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Learn How to Cross Stitch

January 31, 2012 By

Counted cross stitch transfers a design from a printed graph onto evenweave fabric. The stitcher uses embroidery floss to place Xs on the fabric corresponding to symbols on the chart.

Each symbol on the chart represents one X on the fabric. The different styles of symbols on the chart represent different colors of floss.Cross stitch is easy to learn and requires only a few supplies.

Graph. This is the pattern or design you chose to stitch. There are thousands to choose from.

Evenweave fabric. The fabric for cross stitch is woven in an even manner so that you know exactly where to place your needle. To keep the fabric from raveling either sew the edges on a sewing machine or use Fray Stop to prevent fraying.

Needle. A tapestry needle is used, usually a size 24 or 26 (size 26 is smaller than size 24). This type of needle has a blunt point and a large eye. Use a size 24 for stitching on 14 count fabric; use a size 26 for fabric with a stitch count greater than 14.

Floss. Embroidery floss is a cotton thread used for stitching. Floss has 6 strands, but usually you will use only 2 strands at a time for stitching and 1 strand for backstitching.

On Hardanger fabric (22 count) you usually will use only 1 strand; on 11 count Aida use 3 strands to stitch and 2 to backstitch. Most books and graphs suggest either DMC or Anchor brands.

Embroidery hoop. A plastic embroidery hoop is helpful to hold the fabric while you stitch. Remove the fabric from the hoop when you are not stitching to keep from getting hoop marks.

Scissors. You can start out with any pair of scissors, but pretty soon you will want to get a nice pair of small embroidery scissors. Get a good quality pair with sharp points. A good pair of scissors makes stitching a lot more fun.

Choosing Your Fabric
There are dozens of fabrics to choose from. They will all work, so you just have to decide on what you like. White or ivory Aida 14 is the most common and 14 count is an easy fabric to start on.

The number of stitches per inch will determine the finished size of the design. A design that is 28 stitches wide stitched on Aida 14 (14 stitches per inch fabric) will be 2 wide.

The same design will be 2 1/2 wide on Aida 11, and 1 1/4 stitched on hardanger (22 stitches per inch). Thankfully, most designs show design sizes for different counts of fabrics. Be sure to allow extra fabric for finishing (at least 4 extra on length and width).

To Begin
Find the center of the graph. For most patterns this is shown with arrows or a bold line. Next, find the center of your fabric. An easy way to do this is to fold the fabric in half vertically and pinch with your finger to make a small crease. Open the fabric, fold in half horizontally and make another pinch.

Open the fabric up. The two creases will mark the center of the fabric. Most stitchers like to start stitching close to the center of the design. For the I Like You graph, start with the pink balloon.

Knots on the back will show through, so do not use any knots to start or end. To begin stitching, bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric leaving about a 1 tail of thread behind the fabric. Stitch the next 5 or 6 stitches over the tail. Clip off extra thread. To end off, weave your needle back through the last 5 or 6 stitches and clip the thread short so as not to leave a loose tail.

Stitching
There are two methods. The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\) to complete the Xs. Use this method for most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows of stitches.

It is important that all the Xs are crossed in the same direction. That is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction (either or /). It does not matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look uneven.

Relax as you stitch. Your stitches should lay flat on your fabric and not distort the holes or the fabric.

Backstitching
Backstitching is a running stitch (not an X) used to outline an area or to form lettering. In the graph, the words I Like You and the strings on the balloons are done in backstitch. Normally you use one less strand of floss for backstitching than you use for cross stitching.

Carrying Your Thread
Sometimes a color will have only a few stitches and then jump to another area. Most of the time you should end off and start again, other times you can carry the thread along the back. Just jumping from area to area is easier than starting and stopping, but sometimes the thread will show through.

This can be a problem if you jump a dark thread over an unstitched area of light fabric. In general, you can carry the thread to another area if the jump is short, the floss color is light, and you are jumping over a previously stitched area.

