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Cross stitching is really straight forward once you get going, but you will need a few tips to help you get started with the right techniques. We have put together a simple guide with everything you need.

Cross stitch kit

A kit is a pack that contains all the material you need to make the illustrated design. It usually contains Aida or Evenweave fabric, stranded cotton thread in all the required colours, a needle and a cross stitch pattern or chart with instructions on how to complete the design.

Cross stitch chart (or pattern)

A chart is a diagrammatic description of how to complete your design. Codes (such as #, +, <, × etc.) are used to represent the different coloured threads used to create the end result. Each square on the chart represents a square on the fabric. Charts are often sold on their own without cross stitch materials – this allows you to use thread and fabric that you may already have or to purchase these individually. Each chart has a clear list of the stranded cotton required to complete the design .

Aida fabric

The threads in Aida fabric are woven in a precise square-pattern which makes it easy to guide the needle in and out of the fabric, to obtain even stitches and to count squares. You usually stitch over 1 square. 11-count Aida means that there are 11 squares in each inch of fabric and 18-count Aida means that there are 18 squares in each inch. The count of the fabric will therefore determine the finished size of the design. The higher the count, the smaller the cross stitches and it is easier to cross stitch in lower count fabric, that is, 11-count is easier than 18-count.

Evenweave fabric

Evenweave is any cotton, blended cotton/synthetic, linen or synthetic fabric woven so there is a hole for stitching between each single thread. On Aida, we tend to stitch over 1, however, on Evenweave, we usually stitch over 2 threads. Evenweave comes in a variety of threads counts, most common are 24, 28 and 32.

Stranded Cotton

Sometimes called floss, this thread is comprised of 6 easily separable strands so that you can vary your stitching results depending on the number of strands used. It is ideal for cross stitches, long stitches, short stitches and satin stitches. Most cross stitching is done with 2 strands and the pattern always clearly states whether any stitches are to be completed with 1 or more than 2 strands.

Threads are colourfast; however, washing should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary. If you need to wash your work, do so gently using lukewarm water and a non-biological detergent. Rinse well and place face downwards on a thick lightly coloured towel and press with a warm iron.

Thread card or organiser

Many cross stitch kits already include a thread card with the stranded cotton pre-sorted onto the card. Where this has not been done, it is necessary for you to place your threads through the holes on the thread card and label them so that they will be easy to access when sewing your design.

Needle

A tapestry needle is used for cross stitching which has a blunt point and a large eye.

Embroidery hoop or frame

Frames can be helpful to hold your fabric while you stitch. Some people prefer to stitch holding their fabric in their hands and if their tension is good, this technique will work well. Others may find that the “holes” are opening up or the fabric is puckering, this is when a frame of hoop should be used – if this technique is used you will be pulling your needle straight up from the back and pushing it straight down toward the back which will require that you move one hand from the front to the back to pull the needle through and vice versa. If you have a stand, you can stitch with one hand on top of the fabric and one underneath so that you don’t have to move one hand from front to back over and over.

Starting your design

It is important to read through all the instructions before beginning with your design. It is a good idea to sew over the edges of the fabric by hand or with a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine to prevent fraying although this is not absolutely necessary. Pinking scissors can be used to create a non-fraying zigzag edge.

Iron your fabric if there are creases. Find the centre of the fabric by folding it in half vertically and again horizontally. It is a good idea to start from the centre of the design if this is convenient, although this is not essential.

It’s a good idea to highlight your chart (yellow works very well) to mark off stitches or areas of stitching as you complete them. This allows you to clearly see which parts of your chart are complete.  

      

This diagram shows a length of stranded cotton and the separation of 2 threads which are usually used for cross stitching.