Counted Cross Stitch Patterns

CROSS STITCHING IS MY PASSION. I STARTED OUT BY MAKING BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MY TWO GRANDSONS. I WAS HOOKED. I BOUGHT ALL THE GOODIES AND STOCKED UP ON PATTERNS, (NOW I MAKE MY OWN)! IT IS FUN, RELAXING AND SURE PASSES A LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON OR A NASTY RAINY DAY.

THANKS FOR CHECKING ME OUT, GO TAKE A LOOK AT MY STUFF, MAYBE YOU'LL BECOME ADDICTED TO!

WHAT IS CROSS STITCH?

Cross-stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture. Cross-stitch is usually executed on easily countable even weave fabric. The stitcher counts the threads in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. This form of cross-stitch is called counted cross-stitch in order to distinguish it from other forms of cross-stitch. Sometimes cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric stamped cross-stitch; Where the stitcher simply stitches over the printed pattern.

Cross Stitch Fabric Count

Fabric Count of even weave fabrics such as Aida or linen refers to the number of threads or squares per linear inch in the material.

Common fabric counts of Aida range from 9 to 18 squares per inch.

Linen fabric counts are based on threads per inch can be as high as 32 threads per inch or more.

Fabric counts are referred to by naming the number of threads or squares per inch and adding -count. Thus, fabric with 11 squares-per-inch is called 11-count fabric.

Also Known As: threads per inch, squares per inch

Aida Fabric is a 100% cotton fabric with woven thread groupings that form tiny squares. Aida fabric was designed specifically for Counted thread embroidery, such as Cross Stitch.

Also Known As: Aida Cloth

HOW TO CROSS STITCH:

Graph/Chart/Pattern: This is the design you chose to stitch. There are thousands to choose from.

Even weave fabric:The fabric for cross stitch is woven in an even manner so that you know exactly where to place your needle. To keep the fabric from raveling either sew the edges on a sewing machine or use fray stop or scotch tape to prevent fraying.

Needle:A tapestry needle is used, usually a size 24 or 26 (size 26 is smaller than size 24). This type of needle has a blunt point and a large eye. Use a size 24 for stitching on 14 count fabric; use a size 26 for fabric with a stitch count greater than 14.

Floss: Embroidery floss is a cotton thread used for stitching. Floss has 6 strands, but usually you will use only 2 strands at a time for stitching and 1 strand for backstitching. On Hardanger fabric (22 count) you usually will use only 1 strand; on 11 count Aida use 3 strands to stitch and 2 to backstitch. Most books and graphs suggest either DMC or Anchor brands.

Embroidery hoop: A plastic or wooden embroidery hoop is helpful to hold the fabric while you stitch. Remove the fabric from the hoop when you are not stitching to keep from getting 'hoop marks.'

Scissors:You can start out with any pair of scissors, but pretty soon you will want to get a nice pair of small embroidery scissors. Get a good quality pair with sharp points. A good pair of scissors makes stitching a lot more fun.

To Begin: Find the center of the graph. For most patterns this is shown with arrows or a bold line. Next, find the center of your fabric. An easy way to do this is to fold the fabric in half vertically and "pinch" with your finger to make a small crease. Open the fabric, fold in half horizontally and make another "pinch". Open the fabric up. The two creases will mark the center of the fabric. Most stitchers like to start stitching close to the center of the design.

Knots on the back will show through, so do not use any knots to start or end. To begin stitching, bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric leaving about a 1" tail of thread behind the fabric. Stitch the next 5 or 6 stitches over the tail. Clip off extra thread. To end off, weave your needle back through the last 5 or 6 stitches and clip the thread short so as not to leave a loose tail.

Stitching :There are two methods. The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X's. Use this method for most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows of stitches.

It is important that all the X's are crossed in the same direction. That is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction (either \ or /). It does not matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look uneven.

Relax as you stitch. Your stitches should lay flat on your fabric and not distort the holes or the fabric.

Backstitching: is a running stitch (not an X) used to outline an area or to form lettering. Normally you use one less strand of floss for backstitching than you use for cross stitching.

Carrying Your Thread: Sometimes a color will have only a few stitches and then "jump" to another area. Most of the time you should end off and start again, other times you can carry the thread along the back. Just jumping from area to area is easier than starting and stopping, but sometimes the thread will show through. This can be a problem if you jump a dark thread over an unstitched area of light fabric. You can carry the thread to another area if the jump is short, the floss color is light, and you are jumping over a previously stitched area.

Finishing: When your stitching is complete, wash in cool water using a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well. Do not wring, but roll in a clean towel to absorb most of the water. While still damp, place face down on a terry towel. Place another cloth on top of the needlework and press lightly with a warm iron. Let dry. Then frame or finish as desired.

I LOVE TO CURL UP IN A COMFY CHAIR AND STITCH AWAY A RAINY DAY. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TIPS I INCLUDE WITH MY PATTERNS. I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THEM AND WILL GO CHECK OUT MY STORE FOR A PATTERN TO BEGIN YOUR WONDERFUL ADDICTIVE HOBBY WITH.

I am constantly searching for new exciting pattern images, I have gained permission from some Awsome artists and am adding more all the time... If you are interested in seeing some of your images transformed into Amazing one of a kind Patterns, I'd be more than happy to do it for you, YES i pay you a percentage of EACH pattern sold - yes EACH!

The more images I have available in my store means more customers. I try to keep a Large variety for everyone! More artists means more images and that means alot to me as I can have something for everyone

If there is something you like or want, just ask or let me know. I'll see if I can get it.