The art or craft of cross stitch is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Easy to learn and make, ‘Cross Stitch’ is an embroidered stitch that uses very small ‘X’ stitches to create a beautiful design. This fun craft is sometimes called “counted cross stitch” because patterns and fabric craft number fields need to count to know where to sew.
Usually, the cross stitch maker pattern is made with a woven fabric called Ida Cloth. Some advanced seamstresses create designs on other types of fabric using special props to keep the seam uniform. The type of fabric you use will depend on your skill level and the type of design you are creating. I have embroideries on my baby clothes, bedding, and other items for home and gifts.
Skilled cross-stitch craftsmen also sew on plastic and boxed paper to create beautiful projects. Gift cards and scrapbook designs can be made by sewing on paper of different thicknesses and fibers.
Of course, you can’t cross the seam without the right thread. The threads used in the calculated cross stitches range from basic cotton to wool or silk threads. Usually, the most colorful, so-called embroidered floss comes in a variety of colors and textures to play with.
If you’re just starting to learn cross-stitching, it’s best to learn the craft yourself before buying supplies. There are many books available at your local craft store, bookstore, or library that will teach you and provide you with simple designs to get you started.
Once you know what’s expected of you in the cross stitch craft, you’ll want to find some easy projects to get you started. You want to start with a project that only requires a few colored threads and a large knit Ida fabric. By doing this, you avoid the frustration of too many unnecessary practitioners.
When you sit down to launch your first cross stitch project, you want all of your materials to be accessible and easy to reach. Start by reading the project instructions. Be sure to research your design and understand all of the terminology and symbols found in the example. There is a color key that you must understand to use the correct thread color. Be sure to keep the pencil easily for taking notes or making your own markings on the pattern for later use.
For cross stitching, you need to use six strands of floss or threads and divide them into separate strands. Your pattern will tell you how many threads you are using at a time. Usually, the larger the weave of your fabric, the more threads of embroidery floss you will need at once. Do not rewind your flash or let it jam or fill up in any way. Even if you take care of your floss, your final project will look flat.
One of the most important points when learning cross-stitching is to remember not to tie your thread. If you tie the threads into the cross stitch project, your end result will look tight and uneven; Not a good thing. Pull your thread through your Ida fabric, making sure to keep the thread length at the back. You can prevent the tile bit from going through the fabric by holding it to the back of your fabric when you make your first two stitches; They overlap and hold the thread. You may need to practice this simple technique a few times, but you can understand it very quickly.
Another helpful cross stitch tip is that when you are ready to change the thread colors, pull your needle through the strips on the back of your fabric to hold your thread before closing with scissors. Make sure to leave a small piece of thread so it doesn’t come loose and get stitched in. Change the color of your thread and start in the next area of your project as you did before. And during the sewing process, don’t forget to drop your needle after every few stitches, that is, hold your project in one hand and hang the attached needle and thread on the fabric so the thread unravels and your next few stitches are flat.
I remember learning cross stitch from the school librarian as a little girl. She eased my nascent fear with the phrase “If you have one eye and a half brain, you can cross the stitch.” This may denigrate some curious Cross-Stitchers, but it’s not meant to offend. Cross stitching alone is a craft that is easy to learn and can be mastered by almost anyone. I became proficient in the 1980s sewing everything I could find and even teaching school children as adults.