How to Center Your Cross Stitch Fabric
Cross-stitch needlework is a traditional craft that uses a simple X stitch pattern to create a design. This pattern can be plotted out on graph paper because all of the stitches in a cross-stitch design are the same size. Graph paper comes in several sizes, but it is usually easy to calculate the size of the overall pattern. A cross-stitch ruler is used to calculate the transferred size of the pattern to the selected cross-stitch fabric.
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Things You'll Need
- Cross-stitch pattern on graph paper
- Red marker
- Cross-stitch fabric
- Cross-stitch fabric ruler
- Fabric pencil
Instructions
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Make a photocopy of the cross-stitch pattern. This will allow you to make notes on the copy.
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Count the number of stitches in the width of the pattern and divide that number by 2. Count the number of stitches in the length of the pattern and divide by 2. Make a red marker arrow on the graph line that is the center of the width and on the graph line that is the center of the height.
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Draw a dashed red line along the pattern in both directions to where the line crosses. Draw a solid red line around the center box.
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Use a cross-stitch ruler to determine how wide your pattern will be on different types of cross-stitch fabric. Most projects have a determined size. If you are making a pillow, you will want a fabric and pattern that will fit your finished size. Cross-stitch rulers include markings identifying how many stitches per inch. Since you already have your pattern stitch count on your graph sheet, simply use the ruler to calculate the pattern onto the fabric.
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Select your cross-stitch fabric based on how your pattern will fit your required size.
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Find the center of your fabric by folding the fabric lengthwise and marking the center thread with a fabric pencil. Unfold the fabric, and then fold it by the width, marking the center thread with a fabric pencil. Use a straight edge on the fabric to follow the thread, drawing a line. Follow the second thread across the fabric with a line. Where the two lines cross is the center of the fabric. Outline the center square with the marker.
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Tips & Warnings
It is often helpful to write the dimensions on your copy pattern and to use color markers to indicate different pattern colors.
