Beginning Cross Stitching
Warning: Cross stitching is addictive. Once I am going on a good project it's so hard to put it down. If you've never stitched or just want a brush up then this is the place for you.
Starting off:
Stitching essentials: stranded cotton, available in a wide variety of colours (my personal favourite is DMC as I like the fluffy texture but most stitchers have their favourites. All my designs can be provided in other manufacturer colours). Tapestry needle, these have a slightly rounded end which makes it easy to pass through the fabric holes. Embroidery needle, these have a pointed sharp end and this makes them ideal for backstitch. Embroiery frame, these come as either hoops or square frames. If working on a large project I also find it valuable to invest in a frame, I prefer lap frames as they are more portable and I love to take my stitching with me when I'm on holiday or visiting.
Stranded cotton:
This is the most common thread used in cross stitching and comes in a huge variety of colours. Each skein is made up of six strands of thread which are twisted together. The majority of cross stitch patterns usually use two of these strands for main cross stitches and one strand for backstitching but every pattern will inform you of the number of strands to use.
Fabric:
Aida is the most commonly used fabric and is available in a variety of colours and count sizes. The size of stitching is referred to by its 'count' or 'holes per inch'. E.g. 14 count aida has 14 squares per inch, this means that 14 stitches in a row will measure 1 inch. Aida is quite stiff and has a regular weave which is seperated into even blocks across the entire fabric. It is therefore an ideal fabric for beginners.
Evenweave is a softer fabric and is used for more advanced projects especially those with many fractional stitches and small detail. Again like aida it comes in a variety of colours and is referred to by it's count. However one main difference is that unlike aida most stitching is done across two horizontal and two vertical threads. The thread count is higher for evenware and although 28 count means there are 28 squares per inch as you stitch over 2 squares this means that 1 inch will equal 14 stitches (the same as 14 count aida).
Preparing your fabric and using a frame:
Cut the fabric to the correct size allowing yourself a margin around the design of at least 10cm. To prevent fraying you can either oversew around the edge by hand or use a strip of masking tape. Before mounting your fabric in the frame locate the centre of your fabric and mark this (I usually put a loose stitch in the centre square as this is where you will begin stitching). If using a hoop frame loosen the hoops screw and spread your fabric over the smaller hoop. Press the larger hoop over the top and lightly tighten the screw you will then need to manipulate the fabric to ensure it is stretched taut across the entire frame then tighten the screw so the frabric remains tight (when using a large hoop I find my husband comes in very handy to tighten the screw whilst I hold the fabric tight). If using a square frame stretch the fabric evenly across the back and pin to the frame using drawing pins.
Simple Cross Stitch:
Start by bringing your thread through the aida from the back keeping a long strand behind the fabric, I hold this in place with my finger. Now work a diagonal stitch which runs from the top right to the bottom left of a single aida block. This is also referred to as a half stitch.
Work across your row from top to bottom ensuring that the stitches behind your aida go around your waste thread. Once you have completed your row start making diagonal stitches across those you have already made going from top left to bottom right. These should sit on top of your first half stitches.
View of completed stitches.
View of waste thread behind aida.
Backstitch:
Work backstitch from right to left making straight stitches forwards and backwards along the row. Bring the needle through the fabric and stitch across 1 square, to make the next stitch insert the needle at the left-hand end of the previous stitch. Backstitching may be vertical, horizontal or diagonal and cover one or more fabric blocks.
French knots:
Bring the needle through from the back of your fabric. Holding the thread taut twist the needle around the thread twice and gently tighten the twists. Holding your thread taut turn the needle as close to the fabric as you can and take the needle through to the back, pull through to make a knot.