In the I Like You graph, the white highlights on the three balloons can be done by starting at the top balloon, jumping to the middle balloon, and then jumping to the bottom balloon.

Finishing
When your stitching is complete, wash in cool water using a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well. Do not wring, but roll in a clean towel to absorb most of the water. While still damp, place face down on a terry towel. Place another cloth on top of the needlework and press lightly with a warm iron. Let dry.

Then frame or finish as desired. The I Like You design will fit nicely in a flat round, scalloped, or octagonal glass paperweight.

Filed Under: Crochet, Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns, Knitting Tagged With: , ,

How To Needle Point

January 27, 2012 By

Needlepoint kits have been around for many years, but there has never been more design choices on the market then what is on offer today. You are no longer restricted to traditional floral designs or somber scenes - needlepoint kits have come of age and there is sure to be a design available for everyone to enjoy; all in the one package.

A needlepoint kit will include everything you need to complete the design - no need to think about what type of thread or yarn to use; how much you will need; how to match the colors, and so on.

The kit manufacturer has done all this for you. They have created the design, pulled together all the relevant components, and then stitched it up to make sure it looks just so -- and so it can be photographed for the packaging.

Having a photo of the finished product allows you to see where you are going with the design. To have everything you need in the one package is a big help if you are a novice stitcher, or you do not have a lot of time on your hands and you want your project to be relaxing and not turn into one decision after another.

There are several different needlepoint kits on the market, ranging from reasonably affordable ones that you might find at a big box craft store, to quite expensive kits sold in needlepoint boutiques and online web stores. The cheaper varieties tend to be more traditional in style and are mostly kitted with cotton threads.

They are a good place to start if you are trying needlepoint for the first time and you do not want to invest a lot of money while you test the waters. However, first time stitchers can also manage most needlepoint kits that are sold through boutique outlets.

If you have found a design you love, you should be able to stitch it as a novice stitcher, as long as there is not a great deal of shading or color changing involved. It is usually best to start with a more basic design, perhaps on a larger mesh like 10 or 12 mesh, at least for your first project.

All needlepoint kits come with instructions for how to needlepoint. This means that even if you have not tried needlepoint before, you should be able to purchase any kit and learn from the instructions within. You will not get all the subtleties of needlepoint but you will certainly learn everything you need to complete the design and get a great finished product.

There are hundreds of kit styles on the market today. If you like traditional, floral designs then there are several brand choices. Some english needlepoint companies specialize in these more traditional designs. If modern or whimsical is more your style then there are manufacturers now who put out bright, fun, sassy designs.

Look for needlepoint kits by Buycrossstitch.com if you want a more contemporary feel. There is something for everyone.

You dont have tspend a lot of money when you learn how tneedlepoint. Look for free patriotic needlepoint patterns online, use some of your leftover yarn or floss from your craft stash, and create patriotic needlepoint designs that will add spice and spirit tyour homes decor all year long.

Needlepoint is easy tlearn, there is just one basic stitch tmaster in many designs, and your finished product can be anything from elegant twhimsical and beyond.

Free patriotic needlepoint can inspire others, too. Think about creating patriotic needlepoint bookmarks or pins, and send them ta service man or woman overseas thelp make their day a little brighter.

Or, give them as gifts tyour friends and family. Even better, create some extra tdonate tyour local nursing home or assisted living facility. Think how such a small item can make a big difference in a persons life, and youll start creating more and more needlepoint gifts tgive thospitals, service organizations, veterans groups, and more.

Some other ideas for free patriotic needlepoint patterns include:

Dog and cat collars. Show your patriotic spirit with a patriotic dog collar for your favorite pooch!

Place mats and table decorations. Find a free patriotic needlepoint design that fits your tabletop, and create custom place mats for Labor Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, and all through the year.

Pins and jewelry. Create patriotic jewelry for your friends and family tshow their love of their country.

Pictures and wall hangings. Create beautiful designs from free patriotic needlepoint patterns for your home. Patriotic designs are very popular home décor items, and you can create your own quickly and easily.

