How to Cross-Stitch Like a Pro

counted cross stitch in progress

After seeing cross-stitch projects done by others, you may realize there is a difference in the quality from one cross-stitcher to another. If the cross-stitching is done correctly, it should look like a professional stitcher made it. This is particularly true for counted cross-stitch. Learn to cross-stitch like a pro the first time.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Aida cloth or stamped design
• Blunt needle or sharp
• Embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Embroidery hoop

1. Assemble the materials. Aida cloth is the standard for counted cross-stitching, but you may have a kit with a stamped cross-stitch pattern, too. They should be done the same way, but most often are not. To cross-stitch like a pro, you need to make a stamped cross-stitch piece the same way as counted cross-stitch -- just the needle is different. You will need a needle, scissors, embroidery thread and an embroidery hoop as well as a pattern for the design. Try a small project first.

2. Mark the fabric in the center. Make a dot in the center of the fabric. The easiest way is to use a red thread and make stitches to show the center. This is the reference point for most of the work for counted cross-stitch projects. It is also helpful for stamped cross-stitch.

3. Start stitching from the center area. Find where a thread color begins near the center and start your project there. If you are right handed, work from right to left, and do half crosses for all of the connecting stitches in that row. When you get to the end of that connected stitching area, complete all the crosses going from left to right. You have now completed the X for that area. Work this way whether doing counted cross-stitch or stamped cross stitch. With stamped cross-stitch, make the stitches punch through the same thread line every time, both at top and bottom. This will make the stitches more uniform.

4. Find the closest area with that thread color next. Travel on the backside for short distances only. Continue with the same thread color and work the closest area to the center you just worked. Work from right to left for the half-cross and from left to right for the completed cross-stitch. This is important so that all the threads on the top (left to right) will be crossed in the same direction. It makes a difference in the overall appearance of the work.

5. Continue using this method until your cross-stitch crafts project is completed. Once your project is completed with the cross-stitch design, add the back stitching or any other details the pattern requires.

6. Make a few changes when working on a large project. Once you become comfortable with cross-stitching, you may want to outline any counted cross-stitch design on the fabric by making a running stitch in a bright color by counting from the center. Create a basic outline of the design before you start, and it can save hours of counting. Cross-stitch like a pro in no time.

Tips & Warnings

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• copyright 2009 Linda Richard

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