Cross Stitch 101

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by John Wigham

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is thought to be caused by work tasks which are performed repeatedly, thereby causing muscular strain and eventually injury. RSI can be defined as inflammation of the tendons round a joint resulting from regular, repeated movements of that joint. And yes, you’ve guessed, poor posture, stress and overwork also contribute to the symptoms.

Repetitive movements, such as creating cross stitches, can often be responsible for this condition in some people. However, an awareness of the factors that cause the condition can be helpful in avoiding the pain and frustration that RSI can bring. RSI is not inevitable after cross stitching for long periods of time, so by bearing in mind a few simple precautions, you can spare yourself the experience of RSI altogether.

The repetitive movements used in cross stitching involve the change of the needle-holding hand from the front to the back of the fabric, and also that particular movement made in reverse, to bring the needle back through the fabric.

This can be made worse for you if you hold your work in your hand, or on a hand-held frame or hoop. The larger the hoop, the larger the movement made which may even involve shoulder and elbow joints as well as wrists and fingers.

The medical remedy for RSI is rest, meaning complete abstinence of the movement causing discomfort. But if the problem is not resolved in a few days it may be worth seeking medical advice. Anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy or heat treatment may be the answer.

When the pain eases, it is essential to try to have analysed the precise cause of the problem and plan to avoid the movement that is the root of the problem. This will prevent the recurrence of the pain. Also, there is little point in resting for a few days, only to return to the same habits of repetitive movement. Ideally, you should be thinking about taking a preventative approach to dealing with the problem.

To adapt the movements of your needle-holding hand, you can use a frame to secure your work, either from the floor or one your lap. This means that one of your hands is free to work on top of the fabric, and the other can work from below it. Many of the repetitive movements of creating stitches will be removed.

If you tense your muscles and tendons when you stitch, this can be a contributory factor in RSI. Relaxing those muscles is therefore essential. You may be bringing your work close to your eyes to get a better view (in which case, try using a magnifier or having your eyesight checked). Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable position with your back supported and your neck bent forwards as little as possible.

Using a high-count fabric can make you tense up your hand, as it is trickier to get the needle into the right place. If you use a lower count of fabric it will be easier to see the holes. Many people find relief from the wearing a wrist support helpful.

If you use long threads when you are stitching, then it is possible that your arm may need to move upwards in a repetitive way, gradually straining the muscles without you even being aware of the situation. Shorter lengths of thread can eliminate that difficulty. Some people find that if they keep their elbows from pointing outwards or rest them on the arm of the chair may help to cut down on movements.

It is worthwhile to consider how you habitually stitch in order to prevent any tension building up. Try to stop every now and again to see if you can detect any tension in your arms or shoulders, and release that tension. Warm-up exercises before you begin, stretching the arm, finger and shoulder muscles gently, can be beneficial. Taking a short break every few minutes can also break the repetitive cycle of movements.

Perhaps the single most effective habit to include in your daily life is that of relaxation, performed systemically as part of a conscious health promoting regime. Relaxation can be a great way to prevent RSI — and other medical conditions too. Remember that you do not need to curtail your stitching activities — just adapt the way you stitch.

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

Everybody would like to leave their loved ones something special when they pass away so cross stitchers and the companies that develop cross stitch designs are now, more than ever, turning to the classics in order to produce a unique and very personal heirloom.

Celebrations cross stitch

Currently there is a wide range of cross-stitch designs available for you to record those special occasions, such as:

• the birth of a baby
• a wedding
• an anniversary
• a special birthday

You can hang these cross stitch pictures on a wall for a life time and not only will they bring back fond memories of the occasion itself; they will bring back equally happy memories of the person who actually did the stitching.

Generally these designs are aimed at intermediate cross stitchers and when framed and placed in a prominent position can be a real conversation piece.

Christmas heirlooms

Cross stitching a beautiful design or a family scene onto a large Christmas stocking can make a great heirloom that will be brought out and cherished every Christmas.

Generation after generation can fill it with sweets and little treats year after year and when the children ask where it came from, it will be fondly remembered as your handy work.

Crossword style heirlooms

You can use all of the names within your family to produce a cross stitch piece in the style of a crossword. Designing the pattern will take some time as you will need to make all of the names fit together. However, when all of the names are stitched in complementary colours and a pretty border design is put around the name crossword, it will be an adorable heirloom that will be forever in the family.

