Cross-Stitch Patterns | Supplies | Instruction

Cross Stitching

When people think of cross stitch samplers, they generally form a picture of a simple central motif, surrounded by a border, perhaps enhanced with an alphabet or quote in decorative stitching. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to a far more advanced form of sampler based on a possibly surprising topic…maps!

Stitchers commonly believe that map samplers originally had a dual purpose. They were a great medium for learning and displaying decorative needlework but were also an ideal way to teach geography. Today they are stitched out of personal attachment to particular areas or as gifts for friends with a completely ornamental purpose.

Although some maps are known to have been hand drawn, by the 1780s map outlines had been made available pre-printed onto fabric. They came all ready for embroidering. Far from being mere outlines, these maps would normally include some of the following kinds of embellishments:

• a floral frame
• points of the compass
• the map title in a scroll banner
• ships in full sail around a coastline

While some stitchers focused on a single county or region, others stitched maps of European countries or even the world. Such large samplers as the those last were worked in one of two ways: as two flat panels showing the continents between them or in three dimensions as a globe.

Names of countries, counties and cities would typically be stitched in black using cross stitch, whereas coastlines and borders would often be stitched in coloured silks using stem stitch and reflecting the stitchers’ love of colour. Materials varied from woollen fabric to silks and satins, the latter being a popular choice for maps which depicted the whole world, and “threads” were known to include chenille and even bird feathers to create texture. This variety is reflected in modern cross stitch samplers too with charms, buttons, metallic threads and beading being used to add depth.

Giving a map the most natural feel possible meant that freestyle techniques and designs tended to be used in the 1700s, such as long and short stem stitches rather than the more rigid counted-thread techniques. Nowadays of course, there are a variety of map designs available which are completed purely in cross stitch and back stitch though they can be equally as complex, including motifs of churches or other famous landmarks.

The fashion for creating map samplers wasn’t as popular in America as it was in Great Britain. The most notable American examples were created by The Society of Friends, or Quakers, who taught children at their schools to make them, appreciative of their utilitarian value. The detailed silk globe samplers made at the Quaker Wesstown Boarding School in Chester County, Pennsylvania are among the finest of these.

As you can see, cross stitch samplers are not just a matter of basic motifs and letters but can in fact be large, complicated and very detailed projects depicting many different types of subject matter. The next time you think of buying a new cross stitch kit, why not try stitching the world? Better yet, why not design your own map? Either way, the effort it takes is more than matched by the sense of achievement on completion and picking an unusual topic makes your work stand out.

For further information, ideas and tips please visit the Cross Stitch Samplers blog.

Stitching $14.95 Stitching

Stitching Beaded Jewelry $13.36 The Absolute Beginners Guide: Stitching Beaded Jewelry is the introduction to bead stitching. This book helps beginners to have a successful start in stitching by answering questions like What are the must-have supplies and tools? and How do I set up my workspace? The projects introduce basic stitches starting with the easiest, such as cross-weave and right-angle weave, and moving into other more challenging techniques. Your confidence and skill set will grow as you work through the book, one project at a time.

Not Your Mama’s Stitching $9.93 A one-of-a-kind contemporary guide to trendy stitching We take stitching where it’ s never been and offer up projects that are absolutely hip and will leave friends and coworkers green with envy. Designs range from the ridiculously simple to the sublimely complex for adorning homes, clothes, and accessories. This is the only resource where readers can learn a variety of stitching crafts that are enjoying a huge resurgence, including embroidery, crewel, punchneedle embroidery, and cross-stitch. Created for savvy crafters who want to skip tedious explanations and get right to cool projects, this book features a fun two-color design, easy-to-follow instructions, variations for customizing items, and a 16-page four-color section with photos of all the projects. Kate Shoup Welsh (Indianapolis, IN), a devoted beader and stitcher, has written or cowritten several books, including Not Your Mama’ s Beading (0-471-97380-7). She has also cowritten and starred in a movie and worked as a sports editor.

Not Your Mama`s Stitching $10.61 Forget the fair young maiden painstakingly embroidering pillowcases for her hope chest. Picture a liberated lass (that would be you) creating chic fashions and accessories while sipping a glass of whatever and saving the planet. Not Your Mama's Stitching lets you choose from more than twenty projects to make or embellish home d¿cor items, garments, accessories, gifts, and more. It covers: *The tools and materials that no stitcher should be without *Basic stitching skills such as starting a thread, tying off, and finishing your piece *A myriad of embroidery, cross stitch, and needlepoint stitches *Projects ranging from a tattooed tank top to cheeky stitched sayings and from a Gucci-inspired wallet to a drinks recipe box *Variations and ideas for customizing every project Make everyday items one-of-a-kind, or whip up your own creations from scratch. With a savvy, sassy attitude and fun, funky projects, Not Your Mama's Stitching will have you in stitches in no time.

