Two Different Cross Stitching Methods

There are two main techniques or methods used to cross stitch that involves how you hold the fabric. One is more of a beginners level method, while the other is more advanced. You can begin by using either method you prefer, though. The first method is called the stab method and the other method is called the sewing method. Each method has its own good qualities about it. There is no rule about which method a person should use. You should get to know each method and decide for yourself which one works best for you.

The stab method of cross stitch uses a hoop to hold the fabric. It is called the stab method because you stab your needle through the back of the fabric and then turn the hoop to pull it through the front, and so forth. Many beginners prefer this method as it allows them to keep their fabric tight in the hoop and makes accuracy easier. The stab method allows for more precision in stitches then the other method.

The sewing method is done without a hoop. There is no flipping of the fabric. You simply work as you would if you were doing any regular form of sewing. This is a more advanced method since a person needs to be very familiar with the fabric so they can efficiently bring the needle through the fabric at the correct spot without having to turn the fabric over to look for the correct hole. The fabric is also more difficult to work with as it is free to move and distort with the sewing method. The sewing method is much faster than the hoop method.

Some people choose to work with both methods, depending on the project they are doing. As mentioned the stab method is a bit restrictive, but produces a more accurate and precise product. The sewing method allows a project to flow quickly and is great for a smaller project that needs finished fast. It is really a personal decision and you can decide the method you use once you get into cross stitching.

Preparing The Fabric For Cross Stitching

When you are beginning a cross stitch project one of the first things you must do is prepare the fabric. Preparing the fabric helps to ensure the final product looks as good as possible. It helps to rid the fabric of any wrinkles or creases and generally ensures the fabric is clean and a good working canvas. Preparing cross stitch fabric is not difficult, but it may take a few times for you to be able to do it quickly.

Before preparing your fabric you should make sure your hands are clean. Dirty hands will ruin the fabric. In return ruined fabric will produce a less than desirable end product.

The first step is to cut off any selvage. Selvage is the edge of the fabric that has been prepared so the fabric will not unravel. It is easy to spot because it looks as if the fabric has been pressed or sealed somehow and looks quite different from the general fabric. Now where you have cut off the selvage, tape the fabric with masking tape to prevent unraveling. This may seem strange, but it is important to cut of the selvage because it keeps the fabric from moving freely. Using the masking tape instead keeps the fabric from unraveling but also allows it to move freely.

Now you can put your fabric in a hoop. You should make sure the hoop is clean. Wipe it down with alcohol first to ensure it is clean. A dirty hoop will leave a ring on your project.

Further care is also needed to ensure your fabric stay in good shape. Part of preparation is keeping your fabric stored and clean. You should store the fabric rolled not folded so you can avoid creases. If you need to wash your fabric either before or after you have completed a project you should always do it by hand and use a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or hang drying it as this can cause it to stretch and become misshaped.

Proper preperation of your cross stitch fabric will help you to produce the best quality finished product. Good looking fabric helps make a good looking project.

How to read a Cross Stitch Pattern

One of the first things a person must learn when they are stating to cross stitch is how to read a cross stitch pattern. There is a basic formula about a cross stitch pattern. It is written to make it easy to follow. Most cross stitch patterns follow the basic design of Aida fabric with the squares.

A cross stitch pattern can be made on different types of paper. Sometimes they are made on special paper that allows the pattern to be ironed onto the fabric. This is very handy especially for the beginner. Other patterns may be made on thick paper so they are durable. The paper of a pattern is not too important unless you are looking for something specific, like iron on or durability.

The basic layout of a cross stitch pattern looks like a grid. It has darker lines breaking it into squares and within these squares are lighter lines making tiny squares. The lighter lined squares are corresponding to the squares in the fabric. The darker lines are simply there as a guide to help make reading the pattern easier.

The pattern will also have a set of arrows that is used to represent the center of the design. When working a pattern most cross stitchers start in the center and work out so that their finished design is centered on the fabric.

There is also a key that lets you know what colors to use on each part of the pattern. Some patterns are in black and white and use different designs, like a dot for one color and stripes for another. It is important you understand the key so that you know which color goes where in the pattern. The key may also contain special instructions. For example, if there is a special stitch in the pattern, the directions on how to make the stitch will be here.

The pattern may also include general information about the pattern, such as who made it and what size the final product will be. Once you have learned about the different parts and aspects of a cross stitch pattern you should have no problem reading one clearly.