By leaving space around the edges or by spreading the names out you can always add new family members as they arrive so that it is always up-to-date.

Samplers

Samplers come in all shapes and sizes and they can contain pretty much anything you want them to. They are normally quite intricate projects and so are great to stitch as a family heirloom as they will be admired and treasured with each passing generation.

You may wish to cross stitch a family motto or a saying that you are well known for so that the sampler is personal to you and your family.

… and of Course There’s Always The Classics

Why not go all out and cross stitch one of the famous classic paintings such as The River by Monet or the Vase with Irises by Van Gogh. There are now hundreds of classics and more modern paintings to choose from and although they do take an experienced stitcher a lot of spare time they are well worth the effort.

You can pick a painting that is particularly special to you and your family and turn it into a work of art of your own making.

New style cross stitch heirlooms

A number of companies today (including Patterns Patch) offer a useful service where you send them a photo of a loved one or a special pet and they produce a counted cross stitch pattern in your specified stitch count so that the finished piece is as big or as small as you want it.

You can then cross stitch the design yourself and recreate the original photo but in the unique craft of cross stitch.

An Heirloom is a wonderful keepsake to pass on to the next generation of your family, and one that you have cross stitched yourself will be infinitely more special and lovingly treasured. It is a way of passing on a legacy and ensuring that you will be remembered always.

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

Cross stitching is a great hobby for children. It can help to develop hand to eye coordination, shape and colour recognition, as well as encourage cooperative behavior, patience and creativity. Most of all, it can be good fun for you and your child — an interest to share together, and become a hobby that your child can enjoy without an adult being present, and a passion for life!

The first experience of cross stitching is important. You’ll want this to be a happy experience for both of you. If it isn’t, the child may be reluctant to start again. Children usually want to see fast results, and especially to finish their first sessions on a positive and successful note.

Let your child choose a simple design, perhaps a favourite animal or character that contains only two or three colours, and in whole stitches only. As for fabric, tiny hands may have difficulty with aida or evenweave, so you may want to consider using plastic canvas or 6-count Binca. As your child becomes more experienced, 11- and 14- count fabrics will be the next step.

You’ll also need to provide appropriately sized needles. A size 22 tapestry needle will do the job very well. An easier option is to choose a kit designed and manufactured for children (see below). Choosing a kit together can create a lot of pleasure and anticipation for the project ahead.

Gentle supervision will be necessary during the child’s first attempts. Make sure the child washes hands carefully before stitching begins. In the early days eating must be discouraged, as anyone who has tried to remove melted chocolate from fabric will testify.

Arrange things so that all items are within easy reach. The child must also appreciate the need to keep track of the needle and scissors, as these are potentially dangerous items to lose. You can stress the importance of returning the scissors to its special place, perhaps in the middle of the table.

Sessions should be short enough to keep the child’s attention and enthusiasm, but long enough to achieve some sort of noticeable progress. Starting the first stitches can be the most difficult part of the project, and it’s advisable to help your child by starting off the stitching yourself, anchoring the thread carefully at the back. It’s probably unnecessary to give too much information at first, but there are certain tips that can help your child enjoy stitching.

You may decide to let your child practise the basic cross-stitch on a piece of scrap material before attempting the real thing. You’ll need to explain and demonstrate that the square in the fabric matches the square in the design. You can also demonstrate allowing the needle to dangle and spin around, at regular intervals so that the thread untwists itself.

You may also encourage making each stitch in the same way, so that the top legs of the stitches go in the same direction. It’s also a good idea for children to complete each stitch before attempting the next one. The child can then see the picture growing in a satisfying way.

As with all new tasks, children learn best by having their efforts praised at regular intervals (don’t we all?). Stitching must be fun rather than being a test, a chore or a battle of wits. It’s rewarding for the child to finish the piece, rather than have you take over, even if this means that you may do some of the more difficult parts of the design and leave the last, easier stitches for the child to complete.

The finished article should be commented on in positive terms by all the family, and you could consider ironing the piece and then placing it in a frame and displaying it so that everyone can be reminded of the achievement. As well as giving the child added confidence, this can also mean that the next project will be eagerly anticipated.

