How to Cross-Stitch a Celtic Knot
The ever-variable Celtic knot seems to hold immense fascination for craftspeople of all walks. The Celtic knot appears in woodworking, leather craft, stained glass... and, yes, in cross-stitch patterns too. Because there is so much variation in Celtic knot patterns, there is no one right way of stitching one; but there are a few basic steps you can follow to get it right.
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Things You'll Need
- Celtic knot pattern
- Cross-stitch cloth
- Embroidery floss
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
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Find a Celtic knot cross-stitch pattern. This is as easy as a quick Internet search; PK Designs offers one online for free, and Aon Celtic Art has a variety for sale as well as some "freeware" designs available for download (see Resources). You might be able to find Celtic knot patterns at your favorite stitchery or craft stores too.
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Consult the pattern to find out which colors of embroidery floss you should buy for your stitching. Most patterns will have keys that tell you the DMC color codes for embroidery floss, but with others you may have to guess--just visit the store and pick the colors that look best to you when combined.
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Buy some cross-stitch cloth and a tapestry needle while you're picking out your floss.
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Locate the center of your fabric by folding it, and start stitching the center of the pattern there.
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Stitch by making an "X" of thread in each square. Bring the needle and floss up through the hole in the lower left corner of the square and down through the upper right corner. Then bring it up through the upper left corner and down through the lower right. That's your first complete stitch.
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Follow any additional instructions that may have been included with your Celtic knot cross-stitch pattern or kit. These may include special stitches or finishing directions.
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If you're having trouble deciding on which cross-stitch fabric to buy, check the pattern--sometimes they tell you what size, color and square count to get. If your pattern does not specify these things, pick the color that works when combined with the embroidery floss you've picked out. Then count the number of squares the entire pattern measures across and down. Count the same number of squares out on fabrics in the store until you find one that renders the finished product at the size you want.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you've done a few cross-stitch Celtic knots you may want to have a go at creating your own new pattern, but learn from patterns first so that you can master the intricacies of stitching the knots.
It's easy to misplace or lose your cross-stitch needle. Having an extra one on hand could help you avoid hours spent searching or an emergency trip to the store.
