How to Select and Prepare Materials for a Cross-Stitch Project

Choose a cross-stitch project, then follow these instructions when selecting and preparing the necessary materials.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cross-stitch Charts
• Cross-stitch Fabrics
• Cross-stitch Kits
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Frames
• Embroidery Hoops
• Narrow Masking Tape
• Tapestry Needles
• Distilled Waters
• Scissors
• Several Glass Containers
• Scissors

Select Materials

1. Select a cross-stitch kit and make sure that all items listed on kit label are included. If any items are missing, return kit to place of purchase or contact manufacturer.

2. Or select a cross-stitch chart and purchase the items indicated on the chart. These items will include cross-stitch fabric, embroidery floss and a tapestry needle.

3. Purchase the size and quantity of items indicated on the cross-stitch chart, but the colors in which you work your design are up to you.

4. Purchase a No. 22 tapestry needle for fabric that is 14 count (14 squares per inch) or less, No. 24 for 16 count, and No. 26 for 18 count. The larger the size No., the smaller the needle. The size needed should be listed on your chart.

5. Choose an embroidery hoop or frame appropriate to the size of your cross-stitch piece. Either will help keep your work taut and your stitches even.

6. Select and purchase small, embroidery scissors or use any sharp pair of scissors for cutting thread.

Prepare Materials

7. Unwrap and prewash dark-colored embroidery floss if you are not certain of its colorfastness. Most readily available commercial brands of floss do not need to be prewashed.

8. Prewash embroidery floss by immersing individual skeins in separate glass containers of distilled water - at room temperature. Move floss around in water. If color bleeds into water, remove skein and repeat process with fresh water until color no longer bleeds. Remove floss from water and allow to dry.

9. Separate embroidery floss by color number. If embroidery floss comes from a kit, separate floss by color code indicated in kit instructions.

10. Cut cross-stitch fabric to appropriate size, if necessary.

11. Find center of cross-stitch fabric by folding fabric in half sideways then by folding in half again lengthwise. The point at which all fold lines meet in the center is where you will begin to stitch.

12. Mark center of fabric with a pin or piece of floss until you are ready to begin stitching.

Tips & Warnings

• Prewash one skein of floss at a time. If prewash water stays clear, you don't need to prewash the remaining skeins of that color.
• Prevent cross-stitch fabric from fraying by wrapping edges with narrow masking tape.

[Susancnw]

on 3/26/2008 Anonymous, problem with fabric softener sheet is that it is nto acid free. Better idea is to dampen a sponge and run the floss over/thru that Or pick up some Thread Heaven at the needlework store for less than $5.

When treating floss for colorfastness, use a bit of vinegar in each jar..sets the colors, esp red.

on 11/22/2005 Before beginning a new strand of floss, run the needle and floss through the center of a sheet of fabric softener (such as Bounce). It will prevent the ends of the floss from sticking together and causing knots while stitching.

on 11/22/2005 To help me keep track of what I have completed on the pattern, I use a yellow highlighter and highlight the area on the chart. Then I am sure not to lose track of what I have done or what I need to do.

on 11/22/2005 There is a book available where you buy embroidery floss that has small samples of every color of DMC floss available. If you need to select an alternate color or are designing your own pattern, you can use it to choose exactly what you are looking for.

on 11/22/2005 Use plastic 6-pack holders and divide floss among the rings to keep floss organized and easily seen.