Cross Stitch 101

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by John Wigham

There are a numerous reasons for taking up the beguiling, blue-collar craft of cross stitch, ten of which are shown below. So continue reading then pay a visit to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today.

1. Why “blue-collar” you might ask? Well! When compared to most other pastimes, cross stitch is truly inexpensive; there’s no fancy or expensive machinery. When you have bought a kit or the thread and fabric for your own design that’s about it for outlay (well, until you buy the next one anyway). Simple kits start from a couple of dollars and you’re guaranteed something at the end of it to show for your efforts.

2. Whatever you produce, be it a tiny picture of a mere few inches in diameter, or a sampler that stretches the length of your wall, you will always have it to keep. You can even hand it down to your children, thereby creating an heirloom.

3. Even beginners can make cross stitch works that look both beautiful and professional. Starter kits don’t need any previous experience and as you develop your skills you can progress to evermore complex patterns. You will never have to scour the shops for that special gift again.

4. Everything you make will be unique and very personal; the perfect gift for every occasion.

5. Cross stitch is great for stress relief and relaxation. Just sit down with your favorite radio program or CD on and stitch away to your heart’s content.

6. Cross stitch is a truly “portable” hobby. You can stitch while sitting in your armchair watching the TV or alternatively you can take it with you on holiday or on long train journeys. Boredom will surely be a thing of the past.

7. The huge number of cross stitch designs available today means that there will always be something you like, regardless of your ability. Simple designs for beginners incorporate a small number of color threads and very basic stitches so that you don’t need to go and read a manual before you make a start. However, as you progress and learn a few more stitches and techniques you can attempt more complex patterns until you really are the professional cross stitcher.

8. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer free patterns to cross stitch. You will have to buy your own threads and fabric but that is half of the challenge! There is absolutely no way on this earth that you will ever run out of things to cross stitch; it really is a hobby for life.

9. As you become more confident and proficient, you can sell some of your creations so making a bit of pocket money while doing something that you love to do. You can even advertise your talents and design patterns for individual customers. Given a few years you could have a nice little business venture as well as a great hobby.

10. Outdoor hobbies such as hill walking and bird watching aren’t much fun in the rain or in the middle of winter, but cross stitch can be done at any time of the year regardless of the weather. In fact it’s a great feeling to sit in a nice warm, cozy house on a dull winter evening and happily stitch the hours away.

Overall, cross stitch really is a universal hobby anyone can master and if your curiosity does get the better of you, you will undoubtedly become hooked in no time. Historically, cross stitching has a rather vague stigma attached to it as being thought of by many as just a “pensioner” activity. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, people of all ages cross stitch, even teenagers and children… and yes men too! … and hey! If you don’t believe me, have a go yourself, you’ll soon find out why cross stitch really is universally popular.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

A cross-stitch sampler is an example of this beguiling craft that has been around for almost as long as cross-stitch itself. It is a decorative piece of work designed to showcase an eye catching variety of motifs, alphabets, and stitches, thereby displaying the stitcher’s skill and creativity. Samplers are “busy” patterns with their variety of colors and elements that, when well designed, blend seamlessly into a common theme.

However, many cross-stitch lovers may like some aspects of some samplers, but they really cannot find one that fits with what they want to do. If you are one of those people, then you might wish to consider making your own cross-stitch sampler. While the task may sound daunting, it’s nowhere near as difficult as it sounds.

Use Pre-Made Samplers

The easiest way to make a sampler your own is to use a pre-designed sampler and just change a couple of elements, such as the colors; whereby you can substitute your own colors for those listed in the pattern. You may also be able to change some wording or small design features.

However, if your need is in the design elements, you can actually use a combination of pre-designed samplers. Do some shopping on the internet and in your local craft store. You can take some of the best aspects of the designs to put them into your own sampler. You can accomplish this task in a variety of ways.

In order to compile your own designs, you can photocopy patterns and then cut and paste them onto a piece of paper, coming up with an accurate count for your pattern. You might need to fill in some blank spaces and make some adjustments. You can also take a piece of graph paper and copy down each design where you want it to create your own set of elements in your cross stitch pattern.