Kits for children can be bought in the UK from:

Crafts Unlimited Link to: http://www.crafts-unlimited.co.uk/system/index.html

The Coleshill Collection Link to: http://www.coleshillcollection.co.uk/shop.asp?mode=cat&item=17

Chunky cross stitch for children by Pako Link to: http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran1768-0.html

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

When you are just beginning your cross-stitch hobby, you may be confused by certain symbols and terminology. What are fractional stitches and how do they affect a design? If you need fractional stitches, how do you do them? Knowing how to do fractional stitches will help you create more ornate and smooth looking designs. Yet they can sometimes be a little more challenging in your designs.

What are Fractional Stitches?

Fractional stitches are basically half stitches, quarter stitches, and three-quarter stitches. They get the name “fractional stitches,” because they break up a normal cross-stitch into its parts. They each have a purpose, whether it is to soften a background or create a more subtle curve in a design. As you become more advanced you will need to know how to use them effectively in your projects.

The Half Stitch

Half stitches are just how they sound. They are a half of one full stitch. They are usually used to soften the background in the project or they can even be helpful at shading. Here are the directions for completing a half-stitch:

• Step 1: Bring the needle up from the back in the bottom, left corner.

• Step 2: Bring the floss diagonally across the square.

• Step 3: Bring the needle down through the front in the top, right corner.

While this is a left to right half-stitch, you can also do it in a right to left fashion. A half stitch is often represented by a special symbol in a full square. You will need to search your key to find out what the symbol means.

The Quarter Stitch

Quarter stitches are often used to provide a smoother curve in a design, especially circular objects in your design. They are also like they sound in that the stitch represents one quarter of a full stitch. Here is how you complete a quarter stitch in your design:

• Step 1: Bring the needle up from the back in the bottom, left corner.

• Step 2: Bring the floss diagonally, half way across the square.

• Step 3: Bring the needle down through the center of the square.

Again, this is a left to right quarter stitch, but they can actually be stitched from any corner of the square. You should also use a smaller needle when stitching a quarter stitch, because there is a smaller “hole” to use in the center of the square. Finally, be careful not to shift the fibers in the fabric. They are woven so that there is a center hole through which you can pass the thread.

The quarter stitch is often represented in the key by a reduced symbol. On color charts it is represented by a half square. However, the three-quarter stitch can be represented by the same thing, so you will either have to consult your key or take a guess at what the designer wanted.

The Three-Quarter Stitch

Three-quarter stitches are also used to create curves in a design. The stitch is a combination of a quarter stitch and a half stitch. Here is how to complete a three-quarter stitch in your design:

• Step 1: Bring the needle up from the back in the bottom, left corner.

• Step 2: Bring the floss diagonally, half way across the square.

• Step 3: Bring the needle down through the center of the square.

• Step 4: Bring the needle up from the back in the bottom, right corner.

• Step 5: Bring the floss diagonally across the square.

• Step 6: Bring the needle down through the front in the top, left corner.

A three-quarter stitch can be done in any direction to enhance your project. Again, you will want to use a smaller needle and be careful of moving the fibers in the fabric. Remember that this stitch is often represented by a reduced symbol or half a square, so you will need to consult your key to figure out what the designer wants.

More than One Fractional Stitch

While you may have a detailed design that requires fractional stitches, you may also have them in your one square. For some people this creates quite a conundrum for some stitchers, because there are different ways to approach the stitches. You can do two three-quarter stitches, but some stitchers think it looks “lumpy.” You can also do one three-quarter stitch and one quarter stitch, but you need to be careful about which objects you want to be more prominent so that you do the three-quarter stitch in that one.

Fractional stitches can make a design look much more refined, but you need to know how to use them effectively, especially as your designs become more ornate. As you grow more advanced in your stitching you will appreciate your skill in fractional stitching as the stitches enhance the look and feel of your designs.

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

Most cross stitch fans love creating something special for family and friends. Often, they stitch a card to commemorate a special occasion or holiday. These cards are beautiful and are greatly admired by their recipients. But after a time, the cards are stored away and forgotten. A better idea might be to give a specially designed bookmark as a present.

Think about the possibilities. Not only can a cross stitch bookmark carry a personalized message just like a card can, but it also will be used time and again. Moreover, your friends will think of you each time they settle down with a good book. What better way to be remembered?

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

Start by thinking of a pattern that in some way reflects the personality of the recipient. For instance, does your friend like to garden or have a beloved flower? How about a craft or hobby he or she enjoys? Stitching a bookmark is easy and doesn’t take long because the pattern is, by necessity, small and simple. So pick just one element that signifies what this person likes and use that for your cross stitch bookmark.

