Cross-Stitch

Cross-stitch is a counted thread form of embroidery. It is worked from the chart; **the design is not transferred to fabric before stitching. 

Standard procedure before you begin a project.

• Use an even weave fabric - a fabric that has the same number of threads per inch lenghtwise and widthwise.
• Before stitching, zigzag overcast or place masking tape on the edges of your fabric so that it does not fray while you work.
• Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop to keep it tight while stitching.
• Cut floss into 18" lengths.
• Use a #24 or #26 tapestry needle.

On this page, I will introduce to you the general, basic instructions for all cross stitch works. Read them and create swatches on a scrap of fabric before starting a design of your choice.

Below is a picture of the fabric commonly used in any cross-sticth  projects.

Basket weave fabric

READING THE CHARTS

Each squares on the chart provided for you represents one square on the fabric (picture above). 

• Figure A: bring the needle through on the lower right line of the cross and insert at the top of the same line, taking a stitch through the fabric to lower left line. Continue to the end of the row in the same way as shown on the picture.
• Figure B: complete the other half of the cross.  It is important that the upper half of each stitch lies in one direction.

• Bring the needle out at the lower right-hand side, insert the needle four threads up and four threads to the left and bring out four threads down, thus forming a half cross stitch, continue in this way to the end of the row.
• Complete the other half of the cross as shown. Cross Stitch may be worked either from left to right as shown or from right to left. It is important that the upper half of all the stitches lie in one direction.