Create Your Own From Scratch

While using other elements in the cross-stitch pattern is one way to go, you can also create your own from scratch. You may decide that you want to draw your own sampler. If you are new to cross-stitch samplers, you might need to do some research first to see how other designers have incorporated elements that you are considering using in your own sampler. One way to get started is to use some graph paper and colored pencils to build your sampler that shows off your own skill and creativity. If you want to become even more advanced in designing your own cross-stitch samplers, you can also purchase programs that allows you to create them using your computer.

Using Computer Programs

Some cross-stitchers want elements of their samplers to come from photos or images that they have sitting around. In the past it would have been challenging to convert those photos to cross-stitch patterns. Today however there are several good software programs available that even match up the colors you are considering with name brands of floss. This makes the process much easier, and does not require the effort of going to the craft store to find your colors. Also, you can size your sampler to fit your needs by seeing how large or small your sampler will be using different cross-stitch fabrics.

These same computer programs that allow you to create cross-stitch patterns also allow you to convert scanned photos and images to patterns you can use in your samplers. However, remember that a sampler is just that: a sampler. You need to show off a little bit of everything you can do, so keep those images a small part of the big picture.

By following the advice given above you’ll soon have a beautiful sampler any stitcher would be proud of. A sampler designed to display your very own creative skills and cross stitch talents.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

Cross-stitch is not just an activity for women. Plenty of men love to pull out those needles and flosses to cross-stitch projects that they enjoy. For most men who cross-stitch it is about creating “art” or having a special interest in the design… and of course Cross Stitch is wonderfully therapeutic when it comes to de-stressing.

For some it is just not “manly” to call it a “craft”. While men do not make up a large percentage of cross-stitchers, they most certainly do exist. Yet, many people wonder about men who like to cross-stitch, and it brings up a number of interesting questions:

Are Men Better than Women… at Cross-Stitch?

The simple answer to this question is that of course men are not better than women, just as women are no better than men either. Cross-stitching is a learned skill, and any person who cross-stitches is only as good as they allow themselves to be. Practice, practice, and more practice make a person a better cross-stitcher, not their gender.

Do Male Cross-Stitch Designers Exist?

Yes! Of course there are male designers. Why ever not? Cross-stitch design is an art form and certainly not restricted to the female gender. There are many men involved in creating their own cross-stitch patterns. For some it is a direct offshoot of their art – like Thomas Kinkade. For others, they are part of a design business, like the husband and wife team at Heartland House. Men are involved in designing and bringing you some of the great cross-stitch patterns. Some cross-stitch designers are also fashion designers and use their thread and floss to create patterns on the attire that they create.

Which Patterns are Popular with Men?

Men tend to choose more art-like patterns than women. They may not be as open to you choosing a teddy bear pattern for a pillow.

Often men are drawn to the things they like. If a man likes sports, he may choose a kit that represents his sports team. If a man is into architecture, then he may choose to cross-stitch a pattern based on Frank Lloyd Wright. There are even some gamers that have cross-stitched their favorite video game characters.

Other men use cross-stitch to create designs on their clothing, too. If you are choosing a pattern to give to a man, then you should take a look at what they like. Go with their interests.

How Do Men Get Into Cross-Stitch?

This question really depends on the man. Some men get involved simply because someone they love does it. A little boy may have wanted to do what his mother was doing. A man may help his wife finish a project only to find he liked it. Other men need something to do, and it is a craft just lying around. Often men do not find that they seek out cross-stitching, but it finds them one way or another. Some men believe it makes them look attractive to women, so they use it as a way to “pick someone up”.

How Do I Handle a Man Who Wants to Cross-Stitch?

Embrace it. It takes a lot of courage for a man to put aside an image of masculinity to admit they want to try a “girly” craft. If the man is a significant other, then take pride in the fact that your man wants to share something with you. If it is a young man, then encourage the creativity that will come from the craft.

It is not often that men can put away the machismo to do something enjoyable like cross-stitch, so open up and be willing to teach and inspire. Who knows… the cross-stitching man in your life may find a way to inspire you too!

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club”> and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced cross-stitch stitcher, there are always new things you can learn to give your projects that increasingly polished look. But getting that professional look takes practice and skill, so here are three great tricks the professionals use to make their designs look better than the rest.

