Cross stitch is a relatively easy crafting method to learn, but you can achieve some incredibly beautiful results with a sprinkling of creativity! Hand embroidery is one of the quickest ways to express yourself artistically since you don’t have to set up any sewing machines or spend time measuring fabric to structure a garment. With even, open weave linen or Aida, you’ll be raring to go in no time. The only limit for your designs is your imagination!
But it’s easy to be overwhelmed with so much freedom of expression and a completely blank canvas. If you’re new to hand embroidery, you needn’t worry! Here is a beginner’s guide to cross stitch from the team at Singer Outlet.
Firstly, Prepare Your Fabric
While cross-stitching is a speedy craft that you can rush along as fast as you’d like, the best results require a bit of preparation. Your loosely woven linen and Aida easily fray around the edges, so you’ll need to bind it anywhere that threatens to unravel. To bind, sew your edges with a zigzag stitch or wrap them with masking tape! A project that hasn’t been appropriately secured is more than likely to deteriorate, where well-made pieces can last for years. Now you can pop your fabric in an embroidery hoop!
Secondly, Thread Your Needle
Typically, cross stitch is completed with a round-end tapestry needle, and pre-packaged DIY cross stitch kits will provide the tool. Though the size of your needle ought to change with the width of the gaps in your fabric, size 24 is the most commonly used needle for cross-stitching. Load up your needle of choice with no more than 18 inches of your floss. Embroidery floss is six strands of thread twisted together, but you’ll only typically work with 1 or 2 strands at a time. Make sure to pull strands out of the floss separately and slowly to avoid knotting.
Thirdly, Let’s Start Stitching
For a cross-stitch, you always want to begin in the very middle of your fabric. You’ll work from left to right. Starting from the backside of your material, pull your needle through the centre hole and leave a little loop of thread at the bottom. Next, cross your thread upwards or downwards diagonally, and pull your needle through the little loop to create an anchor for your work. You should have one half of your cross stitch.
Start the second half of your cross stitch by bringing the needle back up through the hole directly below the one you last used. Don’t secure this stitch without flipping your fabric over to the back and making sure your stitch will trap the dangling floss. Repeat this process in a row, performing your stitches an equal width apart. Secure with a knot at the back of the fabric once you’re finished.
Fourthly, Practise Makes Perfect
You’re capable of finishing a row of cross stitches now! All that’s left to do is keep practising and perfecting your basic technique before moving on to more advanced stitches like your quarter or three quarter.
Contact us at Singer Outlet if you’re searching for high-quality sewing materials for your next project or if you have any questions about the equipment you may need for your cross stitching venture. We’d be more than happy to help!