Welcome signs. Welcome everyone tyour home with a cheery patriotic needlepoint design on your front door or front porch.

Garden signs and decorations. If you use plastic canvas and plastic raffia or twine, you can create outdoor patriotic needlepoint garden signs. Whsays your garden cant be patriotic too?

Use your imagination. Just about any free patriotic needlepoint design can turn intthe inspiration for a new project. Create these designs on regular or plastic canvas, in true red, white, and blue spirit, and you can decorate your house, your yard, and give great gifts tyour friends, all with very little cash.

You might even try selling your designs traise a little cash, too.

What other materials will you need when you use your free patriotic needlepoint patterns? Youll need:

Needlepoint canvas (either fabric or plastic).

A tapestry needle (the right size tfit through your canvas and hold your yarn).

Yarn, embroidery floss, or twine (tstitch with).

Its not hard tget started in needlepoint, and free patriotic needlepoint designs are a great way tget started. Because they only use three basic colors, you dont have tinvest a lot of money tget started.

Once you start creating patriotic needlepoint, you just may find youre addicted tthis hobby. Its easy, fun, and you can create your own patriotic designs once you get the hang of it.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns, Knitting Tagged With: ,

Free Cross Stitch Patterns

January 18, 2012 By

Who uses free counted cross stitch patterns and graphs? Anyone who wants them, but there are many uses for these patterns. Free cross stitch patterns are often found on the Internet which is a great source for these patterns.

Some people use these patterns to incorporate and merge them with other patterns and motifs to create a brand new pattern idea. These customized patterns are then either used for personal use or are marketed and sold with a new name or title.

A designer who specializes in free cross stitch patterns is Caroline who presents patterns to the general public for personal use only.

Also, a site called Better Cross Stitch Patterns.com offers very nice, unique free patterns. The atmosphere is very friendly there, and they go out of their way to make a stitcher feel at home.

Large companies like DMC and many others offer patterns without cost on their websites for both beginners and experienced stitchers. Their patterns include alphabet charts, floral patterns and animal charts.

Here, the free patterns are used as an effective approach to get you into their site, download the free pattern(s), and perhaps they are hoping you might see other goodies you just cannot live without which leads to the anticipated purchase.

While some companies are very specific about your use of these patterns stating they are for personal use only, others will allow you to download the free pattern, stitch it, and then sell the finished stitched project for your own profit as long as you make the proper attribution to the seller by providing a link back to the sellers website.

However, those of you who download these free patterns are discouraged from re-selling the actual free pattern itself.

People who cross stitch and use free patterns also like to trade and switch back and forth with other stitchers on cross stitch blog sites, thus creating a network of patterns that can end up with interesting variations (in colors) depending on how creative you are.

As far as designing goes, there are even sites out there who have free graph paper for you to print off for use in designing your own patterns. Software such as PatternMaker has a library of free motifs for use in developing and designing a custom pattern.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns Tagged With: , , ,

Framing Your Cross Stitch Project

January 16, 2012 By

For many stitchers, the most exciting step of creating a cross stitch project is the final one  that of framing. Now! At last, you can finally think about showing off the results of your time and creative effort.

For the very best results, framing your project involves several steps and decisions. Heres my set of top tips for making this look as good as it can possibly be.

Choose a frame

Stitchers habitually like to take their completed project with them when selecting a frame. Having your project with you can make it easier for you to choose the style and the size. When choosing, take your time to select a style that compliments your design and a size that isnt overwhelming.

Then, after deciding on the best style and size, consider the material of the frame. And do bear in mind that some wood and plastic frames can leak acid over long periods of time. You may want to consult your local craft store for advice on the best way to prevent this damage from happening.

Decide if you want to use glass

If you use glass, use plain glass rather than non-reflective glass. And if youre hanging your project up high or have young children you might wish to consider toughened or safety glass; be aware of the extra cost though.

Also, make certain your frame is deep enough so the glass does not touch the stitching. To keep the glass away from the stitching, most stitchers use either multiple mats or spacers.

