Yiota Christodoulou asked:


Here are some cross stitch tips that will help you a lot with your cross stitch projects.

GETTING STARTED

Always start stitching from the center of your fabric. To find the center on your fabric, fold the fabric in half twice. The center will be at the intersection of the two folds.

Finding the center of your chart by following the two arrows. One arrow will be in the top center FABRIC

Put tissue paper in your hoop with your fabric then tear away the center where you are stitching. This will keep oils from getting onto your fabric and help your hands from being moist.

Use different qualities of fabric. Try cheaper fabric for quick designs, saving money so that you can splash out on the best fabric for heirloom projects.

You will want to allow 3 to 4 inches of fabric on each side of the design. This will help you framing your project easily.

THREADS
When stitching with 2 threads use only one strand of floss, put the ends together and thread them through the needle leaving a loop on one end. When you put the needle through on your second stitch, catch it through the loop. This keeps the material from getting bumby.

When ending your thread by running under other stitches, try to match colors. Never run a dark color under light stitched, it might show through to the front.

Back stitch should be added when all other stitching has been completed.

NEEDLES

Many of us we have the bad habit of leaving the needle into the fabric when we end a session. Be aware that this can leave a permanent stain or large hole in your fabric. Always store a needle properly.

TIPS

If you have pets or small children do not keep your cross stitch materials in a bag. Keeping your threads, needles and scissors in a box that shuts securely will prevent little fingers and paws from getting into things easily!

If you are working on a larger needlework project, invest in a set of stretcher bars. They keep the fabric from getting warped and it makes it easier to actually do the sewing. They come in several sizes, and are fairly inexpensive.

Using a highlighter in a light color - yellow works very well for marking off stitches or areas of stitching as you complete them. If your lighting make the yellow hard to see at night, you could use another color like green or blue or orange when stitching at night.



CLAYTON

John Wigham asked:


There are a numerous reasons for taking up the beguiling, blue-collar craft of cross stitch, ten of which are shown below. So continue reading then pay a visit to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today.

1. Why “blue-collar” you might ask? Well! When compared to most other pastimes, cross stitch is truly inexpensive; there’s no fancy or expensive machinery. When you have bought a kit or the thread and fabric for your own design that’s about it for outlay (well, until you buy the next one anyway). Simple kits start from a couple of dollars and you’re guaranteed something at the end of it to show for your efforts.

2. Whatever you produce, be it a tiny picture of a mere few inches in diameter, or a sampler that stretches the length of your wall, you will always have it to keep. You can even hand it down to your children, thereby creating an heirloom.

3. Even beginners can make cross stitch works that look both beautiful and professional. Starter kits don’t need any previous experience and as you develop your skills you can progress to evermore complex patterns. You will never have to scour the shops for that special gift again.
4. Everything you make will be unique and very personal; the perfect gift for every occasion.

5. Cross stitch is great for stress relief and relaxation. Just sit down with your favorite radio program or CD on and stitch away to your heart’s content.

6. Cross stitch is a truly “portable” hobby. You can stitch while sitting in your armchair watching the TV or alternatively you can take it with you on holiday or on long train journeys. Boredom will surely be a thing of the past.

7. The huge number of cross stitch designs available today means that there will always be something you like, regardless of your ability. Simple designs for beginners incorporate a small number of color threads and very basic stitches so that you don’t need to go and read a manual before you make a start. However, as you progress and learn a few more stitches and techniques you can attempt more complex patterns until you really are the professional cross stitcher.

8. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer free patterns to cross stitch. You will have to buy your own threads and fabric but that is half of the challenge! There is absolutely no way on this earth that you will ever run out of things to cross stitch; it really is a hobby for life.

9. As you become more confident and proficient, you can sell some of your creations so making a bit of pocket money while doing something that you love to do. You can even advertise your talents and design patterns for individual customers. Given a few years you could have a nice little business venture as well as a great hobby.

10. Outdoor hobbies such as hill walking and bird watching aren’t much fun in the rain or in the middle of winter, but cross stitch can be done at any time of the year regardless of the weather. In fact it’s a great feeling to sit in a nice warm, cozy house on a dull winter evening and happily stitch the hours away.

Overall, cross stitch really is a universal hobby anyone can master and if your curiosity does get the better of you, you will undoubtedly become hooked in no time. Historically, cross stitching has a rather vague stigma attached to it as being thought of by many as just a “pensioner” activity. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, people of all ages cross stitch, even teenagers and children… and yes men too! … and hey! If you don’t believe me, have a go yourself, you’ll soon find out why cross stitch really is universally popular.



LONNIE

SCUZE-ME asked:


I’m new at this. I bought this really cute cross stitch to make for my niece on-the-way but there’s no pattern printed on the fabric. There is a pattern to follow and directions but this seems really difficult.

JOHN

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

Yiota Christodoulou asked:


Counted cross stitch is very easy to learn. You only need to follow the design from a printed graph or pattern onto evenweave fabric (usually Aida). You will be using floss and creating crosses (X) on the fabric. Each symbol on the pattern represents one X on the fabric. Different symbols represent different colors of floss.

To start stitching, make sure you have the following:

* Pattern

* Evenweave fabric (usually Aida)

* Needle (size 24 for 14 count Aida and size 26 for any other fabric greater than 14 count).

* Scissors

Most people prefer to stitch on a 14 count Aida. First, finding the center of your chart by following the two arrows. One arrow will be in the top center and the other one in the middle left side of your chart. Follow these two arrows. Where they meet is your center stitch. Next, find the center of your fabric - fold it in half twice. The center will be at the intersection of the two folds.

The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X. Use this method for most stitching. Make sure all stitches are crossed in the same direction and that they lay flat on your fabric.

A color might have only a few stitches and then another color starts. It is up to you if you want to end off and start again with another color or carry the thread along the back. I usually stitch all the same colors first (in one area) and then move to another color in the same area.

That is it! Very simple. Just follow the pattern and you will be creating a wonderful piece of art!



RICKEY

rlschuna asked:


I’m sorry guys I KNOW mixup was mine. WHAT I MEANT was how do you do the gridding on THE FABRIC? Not on the pattern which i know already. Thank ALL who answered my earlier question.

ELIJAH

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

knitpicks asked:

This tutorial shows you how to steek your knitted piece by sewing the fabric to reinforce the edges.

LOWELL

felines asked:


I have, and it’s actually fun to freestyle things. I could never do counted cross-stitch, and the plastic canvas is so bulky. This is just right for needle and double-strand embroidery thread.
z3mom07470 — I use iron-on adhesive to put fabric backing on. I’ve made ornaments and bookmarks and the most ambitious project was a lighthouse-shaped bookmark. I used blue and green thread in my needle to make the water and then brushed the thread when I was done to blur the stitches. It was neat. I was proud to give it as a gift.

THERON