How to cross stitch

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cross stitch material
Thread
Needle
Cross stitch pattern

Step 1

Gather all your supplies. It's easiest to start with a small simple pattern. First you need to find the center of your pattern. Most of the time they will have 2 arrows at the edges of the pattern, follow these, where they meet is the center. Next, you will have to find the center of your material. Cut the material to the appropriate size, then fold in half once, then fold in half once more. Put a needle where the folds meet, this is your center.
Step 2

It is usually easiest to start at the top left. On your pattern, count up from the center to the very top of the stitches. Then count over to the left, to the first stitch. Write these in pencil on your pattern, because, you will likely forget, get called away, or get messed up on counting.
Step 3

Look at the color key and decide which color you start with, use 2 strands of cross stitch (or embroidery thread). (You only use 1 stitch for outlining, but that is usually done at the very last.) Technically, you are not suppose to knot your thread. You just hold it on the back and keep stitching, I do however knot my thread, it makes me feel like it is more secure.
Step 4

Found your starting point? Now it's time to start stitching. You will go from left to right and make half of your stitches- like this ///////// going from bottom left to top right. Then when you get to the end of that line, you will go back and cross your stitches, you will go from bottom right to top left, like this\\\\\\\\\\\.
Step 5

Now, start with your next line, and do the same thing. I usually do all of one color, then I start with another color. This does take some counting, but when you are finished with your first project, you will be so proud of yourself, and you will be ready to start the next one!! Happy stitching!

Comments

PammySuzie said

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on 10/13/2008 If you have trouble threading a needle try a Spiral eye needle. They have a small slot opening on the side of the eye so they are so easy to thread you might think they are self threading. You can get them at www.spiraleyeneedles.com

HeleneCanuck said

on 9/14/2008 My only comment is that, as you have said, cross stitch really is addictive. Once you start you can end up spending a lot of money. As Ang... says, start small until you are sure you are hooked. What's so bad about being a cross stitch addict - besides the cost? It is relaxing and soothing and friendships are formed and made solid and secure and giving to the community is so easy through cross stitch. Teach children, the next generation. Teach the elderly in their retirement homes. Create altar fronts, priests stoles, kneelers, Torah covers, and so much more. ...Helene...