Great looking Front and Back:

When you begin cross-stitching one frustrating aspect of the craft is a backside of your fabric that looks like someone threw down a ball of multi-colored floss. Some cross-stitchers just resign themselves to the fact that the back of their fabric will never

look as good as the front while looking at those “neatnik” experts with envy. However, there are a few ways you can keep your back looking almost as nice as the front.

First, you can make extra effort to keep your stitches consistent. Use one method of stitching (English or Danish) throughout your whole piece. Using one method keeps the back of your piece looking as good as the front. Also, you can end your threads by weaving them under the same color. If there is not enough of that same color, try to weave it under a similar color in the back. Finally, you can avoid carrying your threads at all. Just end them and restart.

Fabric that Lies Flat:

After using hoops or holding your fabric, wrinkles can become a bane of your stitching existence. They are difficult to get out of any cross-stitch fabric, but often they are inevitable.

You can use two methods to get the wrinkles out of your fabric, keeping it looking professional. You can use heat or cold to get out the wrinkles in your fabric. To use your freezer, you can simply wet the fabric along the folds then slip it into a paper bag so it can lie flat. Lie the piece as flat as possible in the freezer until it is frozen solid.

Remove it from the freezer and immediately iron it until it has thawed and dried out. Then let it rest overnight on the ironing board before moving it. Also, you can wet the folds in the fabric and place it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then iron it. Let the piece cool before you move it.

The Colonial Knot:

One frustration for many cross-stitchers is the French knot. It is a difficult knot to do without it unraveling or coming through the back of the fabric — and forget all about using a delicate floss, such as metallic. Many stitchers also complain that they can never get all the knots to look the same size on the fabric. However, there is an alternative that will give your work a professional look — the colonial knot.

To do a colonial knot you place the needle behind the standing thread. Then you drop the thread over the needle, front to back. Push the thread toward the standing thread to form a loop. Pull the thread in front of the standing thread up and over the needle. This should create a drop toward the tip of the needle, to the left of where the first drop occurred.

Now you are going to follow the same instructions as the French knot. You insert the needle tip going over one thread toward the upper right. Then pull the working thread taut so the knot slides down the needle and rests on the fabric. Make sure the knot is tight. Finally, pull the working thread toward the left of the knot. Use your thumbnail (non-needle hand) to hold the knot while working the thread. Keep the tension on the thread and thumb on the fabric, bring the needle through to the back. You can release the tension a little just as the eye of the needle passes through the knot. But hold on to the remaining thread tension until the next stitch so that the knot is maintained.

And there you have it. Three great tricks performed by the professionals… and now you too.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are passionate about cross stitch and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by Alan MacLachlan

Overview

Working with a needle requires both skill and patience. If you know how to make cross stitch with needle and thread you will surely know that the when completed the picture look very beautiful. You must be wondering what cross stitch is about? Well let me walk you through some of the facts and figures of cross stitch.

Cross stitch is a traditional type of embroidery that can be adapted to either simple or complex designs. With the help of a needle and skeins of thread small cross stitches are made on the cross stitch fabric. Initially cross stitch were used to decorate the house linen, as pictures on the walls and to put on clothes for decoration. Even today cross stitch is used for decoration purposes but now the patterns have changed from the traditional to the innovative and stylish.

Know it better

You can take cross stitch up as a hobby. Even children can do cross stitch to show their creativity and utilize their time resourcefully. You can begin with the starters’ kit and gradually go up to a more professional looking picture or portrait. Learning cross stitch is not difficult and just about anyone can do it.

Care and maintenance

When working with cross stitch patters and samplers or as a matter of facts any kind of cross stitch one must keep in mind some important instruction regarding the material and the way to start working.

• Firstly, choosing a pattern can be a tough job. There are so many in the market that you will easily get confused. Select one that suits your requirement matching with the place or décor you intend to use it.

• While removing the thread from the skein pull lightly to avoid getting the thread all tangled. Start with darker color and do the light one at last, this will ensure the pattern does not look dirty when completed.

• Use a sharp scissors to cut the ends of the thread. This way the stitch will be neat and strong even on the reverse side and always keep a separate succors in the cross stitch box.

• Before you get the cross stitch farmed make sure you’ve got it washed or dry cleaned so that the picture is clean and clearly viable when framed.

