How to Stitch Without a Hoop Using the Sewing Method
There are many reasons you may want to learn the sewing method of cross stitching. Easing the strain on your wrists, removing the embroidery hoops that stretch your stitches and the desire to hold the project itself instead encasing it in hoops are only a few. Whatever your reasons, learning the sewing method of cross stitching is as easy as using it.
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Things You'll Need
- Tapestry needle, in a size you prefer
- Embroidery thread
- Stitching canvas (aida or linen, as you prefer)
Instructions
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1
Thread your needle with two strands of 24-inch embroidery floss as you would for any cross stitch project.
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2
Grasp your canvas in your non-dominant hand, folded over slightly to give you access to the area you plan to put your stitches. Stretch it slightly between your fingers to pull any folds out of the way.
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3
Slide your needle through your starting position (a hole in the weave) from back to front, leaving a tail of floss at the back of your work. You will be tucking this tail under your stitches as you make them.
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4
Bring your needle up and over diagonally to form the first leg of your "X," covering one joint or intersection of weave in your canvas, and slide the tip through that hole, under the joint directly beneath it and out the hole next to your starting point.
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5
Repeat Step 4 until you have a line of half-Xes as long as you want it.
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6
Reverse your half-Xes at the end of your row, crossing back over the previously set stitches, working the needle and yarn through the holes from the front of your canvas.
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Tips & Warnings
Since the canvas is not being pulled tight by a hoop, be careful you don't pull your stitches too tight as you are making them.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
