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My favorite hobby is Counted Cross Stitch

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Relax...Find a Hobby!

 A hobby can go along way in relieving a little stress. For me, counted cross stitch ranks at the top of my list. I find cross stitching to be very relaxing and rewarding. There's nothing better than seeing the reaction from a friend when they receive a gift I have stitched for them.

 

 


How I Got Started in Counted Cross Stitch

Growing up I made Christmas ornaments using styrofoam, beads and sequin kits. My Grandmother also taught me to needlepoint. At the time, I didn't catch on to it. When I met my husband, he was in the military. Knowing there would be times he would be away, he suggested I find a hobby. While in a craft store, I found Christmas ornament kits in counted cross stitch. That was more than 20 years ago and I've been stitching ever since. Once I felt comfortable with the basic stitches, I looked into magazine and book subscriptions. When I want to stitch a project as a gift for someone, I have an assortment of projects to choose from.

Looking for a new project?

There are loads of terrific cross stitch magazines on the market. All have their own unique style of designs. My choice is For The Love of Cross Stitch. Although it's no longer published, I thought this was one of the best magazines. The patterns are color coded and very easy to follow.
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My wish list to stitch!

I love the Thomas Kinkade paintings. Now that there are patterns available for counted cross stitch, someday I hope to complete one of the projects. Whatever pattern I decide to stitch, I know it will be a challenge!
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If you're new to counted cross stitch

If this is a new hobby for you, I suggest starting with a small and easy project versus a more complicated one. I started with Christmas ornaments. They're easy to stitch and assemble. The kits include the frames too. I could usually have the ornaments completed in an evening or two.

Tips I've learned along the way

  1. Always wash your hands before working on your project. You'll find this tip in almost every cross stitch book and magazine.
  2. Organize your threads. I use floss bobbins. Be sure to mark the floss number on the cardboard bobbin. I keep my threads/bobbins in numerical order using a plastic container for storage.
  3. Use a towel. Sometimes I would bring my cross stitch to my job and work on it during my lunch hour. I placed a towel on either my lap or on the table in order to keep my project clean.
  4. I keep all my current projects separate. I'll store all the floss in a resealable plastic bag. On an index card, I'll indicate the project name and the magazine or book in which the pattern is located. If I purchased my aida cloth in a tube rather than folded up, I'll label the tube, as I did on my index card, and use it for storing my aida cloth.
  5. All my work in progress projects are stored in a large plastic container. This includes my aida cloth tubes, floss and any pattern magazines or books. These containers are inexpensive and great for storage.

Custom Framing

I haven't taken the time to learn the art of framing. I leave the framing to the experts. I usually wait until Michaels has a great deal on framing. The framers have been very helpful with choosing the right frame and mats. My projects always look very professional after the framing is complete.

For the Counted Cross Stitch Enthusiast

This site is full of counted cross stitch information, an assortment of patterns, and discussion groups to ask questions or share your love for cross stitch. Sign up for the biweekly newsletter and receive tips on how to make various types of stitches, download a free pattern or chat with other cross stitchers.
Patterns Patch Counted Cross Stitch Club
Patterns Patch is a private, members only club for cross-stitch enthusiasts. Currently, there are almost 300 patterns for Standard members (Associate members and visitors can purchase at low prices), including a few crochet and knitting patterns; almost 200 articles; 18 detailed tutorials; archived

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Happy X-stitching!

  • Phoenix2361 Apr 25, 2009 @ 8:37 am | delete
    Totally agree with you about relaxing and de-stressing while cross-stitch. I also got started in cross-stich about 20 years ago while stationed in England. And yes I still have those original X-mas ornaments I first learned how to cross-stitch on. They come out every year to decorate the tree. Thanx for the new leads to investigate more cross-stitching projects.
  • SusanVillasLewis Oct 29, 2007 @ 6:24 pm | delete
    Nice personal touch on the topic. I need to get back into the swing of things now that I've finished my lens on small cross-stitch patterns. Come by some time!
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JaneM

Hello! I'm Jane.  My hobbies include counted crossstitch, reading, baking and music. I'm married with two wonderful "kids", our doberman pinschers.... more »

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