How To Frame Cross Stitch Projects
My Favourite Cross Stitch Tips & Tricks
Counted cross stitch is easy to learn! Feel free to print out the instructions below and share it with others.
Counted cross stitch transfers a design from a printed pattern onto evenweave fabric. One square in the fabric represents one square on the pattern. Each square on the pattern, which contains a symbol, represents a stitch. The different symbols on the pattern represent different colours of floss. The stitcher uses embroidery floss to place X's on the fabric corresponding to the symbols on the pattern. Cross stitch is easy to learn and requires only a few supplies.
Evenweave fabric. The fabric for cross stitch is woven in an even manner and forms a grid of squares, so that you know exactly where to place your needle. To keep the fabric from unraveling, either apply tape to the edges or use Fray Stop to prevent fraying. See the section below called “Choosing Your Fabric” for more information on evenweave fabrics.
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 an 11 or 14 fabric count; use a size 26 for fabric with a fabric count of 18 or greater.
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 patterns suggest either DMC or Anchor brands, which are easy to find at your local craft store.
Embroidery hoop. A plastic 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 for easy cutting of fabrics and threads. A good pair of scissors makes stitching a lot more fun.
The most common evenweave fabric used is Aida Cloth and it is the easiest fabric for beginners to use. The fabric comes in a variety of colours and count sizes. The count size represents the number of stitches per inch and determines the finished size of the design. A design that is 28 stitches wide and is stitched on 14 count fabric, will be 2" wide. The same design will be 2 1/2" wide on 11 count, and only 1 1/4" wide on 22 count. Be sure to allow extra fabric for finishing (at least 4" extra on length and width).
Start by finding 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 make lumps on the fabric and will not allow the piece to lie flat, 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.
First, work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X's. 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 and do not pull the thread too tight. Your stitches should lie 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.
Sometimes a colour 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. In general, you can carry the thread to another area if the jump is short, the floss colour is light, and you are jumping over a previously stitched area.
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.
Ready to start cross stitching? Then why not get started with a Cross Stitch Kit? They come with all the supplies that you need and they're a great place to start!
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