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Overview of Cross-Stitching
One of the oldest of all embroidery stitches, the cross stitch was widely used
by the ancient Egyptians. Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to
personalise everyday items such as tablecloths, napkins, linens and
towels. However, it has recently become popular to stitch on a fabric
known as "Aida" which has a blocked weft that allows for easy identification of
the squares over which each cross is formed.
Cross stitches are formed by two stitches crossing each other.
To make stitches of exactly the same length throughout the piece, the
embroiderer will count the threads in the background fabric to be crossed.
This method repeated throughout the piece is often called counted cross stitch
or thread-count embroidery and is far more exacting as the stitcher will follow
a design described in a cross stitch chart.
Instructions on How to Cross Stitch
Stranded Cotton is the most commonly used material for cross
stitching. It is a silk-like thread made of mercerised cotton made
up of six strands that are only loosely twisted together and can be easily
separated. Cross stitch is often combined with embellishments such
as beads, charms, small buttons and speciality threads of various kinds, e.g.
metallic, rayon or fluffy threads, allowing designers to create interesting
effects.
Cross Stitch Designs
Photographs, works of art and some of our best loved characters convert
brilliantly into cross stitch designs. There are certain categories of
designs that lend themselves particularly well to cross- stitching, the
most popular of these are out-lined here.
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