Cross stitch is a form of counted thread embroidery that has been around for ages, and it is one of the easiest forms of hand embroidery to learn. Cross stitch is comprised of X-shaped stitches done on fabric with an even and open weave like Aida or linen. Designs can be traditional or modern or anywhere in between.
Cross stitch projects are often sold as kits, but you can also purchase fabric, thread and basic supplies to come up with your own project.
Either way, follow these steps to learn the basics of cross stitch.
How to Choose Strand?
Thread can be divided into 6 strands.
Thread can be divided into 3 strands.
Thread can be divided into 2 strands.
How to Choose Thread Colours?
Printed Material
1. Read symbols or numbers.
2. Work corresponding numbers from the graph.
3. Choose the colour that corresponds to the number.
Unprinted Material
1. Choose corresponding symbol from graph.
2. Find corresponding number code.
3. Choose the colour that corresponds to the number.
How to Stitch with Unprinted Material?
1. Fold the material in half then half again in order to the centre point.
2. The centre point of the graph is at the intersection of the red line.
3. Begin the first stitch at the centre of the fabric.
I love this picture and all of my friends have admired it. I've completed only a third of it but it's giving me lots of pleasure and satisfaction. Can't wait to get it framed.
Work in progress .... but enjoying doing it. A little big to sit on my lap to do so I am doing one half then the other. Will do the bulk of the back stitch when i have finished.
I love all the cross stitch kits, but just one thing, the back stitch is shown in thick blue lines and they cover up some of the symbols. Would be better if the back stitching was on another sheet of paper.
So far so good easy to follow printed pattern only issue I have had is where the paper was folded it has made some of the boxes hard to see what symbol is in the box but I have found using the zoom function on my camera useful to overcome this.
I love the finished product and it was lovely to do. My only complaint is the caption at the bottom should say the word “ underestimate “ not undestimate.
Really enjoyable kit to cross stitch even if it did take just over 2 years, the full colour charts are really easy to follow and in a high quality paper which if you happen to spill or splash something on it the colours don’t run, comes with plenty of thread to complete the kit and the edges of the Aida or overlocked which is a bonus due to the finished size
This is supposed to be a black and white border collie dog, but the colours in the kit turn him into a blue dog. Not true to the photo. The threads are poor quality too.
Great kit with good quality thread and aida. However I would prefer that the pattern is not printed on double sided paper it makes it trickier than it needs to be to able to read the pattern.
I always enlarge the chart and then mark off the areas as I work
I found the fabric was very stiff and it wouldn’t go into my frame so have bought some more aida.
Very please with everything so far
Thank you🏅🏅🏅👍👍👍
I would give 5stars but the quality of the floss is a little under par. It is easily frayed which stitching.
But other than that the kit is very good pattern is clear and bright.
I'm still stitching it but once its finished of course I will send you a photo of it.
I will definitely use you again I am very impressed with what came, plenty of silks, needles, scissors easy pattern to follow, I'm really enjoying it. Many thanks heather klages
There is an instruction in Chinese I can’t read!
It says
14ct"………………2……………1…….
I assume 14 ct, 2 strands of cotton but what does the next bit say. 1 "……….?
HELP PLEASE
Really enjoyed doing this cross stitch, only problem is that I feel the threads are not DMC brand . I ordered extra thread for the silver colour, I felt there would not be enough but when it comes it was a completely different colour and the get tangled and knotty have to keep stopping to untangle it which you do not get with DMC threads
This is a very relaxing hobby. I chose this design as it reminds me of my late husband. I am nearly 80.
It takes some time to get used to the colours on the canvas being different from the colours of the yarn!