You can easily show your own creativity with cross stitch by using the cross stitch pattern design softwares available in the market.

Alan MacLachlan is a professional author has written various articles on various topics this time writing articles on Cross Stitch for www.allcrossstitch.co.uk

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by John Wigham

For many stitchers, the most exciting step of creating a cross stitch project is the final one – that of framing. Now! At last, you can finally think about showing off the results of your time and creative effort. For the very best results, framing your project involves several steps and decisions. Here’s my set of top tips for making this look as good as it can possibly be.

1. Choose a frame.

Stitchers habitually like to take their completed project with them when selecting a frame. Having your project with you can make it easier for you to choose the style and the size. When choosing, take your time to select a style that compliments your design and a size that isn’t overwhelming.

Then, after deciding on the best style and size, consider the material of the frame. And do bear in mind that some wood and plastic frames can leak acid over long periods of time. You may want to consult your local craft store for advice on the best way to prevent this damage from happening.

2. Decide if you want to use glass.

If you use glass, use plain glass rather than non-reflective glass. And if you’re hanging your project up high or have young children you might wish to consider toughened or safety glass; be aware of the extra cost though. Also, make certain your frame is deep enough so the glass does not touch the stitching. To keep the glass away from the stitching, most stitchers use either multiple mats or spacers.

3. Select the mats.

Mats not only give your work a polished, professional look, they also keep the glass from touching the stitches by using multiple mats. Select acid-free mats to protect your project. Experts suggest the borders of the bottom mat should be the same width or a little wider than the frame. The borders of the top mat should be smaller so you can see the bottom mat.

Generally, the best appearance is obtained by ensuring the bottom mat is a color that either matches a main thread in your project, or a color that coordinates with both the project and the frame. The bottom mat should always be your predominate color. The top mat should be a neutral color or a variation of the predominate color.

4. Attach your project to a mounting board.

In order to prevent damage to your project, select a board that is acid-free. Cut the board so it is slightly smaller than the frame, add batting if you wish, and then center your pattern and make certain the fabric is taut.

One handy way to make certain your project is correctly centered before you permanently attach it is to pin the overlapping fabric to the mounting board. By using pins, you can make adjustments until you are satisfied with the fitting.

When you’ve got the fabric taut and in place, attach it permanently to the mounting board either by stitching it to the board or by using a fabric adhesive. In general, the experts agree that the best approach is to stitch the overlapping sides to the mounting board using heavy thread.

5. Insert your project into the frame.

If you intend using glass in the frame and are using spacers, put them in place before inserting your project. If you don’t have actual spacers and worry the stitches may touch the glass, you can use extra pieces from a mat. Simply place thin pieces of the mat along the edges so they are hidden by the frame. Then set your project on top of these pieces.

Next, secure your project in the frame. Glazier points work nicely, and most craft and hardware stores carry them. When you use glazier points, one end is secured into the back of the frame. The other end holds your project in place.

If your frame does not have a back cover, you should use acid-free paper, either brown or decorative, to protect your project.

6. Attach wire or a picture hanger to the frame.

Usually frames do not come with wire or a hanger. Picture hangers are easy to attach because you simply nail them in the center of the top side of the frame. Picture hangers work well with small frames. If your frame is large, consider using wire instead. Remember to add a little extra wire so it isn’t too tight, and an extra hook to hang it on too, if the frame is on the heavy side.

… and a bonus tip! Enjoy your completed project.

Now that you’ve framed your beautiful cross stitch project, the only remaining step is to sit back, admire your accomplishment, and bask in the praise of others.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

After you spend many hours creating a beautiful cross stitch picture, the last thing you want to do is damage it during cleaning. Many experts suggest you always clean your projects when you finish to remove the oils left behind when you touched the cloth. These oils can attract a surprisingly large amount of dirt over time.

The two methods of cleaning involve either washing your project or having it dry cleaned. You cannot dry clean a project if you’ve added beads, so consider this before adding embellishments.

To decide if your cross stitch picture can be washed, consider both the fabric and the floss. Many cross stitch fabrics can be washed by hand, and they say this on their labels. Some labels even specify a brand of detergent to use.

