Okay, I know what you are thinking. But, cross stitching isn't just something your grandma would do. It's extremely relaxing, simple, and you can create beautiful, quirky art. It definitely sounds good to me. I just started cross stitching this summer under the guidance of my mother. Honestly? My life has never been so absent of stress. Okay okay, it's also summer and I don't have as much work to do as the school year. But cross stitching is basically fabulous.
1. What you'll need
The basic supplies for cross stitching include varying sizes of needles, embroidery floss, and cloth such as Aida 16 count. You can find all of this at your local craft store in the embroidery/cross stitching section. They also provide patterns and kits there, BUT most kits found at fabric and craft stores look like they are made for grandmas.
I would recommend searching 'free cross stitch patterns' or 'modern cross stitch patterns' to find one you love. Also check out my pinterest cross stitching board! ( https://www.pinterest.com/sienasunshine/cross-stitch/ ) On it you'll find an assortment of patterns that are adorable, nerdy, quirky, and just plain fantastic. However, if you can't be bothered by finding your own, check out this collection of free patterns from Country Living.( http://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/a6380/cross-stitch/ ) I'm currently working on the lemonade pattern. As you can see in the pictures of my work, I'm not quite done yet!
I would recommend searching 'free cross stitch patterns' or 'modern cross stitch patterns' to find one you love. Also check out my pinterest cross stitching board! ( https://www.pinterest.com/sienasunshine/cross-stitch/ ) On it you'll find an assortment of patterns that are adorable, nerdy, quirky, and just plain fantastic. However, if you can't be bothered by finding your own, check out this collection of free patterns from Country Living.( http://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/a6380/cross-stitch/ ) I'm currently working on the lemonade pattern. As you can see in the pictures of my work, I'm not quite done yet!
2. Begin!
Check your pattern and identify what cloth they suggest to stitch on and how many stands to use. For example, for the Country Living Patterns, they suggest using Aida 16 count and 2 strands of embroidery floss. Cut a portion of your floss to the approximate length of your arm. Then, carefully separate the floss into 2 strands and four strands. The floss is made out of 6 strands, but you'll only be using two to stitch this pattern.
Then, thread the smallest needle you can for the most precision. Either print out your pattern or have it open on a computer or phone. Read your pattern again to see if it specifies the size of cloth you will need. However, these patters don't so it's best to count how many squares tall and wide the design is and to center that on a piece of cloth.
Then, thread the smallest needle you can for the most precision. Either print out your pattern or have it open on a computer or phone. Read your pattern again to see if it specifies the size of cloth you will need. However, these patters don't so it's best to count how many squares tall and wide the design is and to center that on a piece of cloth.
3. Your first stitch...
Here you go! Pick somewhere to start in the design. If the design is somewhat circular, start in the middle. For the lemonade glass I am currently working on, I started by stitching the blue glass. My first stitch was actually at the bottom left corner of the design. I prefer to start out and work in, but I know a lot of people who start in the center of the pattern and work out.
Once you've chosen the box to make your first stitch in, put your threaded needle (that is knotted at the end) and poke it through the back of the cloth to go through the bottom left corner (hole) of the box. Okay, this might sound overwhelming, but I promise it's much easier than you think. Once your needle and thread is through that hole, make a stitch to the top right of the box. Your stitch should be a diagonal going up to the right.
Now take a look at your pattern, if there are more stitches to do in the same row of boxes as your first stitch, you need to continue doing the 'first stitch' or the same stitch until you've reached the end of the row indicated by the pattern. This could be one more stitch, no more stitches, or forty more!
Now take a look at your pattern, if there are more stitches to do in the same row of boxes as your first stitch, you need to continue doing the 'first stitch' or the same stitch until you've reached the end of the row indicated by the pattern. This could be one more stitch, no more stitches, or forty more!
4. Completing your first row
Once you're at the end of the row, you have to go back and complete the row by making crosses in each box. (Get it? cross stitching?) Anyways, put your needle in the bottom left corner of the next box (just like if you were going to add another stitch going diagonal up to the right). But, now make your stitch diagonal up to the LEFT. In the last box of your row, you should have an x, or cross shape! Now, just repeat this step until every box in your row of stitches has an x in it.
If this is still confusing, basically you first start in the bottom left corner of the box for your first stitch. (Because each filled in box in your pattern is a stitch.) You do this by poking your needle up through the back into this hole. Then, make a diagonal stitch by putting your needle through the front at the top right corner of the little box. Continue this pattern until the row is done, then do the stitch the opposite way to complete the cross in each box.
Congratulations! You've made it through your first row. Now, just continue to follow the pattern by making stitches in exactly the right places with the right colors and eventually you will have a beautiful piece of art to do whatever you please with! If you have any questions at ALL, comment below or email me through the email icon at the top left corner of our home page or use the contact form under the contact tab. I'd love to help!
If you liked this post, let me know! I'll be writing an introduction to embroidery soon... stay tuned! ;)
Have a lovely day,
Siena
If you liked this post, let me know! I'll be writing an introduction to embroidery soon... stay tuned! ;)
Have a lovely day,
Siena