Craft Blog

Embroidery is one of the decorating techniques that you can choose for many types of projects from fine linen and more. It’s done with a sewing needle of any kind. It can be done on any fabric from silk to heavy canvas or leather. Embroidery gives the finished product both texture and appeal and can be done in a beautiful array of colors. Embroidery is a high quality, long lasting decorating technique and will add interest to any type of project. The most experienced people doing embroidery are always learning from others the kind of stitch and thread that works best on any number of fabrics to create stunning works of art.

Just as you treasure items from your ancestors, your children and grandchildren will probably treasure the items you have now. It’s up to you to preserve your embroidery to pass on to the generation of kids. The way that you frame your current embroidery project may determine if it makes it through the years. After all the work you put into your cross-stitching, you should do everything possible to make sure it won’t be destroyed in a few years. The proper framing techniques should include no chemicals that can be damaging to fabric. Avoid using cardboard and masking tape. It may be tempting sometimes to quickly tape your fabric to a piece of cardboard and place it in a frame. You may think nothing of it until a few years later when the acid will begin to eat away at the fabric. You simply don’t want to see all the time you’ve already put into your cross-stitch project waste away just like that. A little effort will ensure that your embroidery masterpiece lasts for generations to come.

If you decide to have your finished embroidery piece will be framed by a professional framer, take a little extra time to ask him about the types of materials and techniques he used to frame the type of finished work you have. Make sure his way of framing is done to preserve your artwork for years to come. You can consider framing your finished embroidery yourself. It isn’t as hard as you may think. You can save money and this is a great time to learn a new skill. If you decide to frame your piece of art, make sure that all materials you use are acid free. Try out your chosen techniques on a small project first before moving on to framing your main piece of art. Remember that frames don’t have to be traditional. You can use some creativity and experiment with some of your frames that will compliment your finished piece. Try painting the whole frame or add some type of design to match your embroidery on the corner of the wooden frame. For example, if your cross-stitch has stars or flowers in it, paint a matching star or flower on a corner of the frame. You can use fabric to create a mat or a ruffle around your piece of art.

Be creative and most importantly have fun. Preserving your embroidery for your kids and for the next generations to come is simply the best heirloom you can leave for your family. Embroidery techniques can produce a wide range of effects. Almost any effect can be created in embroidery from simple to fancy stitches with beads and anything else attached. Embroidery is one of the most versatile crafts ever created.

Cross stitch is a fun and rewarding activity and hobby. It’s one of the easiest and most popular stitching techniques used in the United States today. The most common stitch is a series of "X" stitches which are stitched on a piece of fabric to create a design. Each single cross stitch is made up of two diagonal stitches, a bottom stitch and a top stitch that together form an "X". There are two kinds of cross-stitches, counted stitch and stamped cross-stitch. Counted cross-stitch is probably the most used because the technique is very easy to understand and the end result is absolutely gorgeous. It requires the one doing the stitching to refer to a chart, which shows where the series of "X" stitches should be situated on the fabric and what color they should be. A stamped cross-stitch has the design already printed on the fabric indicating where the "X" should be placed on the fabric.

When you are ready to start a cross stitch project, you must first secure the end of the thread. There are a few ways to do this but remember tying a knot is simply not recommended. Knots are bulky and can cause bumps on the surface of your project. One way is to pull the threaded needle up through the fabric, leaving about an inch tail on the opposite side. Hold the tail with your fingers while you are working the first few stitches on your project. To begin a new thread in an area that has not been completed yet, run your needle through the backs of a few of the stitches that are close by. Draw the thread through until the end of the tail gradually disappears under the stitch back. Then you can continue on with your stitching. Remember to use the same color of thread. If not, the new color thread may be seen through. You don’t want to have to redo it again.

Another method is the loop method. This technique can be used when your project calls for an even number of strands. Separate half of the number of strands needed. If your cross-stitch project calls for two strands of floss, first take apart the two strands of floss. Next, cut the strands twice as long as desired for stitching. Fold the strands in half and stick the cut ends in the eye of your needle. The folded end is at the opposite end of the strands. Insert your needle to come up through the fabric leaving the loop on the underside. Make your first stitch. Bring the needle down through the loop in the folded end of the strands and pull until loop lies flat against the fabric. Remember when you are finished with a color of thread and you are ready to change to another color of thread, run the needle through the backs of a few stitches. This will avoid creating bumps and ugly knots in back of your project.
 
