of cross stitch patterns.

2. Make a table cloth.

Floral or border cross stitch designs are great for table runners. Forget about buying a commercial table cloth. Show off to your guests by making one of your own!

3. Coasters
Another favorite for guests are coasters. Cross stitch at least 6 patterns of the same theme and add lace around them to transform them into little girly coasters or simply use no-fray Aida to have ready made coasters after you are done stitching them.

4. Cushion covers

Although there are plenty of ready made stitch-able cushion covers, you don’t have to use that to make great cross stitch cushions. If you have plain cushion covers in hand, you can simply sew your cross stitch designs on them.

5. Wallpaper border

This is an interesting one. You can cross stitch floral designs or alphabets on long strips of Aida and then glue it around a plain wall to liven up your baby’s room. It’s an alternative to putting up wallpaper and definitely would be something your baby would love to touch when he starts experimenting on textures.

6. Pencil case or purse

This is not a hard project to do. All you need is stitch on a bigger piece of Aida and only half of it so that when you later fold it, the design is nicely centered on one half. Of course this is entirely up to you. You can even arrange it that there are two designs at both sides. Then simple sew up the corners and add a zipper to the top. And you’ve got yourself a nice hand made purse or pencil case!

7. Head band

If you have a small rectangle cross stitch pattern done, consider making it into a head band. You only need to attach a short piece of elastic band to connect your cross stitch ends. And then it’s perfect to hold your hair back!

Get more great ideas with our stitch-able crafts at The Art of Stitch.

 



ALEXANDER

Janet Kelly asked:


Cross Stitch is  part of the embroidery family of needlework. Designs are achieved by stitching lots of cross stitches on evenweave fabric.  Not only do the crosses define the design but also the use of colours.

Over the centuries children made cross stitch samplers to improve their stitching skills.  These normally would include the alphabet,numbers, their name, the year it was stitched those more accomplished would stitch a verse or poem.  Motifs of trees, animals or a house, would be added to embellish the sampler.
Counted cross stitch is the main description for cross stitch.  The design is stitched on evenweave fabric such as aida,cotton or linen.  The fabric has an even amount of holes per 10cms.  For example aida cloth can have 14 holes per 10cms and when stitching count the holes.

Over the last thirty years inparticular cross stitching has developed and the diversity of designs is endless.  The availability of accessories has increased cross stitch as a hobby. Making your completed design into a gift for someone special is so rewarding.  Stitching a card specially for someones birthday,wedding anniversary,new baby or just to say thank you to see the pleasure on their faces is satisfying.  The recipient knows that you have stitched it with them in mind.  With cards they can be put into a frame to be displayed for all to see.

Not only can you create cards but fridge magnets,bookmarks,pillows, cushions,keyrings,tablecloths, babies bibs,boottees and the list goes on.

It is an easy skill to learn with beautiful results.  All you need is fabric, thread,chart,needle,sharp scissors and an embroidery hoop however some people prefer to just hold the fabric in their hand and stitch.  A hoop needs to be large enough for you to be able to stitch the whole design without moving the hoop.  Using a hoop does keep the fabric taut helping to keep your stitches neat as they are kept at the same tension.

You will be amazed how many people are avid cross stitchers be warned it is highly addictive.

From a small investment the hours of pleasure you have stitching the piece of work is worthwhile.  It is versatile as you can take small projects on holiday with you or whilst travelling.



CORNELIUS

Diane Palmer asked:


Counted Cross Stitch is a great relaxing hobby, and has been around for a very long time.

You can purchase kits, that come complete with threads, stamped cross stitch fabric, and instructions, or you can create your own.
Cross stitch, is creating a picture using a cross stitch or counted “X”’s. It is easy to learn, and once you have it mastered, you can take it anywhere.

Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to decorate items like dishcloths, household linens, and doilies, and was taught to young girls, along with embroidery and other needlework. They would start their hope chest with these items from a very young age.

Although most cross stitchers, prefer to use it to create pictures that can be framed. The fabric consists of tiny holes that can be counted, and that is why it is called “Counted Cross Stitch” you basically stitch a “X” into each of these small square holes, with different colored threads.

You can also draw your own pictures on the cloth and get creative with color. There is no limit. There are many instructions books that teach you to cross stitch, but I found a video to be the best way to learn. It feels more hands on, than pictures in a book.

With all the great products and kits on the market now, you can create some very one of a kind art with cross stitch. Put with the right frame, this can be stunning. If you are a beginner, start with a simple cross stitch kit, and once practiced, move up to more detailed ones or create your own works of art.

Cross stitch is like painting a picture with thread.. it is beautiful.

learn to cross stitch



KELLY

Missy K asked:


I am very interested in creating my own cross stitch patterns for personal use and would like to know from cross stitchers what you think the best software to do this is and why. Thanks!

OLLIE