The art or craft of cross stitch is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Easy to learn and do, ‘cross stitch’ is simply embroidery sewn with lots of little ‘X’ stitches to create a charming design. This fun craft is often referred to as ‘counted cross-stitch’ since the pattern and material require the crafter to count the number of spaces to know where to place the stitches.
Frequently, cross stitch patterns are made utilizing a woven fabric called Aida fabric. Some advanced stitchers produce styles on other material types utilizing exceptional support to help keep the stitching uniform. The kind of stuff you use depends on your ability level and the kind of design you’re creating. You can do cross stitch designs on just about anything — clothes, bed linen, teddy bears, etc.
So how do you get started with cross-stitching?
You can’t cross-stitch without the correct thread—the threads used in counted cross stitch variety from organic cotton to wool or silk threads. Usually extremely vibrant, embroidery floss, as it’s called, can be found in all types of colors and textures for you to have fun with.
If you’re beginning to think about finding out to cross-stitch, your best option is to learn more about the craft itself before you start buying products. Your regional craft shop, book shop, or library will probably have numerous books offered to teach you and provide natural patterns, to begin with.
Once you understand what’s expected of you in the craft of cross stitching, you’ll wish to find some easy projects to begin with that will enable you to discover as you go. You’ll want to start with a job that requires only a few colors of thread and a more prominent weave. By doing so, you’ll avert much aggravation.
When you sit down to begin your first cross stitch project, you’ll want to have all of your materials readily available and easy to get. Start by reading through the task directions. You’ll wish to look over your pattern and make sure that you understand all of the jargon and markings that you may discover on the design. There will be a color secret that you’ll require to understand to use for your Threaded Needle. Make sure to have a pencil useful to make notes or your marks on the pattern for later reference.
Cross stitching needs you to utilize six hair of floss or thread and separate it into specific threads. Your pattern will inform you of the number of threads to use. Frequently, the larger the weave of your material, the more strands of embroidery floss you’ll require. Do not rewind your floss, and by all means, do not let it get tangled or bunched up. Your end task will look flat and even if you look after your floss.
Tips for cross-stitching
One essential factor in discovering to cross stitch is keeping in mind not to knot your thread. Knotting threads in a cross-stitch task will make your result look bumpy and unequal, not a good thing. Pull your thread through your Aida cloth and leave a length of yarn on completion in the back. You can keep the little bit of tail from going entirely through the material by continuing it on the end as you make your first number of stitches; they will overlap and hold the thread in place. You might need to practice this easy strategy a couple of times, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly enough.
Another handy cross-stitching tip is when you’re ready to change thread colors, merely pull your needle through the stitches on your fabric’s back to hold your thread before you snip it off with scissors. Ensure to leave a bit of cloth so that it does not come loose and unstitched. Change your thread color and start on the next location of your task, as you did before. And during the sewing procedure, keep in mind to drop your needle every couple of stitches. That way, the needle will loosen every few stitches, and you’ll end up with a flat and clean result.