Cross stitching will depend entirely on the type of embroidery that you desire and the design you want to achieve. You need to make sure that you have the right fabric, floss colors, needle and all the necessary cross stitch materials. In counted cross-stitch, it’s strongly recommended that you begin at the center of the fabric. To find the center, fold the fabric in half horizontally and pinch it to create a light line. Open the fabric, then fold the fabric again but this time in half vertically and make another pinch. Where the two lines cross is the center of your project.

The artistry of cross stitch is that all the stitches are identical and present a smooth, consistent surface. Make sure that all your top stitches are going in the same direction and that each stitch is pulled with the same amount of tightness. Your cross-stitch will be so beautiful if you only follow these few simple tips.

Christmas is just right around the corner again and it’s time to get some of those personal gift and craft items started to give, to simply enjoy yourself to display around your house or on your Christmas tree. If you are looking for ideas on projects that you can make, consider a needlepoint book. This is something that will give you ideas and tips for better looking needlecrafts. You can find tons of different needlepoint books that interest you about needlecraft in almost any of your local craft stores, or online. Of course, don’t forget to visit your local library as well for a great selection of books to help you with ideas for a way better looking needlecraft if you don’t want to spend the money to buy your own or if you only need to do one or two projects. You will find a great selection of books and concepts you need to guide you from start to finish for great looking needlecraft projects. The Holiday is a great motivation to start a project and have it done on time to give or to enjoy. Using books or DVDs will give you a better understanding and great tips about what you need to achieve a great looking masterpiece. Books contain a large amount of ideas to help you get started. If that’s something you come to truly like, you may want to involve family or friends to start their own needlecraft masterpieces.

If you prefer, you can buy a needlecraft kit in any of your local craft stores. It contains everything that you need like colored thread, canvas, design and instruction. Needlepoint instructions are really not rocket science and if you follow the directions diligently, you are sure to have a good-looking piece of needlecraft. Using a needlepoint kit is one of the easiest ways to go. Most of the decisions have been made for you. The canvas, needle and thread have been carefully selected and provide with your kit. Of course you can’t expect customization with a needlepoint kit. If you want more flexibility with the design and colors, you are probably better off using a canvas without any design already printed with the color of thread you desire. With a good understanding of how to use techniques to start your needlecraft project, you may have a great chance to produce a fabulous masterpiece that you totally want to frame for everyone to see.

Inspiring ideas and information about great techniques, having an idea on how to choose the best selection of thread, materials and stitching can all be found in great books. Whether you have been stitching for years or have just started, reading all you need to know about needlecraft will make your stitching better, easier and more enjoyable. You can find tips from different needlepoint professionals and teachers. You can improve your stitching, learn new techniques or rediscover something you forgot. You can also find fantastic tips on everything from design ideas to color choices, to finishing your completed canvas easily and inexpensively. There are so many ideas that can help you achieve the very best looking needlework if you only look in the right place.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cross-stitch veteran, there are always new things you can learn to give your project that stunning look. It will take practice and skill to get your project looking wonderful. Make sure the front and back of your cross-stitch looks perfect. Whatever you do, try to keep your stitches consistent. Use only one method of stitching for your entire project. Make sure the knots are very tight.

There are so many different techniques that you can do when it comes to sewing. Have you ever bought a pair of pants that you loved but they were to long, or a dress that fit you perfect except that you step on the bottom of it when you walk? To fix this problem with out having to try to find another pair of pants is to use the technique in sewing called hemming. If you have never heard of hemming something up or just don’t know how to hem here is a look at hemming.

The first look at hemming is to find out what it is. Hemming is a technique used in sewing where you take a piece of cloth and fold up the cut edge. You then take it and fold it down to cover the edge that is not straight. You then sew it down. This is done to enclose he cut edge so it cannot ravel. If you want to hem the bottom of a pair of pants, skirt, dress, or even a robe you would just want to take the bottom edge and do the same process that you would with a cut edge.

