Easy Cross Stitching
Posted in Cross Stitching Ideas on 11/26/2007 11:57 pm by adminEasy Cross Stitching
Cross stitching is great fun and really easy to learn. If you are a beginner, follow these tips and you will be cross stitching in no time.
To prepare fabric for cross stitching cut the fabric at least 3” larger than the finished design. This will leave room for matting and framing. Either whipstitch, use a machine to zigzag, or apply liquid ravel prevention to the edges of the fabric. This will prevent fraying of the fabric while you work.
Use a blunt tipped tapestry type needle. Do not use a regular sewing needle as it will pierce holes in the fabric and is not necessary due to the fact that cross stitch fabric has holes already. For fabric with 11 or fewer threads per inch use a size 24 needle, for 14 to 18 threads per inch use size 26. Also no not leave the needle in your work as it may rust or leave a permanent impression.
You will need a hoop or stretcher bar frame to keep your fabric tight and this will help you make stitches that are uniform. It is best if you can find a frame large enough to cover your entire design.
The graph has squares that contain a symbol that represents 1 stitch. Each symbol corresponds to a color of embroidery floss. Usually the floss is identified by name and number on a color code.
You will need to find the center of your fabric by folding it in half horizontally and then vertically. Then put your needle through the center of the fabric. Next you will need to find the center of your graph and then begin stitching from the center out to the edges.
Use about 18” of floss. This is a good length to work with. Separate all 6 strands and then combine them as per what your pattern calls for. If your floss begins to twist you should try to straighten it by suspending the needle and allowing it to unwind.
Hopefully these tips will help you get started cross stitching soon. Cross stitch is fun and also makes for great gifts.
Author: S. Armstrong http://www.crossstitchalley.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Armstrong
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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. |
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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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Stitching $14.95 Stitching |
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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. |
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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. |
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Easy Cross-stitch Pattern-a-day 2011 Calendar $9.77 Cross-stitchers can count on this calendar’’s collection of patterns for hundreds of quick, clever project ideas. A colorful completed design appears on the front of each page, and the corresponding pattern chart appears on the back for a year of stitching fun. Calendar includes more than 150 patterns and countless project ideas. Pattern sizes fit numerous formats, including linens, towel bands, baby bibs, aprons, coasters, bookmarks, ball caps, and more. U.S. cross-stitchers complete an average of 17 projects each year and spend $177 million annually on cross-stitch supplies, according to The National NeedleArts Association. |
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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. |
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Doodle Stitching: The Motif Collection $9.1 This follow-up to the best-selling Doodle Stitching offers fans expanded and updated basics, 400+ easy embroidery motifs on the page and on a CD sealed in the back of the book, 17 projects, and lots of added inspiration. More than a dozen categories include Alphabet, Asian Chic, Baby, Celebrations, Embellishments, Fruits & Veggies, Space, Trees, Flowers, Winged Wonders, and Woodland Creatures-and each section includes one motif stitched by the author. The motifs on the CD are in simple black lines, so readers can easily manipulate them using their own image-editing software, print them out, and transfer them onto their substrate of choice using the instructions in the book. PROJECTS INCLUDE: Wearables: Jewelry, pajama pants, hat and mittens o Home Decor: Fabric basket, decorative wall hangings, more o Gift Items: Keepsake gift bags |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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The New Cross Stitcher’s Bible $16.29 This essential guide to cross stitch and other counted thread embroidery techniques includes an extensive illustrated stitch library. Inspiring new projects present exciting stitching challenges, ranging in size from cards to cushions. Versatile motifs and sampler picture designs are all clearly charted and can easily be adapted for other projects. This is the must-have, easy-to-follow companion for all cross stitchers to bring them up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques and materials. |
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Manga Cross-stitch $12.16 Manga Cross-Stitch: Make Your Own Graphic Art Needlework is a bold, new, contemporary approach to the time-honored skills of needlework. Readers and cross-stitchers get a new twist on the old craft as they learn how to use the tricks of Japanese graphic art mixed with the skills of traditional needlecraft to make cute, action-packed, stylish images.The book includes easy, step-by-step instructions for cross-stitch beginners and insightful information for manga novices. Materials, techniques, and skills are clearly explained and help simplify the art form. Patterns include school’’s out, super robo, happy birthday manga, and many other cute and chibi characters.Also included is a CD with hundreds of unique manga designs. On the CD are charts for printing out and stitching. Plus, the software included lets artists create their own personalized manga designs by creating their own color palettes.This isn”t your grandma’’s needlework. |
