Cross Stitch|
Nov
10
Filed Under (Entertainment) by Kert
expertvillage asked:
Learn how to pick an easy pattern 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
BYRON
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Nov
10
Filed Under (Guality) by Kert
Ruth Kirby asked:
Most people find cross stitching straight forward to do, but you do generally need a few tips to help you get started with the right techniques. Here is an explanation of the main terms and cross stitch techniques.
Cross stitch kit
A kit is a pack that contains all the material you need to make the illustrated design. It usually contains Aida or Evenweave fabric, stranded cotton thread in all the required colours, a needle and a cross stitch pattern or chart with instructions on how to complete the design.
Cross stitch chart (or pattern)
A chart is a diagrammatic description of how to complete your design. Codes (such as #, +,
WM
___________________________________________________________________
Most people find cross stitching straight forward to do, but you do generally need a few tips to help you get started with the right techniques. Here is an explanation of the main terms and cross stitch techniques.
Cross stitch kit
A kit is a pack that contains all the material you need to make the illustrated design. It usually contains Aida or Evenweave fabric, stranded cotton thread in all the required colours, a needle and a cross stitch pattern or chart with instructions on how to complete the design.
Cross stitch chart (or pattern)
A chart is a diagrammatic description of how to complete your design. Codes (such as #, +,
WM
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Nov
08
Filed Under (Hobbies) by Kert
Sherry Frewerd asked:
The art or craft of cross stitch is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Easy to learn and do, ‘cross stitch’ is simply embroidery stitched with lots of little ‘X’ stitches to create a lovely design. This fun craft is sometimes referred to as ‘counted cross-stitch’ because the pattern and fabric require the crafter to count the number spaces to know where to place the stitches.
Most often, cross stitch patterns are done using a woven fabric called Aida cloth. Some advanced stitchers create designs on other types of fabrics using a special backing to help keep the stitching uniform. The kind of fabric you use depends on your skill level and the type of design you’re creating. I’ve cross stitched designs on my children’s clothing, bedding and other items for my home and as gifts.
Skilled cross stitch crafters create beautiful projects by stitching on plastic and various different papers as well. Gift cards and scrapbook designs may be made by stitching on paper of varying thickness and fiber.
Of course you can’t cross stitch without the proper thread. The threads used in counted cross stitch range from basic cotton, to wool or silk threads. Usually very colorful, embroidery floss as it’s called, comes in all kinds of colors and textures for you to play with.
If you’re just beginning to consider learning to cross stitch, your best bet is to learn about the craft itself before you start buying supplies. Your local craft store, bookstore, or library will most likely have several books available that will teach you and provide easy patterns to start with.
Once you know what’s expected of you in the craft of cross stitching, you’ll want to find some easy projects to begin with that will allow you to learn as you go. You’ll want to start with a project that requires only a few colors of thread and a larger weave Aida cloth. By doing so, you’ll prevent a lot of unnecessary learner’s frustration.
When you sit down to start your first cross stitch project, you’ll want to have all of your materials available and easy to get to. Start out by reading through the project instructions. You’ll want to look over your pattern and make sure that you understand all of the jargon and markings that you may find on the pattern. There will be a color key that you’ll need to understand so that you use the correct thread color. Make sure to have a pencil handy to make notes or your own marks on the pattern for later reference.
Cross stitching requires you to use a six strand of floss or thread and separate it into individual threads. Your pattern will tell you how many threads you’ll use at a time. Most often, the larger the weave of your fabric, the more strands of embroidery floss you’ll need at a time. Don’t rewind your floss and by all means don’t let it get tangled or bunched up. Your end project will look flat and even if you take care of your floss.
One key factor in learning to cross stitch is remembering not to knot your thread. Knotting threads in a cross stitch project will make your end result look lumpy and uneven; not a good thing. Just pull your thread through your Aida cloth and make sure to leave a length of thread on the end in the back. You can keep the bit of tail from going completely through the fabric by holding onto it on the back of your fabric as you make your first couple of stitches; they will overlap and hold the thread in place. You may have to practice this easy technique a few times, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
Another handy cross stitching tip is when you’re ready to change thread colors, just simply pull your needle through the stitches on the back of your fabric to hold your thread before you snip it off with scissors. Make sure to leave a little bit of thread so that it does not come loose and unstitched. Change your thread color and start on the next area of your project as you did before. And during the stitching process, remember to drop your needle every few stitches, meaning, just hold your project in one hand and let the attached needle and thread dangle from the fabric so that the thread unwinds and your next few stitches will be flat.
I can remember learning to cross stitch from a school librarian when I was a young girl. She eased my newbie anxiety with this phrase: ‘If you have one eye and half a brain you can cross stitch.’ Now, perhaps that may offend some avid cross stitchers, but she didn’t mean it in derogatory way. Only that cross stitching is an easy to learn and do craft that just about anyone can master. I mastered it in the 1980’s and stitched on anything I could get a needle through and even taught classes to school kids myself as an adult. The biggest problem I and most other cross stitchers have is the addiction of the craft. One thing to keep in mind is to control the number of kits you buy or you’ll find yourself with drawers of unfinished projects. Have fun and keep on stitchin’!
