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.