Cross Stitching a Relaxing and Challenging Hobby
Ranked #8,112 in Arts & Design, #135,697 overall
Artful expression
The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet: Learn to Crochet with more than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns [Paperback]
Stitch N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Lacy, sexy summer tops. Chic, cozy sweaters. Chunky, funky hats and colorfully crafty afghans-it all starts with the single, simple act of wrapping a hook around a strand of yarn. Then come the stitches, the flourishes, the unlimited creativity. Stylish, cheeky in tone, chock-full of information and inspiration, this is the indispensable guide. Learn the skills. Speak the lingo. Make the stuff. And give old granny square a chance.
Starting your kit
Or easy storage and use
I tried so many different ways of organizing my kit, here are some things I found helpful.
-get little platic or cardboard thread holders available in craft shops or Wal-mart etc. wrap the threads and then write the color number in the top corner of the card
-I use a tackle box that has dividers to keep my threads in order, I put all the extra stuff in the bottom of the box so I can always find it
-use a file box with a lid to keep patterns, books, frames, fabrics etc. - you can also use file folders to organize your patterns by subject, completed, notes
-get a book of different alphabet styles then you can put personal messages on your projects
-start a small project whenever you start a large one, the larger a project the longer it takes, if you start two projects then you can alternate whenever you need a change, also it feels so good to finish that finishing the small project will actually make you want to work on the larger project
Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set in Pouch
Helpful Hints
*Always stitch in the same direction - eg. start from the bottom left hand corner to the top right hand corner for each bottom stitch and then from the bottom right hand corner to the top left hand corner for each top stitch *For counted cross stitch do all the bottom stitches for a row in one direction and then come back and do the top stitches - it is much easier to fix mistakes this way
*Leave space from the edges of the fabric so that you can mount and frame it - 1-2 inches is usually enough *Cross stitch frames are usually 2 circles with one smaller and a larger that fits over with a tightener - lay your fabric over the smaller circle, place the larger circle over, tighten halfway then stretch the fabric all the way around, tighten more, stretch again, until your fabric is flat and tight on the frame, after handling for a while the fabric will need to be tightened again
*To make it easier, when you start a project get a plastic container with a lid and put all the different threads you need, a small pair of scissors, a small pencil (for marking your pattern if needed)and extra needles - keep the container with your project and the pattern
Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet
Cross Stitching
Colorbok Horse Learn To Stitch Needlepoint Kit
Links
- Find Stitch
- Resource for links and cross stitch books, magazines and software.
- Cross-stitching.com
- Free resources include stitching techniques, chat rooms, accessory sources, and some project charts.
- Cross Stitch at About.com
- Offers features, patterns and links for cross stitching.
- CameoRoze's Stitcher's Studio
- Features a wealth of cross stitch information including tips, articles, book reviews, state-by-state guide to American shops, designer biographies, and stitchery news.
- My Cross Stitch How To
- Cross stitch basics in text and pictures, with hints and tips, and links.
- Cross Stitch Heaven
- Links, an events calendar, a club for exchanges, and projects.
- Cross Stitch For All
- Resources for people who enjoy Cross stitch needlework, including lists of shops across Canada, books, links to sites offering patterns, and projects by the site owner.
- Purple Cross Stitch
- Message board, chat rooms, hints and tips, links, and postcards.
- Sue's Cross Stitch Freebie Finder
- Extensive list of free cross stitch resources online.
- Teaching Kids to Cross Stitch
- hints and tips
- Bonnies Cross Stitch Zone
- Kamloops BC Canada
Adults and children - Ericas
- South Bend Indiana
Adults and kids - Craft Designs for you
- Clear instructions, easy patterns, tips for teaching kids
Cross Stitching with Kids
For small children
Simple kits for school age kids
age 4 - 9 years
-
For children 4 - 9 years
-1 box for current or finished projects
-a small tool box or craft compartmented box
-1 pair of scissors (just sharp enough to cut threads)
-3 or 4 blunt end medium darning needles
-several colors of small beads
-1 or 2 beading needles (depending on the size of beads)
-several colors of embroidery thread on spools or cards (generally these can be ends or cut pieces from your own kit)
-a small frame
-several pieces of either plastic cross stitch sheets and/or 6, 8 or 10 count Aida cloth (the lower the number the further apart the holes in the fabric, making it easier to work)
-a very simple pattern or printed pattern (if they seem to be able to follow it)
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Cute Kitty
This sweet little kitty is ready for playtime. Lea more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Happy Wings
Have a nice day," this happy butterfly seems more...0 points
Dimensions Baby Hugs Savannah Birth Record Counted Cross Stitch Kit
Baby hugs: counted cross stitch kit: birth record. more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Elegant Bookmarks
Floral artistry in watercolor hues is used to crea more...0 points
Subversive Cross Stitch by Julie Jackson
In this wicked little book, Julie Jackson reinvents more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Oriental Orchids
Beautiful orchid blooms are the focal point of thi more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch Christmas Pals
Bright and cheery holiday colors are used to creat more...0 points
Janlynn Cross Stitch Kit, 15-Inch by 18-Inch, Olde World Map
Chart a course around the world as sailors of long more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Cardinal Joy Mini Banner
The colors of the season are evoked in our Cardina more...0 points
Twisted Stiches: 30 Corrupt Cross Stitch and Embroidery Designs by Phil Davison
Inspired by popular culture, Twisted Stitches brings more...0 points
Janlynn Cross Stitch Kit, 15-Inch by 18-Inch, Olde World Map
Chart a course around the world as sailors of long more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Cardinal Joy Mini Banner
The colors of the season are evoked in our Cardina more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch For Dummies Hummingbird Floral
These beginner needlecraft kits are perfect projec more...0 points
Stitch Graffiti (Unexpected Cross Stitch) by Heather Holland-Daly
Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Glory Of Autumn
An explosion of autumn color is stitched in perfec more...0 points
Bucilla Tiny Stocking Ornaments Counted Cross Stitch Kit
Counted cross stitch: tiny ornament stocking. Thes more...0 points
Dimensions Counted Cross Stitch, Welcome Butterfly
Want to learn counted cross stitch? This bright, b more...0 points
Cross Stitch: Skills, Techniques, 150 Practical Projects: Everything you need to know to master a decorative craft, with 600 easy-to-follow charts and step-by-step photographs by Dorothy Wood
Over 150 beautiful projects suitable for both beginners more...0 points
A Rainbow of Stitches: Embroidery and Cross-Stitch Basics Plus More Than 1,000 Motifs and 80 Project Ideas by Agnes Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel, Muriel Brunet, Francoise Ritz
A Rainbow of Stitches is a how-to-stitch guide, a project more...0 points
Cross Stitch For Beginners (Leisure Arts #2072) by Leisure Arts
Counted cross stitch could be defined as the art o more...0 points
Cross Stitch Art Nouveau by Barbara Hammett
Cross Stitch Art Nouveau revisits the timelessly p more...0 points
Cross-stitch and Brimstone by Stephanie Beck
A cross-stitch witch? Marc doesn't know if there is more...0 points
by jeffryv
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