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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: ,

How to Knit

December 15, 2011 By

CASTING ON

The first process in knitting is known by the term CASTING ON. There are two ways of doing this: with one needle, and with two. Our first diagram represents the former process. Take the thread between the second and third fingers of the left hand, leaving an end of about a yard for every hundred stitches; pass it round the thumb of that hand, giving it a twist, so as to form a loop. Take a knitting-needle in the right hand, insert the point in the loop, and pass the thread from the ball round the needle; then bend the point of the needle through the loop, which tighten, and one stitch will be complete. Continue to make loops over the thumb, with the end of thread, and knit them with that from the ball until the proper number is cast on.

TO CAST ON WITH TWO NEEDLES (generally called the Spanish method), begin by making a loop on the end of the thread, into which slip the point of one needle, holding it in the left hand. Take the other needle in the right hand, and slip its point into the same loop, bring the thread round the point of this needle, and bend the needle towards you, so that the thread forms a loop on it. Slip that also on the left needle, without withdrawing it from the right. Put the thread round the right again, and repeat the process.

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KNITTING

PLAIN KNITTING.—After all the stitches are cast on, hold the needle containing them in the left hand. Pass the thread round the little finger of the right hand, under the second and third, and above the point of the first. Then take the other needle in the right hand, slip the point in the first stitch, and put the thread round it; bring forward the point of the right-hand needle, so that the thread forms a loop on it. Slip the end of the left-hand needle out of the stitch, and a new stitch is knitted.

GERMAN MANNER.—The thread, instead of being held by the fingers of the right hand, is passed over and under those of the left. The process otherwise is exactly the same.

PURLING.—Begin by bringing the thread in front of the right-hand needle, which slip into a stitch pointing towards you; that is in the reverse of the usual mode (see diagram). Put the thread round the point of the needle, still bringing it towards you, bend the needle backwards to form a loop, and withdraw the stitch from the point of the left-hand needle.

TO MAKE A STITCH.

SLIP STITCH.—Pass a stitch from the left needle to the right, without knitting it. There are two ways of decreasing: first, by knitting two, three, or more stitches as one, marked in knitting, as k 2 t, k 3 t, etc. Secondly, in the following way: slip one stitch, knit-one, pass the slip stitch over: this decreases one stitch. To decrease two; slip one, knit two together, pass the slip stitch over.

TO TAKE UP STITCHES.

A reverse stitch is taken off the left-hand needle, in the reverse way to knitting and purling. In both these, the right-hand needle is inserted in the middle of the stitch, and the point brought out towards you or otherwise. But to make a reverse stitch, you insert the point of the needle in the stitch at the back of the work, and bring it forward through the opening in which it generally is inserted. The thread is to be placed round it, as for a purled stitch.

Insert the needle in the loop, pass the thread round, and knit it in the usual manner. Do not draw out any loop more than can be avoided, while knitting it

To reverse two, three, or more stitches together, insert the needle in them all at once, from the last to the first.

 

TO KNIT TWO PIECES TOGETHER.—To do this there must be an equal number of stitches on both.

Hold the needles together in the right hand, and knit as usual, inserting the left-hand needle in a loop of each at the same time, and treating the two as one.

 

TO FORM A ROUND:—This diagram represents the French manner of performing this process by casting the whole number of stitches on one needle, and then distributing them on three, or perhaps four. But the English mode is to divide the number of stitches, and cast so many on each needle, not withdrawing the last stitch of each needle from the point of the next needle. When all are cast on, the round is made by knitting the two first stitches on to the last needle. Four needles are employed for stockings, five for doyleys and other round articles.

 

TO CAST OFF.

To cast off  knit two stitches, insert the point of the left hand needle in the first stitch, and draw it on the other. Knit another stitch, and treat these two in the same way.

 

Filed Under: Front Page, Knitting

Basics of Knitting

December 14, 2011 By

Knitting is a very popular hobby which is very dear to a lot of people. It is very easy to learn and it allows you to create many beautiful items that can either be used by you in your daily life or can be gifted to people if you excel at it.

This art of creating has been also known to help alleviate stress and nervousness. If you are just beginning out all you need are a few basic instruments and guidelines to help you on your way.

The basic instruments that are required are the knitting needles and balls of wool or yarn. The guidelines or instructions are just to help you get started and show you the basic structure that you will need.

On the topic of the needles, there are a number of different types of knitting needles. There are three different types of needles that you will find in the market.

The most common type is straight type that consists of two needles that are straight and tapering down to a point at one end.

These are usually 10 inches long but you can find them in lengths varying to 16 inches too. These are also found in varying diameters.

The diameter you will require will be based on the type of knit you are aiming at. This means that a thick needle will give you a broader stitch where as a thin one will give you a narrower stitch.

This is called the gauge of the knitting which eventually affects the elasticity of the final cloth. The needles are also made from different materials usually wood, bamboo or plastic.

Each material has a different grip on the wool and thus affects your stitches. The metallic ones are used to quick knitting while the ones made of bamboo slow you down but still keep you from dropping stitches.

The other two types of needles are called double pointed type and the circular type. But as a beginner you need not worry yourself with them.

The yarn required can also be of many different types. The most common type of yarn is wool. It is the type most used in knitting. In many instruction booklets the words wool and yarn are used interchangeably.

The other types of yarn are Cashmere, Alpaca, Mohair, Acrylic, Angora and Cotton. What you will require as a beginner will be wool.

You can get them in many different colors as well as thread-thickness. You are at the liberty to choose whichever you like before you start.

If youre still thinking knitting is for the sedate, laid-back old-timers, let me open your eyes a little bit. A new trend on the knitting scene is Goth knitting.

Yeah, you heard right. There are plenty of Goth knitters who get a kick out of knitting their own corset lace fingerless gloves.

Then theres Goth leggings, Tough Baby Sweaters, and the I Skull (instead of heart) Goth tote bag you can knit.

Before learning to knit, you will need to make sure you have the necessary materials. These include yarn, two knitting needles, scissors, a crochet hook and point protectors. Another thing that is useful, but not essential, is hand lotion.

Even with easy knitting projects, your hands may get dried out and even crack when you work for long periods of time. So be prepared.

There are almost unlimited choices of yarn colors, so choose colors that are particularly appealing to you. You will also need simple knitting patterns. These can be found in craft stores or online.

Free ones can easily be found online, making it the less expensive choice. Just search for easy knitting patterns or beginner knitting patterns and see what you can find that appeals to you.

There are many easy knitting projects available. By choosing one of these, you will be less likely to get frustrated due to the difficulty of the project. There are many different designs to choose from so you will be able to find something that interests you.

Arranging for your own success in your first few knitting projects is important. Dont choose a project that is beyond your present skills. Be patient and assured that those more advanced projects will come in time.

If you are looking for an easy knitting project for the holidays, you can easily find patterns for Christmas ornaments, wreaths or stocking stuffers.

These can be a great addition to your holiday decorations. They can also be used as gifts. Giving away a hand-made knitted gift will be greatly appreciated and cherished by friends and family.

Among the other easy knitting projects are towels and potholders. These are great for the kitchen and can be very useful. Again, these can be made for your own home or given as presents.

The simplicity of these projects will allow you to finish quickly. Because the patterns are simple, you will be able to practice the basics of knitting without spending too much time on a project.

Hats are also a great choice for a beginner. These can be made in many different designs so you can choose one that fits the personality of the person receiving it. There are also many patterns for baby hats.

These are great projects because babies need their heads and ears kept warm, and parents will appreciate the time and work you put into the hat. This makes a knitted hat a wonderful baby shower or birthday present.

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: ,