When if comes to floss, some are washable, other are not. Consult the information from the manufacturer. Even if the manufacturer says the floss is run-resistant, still test it.

To test your floss, choose a few strands of each color. Dip the strands in lukewarm water. Next, place them on a clean, white towel or cloth and pat dry. See if the dye on the floss runs. You may notice that darker colors tend to run more than lighter colors.

If your fabric can be washed, place the entire project into a clean container filled with lukewarm or tepid water and a very mild soap, such as Ivory. The soap or detergent you use must not contain bleach, fragrances, softeners, or “laundry brightners.”

Some stitchers recommend you clean needlework with Orvus, a horse soap made by Proctor and Gamble. Orvus removes dirt without leaving behind the sort of residue soap leaves. Some craft stores sell variations of Orvus for use with needlework projects. If you do use Orvus, handle it with care. Orvus can irritate your skin, so wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

After you place your project in the soapy water, let it soak for a few minutes. Then, empty the container and fill with it clean, cold water. Submerge your cross stitch project and swirl it in the water to remove the soap residue. Remove the project, empty the water, refill the container, and then rinse your project again.

Regardless of the type of soap or detergent you use, you need to rinse your project several times. Continue rinsing your cross stitch until all the soap suds are gone and the water is clear.

Remove your project and place it flat on a clean, white cloth or towel. Cover your work with either part of the same towel or with another clean, white cloth or towel. Blot the project dry.

You also can roll the cross stitch project in the clean towel to squeeze out excess water. If you use this method, unroll your cross stitch and smooth it flat after you’ve removed the water.

Iron your project by placing it face down on a clean towel. Make certain your iron also is clean before you start. Set the temperature on the iron low. Most cross stitch fabrics don’t require a great deal of heat to smooth the wrinkles. If this low temperature isn’t enough, you can increase the temperature a little bit at a time until the wrinkles disappear.

Do not iron over beadwork, metallic floss, or blended floss. Instead, just iron the fabric and avoid the areas with embellishments.

Here are some additional tips to remember when cleaning cross stitch projects:

* Consult a professional if you have an heirloom cross stitch project you want to clean. Older fabrics and flosses need to be cleaned by a professional.

* Use tweezers to remove pet fur from your projects before washing.

* Store your projects in plastic bags to keep dirt away. Roll the canvas, don’t fold it, and then place it inside the bag and seal.

* Wash your hands before you start to stitch to avoid soiling your project.

When it comes to cleaning your cross stitch projects, the best approach is to use caution. You’ve spent so much time creating a masterpiece that you need to make certain you don’t hurt your creation. After all, you want your project to be around for years to come.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

As cross stitchers, we love to create personalised cards for our nearest and dearest on birthdays, at Christmas or other special times. The chances are that these cards are much appreciated by the recipients, displayed prominently for a few days, and then perhaps placed in a drawer or a cupboard, where they will stay for many more months, rarely seen. Here’s an idea…

Why not start creating bookmarks instead for your friends? The advantages are that they will be used as often as the recipient reads a book, and will be associated with good leisure time. Also, your message of friendship will be reaffirmed every time your friend or relative opens the book. It will be useful as well as being ornamental.

There are a few principles to bear in mind if you are considering making bookmark presents.

Firstly, your chosen design should have a great appeal for the recipient. What is the favorite color of this person? A favorite flower? A hobby? You can make the bookmark with these things in mind. Do remember that this will be a quick project, however.

Bookmarks are small, and therefore, you will not be able to incorporate every aspect of the person’s likes and dislikes into this design. If your friend has lots of interests, you may consider what he or she most enjoys reading about.

Children may be encouraged to read by being given their very own bookmark, with a favourite cute character stitched onto it to make it personal for them.

The easiest way to make a bookmark is to buy a bookmark kit, choosing the most appropriate design for your friend. In any case, buying a kit for the first bookmark you make is probably a good idea, as it will contain all the necessary threads, fabric and instructions you need. You will be able to get some information from this as a sort of template for your future projects.

Traditionally, bookmarks are long and slim in shape. It is important that they are not too bulky or scratchy, as this could damage fine paper pages. You will need to consider what sorts of books your friend reads.

