BEGINNERS START HERE…
New to cross stitch? Our handy guide will take you through all the basic techniques and stitches you need to get you started
THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING
NEEDLES
For basic stitching you’ll need a tapestry needle that has a blunt tip and large eye. Use a size 24 needle for most aidas, and a size 26 for evenweaves and linens. Use a sharp embroidery needle for finer details such as backstitch and French knots.
EMBROIDERY SCISSORS
Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads.
STRANDED COTTON
Embroidery thread is also called stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will tell you how many strands you’ll need to stitch with.
HOOPS AND FRAMES
Though not absolutely essential, we do recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame to keep an even stitching tension.
FABRICS
Aida is an ideal choice for cross stitch beginners. 14 count is the most common, although it’s available in a huge variety of colours and counts. Each cross stitch is worked over a single aida block, making counting and keeping your place a cinch.
Evenweave is much simpler to work with than you might think. Start with a 25 or 28 count evenweave, such as Zweigart Lugana. Once you’re confident, try your hand at a linen version.
Start stitching… on aida
Step 1
CUT a 40cm thread length, and thread your needle with two of the six strands. Knot one end and start with a waste knot (opposite). Make a diagonal half cross stitch across a single aida block.
Step 2
MAKE a second diagonal stitch to make the cross. You can work a row of half cross stitches first, then work back on yourself to complete the stitches. All the top stitches should face the same way.
and… on evenweave
INSTEAD of taking your needle diagonally across a single aida block, take your needle diagonally across two evenweave threads, creating a half cross stitch as before.
STARTING A THREAD
1. Away waste knot
KNOT one end of your thread and take it down through the front of your fabric, 2cm from your starting point.Bring it back up to the front of the fabric to make your first stitch. Begin stitching your design, making sure you stitch over your starting thread with each stitch. Once you’re happy that your starting thread is secure, snip o the knot. To secure your thread when you’ve finished stitching, weave it through the back of your stitches.
2. Loop knot
WORKING in two strands makes a loop knot the neatest method. Cut a single length of thread, twice as long as normal. Fold in half to create a loop at one end. Thread your needle with the two tail ends. Bring your needle up to the front of your fabric, leaving a small loop of thread on the reverse. Make a half cross stitch, passing your needle through the loop on the reverse, as shown. Pull all the way to secure the thread then continue with your stitching.
FRACTIONALS
These stitches are great for adding a bit more detail to your work
START with a quarter stitch, working from one corner into the centre (with aida, you’ll need to pierce the fabric). Make a quarter stitch in your second colour, coming up from the opposite corner and back down the centre. Finish with a half cross stitch. Fractionals are charted either as two symbols opposite one another in a square, or as a symbol opposite an empty space.
ADDING BACKSTITCH OUTLINES & DETAILS
Step 1
WORK your backstitch once you’ve finished the cross stitch. To secure your thread, weave it through the back of your stitches, then bring your needle up to the surface.
Step 2
MAKE each backstitch over one thread of fabric on aida and two threads if you work on evenweave. Follow the chart to see where to place each one.
FRENCH KNOTS
Go dotty with this simple way to add neat knots to your designs
Step 1
BRING your needle up at your starting point and wrap your thread once or twice around the needle. Use one strand for a small knot and two for a chunkier knot. Hold your thread end firmly and take your needle down, ever so slightly away from where you came up. Slide the twisted thread down the needle, so it rests on the fabric’s surface.
Step 2
FEED the needle gently through the fabric. Try to keep your thread as taut as possible to prevent the knot becoming loose. Gently pull your thread through to tighten the knot, so that it sits neatly on the surface. Keep practising your French knots until you are happy you have perfected the technique.