If you wish to know how to cross stitch, it will not take very long to learn. This type of craft is similar to embroidery, and you will need a few tools for your work. Here is information on this craft, and the tools that you will require.
Basic Stitches
Cross stitching has three main types of stitches. The main pattern is made by forming an “x” on the fabric. To do this, place the needle underneath your fabric, and pull it through to the other side. The needle must be threaded with floss, and you will need to grasp the floss with your finger, to keep it from pulling through, as one does not tie a knot in the floss. Go over the stitch, and return to the underside, and this will form your “x”.
It is a simple matter to make half and quarter stitches. To make a half stitch, start in the manner that you do to make “x” patterns, but stop before making the “x”. Quarter stitches are half stitches that are about half the normal size. The variance in stitches gives you more versatility with your designs.
Tools
You will need patterns for your projects, that are known as graphs. You also will need to buy some special fabric called evenweave fabric. This is made especially for such craft projects. If you are just beginning, a fourteen count fabric may be the best selection.
For the actual stitching, a tapestry needle is used. Tapestry needles are made with blunt points, and they have very large eyes, so they can be easily threaded. Most people use either a twenty six or twenty four size needle.
The other tools that you need are scissors, embroidering hoops, and floss. Most floss is six stranded thread, but most of the time, you will only need to use two. For projects that require thinner fabric, you may need to use only one strand. Buy an embroidery hoop, as this woks very well for holding your project in place. Remove the hoop when not working, to avoid hoop marks. Any good scissors will work, but buy embroidery scissors, if you are serious about your craft.
Conclusion
If you wish to know how to cross stitch, you need hoops, fabric, needles, scissors, floss, and graphs. The main stitching is performed to make an “x” on the fabric. You also can form half and quarter stitches, in a very simple manner. If you need to know more, check online for informative cross stitch tips, articles and videos.
Having many years of creating cross stitch pieces, taught by my mother and now teaching my children, I love this relaxing and enjoyable needlecraft. From brooches and bookmarks to wedding and birth samplers, cross stitch has provided me with years of joy and many more to come. Cross stitch basics, useful tips and other cross stitch resources are available at Easy Cross Stitch Patterns
By Joanne Thambyah