1. Working With Patterns
Designs are
stitched using DMC embroidery floss to place X's on the
fabric corresponding to symbols on the chart. Each symbol on the chart
represents one X on the fabric. The different symbols on the chart represent
different colors of DMC floss. For more detailed instructions you can look through our crosstitch tutorial.
With larger patterns you can have quite a few pages. Most people start on the page in the middle of the pattern and start stitching at the center of the pattern and center of the fabric.
You can really start anywhere though (like the top left) as long as you count the fabric weave carefully to make sure the design will end up centered on the fabric.
You can use the numbers printed along the top and left side to tell you what row and column you are at, and use that to refer to the same hole on the fabric.
Some people will even loosely sew in bits of bright sewing thread at 10 square intervals (and pull it out as you go) to help keep track of the row and column number on your fabric.
On some patterns there are 3 rows that are shaded showing the adjacent rows from the previous pages. This is only for your reference to help with keeping your place and is otherwise ignored.
2. Fabric
Even though it's listed on the pattern, you are free to
choose any type, count or color of evenweave fabric to stitch on such as aida or linen, etc. The only thing that will change is the
stitch size of your finished piece if you should choose a different count of
fabric. Alternate counts and stitched sizes may be listed on the
pattern. Make sure to add at least 3" or 4" inches of extra fabric on each side
to allow for finishing and framing. The look of the cloth in the background may
also be important when choosing a fabric so you should consider both the texture
and the color.
3. Needle
Counted cross stitch should
be done with a tapestry needle. Again, there are no set rules but generally you
use a #22 needle if the fabric is 14 count or less, a #24 or #26 needle if the
fabric count is 16-18 count, and a #26 needle if the fabric is finer than 18.
The floss thickness and number of strands used may also affect your choice of
needle size.
4. Number of Strands
The number of strands of
floss will be shown on the pattern but, as with most things in cross stitch, it
is open to individual choice. Traditionally, you want a certain amount of the
background cloth to remain visible but some people prefer a fuller look. Some
common choices are 2-3 strands for 14 count, 2 strands for 18 count, and 3-4
strands for 11 count. Try a few stitches on a scrap of the project's fabric to
see if you like the look. Before you stitch, separate the floss into individual
strands and then recombine them.
5. How to Stitch
The design should be
centered. Find the center of the fabric by folding it in half, then folding it
in half the other way. Locate the center of the design, marked by arrows, on
your chart. You can either start stitching in the middle or count the number of
squares (stitches) over from the center on both the chart and the fabric to where
you want to start. The top left is a common starting place.
Do not use any knots
to start or end. To begin stitching, bring the threaded needle up from the back
of the fabric leaving about a 1" tail of thread behind the fabric. Stitch
the next 5 or 6 stitches over the tail. Clip off extra thread. To end off,
weave your needle back through the last 5 or 6 stitches and clip the thread
short so as not to leave a loose tail.
There
are two methods to stitch. The first method is to work a row of half stitches
////, then work back \\\\ to complete the X"s. Use this method for most
stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method
for vertical rows of stitches or isolated stitches. In all cases the X"s should
be crossed in the same direction or the finished piece will look uneven. That
is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction. It does
not matter which way they slant, as long as they are consistent. As you stitch
the thread can twist so you should frequently let the needle and thread hang
free until it un-twists.
6. Carrying Threads Over
Sometimes a color will have
only a few stitches and then jump to another area. Most of the time you should
end off and start again, other times you can carry the thread along the back.
Just jumping from area to area is easier than starting and stopping, but
sometimes the thread will show through. This can be a problem if you jump a
dark thread over an unstitched area of light fabric. In general, you can carry
the thread to another area if the jump is short, and you are jumping over a
stitched area. Also, you shouldn't stop stitching at the pattern page
boundries. If a particular color goes into the next pattern page you should
switch pages and keep stitching, otherwise the page transitions could be
visible on the stitched piece.
7. Keeping your place
Mark the stitches you've
completed on the chart with a highlighter or transparent marker. You may find
the darker markers (pink, blue, green) are easier to see than yellow. If you
like you can print an extra copy of your chart for marking purposes. (Remember it's a
violation of copyright laws to make additional copies, on paper or
electronically, to sell or give away though.)
Most of all, have fun!
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