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.

A bookmark kit may be the best way for you to get started. A kit contains everything you’ll need. Inside the kit you’ll find instructions, thread in the amount and colors you’ll need, and cross stitch material. Keep the instructions so you can use them the next time you create a cross stitch bookmark. When choosing a kit, look for a pattern that matches the interests of the person your gift is for.

As a general rule, a bookmark is tall and narrow. It should slip easily between the pages of a book. Don’t use floss that is thick or fuzzy, since this could make it difficult to close the book. When you’re determining the exact dimensions for your bookmark, give some thought to the reading choices of your friend. If your friend reads hardcovers, create a longer bookmark than if he or she prefers paperbacks. Generally, you’ll want the finished bookmark to be no longer than nine inches but no shorter than six inches (15 to 22cm). Regarding the width, many stitchers prefer to keep the bookmark around two and a half inches (6.5cm).

When you’re ready to start, measure and cut the aida or evenweave material. Since you don’t want the fabric to fray, cover the edges with a pretty piece of ribbon or edge binding. One cute technique some stitchers use is to create a fringed edge on the bookmark. You do this by cutting a piece of fabric larger than the intended bookmark and then carefully fraying around each side. You’ll want the frayed edges to be the same length. To prevent the fraying from continuing once you’re done creating the fringe, use an anti-fray glue or spray.

After you’ve cut out the fabric and secured the edges, you’re ready to create the design. Locate a pattern you like. Magazines are a great place to locate patterns, as are books. Better yet, create your own pattern. Simply use a piece of graph paper and draw out your design. As always, each stitch is signified by a square on the paper.

As you work, you’ll want to make your stitching as tidy as possible. When you finish, glue a ribbon fragment onto the back so you can neatly cover the underside. Keep your knots small to avoid any bumps.

Another way you can add a little pizzazz to a bookmark is by folding the bottom into a point. The triangle point gives the bookmark extra flare and is a perfect place to hang a pretty tassel, perhaps one with a bead or other decoration.

After you’ve completed your bookmark, you’ll want to iron it. Place a towel both over and under the bookmark, and then carefully press. Make certain the heat isn’t too high since you don’t want to hurt your project.

Stitching bookmarks is fun and easy. After you’ve done a few, you may decide you really enjoy making bookmarks for gifts. These projects take very little time. Let your creativity run wild and see what you can make.

More importantly, think how delighted your friends will be when they receive a beautiful cross stitch bookmark. Unlike a stitched card, which may end up forgotten in a drawer, a personalized bookmark is sure to be treasured for years.

Browse through more than 150 cross stitch articles created by John Wigham with a number focusing on the humble cross stitch bookmark. Why not visit Patterns Patch cross stitch community for your free report.

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by John Wigham

If you ask people to name their favourite flowers, it is likely that they will place roses high on their lists. Roses are very popular, and have been named the Queen of flowers, possibly because of their beauty — creating a wide expanse of color in the garden, and valued for their heady fragrance too. There are thousands of varieties that differ in shape of blooms, size, fragrance and some even lack thorns. Roses are so popular you cannot go far wrong when stitching a cross stitch rose pattern.

Many rose enthusiasts maintain that roses reflect the nature of life. All of us must overcome the thorns in life to achieve a sense of contentment and harmony.

You’ll be able to find the perfect cross stitch rose pattern with a little exploration. The patterns available include everything from standard rose bouquets to modern rose patterns by artists such as Rennie Mackintosh. You’ll even find Art Deco rose designs. The choices may seen overwhelming at first, but consider the likes and dislikes of the recipient. Also, don’t overlook the symbolic meaning of the various types of roses.

Aphrodite and Venus were two Greek goddesses of love. Roses were used to identify these lovely ladies. Another tradition involving roses comes from Italy. To tell others that a confidential meeting was taking places, roses were put on the room’s door. This tradition produced the term ‘sub rosa’ because the meeting was taking place ‘under the rose,’ which in turn meant a secret was being kept.

Many centuries ago, Christians considered the five petals of the rose to symbolise the five wounds of Christ, and the red rose was used to symbolise the blood of Christian martyrs.

Cultures around the globe view roses symbolically. For instance, both England and the United States have the rose as the national flower. Some coats of arms have roses, and the red variety is considered to be a symbol of social democracy. Famously, the House of Lancaster and the House of York fought the War of the Roses in England. Roses of two different colors represented these two houses — Lancaster was red, York was white.

