Cross stitch is a kind of counted thread embroidery that has been around for ages, and it is one of the simplest types of hand embroidery anyone can do.
Cross stitch consists of X-shaped stitches done on fabric with even and open weaves like Aida or linen. Designs can be standard or modern or throughout between.
To get started, you can get a cross stitch kit which come with all the supplies needed for a particular design or project. Alternatively, you can likewise purchase regular supplies and create your designs although that is not something that beginners would want to do.
In either case, follow these actions to learn the basics of cross stitch:
Learning to interpret a cross stitch chart
Aside from DMC embroidery threads and needles, a good cross stitch kit will come with a cross stitch chart. Such a chart tells you where you need to create the stitch and what colour to use. The grids on the chart relate to every weave on the Aida fabric, and the colour of each square indicates what colour of threads to use.
In some cases, there will be multiple colours on a grid which means that you will have to stitch another colour of thread to the other creating a floss pattern. Utilise the chart legend to map the symbols to the floss colours.
When you begin a brand-new cross stitch project, it is a great concept to begin stitching in the middle. This way, you can be sure that your design is centred on the fabric. Little arrows at the edges of a cross stitch chart indicate the centre points.
Have a look at your chart and discover a location close to the centre to start with. It can be more straightforward, to begin with, a large block of colour instead of part of the pattern that changes colour regularly.
Prepare your material
You can use different materials for a cross stitch project. The most common is either linen or fabric. Both are woven materials which means that they tend to fray. You can prevent this by binding the edges with some masking tape.
Prepare your thread and needle
Select the colour of floss you are beginning and cut up to 18 inches in length. Avoid working with anything longer to keep threads from entangling.
Now it is time to thread the needle. Cross stitch is usually done using a round-end tapestry needle. The size you utilise depends upon your material. You can do this like you would an ordinary sewing needle. However, do not create any knots as these can leave unsightly bumps in the design.
As for how to perform the cross stitch itself, it won’t do you any just good reading about it. Look through the instructions included on the kit or check out some videos on Youtube which walks you through the process step by step.
Consider the following tips as you work on your first cross stitch project
Go for good simple stress on your stitches. Avoid yanking the threads to tight as it might cause the fabric to warp and loosen. The stitches must lie flat against the material without pulling against it.
Do not make long drives across the back of your fabric with the thread since they might reveal through on the front. When transferring to a brand-new location that is more than a couple of stitches away, you should end your thread and then start it again in the new spot.
Buy all your supplies for a job at the start. The thread comes in colour lots that may differ somewhat if you have to buy additional threads later on and make sure you are buying from the same brand.