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Counted cross stitch transfers a design from a
printed graph onto evenweave fabric. The stitcher uses 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 floss. It’s easy to learn
and requires only a few supplies. |
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Graph. This is the pattern or design you
chose to stitch. There are thousands to choose from. |
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Evenweave fabric. The fabric for cross
stitch is woven in an even manner so that you know exactly where to place
your needle. To keep the fabric from raveling either sew the edges on a
sewing machine or use one of the products sold to prevent fraying. You
can also use painter’s tape to tape the edges and keep the fabric from
raveling. |
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Needle. A tapestry needle is used, usually a
size 24 or 26 (size 26 is smaller than size 24). A tapestry needle has a
blunt point and a large eye. |
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Floss. Embroidery floss is a cotton thread
used for stitching. Floss has 6 strands, but usually you will use only 2
or 3 strands at a time. |
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Embroidery hoop or frame. Some type of frame
is helpful to hold the fabric while you stitch. Remove the fabric when
you are not stitching to keep from getting ‘hoop marks’. |
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Scissors. You can start out with any pair of
scissors, but pretty soon you will want to get a nice pair of small
embroidery scissors. Get a good quality pair with sharp points. A good
pair of scissors makes stitching a lot more fun. |
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Choosing your fabric. There are dozens of
fabrics to choose from. White or ivory Aida 14 is the most common and is
an easy fabric to start on. The number of stitches per inch will
determine the finished size of the design. A design that is 28 stitches
wide stitched on Aida 14 (14 stitches per inch) will be 2” wide. The same
design will be 2 ˝” wide on Aida 11. The finished size equals the number
of stitches divided by the fabric count. Most designs show sizes for
different fabric counts, but be sure to allow extra fabric for finishing
(at least 4” extra on each side). |
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To Begin find the center of the graph. For
most patterns this is shown with arrows or a bold line. Next, find the
center of your fabric. An easy way to do this is to fold the fabric in
half vertically and “pinch” with your finger to make a small crease. Open
the fabric, fold in half horizontally and make another “pinch”. Open the
fabric up. The two creases will mark the center of the fabric. Most
stitchers like to start stitching close to the center of the design.
Knots on the back will show through, so 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, turn your work over and weave your needle back through the last 5 or
6 stitches and clip the thread short so as not to leave a loose tail. |
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Stitching. There are two methods. The first
method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows
of stitches. (See 'A' in picture below) The second method is to work a row
of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X’s. Use
this method for most stitching. (See 'B' in picture below)
It is important that all the X’s are crossed in the same direction.
That is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction
(either \ or /). It does not matter which way they slant, but if they are
mixed the finished piece will look uneven. Relax as you stitch. Your
stitches should lay flat on your fabric and not distort the holes or the
fabric. |
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Make one cross-stitch for each symbol on chart (A).
Come up through Hole 1.
Go back through Hole 2.
Come up through Hole 3.
Go back through Hole 4.
Stitch across, then work back as shown (B).
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1/4 & 3/4 Stitches. Use one-quarter and
three-quarter stitches to obtain rounded shapes and add detail as shown. |
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Backstitching.
Backstitching is a running stitch (not an X) used to outline an area or to
form lettering. Normally you use one less strand of floss for
backstitching than you use for cross stitching.
The first stitch is made by coming up at 1, going
back down through 2, and then coming up at 3. After the first stitch, all
stitches are formed by always looping back on top and then coming up ahead
of the next stitch.
Backstitching is done last. |
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Carrying Your Thread.
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. You can usually
carry the thread to another area if the jump is short, the floss color is
light, and you are jumping over a previously stitched area. |
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Finishing.
When your stitching is complete, rinse in
cool water using a mild liquid detergent. While still damp, place face
down on a terry towel. Place another cloth on top of the needlework and
press lightly with a warm iron. Let dry. Then frame or finish as desired. |
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Happy Stitching! |