Select the mats

Mats not only give your work a polished, professional look, they also keep the glass from touching the stitches by using multiple mats. Select acid-free mats to protect your project. Experts suggest the borders of the bottom mat should be the same width or a little wider than the frame. The borders of the top mat should be smaller so you can see the bottom mat.

Generally, the best appearance is obtained by ensuring the bottom mat is a color that either matches a main thread in your project, or a color that coordinates with both the project and the frame. The bottom mat should always be your predominate color. The top mat should be a neutral color or a variation of the predominate color.

Attach your project to a mounting board.

In order to prevent damage to your project, select a board that is acid-free. Cut the board so it is slightly smaller than the frame, add batting if you wish, and then center your pattern and make certain the fabric is taut.

One handy way to make certain your project is correctly centered before you permanently attach it is to pin the overlapping fabric to the mounting board. By using pins, you can make adjustments until you are satisfied with the fitting.

When youve got the fabric taut and in place, attach it permanently to the mounting board either by stitching it to the board or by using a fabric adhesive. In general, the experts agree that the best approach is to stitch the overlapping sides to the mounting board using heavy thread.

Insert your project into the frame.

If you intend using glass in the frame and are using spacers, put them in place before inserting your project. If you dont have actual spacers and worry the stitches may touch the glass, you can use extra pieces from a mat. Simply place thin pieces of the mat along the edges so they are hidden by the frame. Then set your project on top of these pieces.

Next, secure your project in the frame. Glazier points work nicely, and most craft and hardware stores carry them. When you use glazier points, one end is secured into the back of the frame. The other end holds your project in place.

If your frame does not have a back cover, you should use acid-free paper, either brown or decorative, to protect your project.

Attach wire or a picture hanger to the frame.

Usually frames do not come with wire or a hanger. Picture hangers are easy to attach because you simply nail them in the center of the top side of the frame.

Picture hangers work well with small frames. If your frame is large, consider using wire instead. Remember to add a little extra wire so it isnt too tight, and an extra hook to hang it on too, if the frame is on the heavy side.

Now that youve framed your beautiful cross stitch project, the only remaining step is to sit back, admire your accomplishment, and bask in the praise of others.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns Tagged With: , , ,

Fine art Paintings Cross Stitch Designs

January 13, 2012 By

Lately fine art paintings in cross stitch are very popular. Fine art paintings from the famous Monet, Van Gogh and Klimt are complex paintings but they look great in cross stitch.

Most of us have posters of the old masters in our rooms, why not stitch a painting and hang it in the living room.

Fine art cross stitch can be complicated, challenging and can also take some time to finish but you will capture the drama and different colours of an old famous painting and also create a heirloom for the family. A cross stitch painting is a wonderful keepsake and you should be proud to have made it.

Many cross stitch shops offer designs from the Old Masters like Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, Waterhouse, Renoir and many more.

To choose your favourite design, decide which painting you would like to stitch and then look first online for all the bargains. Online cross stitch shops can afford to offer better priced and competitive cross stitch kits and patterns.

There is a huge variety of fine art cross stitch patterns online. These days, you can also get your cross stitch pattern via email or download so you are saving money on postage. You will need to have a printer to print the pattern or you can email it to a friend who can print the pattern for you.

You can not miss your favourite painting into cross stitch, just search the net for fine art cross stitch patterns and you will find it. However if you can not find your design, just email any of the fine art cross stitch shops and most of them will be more than happy to make it for you into a cross stitch pattern.

There is not so much variety of fine art in cross stitch kits, you may need to search for your favourite design a bit more. If you can not find it online, it is a good idea to ask your local craft shop in case they can direct you to the right place.

If you still can not find your favourite design into cross stitch kit, then you will have to find it into a cross stitch pattern and buy the materials - fabric and threads - separately.

Once you find the perfect fine art painting in cross stitch kit or pattern, be sure you stitch your initials and date at the bottom of your cross stitch design. It is nice to know who made a masterpiece!

