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Learn to Cross stitch
Learn to Cross Stitch Counted cross stitch transfers a design you see on a printed graph onto even weave fabric (Aida). The stitcher uses embroidery floss to place X's on the fabric corresponding to symbols on a chart. Each symbol on the chart represents one X on the fabric. The different types of symbols on the chart represent different colors of floss. Cross stitch is easy to learn and requires only a few supplies. Needle. A tapestry needle is used, usually a size 24 or 26 (size 26 is smaller than size 24). These types of needles have a blunt point and a large eye. Use a size 24 for stitching on 14 count fabric and 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 typically you use only 2 strands at a time for stitching and 1 strand for backstitching. The two big names are DMC and Anchor. Embroidery hoop. A plastic embroidery hoop is helpful to help hold the fabric while you stitch. Remove the fabric from the hoop when you are not stitching to keep from getting 'hoop marks.' I prefer to use Q-Snap because it doesn't need to be removed from the fabric. Scissors. You can start out with any pair of scissors, a good quality pair with sharp points. Find the center of the graph; 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 then fold in half horizontally. Open the fabric up. The two creases will mark the center of the fabric. Many stitchers like to start at the center of the design. Knots on the back will show through so do NOT use knots. Instead 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 stitches and clip the thread so as not to leave a loose tail. Stitching Work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X's. Use this method for most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go; this method is usually done for vertical rows of stitches. It is important that all the X's are crossed in the same direction! That is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction. It does not matter which way they slant. If they are mixed the finished piece will look unprofessional and messy. Backstitching is a straight stitch (not an X) used to outline an area or to form letters. Normally you use one strand of floss for backstitching. Sometimes a color will have only a few stitches and then "jump" to another area. 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 the problems is that the thread will show through usually. You should only carry the thread to another area if the jump is short. Finishing
When your stitching is complete, wash in cool water using (Woolite) or a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well. Do not wring but roll in a clean towel. While still damp place a cloth on top of the needlework and press lightly with a warm iron. Let dry. Then frame or finish any way you want. Happy Stitching
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Contributor's Note
I have been cross stitching for over 20 years. I think it is very relaxing. I belive its like painting with thread.
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This intel was contributed by sewgood
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May, 2012
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