The Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Beginners should either buy a small kit that has everything included or hunt down a seasoned cross stitcher who has all the necessary materials and feels like sharing. A kit has the correct size cloth and amount of floss, plus needle, pattern, and in some cases a hoop. They may even include small scissors, but these can be found separately with no trouble. Even-weave cloth comes in different sizes according to how many squares per inch, from large squares like 6 count to very fine linens which can be as small as 40 count. Beginners should start with a large-squared cloth in 14 count or less, since the squares will be much easier to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Threading the needle for cross stitch is done differently than in sewing. The floss is not knotted, but pulled through the needle eye just a couple of inches, enough to keep the needle from slipping off the floss while you stitch. For cloth counts of 14 or less, usually, three strands of floss are used. For greater than 14 count, two strands are used or even one strand for the very fine count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have cloth that has the pattern stamped on it, it\u2019s usually easiest to begin stitching from the center of the pattern. The pattern will indicate with arrows which row and column meet in the center of the pattern. Instead of counting the squares of the cloth to find the exact center, the easy way to start is to fold the cloth in half, and then in half again, so that the creases make an X showing the approximate middle of the cloth. Many people find it helpful to place their cloth in a hoop, to stretch the fabric evenly and give the stitcher a good visual area. If you use a hoop, remember to always remove it when you take a break from stitching, or the hoop will leave a ring in your fabric that will be hard to get out.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Once you have your needle threaded with floss and the cloth creased to indicate the center, choose your beginning square and push the needle up through a hole at one of the square\u2019s corners. It doesn\u2019t matter which corner you use, but it is important to always make the first cross of your X in the same direction for every square. If you don\u2019t, then the top cross of the X will be going in different directions all across your final picture, which will give it a messy look. Once you have your needle through the fabric, pull the floss through until you have a couple of inches left on the backside of the cloth. Later, you will thread this tag of floss on your needle and run it under stitches to secure it. There is no need to knot in cross-stitch. When you\u2019ve pulled the floss through far enough, push your needle through the hole that is diagonal across the square from the first hole. To complete the X, pull the needle back up through one of the remaining holes and back down the last hole. Continue making your X\u2019s according to the symbols and directions on the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019ve completed a section or are close to the end of your floss, simply run the needle under a few stitches at the backside of the cloth to secure it and cut off the dangling strands. Rethread your needle with a new length of floss and begin again, this time securing the trailing end of your floss in the strands at the backside of the cloth before making your first X.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Simple but Beautiful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Cross stitching can be a great way to relax, or to occupy yourself while waiting, such as at the doctor\u2019s office or the airport. You\u2019re not only doing something fun and interesting, but you\u2019re creating a lovely picture at the same time. It\u2019s simple to learn, easy to do, yet you produce a beautiful work of art that will be admired by all who see it. What more can you ask for in a hobby?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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