Cross Stitch How to

Fabric Basics

Aida is a brand name for cross stitch fabric, although there are others on the market. This type of material is best when starting out - I must admit I use it all the time. It has holes to put the needle through and makes it easy to stitch.

Evenweave does not have the guide holes, but does have a better finish. To use evenweave you need to have double the count - e.g. 28 count to replace 14 count Aida as there are no guide holes. There are different counts of fabric, based on inches. For example, 14 count is pretty much standard - there are 14 squares to the inch. Do allow a two inch/five cm overlap all the way around your design to allow for mounting.

Hoops etc.

Most stitchers prefer to use something to hold the fabric taut whilst stitching. Hoops are popular, as are other frames, it’s personal preference, yet hoops are cheap to start. Place the fabric between to two hoops then turn the screw until finger tight.

Needles

There are also different needle sizes to match your count of fabric. These needles have a large eye and a blunt end. The higher the number, the slimmer the needle.

Thread

Thread, also known as floss, comes with six strands and these should be separated. Usually, 14 count fabric would use two strands of thread. 16 count either one or two strand and 18 count one strand.

You have a choice here - if the design calls for two threads, you can cut a length of 18 inches/.5 metre and thread the two cut ends of one strand into the needle. This ensures you have a loop (make sure it is at the back) to put your needle through to anchor the first stitch. If not, put the needle through the back of other stitches, or hold in place until it is secure.

Insert the needle from the back of the fabric to the front, then down diagonally through to the back. Usually go from top right to bottom left, but I prefer top left to bottom right as per photo, but it doesn't matter which, so long as you are consistent.

Step 1.

Step 2.

Return the needle up through another hole of the 'square' and down again through the final hole to create the cross stitch.

To finish off stitching, run needle and thread through the stitches at the back of the work - no knots as they will make the finished item bumpy.