7 Ingenious Cross Stitch Tips and How Not to Use Them
Choose the right needle sharpness for your fabric, thread, and size by using highlighters to mark where you left off.
1. Use Highlighters to Mark Where You Left Off
For black and white charts, yellow and blue markers work best; pink and blue together yields purple, while yellow and pink together yields orange. Don’t drop your highlighters on your fabric; they’re meant to be solidly marked, not stained or smeared.
2. Use Multiple Needles of Varying Sharpness
The smaller the stitch count, the more difficult it will be to glide your needle through Aida; you can compensate by using a smaller, sharper needle; however, don’t misplace your assisting needle when not in use; accidentally ‘finding’ it can be painful.
3. Determine the ‘Front’ and ‘Back’ Side of Your Fabric
Some cross stitch fabrics have a face (or front) side and a back (or inner) side, which can be distinguished by looking at the fabric’s selvage; the needle finds the hole easier on one side than the other.
Blemishes & Imperfections in the Fabric
Before you start stitching, inspect your fabric carefully. Even the best quality fabric can have minor flaws or imperfections. If you see something that can’t be covered, simply turn your fabric over and use the other side. And don’t worry about the right or wrong side of the fabric!
Cross Stitch Chart and Fabric Orientation
Look at your fabric carefully if you plan to stitch your project on something other than plain white Aida; the pattern generally runs horizontally or vertically, especially on fiddler’s fabric. Don’t throw away an old piece of fabric with noticeable imperfections; save it for a full-coverage stitch pattern.
5. Use a Thread Conditioner to Avoid Knots on the Back
If you don’t have the time or inclination to go through this little adventure, here is one ready-made that you can purchase on Amazon.
6. Use Fusible Interfacing on Your Needlework
Interfacing is an extra layer applied to the back side of your needlework, and there are two types: fusible and sew-in. Fusible interfacing is the easiest to use on Aida, while sew-in interfacing has an adhesive on one side and can be ironed on.
7. Make Use of Cross Stitch Size Calculators and Color Converters
Have you ever considered making a cross stitch project out of old projects? You can save money by purchasing smaller cross stitch samplers and using online tools to adjust the pattern to the desired size, color, or material.
Fabric Size Calculators
Don’t just grab random items from your basket and start stitching and hoping for the best; use the calculators above to create something that looks like it was meant to be.
8. Bonus Tip: Use a Lighted Magnifier
A lighted magnifier can make a huge difference in your stitching experience, reducing eye strain and allowing you to stitch on a 28 count Aida comfortably. Before you invest in gadgets and tools, make sure you really need them.
Can you freehand cross stitch?
Cross stitching is a type of embroidery in which you stitch small Xs in fabric, usually Aida cloth, which has evenly spaced, easily counted holes. There are three types of cross stitching: free hand cross stitch, counted cross stitch, and stamped cross stitch.
What is the difference between counted cross stitch and stamped?
A pattern is printed on fabric and used as a guide by the embroiderer to create the final piece in stamped cross-stitch, while in counted cross-stitch, the embroiderer counts stitches out from the center of the fabric to ensure an even final look.
Can you cross stitch on normal fabric?
A piece of “waste canvas” would be used to cross stitch onto a piece of regular fabric.
Which fabric is best for cross stitch?
Aida or Evenweave / linen (these two fabrics come in the same count but are made of different materials; Evenweave is cotton and modal and obviously linen is linen) are the most common fabrics used for cross stitch. These fabrics are ideal for cross stitch because they are evenly weaved.
Where can I get free cross stitch patterns?
How to Find Free Patterns
- Visit the websites of your favorite floss companies. Visit the websites of Cross Stitch designers.
- Some stitching supply sites offer free patterns.
- Look for help on shop websites, pattern software sites, and in your favorite forums.
What can you do with cross stitching?
5 Ways to Finish Your Cross-Stitch Project
- Make a lampshade out of it.
- Create a canvas frame out of it.
- Stitch it onto your clothes.
- Create a banner.
- Create a mug cosy out of it.
Is embroidery harder than cross stitch?
For example, embroidery and cross stitch are two of the most common methods used in fabric crafts, though they differ in terms of materials used and difficulty. Embroidery is easier because it allows you to be more creative, whereas cross stitch is more difficult, especially for beginners.
Is counted cross stitch easy?
Cross stitch is a type of counted thread embroidery that has been around for a long time and is one of the most simple forms of hand embroidery to learn. Cross stitch projects are frequently sold as kits, but you can also buy fabric, thread, and basic supplies to make your own.
Do you use a hoop for counted cross stitch?
A hoop is used to tighten the fabric, but unlike other embroidery stitches, cross stitching does not require the use of one, so you can cross stitch without one.
How do I reduce the size of a cross stitch pattern?
Simply stitch 4 u201cxu201ds for every 1 square on the original pattern (for example, if a color section calls for 2 x 3 u201cxu201ds, stitch 4 x 6 u201cxu201ds instead.) If the original design was 38 x 40 stitches, the new design would be 76 x 80 stitches.
Why do you start cross stitch in the middle?
To map the symbols to floss colors, use the chart legend. When starting a new cross stitch project, start stitching in the middle of the design. This ensures that your design is centered in the fabric. Small arrows at the edges of a cross stitch chart indicate the center points.