Embroidery Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Embroidery Stitch, Darning, Chain Stitch, Couching, Backstitch $19.99 Embroidery Stitches: Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Embroidery Stitch, Darning, Chain Stitch, Couching, Backstitch

Stitches: Embroidery Stitches, Knitting Stitches, Sewing Stitches, Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Slip-S $19.99 Stitches: Embroidery Stitches, Knitting Stitches, Sewing Stitches, Cross-Stitch, Sashiko Stitching, Blackwork Embroidery, Slip-S

Copperfield 91215 Rod Caddy, Black Canvas With Reinforced Cross Stitching, 64 Inchl x 8 Inchd $109.4 Copperfield Chimney Supply has been filling the supply and accessory needs of over 8,000 chimney sweeps, hearth retailers, masons, and contractors for over 25 years. Copperfield has the privilege of serving over 80% of the chimney professionals in America.Founded by Robert Daniels, Sooty Bob, in 1978, Copperfield has grown from a one-man operation to a national network of six warehouses and a manufacturing plant. From its headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa Copperfield plays a major role in providing for the Chimney Supply industry.Rod Caddy, Black Canvas With Reinforced Cross Stitching, 64 Inchl x 8 Inchd

Cross $10.99 Cross

By The Cross $7.99 By The Cross

The Cross $12.16 The Cross

The Cross’ $15.8 The Cross’

Curve Stitching $23.67 Curve stitching is a creative, practical activity with a strong mathematical background. This book explains the technique and there is a good selection of beautiful designs, together with stitch-by-stitch sewing plans,

Anna Griffin Elegant Stitching $16.54 Anna Griffin Elegant Stitching

A Cross Stitcher’s Countdown To Christmas $13.03 Eight popular cross stitch designers have come together to bring readers the Cross Stitchers Countdown to Christmas. A ready resource of festive cross stitch motifs, each of the 25 chapters provide an inspirational way to create charming cards, beautiful keepsakes and delightful items for the home. Designs range from the classic to the contemporary and many are ideal to stitch in an evening or a weekend – perfect for that busy time of year. With clear color charts, photographs and easy-to-follow stitching instructions, readers will be well on their way to stitching something special this Christmas.

Sublime Stitching $13.01 Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Fisher, Tracey Ullman, and Laura Dern all own her work. Now, in her much-anticipated first book, embroidery pioneer Jenny Hart brings her sublime designs to everyone. Expanding on the offerings of her Stitch-It Kit, Sublime Stitching offers all the instructions, tips, and hip patterns needed to create hundreds of stylish projects. Perfect for stitchers of all experience levels, this charmingly photographed book includes simple directions and inspiring project ideas for stitching up jeans, handbags, neckties, baby bibs, and more. Best of all are the entirely original, ready-to-use iron-on patterns bound in the back. Jenny has included all sorts of delightful designs from cheeky margaritas and maracas to classic teapots and cupcakes. These patterns are easy to remove after using, and a cinch to store in the handy pockets on the inside covers. Believe it or not, each pattern can be used up to nine times. Now that’s sublime.

Doodle-Stitching $10.58 Sharing the unique style of "doodle-stitching," this embroidery primer is packed with beginning projects made from both patterns and the crafter?s imagination. Projects include All-Seasons Ornaments, Songbird Wristlet, Bohemian Tunic, Flower Shop Skirt, and Sweet Dreams Baby Pillow. With easy-to-follow instructions and full-color photographs.

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DMC Light Effects Tropical Glow Floss Pack $10.00 DMC-Light Effects Floss Pack. This dazzling versatile thread can be used for a variety of techniques; from cross-stitch to needlepoint to all types of embroidery and creative stitchery. Stitchers can work with one to six strands either alone or in combination with floss or other needlecraft threads. DMC Metallic Floss is a polyester metallic and viscose blend. Threads are washable; dry cleanabl…

Butterflies And Fern Dresser Scarf Stamped Cross Stitch-14 Inch x37 Inch $4.02 DIMENSIONS-Stamped Cross Stitch: Dresser Scarf. Dress up that dresser with one of Dimensions creative and beautiful sets. This kit contains pre-printed design on one poly/cotton white dresser scarf (14×37in); lace; a detailed shopping list and easy to follow instructions. Design: Butterflies And Fern. Made in USA….