Finding The Best Cross Stitch Designs

How many of you are looking to find that one unique and special cross stitch design but having trouble locating it. This guide is to help you find that special and unique cross stitch pattern you are dreaming of.

First, visit your local craft store and ask around. They might have something similar or they might be able to order it for you. If that fails, then use the yellow pages and phone all the craft stores in your area or neighbour areas.

Ask them for the particular cross stitch pattern - the more information you know the better. If you can not provide sufficient information, try to describe the pattern, how the picture looks like, how big it is, how the front cover page looks like, the manufacturer name if known etc.

If you have no luck with the craft shops, try to find it online! Use your computer and the search engines, like google.com, yahoo.com or ask.com.

Be very specific. If you are looking for example a ford car, seach for ford car cross stitch pattern and check out the search results.

Another good search place is cross stich forums. Find them again through the big search engines (google, yahoo). Many avid cross stitchers are looking for specific cross stitch patterns in cross stitch forums.

A cross stitch forum is a good online community that they all try to help each other as much as they can. They even exchange or borrow cross stitch patterns. You might also find a person there who can help you find your pattern.

The last option is to design your own cross stitch pattern. There are a few free services that will let you upload a photo and it will convert it into a cross stitch pattern. Search google or yahoo for upload photo in cross stitch free.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns Tagged With: , , , , ,

Finding Quality Cross Stitch Kits

January 12, 2012 By

There are cross stitch kits available for anything from Halloween decorations to cartoon characters and much more.

The fourth of July always has a few stars and stripes cross stitching kits that assist you in getting into the season and creating a festive environment.

Even if you are simply creating a sock, pillow, or anything else that you may be creating, these cross stitch kits are easy to use and very inexpensive, providing all the needed materials and patterns in order to complete the project accurately.

Gifts for Family

Sometimes, there is nothing better as a gift from a loved one than something that was created with love and with cross stitch kits, you can easily create such a gift. You can create beautiful patterns and framed gifts that are great for any occasion.

Whether you are introducing a new member into the family through birth or marriage, offering a birthday or anniversary gift, or any other occasion, you can easily and quickly use a cross stitch kit to create the perfect way to express your care and joy of the occasion.

Easy to Find

There are cross stitch kits found just about in any crafts store online and locally. Most superstores will even offer small kits that are great for beginners or even the most advanced cross stitching masters.

You can create such beautiful art in such little time, learning as you go and getting more advanced kits as you continue to learn.

Once you get a great deal of experience, you can get the most advanced kits that will offer the thread, needle, and any other parts that are needed to create the image you are stitching. Enjoying your time while you create beautiful patterns is all contained in a kit so easy to find.

Cross stitching is a pastime that many people can enjoy both young and old. From creating beautiful framed works to providing gifts to your loved ones and embracing the holidays, you can get excellent cross stitch kits that provide everything that you will need to get started and carryout the entire project from start to finish.

With all the supplies provided and a great guide for completing the cross stitching, you will be able to complete your new project in no time, starting on the next for another great gift or decoration.

Cross stitching kits were a great invention for those who want to learn cross stitching. They make learning fun and easy because they provide all the supplies you need in a single kit so you can focus on learning.

After youve made your first kit project, you will find that you really do know how to cross stitch because there isnt much to this craft to begin with. What makes a stitching project more or less complicated is its size and some of the embellishments you can add to any project to enhance it.

There are two kinds of kits you should know about. Stamped cross stitch kits and counted cross stitch kits. The difference between these two is that in one the pattern is actually stamped or printed on the fabric, kind of like a coloring page. Counted cross stitch requires that you read a pattern and then stitch it on the fabric.

Typically stamped cross stitch is for beginners and is part of a kit. It makes it easier to focus on learning the handful of easy embroidery stitches that are considered cross stitching. The only additional skill you need to make counted kits is to be able to count and read a chart or pattern. Either kind of kit will teach you cross stitching.

