HELE6-Lesson 15-Cross Stitch
HELE6-Lesson 15-Cross Stitch
HELE6-Lesson 15-Cross Stitch
CROSS STITCH
It is a form of decorative embroidery where designs are composed of many x-shaped stitches.
There are two primary forms of this craft: stamped and counted cross stitch. Stamped versions follow
patterns that are printed directly onto fabric; counted cross stitching follows a separate pattern
design and typically uses a special woven fabric called Aida cloth.
A cross stitch chart tells you everything you need to know about where to stitch and what color to
use. The grid on a cross stitch chart corresponds to the grid created by the weave of the fabric, and
each colored square on the chart represents a cross stitch.
A combination of colors and symbols in the squares (or symbols only if the chart is black-and-
white) tell you which color of floss to use. Use the chart legend to map the symbols to the floss
colors.
Example:
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When you begin a new cross stitch project, it is a good idea to start stitching in the middle of the
design. That way you make sure your design is centered in the fabric. Small arrows at the edges of a
cross stitch chart indicate the center points.
Take a look at your chart and find an area close to the center to start with. It can be easier to start
with a large block of color instead of part of the pattern that changes color frequently.
Cross stitch can be done on a number of different fabrics, but the most common are Aida and
linen. Both are woven fabrics that have a tendency to fray when cut. Before you start stitching, it is a
good idea to bind the edges particularly if you are stitching a large project that will require lots of
handling.
To minimize fraying, sew the edges with a zig-zag stitch or use a serger if you have one. If you
don’t want to sew the edges, you can also bind them with masking tape.
To find the center of your fabric, fold it in half one way and then fold it in half the other way. Pinch
and crease the center point to mark it. You can place a pin in the center or make a small stitch to
further mark the center point.
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Step 4: Using a hoop or frame (optional)
There are lots of different styles of embroidery hoops and frames available. Whether you use one
or not is up to you. Beginning stitchers may find it easier to put their fabric in an embroidery hoop.
To use a hoop, first loosen the screw and separate the two rounds. Place the round without the
screw flat on a table or work surface. Lay the fabric over the hoop making sure the center of the
fabric is in the center of the hoop. Place the other round over the fabric and press it down so the
fabric is sandwiched between the two hoops. Gently pull the fabric taut as you tighten the screw on
the hoop. Don’t pull the fabric too tight or it will distort the weave of the fabric.
Pick the color of floss you are starting with and cut a length about 18 inches long. If you go much
longer than this, the thread is more likely to get knotted when you stitch.
Most embroidery floss is made up of six strands of thread twisted together. Depending on the
fabric you are using, you will typically stitch with only one or two strands at a time.
To separate out a strand, hold the floss with one hand and pinch the end of one strand with the
other. Gently and slowly pull the strand up and out until it is separated from the remaining strands.
Only pull one strand at a time. Pulling multiple strands may cause the floss to knot.
Cross stitch is typically done using a round-end tapestry needle. The size you use depends on
your fabric. If you are stitching a kit, use the needle that came with it. If not, see this article on
choosing a needle for cross stitch.
Thread your needle just as you would a needle for hand sewing. Don’t make a knot in the tail
end. You will stitch over the tail as you work to secure it without needing a knot. As a general rule,
you want to avoid using knots when cross stitching because they can leave lumps in the final piece.
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Step 6: Making a row of cross stitches
Cross stitch is generally worked in rows going from left to right. Refer to your stitching chart to
figure out where you want to begin stitching.
Starting from the back side of the fabric, bring your needle up through a hole toward the front,
leaving about an inch of thread at the back. You will cover the tail with your stitches as you work to
secure it.
Next pass your needle through a hole diagonally across from where you started to make a
slanted half cross stitch (/). Be sure to hold on to the tail at the back of the fabric so it doesn’t slip
through.
Start your second half cross stitch by bringing the needle back up through the hole that is directly
below the one you last used. Before you pull this stitch tight, flip your fabric over to the back and
make sure the thread tail will be trapped by the stitch.
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Continuing stitching along the row to make a series of half cross stitches (////).
Next return across the row making a series of half cross stitches in the other direction (\\\\).
In some places on your design it may be easier to make a complete cross stitch before moving
on to the next stitch instead of working in rows. Follow the diagram below to make individual cross
stitches.
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Keep stitching until you reach the end of the thread or until you run out of stitches in your pattern.
On the back side of the fabric, pass the needle under at least three completed stitches to secure the
thread. Trim the remaining thread, being careful not to cut it too close.
You will quickly get comfortable making basic cross stitches. Here are a few additional tips to
keep in mind.
● Aim for a nice easy tension on your stitches. Don’t pull them so tight that they warp the fabric
or leave them so loose that they gap. The stitches should lie flat against the fabric without
pulling against it.
● Don’t make long jumps across the back of your fabric with the thread because they might
show through on the front. When moving to a new area that is more than a few stitches away,
you should end your thread and then begin it again in the new spot.
● Buy all your supplies for a project at the start. Thread comes in dye lots that may vary slightly
between batches.
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● As you stitch, the thread will tend to get twisted. Every once in a while, let your needle and
thread hang freely to let it unwind.
● Have fun! Cross stitch is a relaxing and rewarding craft. Don’t stress too much about the
details and enjoy the process!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1_ijpQizzs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM_QB51lFG4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4_G40Syj68
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6pmb-myRKc
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