How to Make a Bead Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch has long been a favorite for many embroidery enthusiasts. With a wide variety of patterns anywhere from pre-printed to counted, cross stitches create incredible works of "folk art" Add beads into this style, and the possibilities become endless. Worked in the same manner as regular embroidery, the one thing to remember is that the beads take up more room than just thread, so patterns will need to be adjusted. Practice this stitch on your bead sampler before proceeding on to any project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Size 11 seed beads or smaller or delicas
• Fabric (14 aida count)
• needle
• thread
• embroidery hoop

1. 
    
   The holes in the fabric pattern can be used for counting!

   For this stitch, you will be using a combination of 6or 7 beads and straight stitches that will cross in the shape of an X. To start, thread your needle and place the fabric in the embroidery hoop, keeping it tight, but not stretched out. If you are using Aida or embroidery fabric - please note that the fabric is patterned with small holes. These can be used to assist you in counting and creating your stitches

2. 
    

   When creating your cross stitch, whether in straight embroidery or with beads, it is very important to make sure each X is created in the same way. For example, if your first stitch is going from top left to bottom right, with the next (bottom left to top right) laying over it, they must ALL be done the same way. There are only 2 stitches that make up this pattern, both created in diagonal lines.After threading your needle, bring it up through the back of the fabric (A), leaving a 2 inch "tail" that will be anchored to the fabric as you proceed with the other stitches. String 6 beads on the needle and thread, laying the beads down flat on the material on a diagonal going from left to right. To make a square, take the stitch down 5-6 holes and to the right 5-6 holes, then bring the needle through the hole to the back of the fabric (B). Your needle will now be on the back right bottom of the stitch.

3. 
    

   Bring your needle left until it lines up with the top left stitch and bring it through the hole. String 7 beads and lay the beads down so they cross over the top of the first stitch. Pass the needle through on the top right in the hole that is aligned with both the top left (A) and bottom right (B) placements. If done properly, the completed stitch will form an X and the holes you used will form a square.Please note that your X will be almost 3 dimensional as the center will be raised to the level of 2 beads.

4. 
    

   If working a sampler, skip 1 row and continue the stitches from step 2, making sure that the ends of each diagonal are on the same horizontal row. This will give you a straight line of X's across the fabric. Start the second row by either weaving your needle and thread through the threads on the back of your fabric (see picture for diagram) , or starting 1 horizontal line past your completed row, work backwards to the beginning.

Tips & Warnings

• Hem the edges of your material to prevent fraying.
• 14 count fabric works well with 11/0 gauge or delica beads, but should be adjusted if other sizes are used.
• At the end of each completed stitch, I use the needle/thread to tie a small knot in the back to keep the beads threaded properly.