When it comes to flowers, many people believe they have meanings. These meanings are the result not only of the type of flower by also the color and even the shape.

* Red roses are thought to symbolize love. If the red rose is a rosebud, it symbolizes both beauty and purity. Also, if a red rose has no thorns, it’s believed to reflect love at first sight.

* Yellow roses are for friendship, new starts, and platonic love. If the tips of the yellow rose’s petals are red, then the flower symbolizes falling in love. If you’re in Germany or any other country that speaks predominately German, avoid yellow roses. They’re thought to symbolize the green-eyed monster, jealousy, and infidelity.

* Pink roses are thought to denote appreciation and grace. If the pink is dark, then the giver is supposedly grateful. If, however, the petals are a light pink, then the message is one of sympathy and admiration.

* Peach and orange roses can be given to woo someone. They’re symbolic of sensuality, desire, passion, and fascination.

* White roses are always popular, especially with brides. They depict innocence and purity. White rosebuds are always in demand because they symbolize starting a new life. Some people feel white roses also stand for humility and reverence.

Finding the perfect cross stitch rose pattern sometimes is a little difficult. You may find a design you like, but the color of the roses may be all wrong. The solution to this dilemma is easy. Simply change the color of the roses.

Before you start, keep these hints in mind:

* If you find you need to use threads of a different color, buy the same brand as the other threads. Threads from different cross stitch companies can vary in appearance, so always utilize the same thread brand.

* When you change the color of the rose, don’t forget to add shading. Shading gives the flowers a three-dimensional appearance. Don’t simply buy one color to stitch the rose.

* When in doubt, as for help. The employees at a craft store should be able to help you pick the right threads. Also, hold the threads next to each other so you can see how the shading will look. Moreover, don’t just consider the color of the roses when making your thread choice. Make certain the roses don’t clash with the material and the other threads you’ll be using on your cross stitch rose pattern.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’re certain to create a great rose pattern that will delight a friend or family member.

Obtain your free quality-report from Patterns Patch cross stitch community. There are more than 150 cross stitch charts ready for immediate use by John Wigham’s community affiliates with some suitable for a cross stitch rose pattern.

Get your own completely unique content version of this article.

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by James Smith

Ever taken a glance at someone’s else cross stitch masterpiece and wondered how they did it? The truth is, you too can do the same, if not better. Here are some simple tricks which can help make your cross stitching hobby a more enchanting experience :

(1) Cross stitching is a hobby. So, enjoy the whole process by taking the time to finish the work. There’s really no need to rush through. In fact, the slower you do so, the more control you give as to how the stitches are positioned and layered. That in turns affects the quality of the work you present in the end.

(2) To ensure that the colour of your threads doesn’t fade after you’ve completed your work, one of the simplest trick is to soak the threads in a bowl of vinegar that’s mixed with an equal amount of cold water. This should be done before you even proceed with the stitching work. The whole duration shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. After that, take out the thread, rinse it and hang dry.

(3) One of the major frustration of cross stitching is having to stoop high and low just to find your needle when you’ve accidentally dropped it. If this happens to you again, simply make use of a small magnet to help you attract the needle. Just gently sweep across the area together with the magnet and if the needle’s nearby, it will get picked up easily.

(4) To prevent creases in the fabric in the event you’re using an embroidery hoop, remove the fabric whenever you’re not stitching.

(5) Fraying or tangling of the thread is usually caused by threads that are worn out as a result of the friction from all the pulling, through the fabric. To lessen the chances of it being so, always limit the length of your thread to say, twelve inches long.

(6) Even if your thread does get tangled while you’re stitching, just let the needle loose and let it hang down. It will automatically unwind itself. This is a great tip to avoid knotting as well.

(7) Keep your unfinished work carefully rolled up on a paper towel cardboard roll instead of folding it for easy storage. This will lessen the occurrence of creases, which are usually difficult to straighten out even after the project’s completed.

(8) When it comes to maintenance of your completed works, make it a point to prevent the direct exposure to sunlight. Some of you may think it’s alright to do so if your cross stitch artwork is framed. The truth is, glass only blocks out sixty percent of the harmful ultraviolet rays.