DMC Prism Value Craft Thread Jumbo Pack $7.69 DMC-100% mercerized cotton colorfast non-divisible thread perfect for all types of arts and crafts projects. It is kid-safe and value priced quality thread. Package includes 79 solids and 26 variegated craft thread 12 bobbins and fun project ideas with instructions and diagrams….

Women’s Platform Boots with Criss Cross Straps and Straps with metal eyelets, criss cross straps, approx 3½ ” platform, velcro closure….

Self Threading No. 90 Needles for Heavyweight Fabric $4.95 Sewing Machine Needles. 5 needles per package. Made to fit most sewing machines manufactured within the last 25-30 years. # 5085856…

Under Armour Women’s Tech Long Sleeve Tee UA Tech fabric gives a performance edge to the tried-and-true t-shirt, delivered in a feminine silhouette. …

Hoodie Mens Black Powered by Cross-Stitching Hobbies This Cross-Stitching Hoodie has undergone extensive quality control before reaching you. We have over 10 years experience in selling shirts on the internet. The shirts are created by us and are even customizable! Just contact our great customer service for any inquiries….

T-Shirt Mens Black crazy about Cross-Stitching Hobbies This Cross-Stitching T-Shirt has undergone extensive quality control before reaching you. We have over 10 years experience in selling shirts on the internet. The shirts are created by us and are even customizable! Just contact our great customer service for any inquiries….

Cross Stitch Kit $10.03 Once you master the basic cross stitch techniques outlined in this kit, this is a hobby that will last you a lifetime! Kit includes instructions and patterns sufficient to creat a butterfly fashion bag or a penholder and four coasters….

Cross Stitch Sampler Take part in a time-honored American pastime, with this easy-to-use heirloom sampler cross-stitch kit. Great for long car or plane trips, this quiet activity helps develop fine motor control, concentration and self-confidence. Cross Stitch Sampler includes: – reusable wooden frame (for working and hanging on wall)- cross-stitch fabric- wool yarns in eight colors- metal needle and needle threaders-…

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Whimsical Women’s Cross Stitch Silvertone Blue Leather Strap Watch $34.42 Cross Stitch theme watch is perfect for any embroidery enthusiastHandcrafted timepiece showcases miniature images of a pattern, scissors, real thread, and a thimbleWomen’s wristwatch features a silvertone stainless steel case

Whimsical Women’s Cross Stitch Theme Silvertone Case Watch $31.87 Cross Stitch theme watch is perfect for any embroidery enthusiastHandcrafted timepiece showcases miniature images of a pattern, scissors, real thread, and a thimbleWomen’s wristwatch features a silvertone stainless steel case

Skechers USA Men’s ‘Randle’ Sandals $23.99 These stylish flip-flop sandals from Skechers USA feature a crossed strap detail in stitched leather and webbing for a high-tech, yet high-end look. A soft contoured sole adds the comfort of these sandals.

Stamped White 40×60-inch Quilt Crib Top $8.39 Commemorate the birth of special babies with a delightful crib quilt top Crafts package contains one crib top of cotton/polyester broadcloth Sewing accessory includes other items needed to complete the quilt

‘Alphabet Dreams’ Stamped Cross Stitch Quilt Top $10.78 Create a masterpiece for baby’s room with a quilted comforter topBaby’s blanket top is stamped cross-stitchNeedlework kit includes, cross-stitch design and instructions

Hydrangea Bloom Needlepoint Kit $27.98 Experience the satisfaction of completing this hydrangea bloom needlepoint kitCraft kit has everything you need to create this wonderful projectNeedlepoint kit can be finished in a frame or as a pillow

Olde World Map Counted Cross Stitch Kit $28.06 Add the perfect touch to your home with a new needlework projectCross stitch kit includes everything you need to create a beautiful decoration for your home Inspiring cross stitch pattern portrays magnificent olde world map

Dimensions ‘Tulip Trio’ Counted Cross Stitch Kit $25.49 Create a vibrant work of art with the counted cross stitch kit from DimensionsCross stitch kit features a lavish assemblage of three Angelique tulipsCraft kit is sure to bring the glory of spring into your home all year long

Santa Christmas Stocking Counted Cross Stitch Kit $22.71 Add a home-spun touch to any room with this cross stitch kit from DimensionsCounted cross stitch kit displays a holiday scene with Santa and presents on 16-count dove grey AidaCraft kit includes everything you need

Avery Hill ‘Swedish Weaving and Huck Embroidery’ Book $17.82 Learn the easy and fun craft of Swedish weaving with this book from Avery HillInstructional book features tips on materials, terms, color and stitching techniquesCraft book includes over 60 patterns with illustrations

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