Over the years cross stitching has become very popular. Using this easy stitch items such as beautiful pictures, greetings cards and other things can be made.
For those who have never tried cross-stitch there are kits available which come complete with fabric, threads, chart and a suitable needle. Beginners should never attempt anything too large or complicated - beware of a sales-person who tells you that the tiger's head is easy!
Counted cross stitch is easy because it is in squares. There are several different fabrics used and beginners should use something like a 14-count fabric as the holes are easy to see.
To create the stitch bring the threaded needle up through a hole from back to front. Take the needle to the diagonal hole, through to the back of the fabric. Push the needle through the hole directly above that one and take it down through the diagonal hole alongside the first lower one.
No matter which you make your first stitch, left to right or right to left, make sure you always make your stitches in that direction.
The charts have small squares, some of them colored or marked with symbols. Each symbol represents a different colored thread.
Some kit producers also provide a thread organizer. Separate the threads into their appropriate colors and put them onto the organizer. At the same time mark the organizer with the thread number and symbol.
Tips
- Always make sure your hands are clean. A small container of talcum powder helps keep hands dry.
- When not sewing, keep your embroidery clean by placing it into a pillow slip.
- To make it easier to read the chart, get an enlarged photocopy.
- Pull out strands of thread singly then smooth them together before threading the needle.
- Keep spare needles - sizes 24 and 26 tapestry.
- When using metallic threads use the larger needle. This will open up the holes a little so that the thread doesn't get worn. Take it slowly and make sure your thread is always straight and doesn't become knotted.
- When stitching lettering (back-stitch) make sure not to pull the thread too tightly. This will cause puckering.
- When back-stitching use a sharp needle. It slides more easily between the cross stitches.
- When ironing the finished item, make a pad (using a table-cloth or similar) and place the fabric face down.
- You can wash your work. Do it by hand with warm water and a little mild detergent; rinse in cold water. Place the work on a towel on a flat surface, pull into shape and put another towel on top. Press to remove excess water. Set the iron at a medium heat and use a tea-towel (smooth fabric) on top before ironing. Iron until it is dry.
Embroidery Ideas
As well as kits there are also magazines. Three excellent British ones are Cross Stitcher, Cross Stitch Card Shop and The World of Cross Stitching. In the US some book stores stock them. Alternatively you can subscribe.
The magazines offer a wide range of designs including pictures, greetings cards, key chain fobs (using offcuts of fabric), pin cushions, handbag mirrors. The list is endless.
Your local handicrafts store usually has a section devoted to the fabrics and threads, and the magazines also list stockists and places from where you can mail-order special items.
It is sometimes difficult in the US to buy the three-fold cards (for greetings cards), so mail ordering from the UK may be necessary.
Counted cross stitch is easy and it is fun - if you haven't yet tried it, now is the time.
Happy stitching!