The supplies in these kits include aida fabric, a needle, the DMC or embroidery floss for the design and sometimes a hoop as well as a design and instructions.

The patterns in these kits are typically very simple designs, though some are quite elaborate. Two very good brands for cross stitching kits are made by Bucilla and Janlynn. They both make all kinds of embroidery, needlepoint and cross stitch project kits.

If you have ever played tic tac toe then you already know how to make the main stitch used in cross stitch because it is just like drawing the x. You take your needle up from a top corner in the grid fabric called aida cloth, and take the needle down on the opposite corner of that same grid, just like the diagonal line you make when you are playing tic tac toe.

Then you bring your needle back up on the other top corner and diagonally back down at the other bottom corner of the grid to make the x. Its that simple.

Other than that you should know NOT to tie a knot in your cross stitch floss before you start stitching. Instead, leave a bit of a tail and old it so that as you make other stitches you kind of sew over it.

When you get to the end of your thread or need to change colors, just run your needle under some of the other stitches already there on the back. Thats sufficient for cross stitch to keep the end from coming undone.

You may find that placing your fabric in a embroidery hoop or frame will help hold it taught for you and make it easier to hold while you stitch.

When you are done you can frame it and hang it up or include it in some other larger project like a pillow, hand towels, bib or bookmaker.

These cross stitching kits make great gifts for wedding showers or baby showers too! Look for Disney designs or wedding themed kits.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns Tagged With: , , ,

Cross Stitch Tips and Ideas

December 30, 2011 By

The most exciting part about doing a cross stitch project other than starting it is actually finishing it. When your stitches are actually crossed and your final back stitch is placed its time to decide what you want to do to display the needlework youre so proud of.

A lot of people jump right to the thought of framing the piece. What size frame should they get? One matte or two mattes? Glass or plexi for protection? Standing frame or hanging frame?

But, the truth is there are so many options for your final finish other than a typical frame (or even a fancy frame.) Of course, a few of the options are going to depend on the size of your finished cross stitch, but dont be afraid to get creative to get the effect you want in the end.

One of the most popular framing alternatives is sewing the piece into a pillow or a sham. Of course, this lends well to small to medium sized cross stitch pieces and because it will be out on display you may want to use simple designs in this option because they might or might not washing at some point.

A similar option that I really enjoy for small pieces is to create a quilt block to be part of a larger wall hanging or even an actual quilt. It gives a nice personalized touch to the overall project and sets it apart from a typical quilting project.

So, lets talk about a few things you can do to jazz up that new project to make it a little more your own.

Blending Filaments - These are a sparkly shiny thread that you can purchase to give a bit of shimmer to your project. You can thread it into the needle with your floss and stitch that way, or you can thread the blending filament alone and just stitch over top of the current stitches to add a bit of shine in certain places. This adds a great touch to any piece.

Beads and Charms - You can use seed beads in place of french knots or place a few around the outer edge of a design for a nice depth of texture. Charms can also be bought and added anywhere on a piece for a little bit of added charm;-)

Specialty Threads - Silk, Rayon, Metallic, Hand Dyed, there are any number of floss types in addition to your regular standard embroidery floss.

Swapping out any standard color in your project and using one of these specialty threads in its place can make a huge difference in your finished project.

Take a minute or two today to look through your crafty stash and see what you can add to that work in progress cross stitch project to make it just a little more you. Get creative, have fun, and most of all enjoy what youre doing.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns Tagged With: , , ,

How To Cross-Stitch

December 15, 2011 By

Cross-stitch:

Cross-stitch is a form of embroidery or needlepoint in which stitches in the form of X’s, are stitched to form a picture, design, or text.

Stitching:

There are two different methods to use when cross stitching.  One is to make all of the (  / / / / /  ) stitches and then go back making the ( \ \ \ \ \  ) stitches.

Step 1:
Step 2:

The second method is to make one X at a time, such as ( / ) then ( \ ) on the same square, then moving to the next square ( / ) then ( \).  What is important here is that all your stitches lay the same way.