Choosing Supplies For Cross Stitching

There are many different choices in supplies for cross stitching. Many beginners use kits which come with almost everything they need to start and finish a project. However, as skill level progresses a person may start to want to branch out and try new designs that may not be available in kits. If you are at that point then it is time to learn how to choose cross stitch supplies.

To complete a project you are going to need a few main supplies. You can start by finding fabric. The most commonly used fabric and the best fabric for those that are not experienced is a light colored Aida fabric. Aida fabric looks like it is made of small squares. These squares work as guides and make cross stitching easier. The reason for choosing a light colored fabric over a dark one is that these squares are easier to see on the lighter fabric and dark fabric can be extremely difficult to work with. It is also a good idea to choose fabric that is stored rolled instead of folded. Folded fabric gets creases that can be difficult to remove and can interfere with the project.

The next important supply is thread. You will need to get embroidery floss. Floss is sold in packets or in individual skeins. You should try to stick to one brand so the colors match. There can be slight differences between the same color made by different brands.

Needles are another important supply. There are a wide range of needles from which to choose. There are needles with coating and special types of needles that are easy to thread, some are dull and others are pointed. You should start out with the two basic sizes - size 24 and 26. After you become more experienced you can try other needles to see what works for you best.

Other supplies that you will need to buy include scissors and hoops. You will want to make sure you have a good supply box ready before beginning a new project. This way you can work without having to run to the store to get something you do not have.

The Five Main Stitches in Cross Stitching

When first learning how to cross stitch it is a good idea for you to learn a little about the different type of stitches. There are five stitches, actually, that every cross stitcher must know. These stitches are referred to as the main stitches. They include the cross stitch, the half stitch, the quarter stitch, the three-quarter stitch and the back stitch. When doing a cross stitch project you will likely run across these stitches the majority of the time.

The cross stitch is the ultimate, basic stitch. The whole art of cross stitching is based upon knowing and mastering the cross stitch. Once you know how to do a cross stitch learning other stitches will not be difficult. The cross stitch looks like an ‘x’ and is made by drawing the thread through the fabric, using the square pattern of the fabric as a guide.

The half stitch is the easiest stitch. It is simple half of a whole cross stitch. Instead of completing an ‘x’ you would only make one cross over the square in the fabric.

A quarter stitch looks much like a half stitch, but instead of going from one corner hole to the other corner hole in the fabric you insert the thread in one hole and then pull it back through the center of the square. A note about quarter stitches is that you may not want to use your typical dull needle on a project with quarter stitches as it can be hard to get thread through the fabric. Instead try using a pointed needle.

A three quarter stitch is the combination of a half stitch and a quarter stitch. You make the half stitch and then make the quarter stitch. It looks similar to a regular cross stitch.

A back stitch is a unique stitch that is very different than the other four stitches mentioned. The back stitch is made on top of the fabric. The stitches go across the upper side of the fabric.

These five main stitches in cross stitching should be mastered. You will need at least one of these stitches for every project you do. Not understanding the proper technique or process of making any of these five stitches could really slow you down once you start making cross stitch projects.

How to Make a Cross Stitch

Beginners to cross stitch have to learn the basics before they can tackle a project. The most essential stitch is the cross stitch. It is important for a beginner to learn the proper technique and style to make a cross stitch so their projects turn out looking great. The following will guide you through the technique of making a cross stitch.

Before beginning you will need to gather your supplies. You will need scissors, an embroidery hoop, fabric, embroidery floss and a needle. The specific supplies you use are up to you. The hoop is optional, but it makes it much easier for a beginner to make the stitches because it keeps the fabric tight. The supplies need to be prepared by putting the fabric in the hoop and threading the needle. The embroidery thread comes as a thick strand made up of smaller strands. It should be separated into single, thin strands and then threaded in the needle.

Now you can begin to make your cross stitch. If you are right handed you will want to hold the hoop in your left hand; if you are left handed hold the hoop in your right hand. The fabric you use should have small squares. You start by choosing an area to begin. You will want to pull your thread through the back of the fabric. You will insert your needle into one of the holes and pull the thread through. You should not have to go through any fabric. You will want to leave a tail of at least two inches of thread on the underside of the fabric.

Next you need to cross the thread over the square on which you are working. It should go to the diagonal hole where you will insert your needle and draw the thread back through to the back of the fabric. You have completed half of the cross stitch, which is called a half stitch.

To complete the cross stitch you need to repeat the above process through the two remaining hole in the square. Then after the last time you draw the thread through to the back you will want to turn your hoop over and pull the tail of thread you had left in the beginning under the stitch and pull the thread tight.

You can then cut the thread off and you have successfully completed your first cross stitch