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Hummingbird Stamped Cross Stitch Kit $15.23 *Stamped cross stitch kit includes everything you need for a relaxing craft project *Needlework design showcases a hovering hummingbird beneath fuchsia blossoms *Makes a fun cross stitch project for beginners or experts *Comes with printed fabric with Xs marked for stitching *Full-color background *Cotton thread *Needle and easy instructions *Design printed on ivory sailcloth *Mat and frame are not included *Finished size is 14 inches high x 12 inches wide |
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Black Calfskin Leather Blue Stitching Watch Strap $20.71 *Black genuine calfskin leather strap *Watch strap has blue top stitching *Band includes two buckles *Silvertone buckle and goldtone buckle *Hypoallergenic *Heavy padding *Water resistant *Quick release change pins *Spanner tool for easy changing *20 mm wide x 7.75 inches long All measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. |
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Black with Orange Stitching Watch Strap and Extra Buckle $22.45 *Black genuine calfskin leather watch strap *Black band with orange top stitching *Strap includes two tang buckles *Silvertone buckle and goldtone buckle *Hypo allergenic *Heavy padding *Water resistant *Quick release changing pins *Includes spanner tool for easy changing *Strap measures 22 mm wide x 7.75 inches long All measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. |
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Girl Bear (Quick & Easy Stitch A Shirt) Counted Cross Stitching Craft Kit $4.99 { # SAS 202 // Counted cross stich with waste canvas // This package contains everything to complete this project }… |
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Girl Bear (Quick & Easy Stitch A Shirt) Counted Cross Stitching Craft Kit … |
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Irish Crochet And How To Make It – Easy Instructions And Patterns For Beginners & Experienced Crocheters Alike! $1.92 To learn the art of Irish Crochet, look no further than this book. Everything you need to know, expert guidance, and easy to follow instructions are found within these pages. … |
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Cross Stitch Quick & Easy (Cross Stitch Quick & Easy, Vol. 2, No. 4 (Apr/May)) Features Herbal Bouquet, Count on It, “Heart, Hand, & Home” and many more wonderful, funfilled projects you will enjoy!… |
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Cross Stitch Quick & Easy (Cross Stitch Quick & Easy, Volume 2, No. 5 (June/July)) Features, Ballerina Bunnies, Summer Savory, Great Clips and many more wonderful, funfilled projects you will enjoy!… |
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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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Avery Hill ‘Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monk’s Cloth’ Book $14.88 Cross stitching and needlework is made easy with this bookCraft book by Avery Hill contains 33 patterns for monk’s clothBook features patterns and designs for Swedish weaving or Huck embroidery |
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‘Cheaper Than A Shrink’ Stamped Cross Stitch Kit $7.15 Add a home-spun touch to any room with this cross stitch kit from DimensionsStamped cross stitch kit features a friendly coffee cup patternCraft kit includes printed ivory sailcloth, cotton thread, needle and easy instructions |
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‘Toboggan Trio’ Stocking Felt Applique Kit $14.89 Create gleeful holiday fun with holiday stocking kitFelt applique stocking kit features precut, preprinted pieces with easy-to-follow placement linesNeedlework kit includes: instructions, thread, yarn, color-sorted sequins and beads |
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Glory Of Autumn Counted Cross Stitch Kit $15.49 Create beautiful projects with this counted cross stitch kitGlory of Autumn kit includes easy multi-lingual instructionsKit includes uses half cross stitch in some areas for an artistic effect |
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Hummingbirds and Fuchsia Counted Cross Stitch Kit $7.15 Add a home-spun touch to any room with this cross stitch kit from DimensionsStamped cross stitch kit features a hummingbirds and fuchsia patternCraft kit includes 14-count ivory Aida, cotton thread, needle and easy instructions |
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Easy Cross-stitch Pattern-a-day 2011 Calendar (Calendar) $10.09 Description not available. |
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Dimensions ‘Happily Ever After’ Cross Stitch Kit $7.15 Surprise the bride and groom with a divinely elegant cross stitch hanging Needlework project is quick and easy to stitchWedding record is sure to please the happy couple |
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Step-by-Step Needle Tatting Book $10.3 How-to craft book makes it easy to learn needle tattingCraft book features 85 color photos and illustrationsSoftcover book has 28 pages |
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Gold Collection Bookmarks Counted Cross Stitch Kit (Pack of 2) $8.67 Get creative with a Gold Collection elegant bookmark kitKit includes cotton embroidery thread, charms, 14 count ivory Aida fabric needle and easy instructionsEasy-to-read multi-color chart is also included |