The second look at hemming is to know how it can be done. Hemming can be done either by hand or by a sewing machine. A hem can be sewn down by either using a line of invisible hem-stitch or a blind-stitch that you can do by hand. Or you can sew it down with your sewing machine. If you use a sewing machine you can usually be able to set a certain setting that can make decorative or functional stitches. Using a sewing machine for a hem stitch will cause the hem stitch to be larger and more visible then if you did it by hand.

Another look at hemming is when you are going to be hemming heavy material. If you are going to be hemming heavy material you will have deep hems that you will probably want to use a dress-maker’s hem. A dress-maker’s hem is a hem where you do an extra line of loose running stitches that you do in the middle of the hem. Doing a dress-maker’s hem will help you with the weight of the material so it does not hand from one line of stitching.

Another look at hemming is when a piece of fabric needs repair. If your fabric rips where the hem is there are different methods you can use to repair them. You can repair your hems the easy way by getting tape that is called "hem repair tape".  Hem repair tape is tape that you place inside of the hem and then ironed. The heat from the iron melts the glue on the tape and glues the hem shut. Using this method is not used by a lot of the professionals because they believe the glue stiffens and in return makes that hem hang badly. Instead professionals like to re sew the ripped hems by re sewing them like they were done the first time with matching thread so you cannot tell where the rip ever was.

These are a few different looks at hemming. Depending on what type of project you are doing will depend on what type of hemming you will want to do. If you are still not sure that hemming is the way you want to go you can do some research and see what else is out there. Make sure that you take the time to take a look at hemming to see if it is what you are looking for.

How many of us (I use the word us, because I have personally done this) have ever walked into a craft store, picked out a cute cross stitch picture, along with the colors you wanted to use, paid for it, and then when you got home and opened it up, realized that there were actual colors and specific types of thread you were suppose to buy for it to look the way they said it would?  Frustrating to say the least!  Yes it’s true; there are different types of threads to use when cross stitching.  How to find the right thread to cross stitch with can be tricky, so let me first have you ask yourself, what kind of project are you doing?   After you have an idea, reading these next tips will help you in finding the right thread for your project.

1. Most thread types can be used for cross-stitch and embroidery projects.  One brand is DMC Stranded Cotton.  This is a six-ply long fiber cotton, and is one of the finest quality threads.  DMC colors will not fade, yet are machine washable.  If you’re looking to cross stitch and embroider this is the right thread to us.  (Stitching hint:  try using different plies of thread on a scrap piece of fabric before you begin your project.  A large number of plies will give heavy embroidered look, while a small number of plies give you a lighter texture.)
2. Rayon and Silk thread are very similar to your traditional six-ply embroidery floss.  The difference with these is that they have a bit of a shine and slippery feel to them, thus making them a little more difficult to work with.  Anchor stranded cotton is one of the highest quality mercerized cotton.   
3. Flower thread (on the other hand) is 100% cotton, and gives a matte like finish.  Along with cotton floss, pearl-cotton threads, and silk floss, flower thread can be found with a variegated "one of a kind" appearance.  Flower thread will usually result in a gentle, shady appearance, but will not change the look of the thread colors.
4.  Specialty threads can give your project a unique look.  Specialty threads are those such as metallic looking threads, threads that are rich in color, textured threads, and glow-in-the-dark threads.  DMC also offers a collection of these specialty 
5. If you are tackling a needlepoint or crewel embroidery project the right kind of thread to us is wool yarn, more specifically Persian yarn, or Anchor multicolor stranded cotton.  It will produce subtle color changes when stitched, so each project you complete ends up being quite unique.  This type of wool is great for working on canvas projects because it has very minimal fraying.

I hope this helps in getting you on your way to finding the right kind of thread for your cross stitching project.  Not that you know a little bit more about the different kinds of threads, you won’t have to run back and forth to the craft store trying to figure out what it is you need. 

Have you always wanted to learn how to embroider but never knew where you could go to learn how? If you answered yes to the previous question the good news is that there are numerous places you can go to get embroidering lessons. Where you can go to learn how to embroider depends a lot on how you are able to learn. For example if you can teach yourself without the aid of a teacher than you should be able to learn from books, video or the internet, but if you need to have someone walking you through the steps than you would want to take a class or learn from a friend.

