Working from a Counted Cross Stitch Chart
Initially for a beginner working from a counted cross stitch chart can appear daunting.
It is important when working from a chart you read the instructions before you begin stitching. Otherwise the end result may not be the same as the product you purchased.
When you purchase a chart it should include the size of the completed design.
It will not necessarily tell you how much fabric you require so you will need to add two inches or 5 centimetres to each side of the design. The reason for this is there is plenty of fabric for the mounting of the piece. It is much better to have too much fabric than too little.
The chart is made up of a grid of squares. Each square will have symbols representing the colours. For example a cross would be blue, so all the crosses on the chart would be stitched in blue thread. Squares without symbols means no stitching is required. At the side or the bottom of the chart there will be a key for you to refer to.
The size of the chart may look smaller than the finished design size stated on the chart. Each square represents a stitch so your design will be the size stated on the chart.
In order to commence stitching it is necessary to find the middle of the chart this will be where your first stitch will be on your fabric. On the chart there will be bold lines and numbers every ten squares. There may be arrows denoting the centre lines or a zero is in the middle at the top and bottom and at the sides. Follow the lines and where they meet this is the middle you may want to mark this with a pencil.
Whilst stitching you may find it easier to follow the chart if you mark with a pencil where you have stitched.
The chart should also tell you what colour threads to purchase and how many.
It will also states how many strands of thread are used for the stitching.
Counted cross stitch kits are popular due to the convenience of everything being included so much easier especially if you are short of time.
Janet Kelly is a keen cross stitch enthusiast. She writes articles on all aspects ofCross
Stitch and also runs a website: Needlwork
Magic where she sells a wide range of Cross Stitch Kits which are very competitively
priced.
<param name="FlashVars" value="text=
Working from a Counted Cross Stitch Chart
Cross Stitch Tips
Here are some cross stitch tips that will help you a lot with your cross stitch projects.
GETTING STARTED
Always start stitching from the center of your fabric. To find the center on your fabric, fold the fabric in half twice. The center will be at the intersection of the two folds.
Finding the center of your chart by following the two arrows. One arrow will be in the top center and the other one in the middle left side of your chart. Follow these two arrows. Where they meet is your center stitch.
FABRIC
Put tissue paper in your hoop with your fabric then tear away the center where you are stitching. This will keep oils from getting onto your fabric and help your hands from being moist.
Use different qualities of fabric. Try cheaper fabric for quick designs, saving money so that you can splash out on the best fabric for heirloom projects.
You will want to allow 3 to 4 inches of fabric on each side of the design. This will help you framing your project easily.
THREADS
When stitching with 2 threads use only one strand of floss, put the ends together and thread them through the needle leaving a loop on one end. When you put the needle through on your second stitch, catch it through the loop. This keeps the material from getting bumpy.
When ending your thread by running under other stitches, try to match colors. Never run a dark color under light stitched, it might show through to the front.
Back stitch should be added when all other stitching has been completed.
NEEDLES
Many of us we have the bad habit of leaving the needle into the fabric when we end a session. Be aware that this can leave a permanent stain or large hole in your fabric. Always store a needle properly.
TIPS
If you have pets or small children do not keep your cross stitch materials in a bag. Keeping your threads, needles and scissors in a box that shuts securely will prevent little fingers and paws from getting into things easily!
If you are working on a larger needlework project, invest in a set of stretcher bars. They keep the fabric from getting warped and it makes it easier to actually do the sewing. They come in several sizes, and are fairly inexpensive.
Using a highlighter in a light color – yellow works very well for marking off stitches or areas of stitching as you complete them. If your lighting make the yellow hard to see at night, you could use another color like green or blue or orange when stitching at night.
For some more great tips go to – http://cross-stitch.affilibiz.net/
<param name="FlashVars" value="text=