Paperback books are usually smaller than their hardback counterparts, and therefore you need to take this into account when considering the size. As a general rule, it’s advisable to make your bookmark between six to nine inches long and two and a half inches wide.

You will need to cut your cross stitch fabric (aida or evenweave) to the right size. In order to prevent the edges from fraying, you should stitch a piece of binding or ribbon to the edges. If you prefer, you can use a larger piece of fabric and deliberately fray the edges yourself, keeping the edges symmetrical and neat in appearance. You can then stop further fraying by spraying with a fray-stopping product.

As for the design, you can either pick a small design from a magazine or book, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can try drawing your own design. To do this, you will need a page of graph paper, with every square corresponding to a potential stitch. Make sure that you leave a small gap between the edge of your design and the edge of the fabric.

Stitch the bookmark as neatly as you are able to, and when you have finished, stitch a piece of ribbon to hide the back of the work. Make sure that there are no lumps or bumps of thread on the back of your work, as this will show as a bulge through the ribbon. You will also want the ribbon to stick evenly to the bookmark.

To give your bookmark added interest, do consider folding the bottom of it into a triangle shape instead of a straight line. You can add a tassel, some beads or a shell to the end, to make it look unusual.

Do not forget to iron the finished bookmark carefully, between two towels, so that it does not become overheated.

Once you have experimented with making one bookmark, you will be surprised how easy the next ones will be — and how quickly you will complete these projects.

I’m sure you’ll agree that making a bookmark for a friend is a great alternative to stitching a card. Individualizing the design can be great fun, and also give lots of pleasure to the recipient of your gift.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

There are many different types of cross-stitching and embroidery yarns, and a multitude of companies that produce them. What is the difference between them and their yarns? Let’s look closely at two of these major companies, both producing high quality yarns, doing a comparison study between them at the end.

DMC Yarn

First of all, let’s look at the yarn company DMC, or Dollfus-Mieg & Compagnie, named after Daniel Dollfus and his wife, Anne-Marie Mieg. The custom in those days in France was for the husband to join the wife’s maiden name to his own, which was how in 1800, DMC became the trade name for a previously existing family company.

But it wasn’t until a short time later that they discovered John Mercer’s invention of “mercerizing” the thread — the process of passing the cotton thread through caustic soda, which modified the cotton, giving it strength, longevity, and a silky appearance; the production of their yarns and threads began at this time.

During this same time, a close friendship developed between Jean Dollfus, the uncle of Daniel Dollfus-Mieg, and Therese de Dillmont, a famous woman embroider of the time. She moved to Dornach, close to their factory in Mulhouse, and founded an embroidery school, which worked hand in hand with DMC. She later produced her famous book, the Encyclopedia of Ladies’ Handicrafts, in 1886, which was translated and sold in seventeen countries.

By combining DMC with her embroidery school, they became the giant of needlework and yarns until the onset of the first-world war in 1914. They were known for their high quality, creativity, and high standards.

Today, they still are known for these same standards, also known as an international organization, the DMC Group, for manufacturing threads, industrial threads, and textile related products.

The DMC Group remains an international organization manufacturing consumer threads, industrial thread, and textile related products. The company’s commitment to quality and creativity remains as strong now as it was in the 19th century.

The Dollfus family’s early motto remains alive today, “TENUI FILO MAGNUM TEXITUR OPUS” (translated into “from one fine thread, a work of art is born”). They have an easily found website where you can look at their environmental safety procedures, board information, safety measures, new upcoming environmental projects, financial information, and new products coming out to either order or look at.

Anchor Yarn

The second company, the Anchor product line, is a division of Coats and Clarks. This company began in 1806 — producing a 200-year history of expertise and quality. During that year, Napoleon blockaded Great Britain, which prevented silk from being brought into the country from abroad; during this same time, the Clark family had a business that sold silk threads for the warp on the looms.

As a result of Napoleon’s blockade, Patrick Clark developed a method “of twisting cotton yarns together” producing a strong and smooth thread that replaced both silk in the looms, and linen and silk threads used in hand sewing.

In 1812, the Clark family opened the first factory for making cotton-sewing thread in Paisley, Scotland. A few years later, James Coats opened another cotton thread mill. His sons, James and Peter, purchased their father’s mill in 1830, expanding it in the next ten years by exporting to America. Andrew Coats, another family member, was sent to the United States to manage the business.