(9) In the event you need to clean up your needlework, use a combination of cold water, ivory dishwashing liquid in a flat pan and soak your craftwork until the dirt comes off. Then, slowly rinse it under cold water but make it a point not to scrub or make creases on the work as these could damage it permanently. Once that’s done, lay it flat for drying.

(10) If you’ve any fabric or spare threads leftover from your projects, save them up. You can always use them to make creative gift tags for Christmas.

James writes for a fee. Looking for discount cheap stamped or count cross stitch kits for sale such as Thomas Kinkade cross stitch kits or Bucilla cross stitch kits? Check out the links.

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by James Smith

Ever taken a peek at somebody’s cross stitch masterpiece and marveled at how they did it? The reality is, you also can do it too. Here are some basic tips that can assist in making your cross stitching pastime a more captivating experience :

(1) Cross stitching is a pastime. Therefore, bask in the whole journey by taking the effort to complete the work. There’s actually no need to hurry through the work. As a matter of fact, the slower you do so, the added control you bring about how the stitches are set and layered. Which in turns impacts the quality of the work you present in the end.

(2) To ascertain that the color of your threads does not fade after you have accomplished your work, among the simplest trick is to dowse the thread in a bowlful of vinegar mixed with an equivalent amount of cold water. These ought to be done prior to your proceeding with the stitching work. The entire duration should not take more than five minutes. Subsequently, remove the thread, rinse off the excess fluid and hang dry.

(3) among the major frustrations of cross stitching is being forced to crouch high and low just to locate your needle whenever you have unintentionally dropped. Should this happens to you once again, just use of a small magnet to assist you attract the needle. Simply sweep across the area jointly with the magnet and if the needle’s close, it will get picked up easily.

(4) To prevent the fabric from getting crumpled If you’re using an embroidery hoop, take out the fabric when you are not stitching.

(5) Fraying or knotting of the thread is usually caused by threads which are worn out due to the friction from all the pulling around the fabric. To lower the risks of it being so, make it a point to restrict the length of your thread to about 12 inches long.

(6) Even should your thread does get knotty while you’re stitching, just let go of the needle, hanging it upside down. It will automatically loosen up itself. Here’s an awesome tip to avoid tangling as well.

(7) Keep your incomplete work cautiously rolled up with a paper towel cardboard roll instead of folding it for easy storing. This will lower the happening of creases, that are usually hard to iron out even after the project’s finished.

(8) When it comes to upkeep of your completed cross stitch pieces, always ensure it is not directly exposed to sunlight. A few of you might think it’s ok to do so if your artwork is framed. The fact is, glass only screens 60% of the harmful UV.

(9) should you need to clean up your needlecraft, use a hybrid of ivory dishwashing liquid and cold water in a level pan and drench your craftwork until the filth breaks away. Next, gradually rinse off under cold water but make it a point not to scrub as that may crumple the needlework and damage it. After that’s done, place it flat for drying out.

(10) in the event you have any left over threads or fabric, save them up to make creative gift tags for Christmas.

James is a professional writer. Looking to find cheap cross stitch kits on sale such as buy cheap discount Disney cross stitch kits for sale or buy cheap discount cross stitch Christmas stocking kits for sale? Check out the links.

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by Geordie Johnny

Can’t wait to get started stitching a cross stitch project? Well, before you find yourself in over your head, take some time to learn the basics. If you are a cross stitch beginner, don’t start out by taking on a project that’s too complicated for you. Pick a pattern that’s suitable for your skill level. Start out with something easy, and then work your way up to the more complicated patterns.

As a cross stitch beginner, you should take the time to learn the craft. Thankfully, it’s easy to find the resources you need to learn this skill. A couple of great websites exist that can help you master the basics of cross stitch:

www(dot)yarntree(dot)com/007begin(dot)htm What a fun site this is. There’s a cross stitch chart on this site that’s free and comes with the directions you need to stitch the pattern. Moreover, the site lists what items you need to buy if you’re new to cross stitch. As you explore, you’ll discover information on lots of cross stitch topics. You can learn about such topics as fabric choices and how you make your first stitches. Even more advanced stitchers can find something of interest here.

www(dot)caron-net(dot)com/patguide(dot)html Even if you are no longer a cross stitch beginner, you’ll find this second site helpful. The site contains a wealth of cross stitch information. You can find tips about specific stitches, suggestions when it comes to fabric choices, and ideas on the best way to use various flosses. Moreover, every few weeks more information is added, so this is a site you’ll want to visit on a regular basis.

