Cross-Stiych Basics
Working From Charted Designs
Cross stitch is a form of counted embroidery that utilizes X-shaped stitches on a stitching surface. Crossstitch patterns are created with a grid system, using horizontal and vertical lines that intersect to create squares. Each square on a chart corresponds to a space for a cross stitch on the stitching surface. The symbol within the square correlates with the color code, which indicates the recommended floss color to be used for the stitch. Backstitches and straight stitches are indicated on the chart with colored lines, and French knots are shown with colored dots. All symbols and lines on a chart correlate with color codes.
To aid in counting, the chart is segmented, with every 10th line having a heavier appearance. Arrows at the top and left side of the grid indicate the center of the pattern.
For most projects, it is best to begin stitching at the center of the design and at the center point of the fabric.
Pattern Details
Skill Level: The recommended level of cross-stitch skills needed to successfully complete the design.
Stitch Count: The number of stitches, by height and width, that are in the design.
Design Size: The dimensions, in inches, of the fully stitched design, based on the fabric count used.
Materials
This list states the materials that are recommended for the design and what was used to create the stitched model. It is recommended that you buy all the supplies needed for a project at the start. Floss comes in dye lots that may vary slightly between batches.
Fabric: The recommended cut size given typically allows for 3" of unstitched fabric to remain on all sides after the design is fully stitched. The thread count—14count, 28-count, etc.—refers to the number of squares or threads per inch and indicates how many cross stitches you can work within 1" when stitching over one square or thread. For example, on 14-count fabric, you can work 14 cross stitches within 1". Most higher count fabrics are stitched over two threads, which will decrease the number of stitches within 1" by half. Stitching over two threads using 28-count fabric will yield 14 stitches within 1".
Floss: The brand(s) and number of skeins of each type of floss required for the design will be stated. The color code and stitching instructions will give further information on how each floss will be used. Floss should be cut into comfortable working lengths of about 18". Most flosses have multi strands or plies, and the strands will need to be gently separated. Crossstitch designs are typically stitched with one or two strands, as indicated in the instructions.
Needles: A blunt-tip tapestry needle, size 24, 26 or 28, is used for stitching on most cross-stitch surfaces. The higher the needle number, the smaller the needle. A correctly sized needle is easy to thread with the number of strands of floss required, but it is not so large that it will distort the holes in the fabric. A beading needle may also be required if beads are incorporated into the design.
Color Code
The color code lists the colors of floss needed to complete the design and is organized by the manufacturer’s product number. A symbol is found to the left of each floss entry and correlates with symbols on the chart. The symbols show where the floss is used in the design. An alternative floss choice is typically provided should you choose not to use the brand indicated by the designer.
Getting Started
Begin by gathering all the supplies you’ll need for your project. In addition to the cross-stitch pattern and the materials listed, you’ll also need embroidery scissors and an embroidery hoop. For those with vision difficulties, a lighting source with magnification may be beneficial.
Prepare to stitch by centering the fabric in the embroidery hoop. It is best to begin the first stitch at the center of the fabric and work out from that point, so find the starting point on the chart and on the fabric. Thread your needle with the color and
number of strands of floss indicated for that first stitch.
To begin in an unstitched area, bring the threaded needle from the back to the front of the fabric. Hold about 1/2" of the end of the floss against the back, and then anchor it securely in place by catching it under the back loops of your first few stitches (Fig. 1). To end and begin new lengths of floss next to existing stitches, weave the floss ends through the backs of several stitches.
The Basic Stitches
Aim for consistent tension on your stitches. Don’t pull so tightly that the fabric becomes warped. The stitches should lie flat against the fabric without pulling against it. Likewise, don’t leave stitches loose, as to allow the floss to gap.
Avoid making long jumps between stitches across the back of the fabric as this may allow floss to show through on the front. When moving to a new area that is more than a few stitches away, you should end your length of floss and then begin it again in the new spot.
Basic stitches are shown here. Illustrations for these and more can be found in the back of each issue of Just CrossStitch.
Cross stitch: The cross stitch is formed in two motions, a right-slanting leg and a left-slanting leg. Follow the numbering in Fig. 2, bringing the needle up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, and down at 4 to complete the stitch. Work horizontal rows of stitches wherever possible by stitching the right-slanting leg of the first stitch and then moving on to the right-slanting leg of the next stitch of the same color. When you’ve completed the right-slanting legs of all adjoining stitches of that color, reverse direction and work the leftslanting legs of each until the stitches are complete. When working with multi-shaded or multicolored floss, it’s generally advisable to finish each stitch entirely before progressing to the next one. This approach highlights the color transitions most effectively.
Half cross stitch: Work only the bottom layer, or one leg, of a cross stitch (Fig. 3).
Backstitch: Work after cross stitches have been completed. These may be worked in any direction. Fig. 4 shows the progression of several stitches; bring floss up at odd numbers and down at even numbers.
Straight stitch: Unlike a backstitch, which is worked over a set number of threads to make a line, a straight stitch is worked from one point to the next without connecting to the fabric in between the two points (Fig. 5).
French knot: Bring the floss up where indicated on the chart. Wrap floss twice around needle (Figs. 6–8) and reinsert needle into the fabric close to the same location. Note: On linen or evenweave fabrics, take the needle back down one thread beyond beginning of stitch; when stitching on Aida cloth, pierce the square near the beginning of the stitch. Hold the wrapped floss tightly and pull the needle through, letting go of the floss just as the knot is formed. Pull gently and firmly, but do not pull too tightly.