By 1864, the grandsons of James Clark, George and William, opened a cotton thread mill in Newark NJ. Five years later, the Coats family began manufacturing thread under the name of “Spool Cotton Company” in Pawtucket RI.

Thread at this time was made of three cords, and almost always used for hand sewing; it had a glazed finish, was wiry, and uneven. When Elias Howe invented the sewing machine in 1846, this thread was unsuitable because of these self-same qualities.

It wasn’t until twenty years later than George Clark developed a six-cord, soft finished thread known as “Our New Thread,” which made it the first thread suitable for machine use. This invention revolutionized the sewing industry, originating the still famous trademark for the Clark Thread Company, the O.N.T.

Over the years, the Clarks family produced many new products, which included threads for crocheting, darning, knitting, and embroidery cottons.

The O.N.T. was the first “fast black thread” along with the first American brand of sewing, crochet, and embroidery cotton to be available to the public in many colors, all color fast to boiling. By 1952, J. & P. Coats and the Clark Thread Company merged, to become Coats & Clark Inc. They are available online today (and can by found by using any of the leading search engines) from where they can be researched and supplies ordered online.

… in Comparison

Preference and experience from your own sewing likes and dislikes are ultimately the determining factor in which brand you use. I find that the Coats & Clarks (Anchor) company seems to be more for the average citizen with everyday needs and likes; while I personally found the DMC standards more for the ultra-groups in regard to colors and styles.

If I were going to do a project for Christmas, birthdays, everyday enjoyment, or training exercises — I would use Coats & Clark products. But if I were to be putting a project together for a fair, a contest, or a “very special” something — I would use the DMC yarns.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

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by John Wigham

Beads can add a wonderful touch to your cross-stitch project. They bring dimension and beauty to any needlework. However, there are some things you need to know about beads so you can make sure they are appropriate for your project. There are also some tips you can use to ensure that cross stitching with beads is fun rather than frustrating.

1. Keep the Color Consistent

When working with beads you may wonder which floss to use, and you actually have a number of options depending on your design. You can match the floss to the color of the bead. You can also match the floss to the color of the fabric. Your third option is to purchase a special thread that is clear and designed specifically for attaching beads.

2. Use the Right Needle

Most of the beads you will use in your cross-stitch project are seed beads. These beads are very tiny and require a thinner needle. If your needle is too thick you will probably break a number of the glass beads. If you are using longer, bugle beads you can use a size10 beading needle.

These are long needles that allow you to string a number of beads on the needle at once. However, if poking yourself is an issue, use a size 10 tapestry needle. The ball-point will not stab you, but the needle is best for stitching on one bead at a time.

3. Use the Stitch That Works Best

When you stitch your bead on your fabric, you actually have a number of ways to stitch the bead depending on how you want it to lay on the fabric. For instance, if you want your bead to lie diagonally, you should use a half stitch. You would come up from the back of the fabric in the bottom, left corner, slip on the bead, and then bring the needle down through the top right corner.

However, you may also want your bead to lie vertically, so you would use a full cross-stitch. For a full stitch you will start like you would for beading on diagonal, but once you complete the half stitch, you bring the needle back up through the bottom, right corner, slip the needle through the bead again, and bring the needle down through the top, left corner.

4. Test Your Beads

Most of the beads you will use for your cross-stitch projects are glass beads where the color goes through the glass. Once in a while, though, you may like the look of another bead. You will need to check that bead to see if the color is in the glass or if it just has a coating on the outside of the bead. While the coating may look nice, it is not meant to last, and the color could chip off and ruin the effect of your project. Also, if you plan to wash your project, the beads will definitely lose the coating.

You can test the beads by putting them in your hands and rubbing your hands together. Check for flakes or pieces of color that come off. You can also put them into acid to see if the color comes off.

5. Check the Manufacturer’s advice

For the most part, the glass beads you use can be washed and ironed. However, you should always check with the manufacturer first. Still, if you do choose to iron your project, remember that glass can get very hot. So you should always use a thick towel under the project. Put your cross-stitch face down on the towel and cover it with a cloth. Make sure your iron is set correctly for your fabric.

John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.

Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory