Craft Blog

When it comes to cross stitching what you might not know is that you don’t have to just use embroidery floss, you can also use yarn for doing cross stitching. Yarn is often used to cross stitch designs on afghans or to cross stitch designs on sweaters. Another thing that you might not know about using yarn for cross stitching is what type of yarn you can use.

Basically when it comes to cross stitching with yarn you can use any type of yarn. What you want to keep in mind is that if you are cross stitching a design on something that you have knitted or crocheted you are going to want to use yarn that is smaller than the yarn you used to knit or crochet your project, if you use yarn that is the same size it will cause your project to "grow".

One way to make sure that your project doesn’t grow is to use a smaller yarn. By smaller yarn we are referring to a smaller weight or number. Basically what yarn weight refers to is the thickness of the yarn and it can range from super fine to super bulky. Currently there are six different categories of yarn weights and they are referred to by their weight or by a number. An example of this process would be if you used a medium yarn you would want to use a light, fine or super fine yarn.

Here are the yarn weights in case you need to make adjustments when cross stitching with yarn.
 1: Super fine – the yarns in this weight are baby, fingering and sock. The needle size used for this weight would be between a 1 and a 3 and you can usually get 27 to 32 stitches per 4 inches.
 2: Fine – the yarns in this weight are baby and sport. The needle size for this weight would be between a 3 and a 5 and you would get about 23 to 26 stitches per 4 inches.
 3: Light – the yarns in this weight would be DK, light, and worsted. The needle size for this weight would be between a 5 and a 7 and you would get about 16 to 20 stitches per 4 inches.
 4: Medium – the yarns in this weight would be Afghan, aran and worsted. The needle size that would be used for this weight would be between a 7 and a 9 and you could get between 16 to 20 stitches per 4 inches.
 5: Bulky – the yarns in this weight would be chunky, craft and rug. The needle sizes that you could use for this weight would be between 9 and an 11 and you could get about 12 to 15 stitches per four inches.
 6: Super bulky – the yarns in this weight would be bulky and roving. The needle sizes that you could use with this type of yarn would be from an 11 or anything bigger than that and you would be able to get anywhere from 6 to 11 stitches per 4 inches.

Another thing that you can do to prevent your project from "growing" is to separate the ply’s of the yarn that you are using. Yarn comes in a variety of different ply, the higher the ply the thicker the yarn is going to be. This process is a good idea to use if you are knitting or crocheting with super fine yarn because you can’t get a smaller yarn than super fine so you would need to reduce the ply by at least half. You can also do this if you want to use the same type of yarn throughout your entire project, just make sure that when you start you use a type of yran that is higher than 1 ply.

Now that you have decided that you want to begin embroidering, the next thing that you need to do is to figure out kinds of materials you are going to need to start embroidering. When it comes to embroidering supplies you have your basic embroidering supplies, but you can also purchase supplies that are considered top of the line. Regardless of what brands of embroidering supplies you are going to need to have certain materials just to get started with embroidering, you can always add the extras, things that make embroidering easier and more organized, at a later date. Another thing to consider when choosing your embroidering supplies is what kind of embroidery you are going to be doing, for example hand embroidering supplies will vary from machine embroidering supplies.

Here are some of the basic materials you are going to need to embroider.
 Material – this can be any type of material, such as fleece, cotton, felt, etc. When people first start learning how to embroider they tend to stick with cotton type material, such as pillow cases or cotton tee shirts, and do simple designs. Once they have more experience and understand the basics about embroidery they move on to the different types of fabrics and harder projects.
 Floss – this is another important tool that you are going to need in order to embroider. When choosing embroidery floss you are going to want to choose a floss based on the quality of the floss, how much floss you need, and how easily available the floss is. One thing you want to make sure that you do is to always buy the same brand of embroidery floss, if you do buy different brands you might notice a subtle color change with one brand which won’t produce the best results.
 Scissors – one thing that you are going to want to do is to make sure that the rest of your family does not have access to these scissors. But when choosing scissors you are going to want to have two pairs of scissors, one large and one small. The larger pair of scissors is going to be used for cutting fabric only, especially if you are going to be embroidering wall hangings and such (if you use them to cut other things you can nick and dull your scissors faster and you won’t get as clean of a cut when cutting fabric). The smaller pair of scissors is going to be used for cutting your floss, you also want to keep these scissors sharp and free of nicks so that you don’t fray your floss when cutting it. You can purchase good quality sewing scissors at both craft and fabric stores.
 Hoops – when you are first starting out with embroidering you are going to want to use smaller hoops, and you are going to want to have more than one on hand at a time. But you want to make sure that you use a wooden or plastic hoop and you always want to make sure that the hoop is clean.  As you start to do larger designs you can then make the transition into the larger frames.
 Transfers – almost all embroidery involves the use of transfers that are ironed on to the material you have chosen. The transfers are pictures or letters that will give you the outline for your design. You can buy transfers at your local craft or fabric store or you can create your own. Once you get really good at embroidery you can also free hand your designs.
 Needles – this is another important thing you are going to need for embroidery because without them you can not do the stitches. There are numerous types of needles for embroidery, as a beginner you should stick with a basic embroidery needle and try the other needles after you have gained more experience.

Now that you have decided that you want to begin cross stitching, the next thing that you need to do is to figure out kinds of materials you are going to need to start cross stitching. When it comes to cross stitching supplies you have your basic cross stitching supplies, but you can also purchase supplies that are considered top of the line. Regardless of what brands of cross stitching supplies you are going to need to have certain materials just to get started with cross stitching, you can always add the extras, things that make cross stitching easier and more organized, at a later date.

Here are some of the basic materials that you are going to need to begin cross stitching.
 Material – this is probably one of the most important things you are going to need in order to begin cross stitching. When you are choosing material for a cross stitch fabric you are going to want choose light colors, even experienced cross stitchers have a hard time cross stitching with darker colored fabrics. Not only will you want to choose light colors, you are also going to want to stick with eleven or fourteen count Aida rolled fabric. You want to avoid the folded fabric because you can end up with creases that can’t be removed.
 Floss – this is another important tool that you are going to need in order to cross stitch. When choosing embroidery floss you are going to want to choose a floss based on the quality of the floss, how much floss you need, and how easily available the floss is. One thing you want to make sure that you do is to always buy the same brand of embroidery floss, if you do buy different brands you might notice a subtle color change with one brand which won’t produce the best results.
 Needles – without needles you are not going to be able to do any cross stitching, so this item is just as important as the fabric and the floss.  When it comes to getting needles you are going to want to make sure that you have at least a pack of needles, if not more, you never know when you are going to lose a needle. But when picking the right kind of needle you need to keep in mind that the fancy needles are going to be harder to work with. If you are just starting out you should use a size 24 tapestry needle for 11 count Aida fabric or a size 26 needle for 14 count Aida fabric. Once you have been stitching for awhile you can try out the different types of needles to find the ones that you prefer.
 Scissors – one thing that you are going to want to do is to make sure that the rest of your family does not have access to these scissors. But when choosing scissors you are going to want to have two pairs of scissors, one large and one small. The larger pair of scissors is going to be used for cutting fabric only (if you use them to cut other things you can nick and dull your scissors faster and you won’t get as clean of a cut when cutting fabric). The smaller pair of scissors is going to be used for cutting your floss, you also want to keep these scissors sharp and free of nicks so that you don’t fray your floss when cutting it. You can purchase good quality sewing scissors at both craft and fabric stores.
 Hoops – when you are first starting out with cross stitching you are going to want to use smaller hoops, and you are going to want to have more than one on hand at a time. But you want to make sure that you use a wooden or plastic hoop and you always want to make sure that the hoop is clean.  As you start to do larger designs you can then make the transition into the larger frames.

Those are just the basic supplies that you will need for beginning cross stitching, once you have gotten started you can begin using medium count fabrics or even purchase organizing materials or quilt snap frames to help you in cross stitching.

When it comes to embroidery, there’s virtually no limit to the items you can embroider. Embroidering initials, phrases, and designs make a beautiful, personalized touch to a number of things, including:

• Baby items. Some of the most commonly embroidered items are baby things. Blankets, bibs, and socks are perfect for embroidery and make lasting and appreciated gifts. Most people will embroider the baby’s name on the item, and many times the date of birth and other identifying information, such as weight and length. You can embroider on most types of fabric.
• Handkerchiefs. Handkerchiefs are other commonly embroidered items. Many people who begin embroidery will actually begin on handkerchiefs to practice. Typically, you would embroider a person’s initials on a handkerchief, but you could also do a full name or intricate border. 
• Linens. Pillowcases, pillows, and tablecloths are also good items to embroider. These items you can get really creative with. Simple flowers, initials, or sayings are good things to embroider onto pillows and linens. Embroidering linens is also a good gift idea. Embroidered tablecloths and napkins with the bride and groom’s initials are also increasingly popular in weddings.
• Towels. Towels are a great thing to embroider. They are easy and typically involve initials, so they can easily be kept tracked of. More intricate embroidery can be reserved for decorative towels. Kids will also enjoy seeing their names on their towels as well.
• Clothing. Clothing can be a little more difficult to embroider, but personalizing clothing is something you will probably want embroider eventually. You can embroider a name, initials, or even a design across shirts, sweatshirts, socks, and other item of clothing.

Where to get your items embroidered
If you like the idea of having your items personalized through embroidery but don’t have the time to do it yourself, or if you don’t know how to do it, there are a number of places you can go to get your items embroidered:

• Friends. Perhaps the cheapest way to get your items embroidered is to ask a friend who is a seamstress or who has an embroidery machine. Many people who embroider do so because they enjoy it, so many times they will be more than happy to embroider your items for you.
• Seamstress. A seamstress also has access to embroidery machines or can embroider your items for you by hand. While it will cost you, you can expect an expert, professional job if you go with a seamstress.
• Online. If you need to order items to be embroidered as well, you can go online and find stores that allow you to pick out the hat, shirt, linens, and so forth you want, and will then embroider them for you for a fee. Some places will offer the embroidery for free if you purchase their items. Many famous retail chains will monogram their clothing, sheets, backpacks, and other items, so be sure to ask or look to see if they offer it.
• Logo stores. Look up “embroidery services” in the yellow pages of your hometown and you will find a number of shops in your area that will allow you to drop off your items and will then embroider them for you. In addition, they can also take your own designs from paper and digitize them, then transfer them to your items.

If the idea of embroidery for personalizing your things is appealing to you, there are a number of places you can go to get your items embroidered.

When it comes to choosing between a sewing machine that embroiders and an embroidery machine there is no exact answer. Nobody can really tell you if one is better than the other. The only person who can decide which machine is better is you. You are the person who is going to be using the machine and you have to pick a machine that works for your purpose and your budget. Some people find that embroidery machines are the best thing that was ever made; while others think that they are a piece of junk and would prefer to buy a sewing machine that embroiders. Regardless of how people feel you are going to have to look at what you are going to be using the machine for, how much you have to spend on it, and then determine which one will work the best for you.

While there is no exact answer as to which machine is better you can read the following tips about sewing machines and embroidery machines to help determine which one is right for you.

Tip one:
One of the main differences between a sewing machine that embroiders and an embroidery machine is that you can do numerous other things with a sewing machine, but the embroidery machine is only designed to embroider. If you are the type of person who does a lot of different types of sewing for craft projects than you would probably be better off getting the sewing machine that have embroidering abilities. But if all you want to do is embroider than an embroidering machine might be right for you.

Tip two:
Another factor to consider when choosing between a sewing machine and an embroidering machine is the price of the machines. Both good sewing machines and embroidering machines are going to be on the expensive side. But you can still find older sewing machines that embroider and some new ones for good prices, where as embroidery machines tend to cost a bit more.

Tip three:
If you purchase a sewing machine that embroiders you are going to have limited options when it comes to your embroidering options. Your sewing machine will come with a certain amount of options and might give you the ability to purchase more options by downloading them online, but then you are going to have to buy some computer software that will allow you to transfer it to your sewing machine. Where an embroidering machine will come with many more options, including a wide variety of patterns and most embroidery machines come with computer software that allows you to download new images from the internet.

Tip four:
Another thing to think about when deciding which machine you should buy is that your embroidery machine is already going to come equipped with the proper materials and supplies to embroider. But if you purchase a sewing machine that allows you to embroider you might have to purchase additional supplies before you can start to embroider. Another thing along these lines that you need to think about is the fact that you are going to have to convert your sewing machine to the embroider setting, by adding a hoop and changing thread before you begin embroidering (which depending on the machine can be a task in itself), but with an embroidering machine everything is always set up and ready to go, although you might have to change your thread color.

Just keep in mind that neither machine is better than the other, what you should buy for your personal use depends on what you are going to be using the machine for.

Machine embroidery is a popular pastime that allows people of all ages and skill levels to create beautiful needle work, whether for decoration, functionality, or as an heirloom to pass down for generations.

Machine embroidery is much different than hand embroidery in that it uses a machine and software applications to create designs and patterns. There are many things you can create using machine embroidery. Because embroidery designs come in different sizes, it’s important to understand that your designs will be limited if your machine has a smaller hope size. Also, be sure to check the pattern’s sewing field, which is the area inside the machine’s hoop where the design is sewn, before you begin.

The following are a few machine embroidery ideas:

1. Baby items and gifts. Things for babies are some of the more commonly embroidered items you can do with an embroidery machine. Blankets, bibs, and socks are perfect for embroidery and make lasting and appreciated gifts. Most people will embroider the baby’s name on the item, and many times the date of birth and other identifying information, such as weight and length. You can embroider on most types of fabric and can make fairly large designs, depending on your machine.
2. Wall Hangings. Machine embroidery is perfect for wall hangings and can provide more intricate designs in a shorter amount of time. You can put special or meaningful phrases, quotes, designs, and a number of other things on wall hangings.
3. Monogrammed items. One good embroidery idea is monogramming. With a machine, you can monogram virtually anything quickly and easily in a number of different designs, fonts, and colors. Clothing, blankets and pillowcases, towels, handkerchiefs, and a number of other things can all be monogrammed with your machine.
4. Linens. Linens can be customized and made beautiful with machine embroidery. Pillowcases, pillows, and tablecloths are also good items to embroider. These items you can get really creative with. Simple flowers, initials, or sayings are good things to embroider onto pillows and linens. Embroidering linens is also a good gift idea. Embroidered tablecloths and napkins with the bride and groom’s initials are also increasingly popular in weddings. Blankets are also easily embroidered with a machine.
5. Clothes. Various items of clothing can be embroidered with little or no effort with an embroidery machine. You can embroider a name, initials, or even a design across shirts, sweatshirts, socks, and other item of clothing. This is a good idea for teams, children’s clothing, and anything else you may want to personalize.
6. Handkerchiefs. Handkerchiefs are other commonly machine embroidered items. Many people who begin embroidery will actually begin on handkerchiefs to practice, but you can do more advanced lettering more quickly with an embroidery machine. Typically, you would embroider a person’s initials on a handkerchief, but you could also do a full name or intricate border.      
7. Gifts. Embroidered items make beautiful gifts, and pretty much anything made from fabric can be embroidered on a machine, depending on your machine and its capabilities. Good ideas for gifts you can machine embroider include anything personalized, a person’s favorite saying or quote, verses from scripture, or a number of different designs.

When it comes to ideas for machine embroidery, there are few limits. Machine embroidery can do more intricate designs much faster than hand embroidery and can create beautiful, personalized items and designs.

What is hand embroidery?

Hand embroidery is an art that takes different stitches and threads to form monograms, designs, and beautiful images onto fabrics. Hand embroidery is similar to counted cross stitch, but unlike cross stitch, it uses a wide variety of stitches to give the appearance of texture and design; counted cross stitch, on the other hand, uses single stitches and various different colors of thread for texture. The designs are made with embroidery floss and a needle.

Hand embroidery designs are typically stamped, drawn, or ironed onto the material being worked, or they can be done freehand. Iron-on transfers for hand embroidery are one of the fastest as well as easiest ways to get the design onto the fabric, allowing you to start embroidering right away. If you’re just beginning hand embroidery, you should probably start with a small design that uses mostly outline and some of the easier stitches. One of the best ways to do this is to find an iron-on pattern for your embroidery.

How to find iron-on patterns for hand embroidery?

There are many places you can go for iron-on transfers designed specifically for hand embroidery, including:

• Craft stores. This will probably be your best resource, as there is usually at least one craft or fabric store in most cities. Iron-on patterns come in a wide variety of designs and skill levels, so be sure to read the labels to make sure it is exactly what you want. There are a number of stitches for hand embroidery; people just beginning will want to stick with iron-on patterns that utilize mostly outline, lazy daisy, or French knot stitches, as these are the easiest to master.

• Online. There are many websites that can provide you with iron-on patterns for embroidery that you can order. These range from simple floral designs, sayings, or more detailed, intricate patterns. Do a search on “embroidery iron-on transfers” and a number of sites you can order from will come up. You can also check ebay and online craft stores that may carry more on their websites than in their actual stores, such as JoAnn Fabrics or Michael’s.

How to iron on a pattern

Once you’ve found your iron-on pattern, you can go about ironing it onto your fabric so you can start your design. Ironing on is easy and fast and consists of the following steps:

1. First, prepare your fabric or item for embroidering. Make sure it is clean and the has already been ironed flat. Place your pattern face-down onto the area, making sure it is properly lined up and straight.

2. Heat up your iron to the temperature or setting specified on the transfer. Place the iron on top of the pattern and press down, holding the iron in place. Do not use any motion, just press down. Hold the iron in place for about one minute and then raise it up and move to the next area of the pattern. It is important that you don’t silde the iron around the pattern.

3. Next, make sure the pattern does not peel up around the edges. If it does you’re your pattern is ready. If it does peel up, repeat the above steps for several more minutes.

Iron-on patterns are a great way to do hand embroidery and are easily found in craft stores, online, or in books.

Cross stitching is a beautiful form of needlework that dates back centuries. Cross stitch can be as simple as initials stitched onto a handkerchief or pillowcase, or as intricate or detailed as an entire wall-hanging.

If you’re just learning how to cross stitch, chances are the cross stitch chart has come across as a little confusing. The following tips will help you learn to use a cross stitch chart:

A cross stitch charts consists of a grid made up of many small squares. Each one of these squares on the grid represents a square of the type of fabric you will be stitching your design on. This type of fabric is called Aida. If you’re just learning how to cross stitch, is called Aida 14, which allows for the stitched per inch. Aida cloth comes in a variety of other sizes, including 11, 16, 18, and 22. For beginners and most patterns, 14 works best. Your pattern will tell you how much fabric you should use. You will also need an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut. 

The cross stitch chart has arrows to indicate the center of the design. With cross stitch, you begin in the center and count your way out.

Also on the cross stitch chart, you will see grid lines. These are darker and separated into 10  by 10 sections to make reading the pattern, counting the stitches, and keeping your place on the fabric easier to do. Counting your cross stitch is simply a matter of counting from the center of your fabric and matching it to the pattern you’re using. The following tips will help you to count your cross stitch:

• Use a highlighter or pencil to mark off the symbols on the chart as you finish the stitches on the charts. You can do this in a number of ways, either in sections or each stitch or two if you’re just beginning.
• Laminate the chart and use a dry erase pen to cross off the pattern as you complete it. You can wipe the chart clean with a paper towel when you are through, but be careful not to get the ink against your project.
• Use Post-It notes to mark your spots. They are easy to move and will not leave marks on your fabric.
• Count twice. You can keep better track of your count by counting from two different locations and meeting in the center.

Your cross stitch chart will also have a key that contains a number of colors and symbols. These colors and symbols represent a certain color of embroidery floss.

The key will help you to decode the symbols used on the pattern. This key is very easy to use and lists the symbol, the number of strands of thread to be used for each stitch, the type of floss used and the number of the color. There are other symbols in the pattern, such as half squares, outlines, and colored dots that represent different things, such as quarter stitches, outline stitches, and French knots. On your chart, this is described in another part of the key.

While they may look complicated at first, cross stitch charts are actually quite simple to decipher with a little practice.

Cross stitching is a beautiful form of needlework that dates back centuries. Cross stitch can be as simple as initials stitched onto a handkerchief or pillowcase, or as intricate or detailed as an entire wall-hanging.

If you’re just learning how to cross stitch, chances are the cross stitch chart has come across as a little confusing. The following tips will help you learn to use a cross stitch chart:

A cross stitch charts consists of a grid made up of many small squares. Each one of these squares on the grid represents a square of the type of fabric you will be stitching your design on. This type of fabric is called Aida. If you’re just learning how to cross stitch, is called Aida 14, which allows for the stitched per inch. Aida cloth comes in a variety of other sizes, including 11, 16, 18, and 22. For beginners and most patterns, 14 works best. Your pattern will tell you how much fabric you should use. You will also need an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut. 

The cross stitch chart has arrows to indicate the center of the design. With cross stitch, you begin in the center and count your way out.

Also on the cross stitch chart, you will see grid lines. These are darker and separated into 10  by 10 sections to make reading the pattern, counting the stitches, and keeping your place on the fabric easier to do. Counting your cross stitch is simply a matter of counting from the center of your fabric and matching it to the pattern you’re using. The following tips will help you to count your cross stitch:

• Use a highlighter or pencil to mark off the symbols on the chart as you finish the stitches on the charts. You can do this in a number of ways, either in sections or each stitch or two if you’re just beginning.

• Laminate the chart and use a dry erase pen to cross off the pattern as you complete it. You can wipe the chart clean with a paper towel when you are through, but be careful not to get the ink against your project.

• Use Post-It notes to mark your spots. They are easy to move and will not leave marks on your fabric.

• Count twice. You can keep better track of your count by counting from two different locations and meeting in the center.

Your cross stitch chart will also have a key that contains a number of colors and symbols. These colors and symbols represent a certain color of embroidery floss.

The key will help you to decode the symbols used on the pattern. This key is very easy to use and lists the symbol, the number of strands of thread to be used for each stitch, the type of floss used and the number of the color. There are other symbols in the pattern, such as half squares, outlines, and colored dots that represent different things, such as quarter stitches, outline stitches, and French knots. On your chart, this is described in another part of the key.

While they may look complicated at first, cross stitch charts are actually quite simple to decipher with a little practice.

Embroidery uses a number of different stitches, depending on the user’s personal preference and the type of work being done. Many times, embroidery patterns utilize a variety of different stitches to come up with complex and intricate designs.

With embroidery, some stitches are functional, while others are purely decorative. The following are some commonly used stitches and which embroidery stitches you should use:

• Back stitch. The back stitch usually for outlining an area of a design. It’s the strongest stitch by hand and is designed to imitate a machine’s stitch. Each back stitch is worked along one side of a square or diagonally across the, depending on the design and fabric being used. Backstitching is usually reserved for finer threads, and the threads are doubled up. 

• Bullion knot. This kind of stitch is a knot used to keep the thread in place, regardless of the project, and should be known by all embroiders. To make this type of knot, bring the needle up at one end of the stitch. Then, take a stitch through the fabric the length of the finished knot and wrap the thread around the needle several times. Then, keeping the thread wrapped tightly around the needle, gently pull the needle through the fabric. The knot is completed by taking the needle back at the end of the stitch.

• Chain stitch. This type of stitch is a series of looped stitches that, when completed, form a chain. A chain stitch can be both functional and decorative, depending on your

• Cross stitch. The cross stitch is used mainly for cross stitching decorative pieces. It can be either counted cross stitch, which follows a particular pattern, or freestyle. The cross stitch is done by stitching tiny stitches shaped like the letter “x” in squares throughout the fabric.

• Oversewing stitch. If you are working with heavier fabrics, you may want to use the oversewing stitch. With this stitch, you can neaten up a raw edge and keep it from fraying. It is done by making diagonal stitches over the raw edge of the fabrics.

• Running stitches. These are some of the most basic stitches in any type of needlework or sewing and are done by passing the needle in and out of the fabric. The stitches on the top are all the same length, while the ones on the bottom are about half as long. If you are gathering or stitching seams, you will want to use the running stitch.

• Stem stitch. The stem stitch is used for decorative purposes, usually outlines like flower stems and such. You can do a stem stitch by working from left to right and taking regular, small stitches along the edge of the design, with the needle always coming up on design’s line.

• Woven picots. This stitch is used primarily for creating leaves or baskets, either short or long and thin depending on the method you use. The woven picot is an intricate stitch that has several steps.

There are dozens of stitches used when embroidering. When trying to determine which stitch to use, most patterns will let you know which stitch you should use. However, if you create your own patterns and designs, the above tips will help you decide which of the more common stitches you should use.