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Think ofembroideryas a big umbrella.
Because of the inherent structure of cross-stitch, the technique is easy to learn.
Essentially, you are simply making small diagonal stitches on an open weave fabric.
Photo:Mel Poole
As you change colors, a stylized design will form that has a bold, graphic appeal.
This is best represented incontemporary cross-stitch projectswith a modern sense of humor.
Want to learn how to cross-stitch?
Photo:John Anvik
Scroll down for essential information and helpful videos.
Fabric The biggest difference youll see in cross-stitch versus other embroidery is the key in of fabric youll use.
The higher the thread count, the finer (and therefore tighter) the weave will be.
Photo:Olga Kalinia
Aida clothis the most popular for stitching, although other evenweave fabrics are fine, too.
Embroidery hoop The embroidery hoop makes it possible for you to stitch your design.
Thread Embroidery thread, also calledembroidery floss, is another essential material.
Photo:Benjamin White
This offers a lot of variety if youre working on a design you created.
If youre following a pattern, most likely the designer will have a set of thread recommendations for you.
Photo:John Anvik
Needle Cross-stitch typically uses a blunt-edgetapestry needle.
Photo:Olga Kalinia
(Thats great news for your fingers!)
Your needle size will vary based on the fabric youre stitching onto.
You dont have to break the bank on a pair to get something thats great quality.
See what we recommend as thebest embroidery scissors.
Using them will give your work visual variety and help bring your subject to life.
This isnt difficult and comprises just a couple of steps.
The first is to ensure that it wont fray.
To stop this, sew a zigzag stitch around the edges, either by a machine or by hand.
This will stop the fraying.
(Alternatively, folding masking tape over the edges will work, too.)
Once youre done with that, iron your fabric so that it lies flat.
you might find the center by folding the fabric once and then again in the opposite way.
Make a small stitch or place a needle or pin in the folded corner.
When you bring up the fabric, that should be the center.
Luckily, this is easy to find.
On cross-stitch charts, its delineated with an arrow, 0, or triangles.
Doing this will warp the material and cause it to pucker.
If the thread is too loose, it will create gaps in your design.
Aim for an evenness so that your stitches lie flat against the cloth.