Either all of the ( / ) stitches are on top and all the ( \ ) stitches are on the bottom, or all the ( \ ) stitches are on top  and all the ( / ) stitches are on the bottom throughout the entire pattern.


Cross-stitch fabric:

Cross-stitch patterns are typically stitched on aida cloth.  Aida cloth is available in a variety of colors, the most common being white or ivory.  The finished size of the pattern depends on the count of the cloth used.

The most popular count, 14 count aida fabric is the easiest to stitch on and will result in a larger size than a pattern stitched on a 16 count aida fabric, a 16 count aida cloth will result in a pattern size smaller than an 18 count aida cloth, etc…

Typical aida counts are 14, 16, 18, and 22.  Most designs will list the finished size of the pattern for different counts of fabric.  When choosing a fabric, make sure you leave 2 inches extra fabric on each side.

For example, if you are stitching a design that you would then to frame in an 7 by 5 frame, your fabric should be at least 11 to 9 inches.

Stamped Cross-stitch:

Sometimes, the pattern or design is stamped directly onto the fabric and the stitcher simply stitched over the printed design.  This is called stamped cross-stitch.

Floss:

Floss is the embroidery thread used for cross-stitch.  It is composed of six strands and is easily separated.  Typically 2 strands are used for making the x’s and 1 strand is used for backstitching, but this is variable depending on the count of the cloth used.

Scissors:

Any pair of scissors will do, but as you progress passed the beginner stage, you may want to invest in a pair of embroidery scissors.

Hoop:

A hoop is used to keep your fabric tight as you are stitching.  When not stitching, the fabric should be removed from the hoop, so that permanent folds and wrinkles do not form on the fabric. 

Tapestry Needle:

Usually a size 24 tapestry needle is used for 14 count aida cloth, and a 26 sized tapestry needle is used for smaller count aida cloth.

Cross-stitch pattern chart or graph:

This is the graph or chart that has all the instructions for how to stitch the pattern.  There are a variety of cross stitch patterns available, both for free and for a fee.  Many cross-stitch charts are available online for downloading.

(EDIT)

Filed Under: Crochet, Cross Stitch, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns, Front Page

Stamped Cross Stitch Kits

December 14, 2011 By

After youve made your first kit project, you will find that you really do know how to cross stitch because there isnt much to this craft to begin with.

What makes a stitching project more or less complicated is its size and some of the embellishments you can add to any project to enhance it.

There are two kinds of kits you should know about. Stamped cross stitch kits and counted cross stitch kits. The difference between these two is that in one the pattern is actually stamped or printed on the fabric, kind of like a coloring page.

Counted cross stitch requires that you read a pattern and then stitch it on the fabric. Typically stamped cross stitch is for beginners and is part of a kit. It makes it easier to focus on learning the handful of easy embroidery stitches that are considered cross stitching.

The only additional skill you need to make counted kits is to be able to count and read a chart or pattern. Either kind of kit will teach you cross stitching.

The supplies in these kits include aida fabric, a needle, the DMC or embroidery floss for the design and sometimes a hoop as well as a design and instructions.

The patterns in these kits are typically very simple designs, though some are quite elaborate. Two very good brands for cross stitching kits are made by Bucilla and Janlynn. They both make all kinds of embroidery, needlepoint and cross stitch project kits.

If you have ever played tic tac toe then you already know how to make the main stitch used in cross stitch because it is just like drawing the x.

You take your needle up from a top corner in the grid fabric called aida cloth, and take the needle down on the opposite corner of that same grid, just like the diagonal line you make when you are playing tic tac toe.

Then you bring your needle back up on the other top corner and diagonally back down at the other bottom corner of the grid to make the x. Its that simple.

Other than that you should know NOT to tie a knot in your cross stitch floss before you start stitching. Instead, leave a bit of a tail and old it so that as you make other stitches you kind of sew over it.

When you get to the end of your thread or need to change colors, just run your needle under some of the other stitches already there on the back. Thats sufficient for cross stitch to keep the end from coming undone.