So, my lovely converts to the art of cross stitch, now you know what you are doing you need something to do and that means finding some basic but pretty little patterns. There are thousands of patterns everywhere you look on the internet however many are not suitable for your first time out — trust me! So where do you go for some great beginners patterns?

Here’s a tip–go to www(dot)cross-stitch-academy(dot)com/beginners/beginners(dot)html when you first start looking. This is a great site with eight terrific patterns for beginners. Each pattern has a chart that shows you which colors to use, directions on how to stitch the picture, and an illustration showing how the finished project will look.

What’s wonderful about this site is it’s so easy and helpful that even children will find it fun. These great patterns are free for you to download and enjoy. Take a moment to look at each of them. You’ll find a nice variety, with everything from flowers to a pretty border, plus some great holiday patterns. You’ll also find a great little project to give Mom. Even if your skills are more advanced, you’ll find fun patterns on this site.

When you get bored by this site, or just too good at stitching, then you can also try www(dot)dltk-kids(dot)com/type/crossstitch (dot)htm where there are loads of free beginner patterns to choose from. Technically this site is a children’s site but I regularly visit and download a couple of easy patterns for my cross stitch beginner daughter and the odd one for me.

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll find patterns for a chicken, a cat, a dog, a frog, a ladybug, and even a cute turtle. This site also has delightful holiday patterns and pretty patterns for the seasons. Each pattern can be printed and comes with directions and an explanation of the floss required.

Each cross stitch beginner should be encouraged and congratulated for taking the first step in the long journey to becoming a master stitcher. Be warned though — once you start, you just can’t seem to stop!

John Wigham is a highly experienced writer and co-owner of Patterns Patch an online cross stitch community devoted to counted cross stitch and assisting every cross stitch beginner.

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by James Smith

More and more people love to do cross stitching these days. It perhaps started out with a visit to their local shopping centre, and they were in the hobby department. They saw an embroidery image which they truly liked and thought how great it would be to complete one of these pictoral designs. There are a lot of cross stitch Kits each year which are resembling pieces of exquisite fine art. They come in various designs, sizes and shapes. The smaller kits are terrific for children or adolescents learning how to do cross stitching.

Some of the aged kits were of attractive butterflies and other prints. Nowadays you can also find kits which have sceneries of natural countryside cottages and mountains as well as swamps, bridges and various awe inspiring views – all created with embroidery thread or yarn.

Cross stitch kits can train a person to do different types of stitches on a multitude of fabric materials. Be it canvas, felt or just the standard textile. Depending on whether the cross stitch kit is counted or stamped, the design can be found printed on the canvas or felt itself. Manufacturers of such cross stitch kits are also getting creative. For example, it’s not uncommon to find some kits are specially designed to be transformed onto handbags or even pillows.

And what does these kits come with? They usually contain a piece or felt or canvas, a selection of threads need for the cross stitch design, a needle and a color guide stipulating all the colors required for the design and a simple print of the what the completed design will look like. If there are more colors expected to be used for the design, naturally, the amount of thread or yarn that comes with the kit will naturally be of a higher quantity.

When it comes to cross stitching, it’s important to note the difference between stamped or counted cross stitch. The former, as its name suggests, will have the design stampped right in front of the canvas whereas the latter is just a blank canvas and you will be required to manually counting the number of spaces you will need before proceeding.

Here are some due diligence to ensure you get the best experience with your cross stitch kit. First of all, make sure you inspect that everything’s complete and intact in the kit before sewing. Also make sure the canvas properly cut and there are no major fraying or flaws in the material. In the event there are any missing items or undesirable defects, send it back to the manufacturer for an exchange. Remember, nowadays, such kits are mass produced so factory manufacturing omissions or defects could be a likelihood.

If you happen to run out of the thread required for the project’s completion, don’t panic. Take the color chart that’s provided in the kit and go back to the store to get more of it. It would be great if you can also bring along a sample of the thread so that the matching can be done easily. And if the store runs out or couldn’t match the color you need, try assessing the website or obtain the contact number – that’s usually printed on the instruction sheet – to place an order for the things you need.

James is a freelancer. Looking to cheap counted or stamped cross stitch kits on sale such as buy cheap discount Thomas Kinkade cross stitch kits for sale or buy cheap discount Bucilla cross stitch kits for sale? Check out the links.

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