One of the first things I can remember learning was the 'Art' of
Then came Cross Stitching, with all it's variations. This is one of the
There are other special materials and techniques that you will eventually
Start with a Pattern
These kits come complete with the items needed to complete a project. Such
FABRIC
FLOSS
How to Center Your Design
Tips for Stitching
When stitching a design, for example a bunch of grapes, always stitch
How to make a Cross Stitch
GRAPH
How to Backstitch
Stretcher Frame
"Laundry Day"
One of the MANY projects I've stitched, using Counted Cross Stitch.
Embroidery. At this time, it wasn't just a 'hobby' but a mandatory skill
one should acquire before considering oneself a "Lady". By the time I was
10, I knew every stitch design available and could readily stitch up a
sample of any given stitch within seconds. Free-hand Embroidery became
second nature to me.
most popular needlecrafts today and a very easy one to learn. There is
one basic stitch to learn and this technique is at your fingertips~!
find you do not want to do without but for learning purposes, we will
begin with just the BASICS.
If you are VERY energetic and a VERY "do it yourselfer"...you can make up
your own pattern aka chart aka graph. However, because of the great
availabilty of ready to use needlecraft Kits, it is much easier
for the beginner to consider this later suggestion.
as; cloth, needles, floss, graph and instructions. All that is needed is
a knowledge of where to begin~!
The most common fabrics used in counted Cross Stitch are AIDA cloth and
Hardanger cloth. The AIDA cloth is available in 11 and 14 threads to the
inch and Hardanger cloth is available in 18 to 22 threads to the inch.
Tape edges of fabric witih masking tape to prevent fraying as you
work.
Basic embroidery floss comes in 6 strands. Use 3 strands of floss for 11
count AIDA, 2 strands of floss for 14 or 18 count AIDA and 1 strand of
floss for 22 count Hardanger. Thread your floss in a size 24 or 26
tapestry needle, leaving about one inch of floss on the underside fo the
fabric and stitch over it as you begin....never knot the floss.
At the end of each thread usuage, run the thread under several stitches
and clip it closely.
In order to center the design you must find the center of the fabric by
folding it in half, left to right and top to bottom. Pinch the fabric
along the folds, so that the center will be creased. The center point
of your graph is usually marked with arrows on all four sides, pointing
toward the center.
When stitching vertically or horizontally, always finish a row completely
before starting the next row. If you do not stitch each row completely,
a line will be visible in the completed piece.
an entire color area of the grape either horizontally or vertically, or
the change of direction will be visible in the finished piece.
Look at your fabric. You will see each square is defined. Start by coming
up from the bottom and making a diagonal stitch across the square.
Continue crossing in one direction as long as the color lasts. Then come
back and cross each square in the opposite direction forming the "X".
Cross Stitching in this manner gives your work a more even look.
***The chart below demonstrates the above technique***
Each color is represented by a different symbol on your graph. Count your
symbols on the graph and stitch that many crosses on the fabric in the
correct color. The un-coded squares are left unstitched.
Backstitching is used to outline.
The backstitch is done in the following manner:
Using a stretcher frame or hoop to do your design makes it much easier to
complete and gives a much nicer finished project. The frame also helps
you to use the stabbing method of stitching. You stab up with the hand
underneath the frame and down with the hand above the frame. The method
keeps your fabric from being pulled out of shape.
Click to Enlarge
It was a Joy to create~! And an even greater Joy of giving it to my
On-Line Alaskan Sis~
~"DreaminSis"~!
BACK TO:
"THE MANY SHADES OF AUTUMN"