Here are some tips on where you can go to learn how to embroider.

Tip one:
Like everything else in our world today you can also learn how to embroider on the internet. There are a variety of websites on the internet that offer step by step instructions on how to embroider. These websites can and do include instructional videos that you can download, as well as reading material to help you learn. Some of the websites will also provide you with tips and tricks to embroidering as well as free patterns from basic patterns for beginners to more advanced patterns for the more advanced users.

Tip two:
One place to go for embroidering lessons is to take a class on embroidering. You can take classes on embroidering from craft or fabric stores, as well as community colleges or adult schools. These classes are also offered in different levels so if you are a beginner you can take a beginning class and then you can move up as you see fit. You can also take specialty classes that will give you tips and tricks on embroidering, you can even take classes that will teach you how to embroider free hand, which means without a pattern. Most of the time if you want to embroider without a pattern you are going to need to have some type of drawing skills so that you can sketch out a pattern or draw directly with the needle and thread.

Tip three:
One of the best places that you can go to take embroidering lessons is to friends or family members that already do embroidering; chances are that the best person you can approach for embroidering lessons is your mother or grandmother. By learning from somebody you know you are going to be in a relaxed environment and you can get first hand knowledge from watching them embroider, as well as getting instructions in a one on one setting. Sometimes learning in a group is harder than learning by yourself, but you will still have the benefit from their experience. Not to mention the fact that if you are learning from a family member you will most likely learn about your "family secrets" to embroidering.

Tip four:
Another way that you can learn how to embroider is through books. You can go to book stores, craft stores, fabric stores, libraries, or any other place that sells books on embroidering and buy books that can teach you how to embroider. By using books you can read about all of the steps involved in embroidering, look at diagrams on how it is done and obtain free patterns so that you can practice. And you are not limited to only using books, many times you can find embroidering magazines that will teach you how to embroider. But the bad thing about learning from a book is that you don’t have the benefit of asking people questions about what you should be doing, nor do you get to learn their tips and tricks.

Tip five:
Another place to go to take lessons in embroidering is in your own home through the use of instructional videos. These are a great way to help you learn how to embroider because you can stop and rewind the video at any point until you understand the concept or until you master the skill. You can also benefit from watching the people show you the steps and the proper way to hold the needle, do the stitches or what you can do to correct your mistakes.  But like with books you don’t have the advantages of having someone answer your questions directly.

Have you always wanted to learn how to cross stitch but never knew where you could go to get lessons? If you answered yes to the previous question the good news is that there are numerous places you can go to get cross stitching lessons. Where you can go to learn how to cross stitch depends a lot on how you are able to learn. For example if you can teach yourself without the aid of a teacher than you should be able to learn from books, video or the internet, but if you need to have someone walking you through the steps than you would want to take a class or learn from a friend.

Here are some tips for where you can go for cross stitch lessons.

Tip one:
One place to go for cross stitching lessons is to take a class on cross stitching. You can take classes on cross stitching from craft or fabric stores, as well as community colleges or adult schools. These classes are also offered in different levels so if you are a beginner you can take a beginning class and then you can move up as you see fit. You can also take specialty classes that will give you tips and tricks on cross stitching, you can even take classes that will teach you how to cross stitch free hand, which means without a pattern. The classes that you will be taking on cross stitching will include the basics of cross stitching, such as the five basic stitches used in cross stitching.

Tip two:
Like everything else in our world today you can also learn how to cross stitch on the internet. There are a variety of websites on the internet that offer step by step instructions on how to cross stitch. These websites can and do include instructional videos that you can download, as well as reading material to help you learn. Some of the websites will also provide you with tips and tricks to cross stitching as well as free patterns from basic patterns for beginners to more advanced patterns for the more advanced users.

Tip three:
One of the best places that you can go to take cross stitching lessons is to friends or family members that already do cross stitching, chances are that the best person you can approach for cross stitching lessons is your mother or grandmother. By learning from somebody you know you are going to be in a relaxed environment and you can get first hand knowledge from watching them cross stitch, as well as getting instructions in a one on one setting. Sometimes learning in a group is harder than learning by yourself, but you will still have the benefit from their experience. Not to mention the fact that if you are learning from a family member you will most likely learn about your "family secrets" to cross stitching.