WARD
___________________________________________________________________
The art or craft of cross stitch is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Easy to learn and do, ‘cross stitch’ is simply embroidery stitched with lots of little ‘X’ stitches to create a lovely design. This fun craft is sometimes referred to as ‘counted cross-stitch’ because the pattern and fabric require the crafter to count the number spaces to know where to place the stitches.
Most often, cross stitch patterns are done using a woven fabric called Aida cloth. Some advanced stitchers create designs on other types of fabrics using a special backing to help keep the stitching uniform. The kind of fabric you use depends on your skill level and the type of design you’re creating. I’ve cross stitched designs on my children’s clothing, bedding and other items for my home and as gifts.
Skilled cross stitch crafters create beautiful projects by stitching on plastic and various different papers as well. Gift cards and scrapbook designs may be made by stitching on paper of varying thickness and fiber.
Of course you can’t cross stitch without the proper thread. The threads used in counted cross stitch range from basic cotton, to wool or silk threads. Usually very colorful, embroidery floss as it’s called, comes in all kinds of colors and textures for you to play with.
If you’re just beginning to consider learning to cross stitch, your best bet is to learn about the craft itself before you start buying supplies. Your local craft store, bookstore, or library will most likely have several books available that will teach you and provide easy patterns to start with.
Once you know what’s expected of you in the craft of cross stitching, you’ll want to find some easy projects to begin with that will allow you to learn as you go. You’ll want to start with a project that requires only a few colors of thread and a larger weave Aida cloth. By doing so, you’ll prevent a lot of unnecessary learner’s frustration.
When you sit down to start your first cross stitch project, you’ll want to have all of your materials available and easy to get to. Start out by reading through the project instructions. You’ll want to look over your pattern and make sure that you understand all of the jargon and markings that you may find on the pattern. There will be a color key that you’ll need to understand so that you use the correct thread color. Make sure to have a pencil handy to make notes or your own marks on the pattern for later reference.
Cross stitching requires you to use a six strand of floss or thread and separate it into individual threads. Your pattern will tell you how many threads you’ll use at a time. Most often, the larger the weave of your fabric, the more strands of embroidery floss you’ll need at a time. Don’t rewind your floss and by all means don’t let it get tangled or bunched up. Your end project will look flat and even if you take care of your floss.
One key factor in learning to cross stitch is remembering not to knot your thread. Knotting threads in a cross stitch project will make your end result look lumpy and uneven; not a good thing. Just pull your thread through your Aida cloth and make sure to leave a length of thread on the end in the back. You can keep the bit of tail from going completely through the fabric by holding onto it on the back of your fabric as you make your first couple of stitches; they will overlap and hold the thread in place. You may have to practice this easy technique a few times, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
Another handy cross stitching tip is when you’re ready to change thread colors, just simply pull your needle through the stitches on the back of your fabric to hold your thread before you snip it off with scissors. Make sure to leave a little bit of thread so that it does not come loose and unstitched. Change your thread color and start on the next area of your project as you did before. And during the stitching process, remember to drop your needle every few stitches, meaning, just hold your project in one hand and let the attached needle and thread dangle from the fabric so that the thread unwinds and your next few stitches will be flat.
I can remember learning to cross stitch from a school librarian when I was a young girl. She eased my newbie anxiety with this phrase: ‘If you have one eye and half a brain you can cross stitch.’ Now, perhaps that may offend some avid cross stitchers, but she didn’t mean it in derogatory way. Only that cross stitching is an easy to learn and do craft that just about anyone can master. I mastered it in the 1980’s and stitched on anything I could get a needle through and even taught classes to school kids myself as an adult. The biggest problem I and most other cross stitchers have is the addiction of the craft. One thing to keep in mind is to control the number of kits you buy or you’ll find yourself with drawers of unfinished projects. Have fun and keep on stitchin’!
WARD
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Nov
06
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
Josephine asked:
i really want to do some cross stitching but haven’t got much money at the moment. i would like a good quality picture and fairies would be great does any one know a website like that or is it too good to be true?
VINCE
i really want to do some cross stitching but haven’t got much money at the moment. i would like a good quality picture and fairies would be great does any one know a website like that or is it too good to be true?
VINCE
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Oct
30
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
Shari S asked:
I have been cross stitching for years. I am always looking for new and different patterns. Does any one know where to find some?
DON
I have been cross stitching for years. I am always looking for new and different patterns. Does any one know where to find some?
DON
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Oct
25
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
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.
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
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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
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Oct
22
Filed Under (Entertainment) by Kert
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
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Oct
20
Filed Under (Art And Entertainment) by Kert
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
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
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Oct
16
Filed Under (Entertainment) by Kert
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
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