You may find that placing your fabric in a embroidery hoop or frame will help hold it taught for you and make it easier to hold while you stitch.

Sometimes you pick up a cross stitch chart or even a cross stitch kit and even though you love the design you just want to make a few changes to it or give it a bit of your own pizzazz!

I dont think Ive personally ever stitched anything exactly to the charted key, I always add some little something, whether its a floss change, a bit of blending filament, or maybe a few beads here and there for texture just to give it that little extra bit of me.

So, lets talk about a few things you can do to jazz up that new project to make it a little more your own.

Blending Filaments

These are a sparkly shiny thread that you can purchase to give a bit of shimmer to your project. You can thread it into the needle with your floss and stitch that way, or you can thread the blending filament alone and just stitch over top of the current stitches to add a bit of shine in certain places. This adds a great touch to any piece.

Beads and Charms

You can use seed beads in place of french knots or place a few around the outer edge of a design for a nice depth of texture. Charms can also be bought and added anywhere on a piece for a little bit of added charm;-)

Specialty Threads

Silk, Rayon, Metallic, Hand Dyed, there are any number of floss types in addition to your regular standard embroidery floss. Swapping out any standard color in your project and using one of these specialty threads in its place can make a huge difference in your finished project.

Take a minute or two today to look through your crafty stash and see what you can add to that work in progress cross stitch project to make it just a little more you. Get creative, have fun, and most of all enjoy what youre doing.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch Articles, Cross Stitch Kits, Cross Stitch Patterns Tagged With: , , ,

Cross Stitch Kits – The Different Types

January 5, 2011 By

If you go into a typical craft store, you will see the supplies for many types of crafts. For cross stitching, you will find thread, beads, fabric, patterns and kits.

Looking at the cross stitch kits, you can see that there are several different types to choose from. Below, is a quick description of each type of kit and the main advantage and disadvantage for each one.

Counted Cross Stitch - Stitches are done on a piece of blank aida cloth. By using a pattern (also called a chart) you have to count the squares on the cloth to know where to place your stitches.

For example, if you start with a symbol in the middle of the pattern you will place the corresponding stitch on the middle of the aida cloth. From there, count how many stitches there are of that symbol on the pattern and place them on the cloth relative to the first stitch.

The advantage of this method is that the look of the finished piece is uniform for the whole piece and many stitchers like this look the best.

The disadvantage of this method is that it is easy to lose count of the stitches, resulting in an error in where the stitches have been placed on the cloth. To correct the error, you would then need to pull out the incorrect stitches.

Stamped Cross Stitch - The design is printed on the fabric, usually in colour, which will tell you what colours to cross stitch and where.

I find that stamped cross stitch works best when the design is simple and you only need to use a small number of colours.

The advantage of this method is that you don't need to rely on a pattern or chart to know where to place your stitches, which can result in fewer mistakes than counted cross stitch.

The disadvantage is that if the colours printed on the fabric are very similar, it can be hard to distinguish what colour to place where.

Embellished Cross Stitch - A design is printed on fabric and only a few parts on the finished piece need to be filled in or accented with cross stitching.

The advantage of this type is that it is faster to cross stitch an embellished fabric because you do not need to cross stitch the entire picture.

The disadvantage of this method is that sometimes the pattern that is printed on the cloth is not printed straight. Also, some people think that the finished piece is not as pretty as pieces that are not embellished.

No-count Cross Stitch - Outlines are printed on the fabric and a chart shows what colour to fill in with x's.

The advantage of this method is that it is supposed to be faster than counted cross stitch, as you don't have to count to find out where each stitch should go.

The disadvantage is that, similar to embellished cross stitch, sometimes the pattern that is printed on the cloth is not printed straight.

Every stitcher has a preference in the type of cross stitching that they like to do. Their preference is based on how much time they have to cross stitch, the end result and the ease of cross stitching that kit.

Explore the different kits available and see which one you like the best.

Filed Under: Cross Stitch Kits
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