Tip four:
Another place to go to take lessons in cross stitching is your own home through the use of instructional videos. These are a great way to help you learn how to cross stitch because you can stop and rewind the video at any point until you understand the concept or until you master the skill. You can also benefit from watching the people show you the steps and the proper way to hold the needle, do the stitches or what you can do to correct your mistakes.

Tip five:
Another way that you can learn how to cross stitch is through books. You can go to book stores, craft stores, fabric stores, libraries, or any other place that sells books on cross stitching and buy books that can teach you how to cross stitch. By using books you can read about all of the steps involved in cross stitching, look at diagrams on how it is done and obtain free patterns so that you can practice. And you are not limited to only using books, many times you can find cross stitching magazines that will teach you how to cross stitch. But the bad thing about learning from a book is that you don’t have the benefit of asking people questions about what you should be doing, nor do you get to learn their tips and tricks.

Now that you are a master at cross stitch and embroidery or you have just finished up using all of your personal patterns you might be wondering where you can go to find people to swap patterns with. This is actually a very common custom and people are more than willing to swap patterns with others, just because it gives them something new to work with as well. But the problem isn’t swapping the patterns with people, but trying to figure out where you can go to swap both embroidery and cross stitch patterns.

Here are some tips for where to find other cross-stitchers and embroiderers to swap patterns with.

Tip one:
One of the best place to find other cross-stitchers and embroiders is at your local fabric stores or craft stores. Many of these stores have bulletin boards or classes that you can take to work on your needlepoint skills. With the bulletin boards you can post notices or fliers asking for people to swap patterns with you, or you can read notices that other people have put up. With the classes you can meet new people just by being social and ask them if they would be interested in swapping patterns with you. Some craft stores might even have a program that allows you to swap patterns, but you would have to turn over your patterns to gain access to any new ones.

Tip two:
Another great place that you can go to find people to swap patterns with is your family and friends. Many times you will have friends and family members who enjoy cross-stitching and they are a great resource for finding new patterns to work with. And they might even know of other people who would be willing to swap patterns with you.

Tip three:
You can also go to a craft fair or boutique to find people to swap patterns with. Craft shows feature all sorts of crafts and include many people who do needlepoint. But with craft shows you might not find any vendors who are willing to swap patterns, since they use their patterns for money. But you can perhaps buy an item or two to gain a new pattern or you can meet other people who share your interest.

Tip four:
Another great place to find people to swap patterns with is in a needlepoint class at your local adult school. You can also post notices at adult schools that let people know that you are interested in swapping patterns. You can also look in the local newspapers to see if anybody is interested in swapping patterns. Another great place to look for people interested in swapping patterns is on the bulletin board at your local library or in numerous craft magazines. Both regular craft magazines and magazines that are dedicated to cross stitching and embroidering will have want ads or information about swapping patterns.

Tip five:
One of the best places to find people to swap cross stitch patterns with is to join a cross stitch club, which you can do in your local community or through an online group. You can also do the same thing for embroidery. These clubs will give you unlimited access to other crafters who share your enjoyment of cross stitching and embroidering. Not only can you join clubs, but you can also join discussion groups or websites online that will give you access to people who are willing to swap patterns, not to mention access to numerous message boards where you can post the fact that you are looking to swap patterns.

If you are the type of person who enjoys doing cross-stitch for a hobby or as a relaxation technique you are most likely on the look out for new cross-stitch patterns. Some of your best resources to find cross-stitch patterns are through magazine subscriptions, there are numerous magazines that are dedicated to the world of cross-stitch, or you can attend cross-stitch classes for a small registration fee. But if you don’t want to spend money on obtaining cross-stitch patterns the good news is that there are ways to get the ideas for free.

Here are some tips on where to find free cross-stitch patterns.

Tip one:
One of the best places to find cross-stitch patterns for free is online through the use of search engines. The internet is a great resource when it comes to looking for any type of cross-stitch pattern. There are numerous websites that offer free cross-stitch patterns for every level of cross-stitch, whether you are a beginner or an expert. All you need to do to find these websites is to type in "free cross-stitch patterns" into a search engine and you will get back thousands of results. Some websites might require you to register with their website for free (meaning no paid dues or memberships) in order to access their information, but it could be worth it.

