Cross Stitch|
Nov
13
Filed Under (Hobbies) by Kert
Yiota Christodoulou asked:
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
___________________________________________________________________
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
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Oct
20
Filed Under (Art And Entertainment) by Kert
John Wigham asked:
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
___________________________________________________________________
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 (Hobbies) by Kert
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
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
Comments Off
Sep
03
Filed Under (Strands) by Kert
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
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
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