Cross stitching is a relaxing hobby. You can either work from prestamped items or from graphs, which is the most common. The best way to get started is to start with small, simple designs. It won't be long before you will be able to do more complicated designs.

There is no limit to the ways that you can use cross stitch designs, from decorating a towel, to an afghan. I have made cross stitch designs to insert into acrylic coasters, pillows, covers for photo albums, pictures, Christmas stockings, Christmas ornaments, among other things. I save all my small pieces to make bookmarks and reusable Christmas gift bags. Cross stitch designs can easily be adapted to use for other designs. For example, I adapted a collar design using two angels into a skirt for a small Christmas tree. Do not be afraid to experiment. It is easy to photocopy a pattern and then cut and rearrange to your heart's delight. Just ensure that the graph lines line up when you are done. Another excellent way to design your own patterns is with software for cross stitch. The one I am using is PC Stitch 5 & 6. This software makes creating patterns easy. You can also use it to make cross stitch patterns from photos and graphics. Many sites are using PC Stitch format for their cross stitch patterns, both free and commercial.

There are many kits available that contain all you need for a project. Once you get started seriously though, it is more economical to buy your fabric, and other supplies.

There are only three basic stitches to learn, the cross stitch, the half cross stitch, and the backstitch. It couldn't be simpler. The main rule is to always ensure that your stitches are uniform. The first half of the stitch should always slant in the same direction throughout the whole project. Different stitchers do the backstitch in various manners. The main thing is that it outlines the design like it should. Often it is difficult to tell from the graph what color the backstitch should be. The color should be consistent with the portion of the design that is closest to the forefront. For example, if an arm is over top of a dress, the arm is the item being outlined and the color should represent this.

Cross stitch is easy to correct. Carefully snip the stitches that are wrong and pull out. Do not reuse the thread.

Embroidery threads contains 6 strands and these strands should be separated and then the appropriate number of strands put back together. This ensures that the thread will lie flatter and not be all twisted. The number of strands depand upon the fabric you are using and the coverage you wish. When using 14 count aida, most patterns call for 2 strands for cross stitches and 1 for backstitches. If you are using a background that is very different in color from the stitches, you might find that it looks better by increasing the strands to ensure better coverage. When you are stitching, occasionally let the needle drop so the thread will untwist. There are metallic threads available now to put glitter into your project. These new threads are easier to use than the blending filaments.

Most beginners should start with 14 count aida. It is the most common fabric used especially for premade projects. Do not attempt to use finer weave fabrics until you have more experience with stitching. When you get into fabrics with a count greater than 18, you usually stitch over 2 strands.

Cross stitch magazines are an excellent source of patterns. My favourite magazines are:

  • The Cross Stitcher: This magazine contains a wide variety of patterns suitable for all skills, even 'tired eyes' projects worked on a lower count fabric for those who find it hard to use the normal fabrics.

  • Just CrossStitch: another fine selection of patterns

  • Cross Country Stitching: patterns with a country flair

  • Cross Stitch Country: more patterns with a country flair

Here are some of my favourite cross stitch links:

  • DMC Corporation free patterns etc.

  • PC Stitch free patterns, software for producing your own patterns, free software to use in downloading patterns from the web, patterns to purchase online

  • The Cross Stitch Zone a Canadian online catalogue of cross stitch supplies and patterns.

  • Charles Craft fabric for cross stitch, ready made items to cross stitch, etc.

  • Free Cross Stitch Charts

  • Free Patterns from Ellen Maurer-Stroh

  • Designs by Gloria & Pat

  • The Cross Stitcher along with other publications by Clapper Publishing

  • Just Cross Stitch online version of the magazine

    Crossstitch.html
    This page by Pat
    updated October 14, 2001