How to Make a Cross-Stitch Tablecloth

One of the greatest aspects of this craft is the time spent in its meticulous creation. It would be almost impossible for one stitcher to create an entire cross-stitch tablecloth during her lifetime, but they make fabulous heirlooms to pass on to other family members for stitching or they can be made quickly by stitching only a border or accents on the tablecloth.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blank cross-stitch fabric table
• Pattern or kit
• Tapestry needle
• Embroidery floss

1. Purchase either a blank tablecloth made of cross-stitch fabric and a pattern, or buy a kit that includes fabric, pattern, needle and embroidery floss. You can find these are your favorite local craft or sewing stores and also online through sites like BizRate or ABCstitch (see Resources).

2. Acquire the proper embroidery floss and needle if you didn't purchase a kit. There should be a color key that tells you which colors of embroidery floss are appropriate for your pattern. Sometimes you can choose between multiple color schemes. A tapestry needle is best for cross-stitch projects.

3. Start stitching where indicated by your pattern. If in doubt, pick a corner of the tablecloth, count in sufficient squares or distance for finishing, and go from there.

4. Follow instructions included with your kit or pattern for finishing the tablecloth once all the stitching is done.

Tips & Warnings

• An embroidery hoop might be useful for working on your cross-stitch tablecloth. It puts enough tension on the fabric to keep your stitches even. Some people like to use scroll bars or frames instead, but there is no such thing large enough to work a tablecloth.

Resources

• BizRate
• ABC Stitch