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Original Needlework Designs

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How To... Cross Stitch

YES YOU CAN

Beginner cross-stitch made easy!
Two FREE patterns included!
MATERIALS

FABRIC: Most cross-stitch is done on a special material called aida cloth. This woven fabric has tiny holes marking off the corners of each stitch. Therefore, it's very easy to determine where to make your stitches!

Aida cloth comes in sizes referred to as 'count'. For example, an 11 count aida cloth has 11 stitches to the inch. Other common sizes are 14 count (14 stitches to the inch (2.5 cm)) and 18 count (18 stitches to the inch). As you can tell, the higher the count, the smaller the stitches. I recommend beginners try nothing smaller than 14 count.

EMBROIDERY HOOP: Don't use too big a hoop as it will get very heavy when you hold it for any length of time. I recommend a 4"-5" (10 cm-13 cm) hoop. The smaller inner hoop goes on the back side of the aida cloth, and the larger hoop with the screw goes on the front side.

Loosen the screw before placing it on the fabric. Be especially careful when putting a hoop on previously stitched areas. Always loosen the screw before removing it from your fabric. Always remove it when you are finished stitching for the day (to prevent dirty marks).

NEEDLE: For beginners, a #22, blunt tip safety needle is recommended. Most kits include a needle.

PATTERN: Be sure the pattern you select isn't too large or advanced for your stitching level. Each pattern will give a list of embroidery floss required (usually in two different brands, i.e. DMC and Anchor). It will also list the finished sizes for different stitch sizes (see FABRIC). Read your pattern carefully and be sure you understand any special instructions.

EMBROIDERY FLOSS: Also called thread, the embroidery floss comes in packages called skeins. There are 6 strands of floss twisted together in each skein.

Cut 18" (45 cm) lengths to stitch with, separating the number of strands indicated on your pattern (usually 2 or 3). A notation such as 2X or 3X means 2 strands or 3 strands of floss. Backstitching (outlining) is usually done with 1 strand of floss (1X).

Separate each strand individually, then put together the specific number indicated on the pattern. This will give you fuller, thicker looking stitches.

HOW-TO CROSS-STITCH

SIZE OF CLOTH REQUIRED: Your pattern will give you a finished size for the project on the count aida cloth you are using. Check this measurement, then add 3" (7.5 cm) to each side to allow for framing. If you want to add a mat etc., you may want to add even more. Its better to have too large a piece of fabric, rather then too small!

FINISHING EDGES: Once you have cut your fabric to the size you require, finish the edges to prevent them from unraveling. You can tape each side with masking tape, but I prefer to zigzag stitch my edges on the sewing machine.

CENTRE PROJECT: Find the centre of your project by folding the fabric in half lengthwise, then again width wise. The corner of the fold is the centre of the fabric. Your pattern will indicate the centre lines with arrows. Begin stitching as close to the centre as possible.

ANCHOR THREAD: Stitch the first few stitches over a 'tail' of floss on the back of your fabric (approximately 1" (2.5 cm). Each time you end a length off, run it under several stitches (on the back side of your project).

HALF STITCH: The beginning half of a full cross-stitch creates a half stitch. Working from right to left, bring the needle up from the back at position 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4, etc.

FULL CROSS-STITCH: Begin as above (half-stitch), working from right to left (as shown). Complete the stitch by returning from left to right. Bring the needle up from the back at position 5, down at 6, up at 7, down at 8, etc. Be sure the needle goes up and down in a corner hole cleanly, so that none of the threads from previous stitches are split apart.

TIP: It doesn't matter if you stitch left to right, right to left, or top to bottom, as long as all your bottom half stitches lay in one direction and the finishing top cross stitches lay in the opposite direction.

QUARTER STITCH: Most cross-stitch terms are exactly what they imply. So a quarter stitch is one quarter of a full cross-stitch.
Four different quarter stitches are shown below (from each corner of the stitch). The position of the quarter stitch will be indicated on the pattern. Starting from the corner of the stitch, come up from the back of your fabric. Push the needle down through the centre of the stitch.

TIP: You may prefer to use a pointed needle for quarter stitches.

BACKSTITCHING: This is the outlining stitch used to finish your project. Backstitching is always done LAST. It is usually done with one strand of floss, two shades darker than the area to be outlined.

Your pattern will indicate back-stitching with darker or colored lines. Follow the diagram below, coming up at position 1, down at 2, up at 3, etc. Backstitching should be done in a smooth, continuos line, each stitch touching but not pulled too tight, with no gaps.

FINISHING: When all the stitching is completed, wash the piece in warm water with dishwashing liquid. Swish gently for several minutes, then rinse with warm water. Roll in towel and squeeze dry - do not wring. Press with hot iron face down on a thick towel until dry (lift iron, do not pull across fabric). Frame as desired.

TIP: Make a photocopy of the pattern before you begin stitching, and color in each row as you stitch. This will not only help you keep track of where to stitch, it will leave you with a clean copy of the pattern to use for backstitching.

SMALL HORSE HEAD

Stitched on 14 count aida cloth, this small design will be approximately 1" (2.5 cm) wide, and just over 1.25" (3 cm) high.

WILD ROSE

Stitched on 14 count aida cloth, this design is approximately 2" (5 cm) wide, and 1.5" (4 cm) high.