Tip two:
Another way to get free cross stitching patterns is to draw the patterns yourself. But in order to draw the patterns your self you are going to need to have some drawing abilities and you are going to need to know a lot about cross stitching patterns. If you can’t draw but know somebody who can you can have them draw you the pictures that you want and turn it into a cross stitch pattern. You can also take pictures that you find in books or magazines and turn them into patterns as well. Also depending on how good you are you can also free hand your own creations when it comes to cross stitching.

Tip three:
Another great place to find free cross-stitch patterns is at your local fabric or craft stores. Many times they will have fliers that offer classes (sometimes these classes are for free) that will teach you how to cross-stitch or provide lessons for learning a new cross-stitch technique and these classes most of the time will provide you with free patterns. Or you can find other people to talk to inside the stores who are as interested in cross-stitch as you are and you can exchange patterns, you can also do this with family members who are interested in cross-stitch. Often times craft stores will put out a calendar that offers a list of the classes that they will be having that month, and some of them include free instructions. But keep in mind that not all of your craft or fabric stores will do this. In addition to classes many craft and fabric stores will also offer free patterns at the register, they tend to be easier patterns but you never know what you can find.

Tip five:
If you don’t currently have a subscription to a crafting (these will sometimes include cross-stitch patterns so don’t count them out) or cross-stitch magazines you can still find out what is inside the issue. One of the best places to go to read and look at magazines thoroughly is the library; they will even let you photocopy the pages you need. But the best thing about libraries is in addition to the magazines they also carry numerous books on the subject. Libraries will also carry books that include patterns for cross-stitch; the pattern books will be available for a variety of different levels. You can also find books at the library that teach you the different tips and tricks on cross-stitch.

Now that you know the basics about cross stitching and you have the basic supplies you are ready to begin your project. But one thing that you want to do before you start your first project is to gather some important tips about counting in cross stitch. Counting is one of the most important things in cross stitching because in order to place the design on the material you have to match the weave of the fabric to the squares of the pattern. The way this is done is by counting the squares on the pattern and matching them to the threads of the fabric, which is what allows each stitch to appear in the right place.

Here are some tips about things you need to know about counting in cross stitch.

Tip one:
With cross stitching the first thing that you have to do before you start your project is to find the center of the fabric. The easiest way to find the center is to fold the piece of fabric in half both vertically and horizontally and where the points meet is in the center, even if you are off by a few fabric threads in most projects it won’t make that much of a difference. But if you are doing projects such as towels or mugs you need to find the exact center because you are working with a set number of threads. On of the easiest ways to find the vertical center of a towel is to count in from both ends and place pins every ten stitches.

Tip two:
If you are going to be stitching on a single weave fabric, such as linen, then you want to start stitching to the left of a vertical thread. The reason that you want to start stitching to the left of the vertical thread is that if you have made a mistake in counting it will be easier to spot. And the sooner you realize the mistake the less work you have to undo to correct that mistake.

Tip three:
One way to try and avoid counting mistakes is to stitch color areas right next to each other. What usually happens is that you can miscount the empty spaces when you are trying to switch to an area with the same colored floss rather than switching to a new color that is right next the previous color.

Tip four:
Another thing that you should know about counting for cross stitch is that you can buy certain types of fabrics called waste canvas. This canvas is a grid that is held together with water soluble glue and is available in various fabric counts. Waste canvas usually comes with a blue thread that is interwoven every ten stitches. The thread is woven in to help you with making counting easier and then at the end you simply pull out the blue thread. If you don’t want to buy waste canvas another thing you can do to help you keep track of your counting is to insert a pin every ten stitches so that you don’t lose track.

Tip five:
One other thing that you need to know about counting in cross stitch is how to count your stitches. Many times your project directions will tell you to complete twenty stitches of a certain color and a certain stitch, so you have to keep track of how many you have done, which can be hard if you get sidetracked and have to put down the project. The best way to count your stitches is to start counting from the end you began at, not at the end you left off at. This helps you keep an accurate count of how many stitches you have completed, and leaves off any uncompleted stitches.