What exactly is cross stitch embroidery : Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and is famous amongst enthusiasts across the world. Many folk museums show examples of clothing decorated with cross-stitch, especially from continental Europe and Asia. Cross-stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture.
There are two different stitching techniques commonly used in Cross Stitch Embroidery.
The first, the "stab" method, is used by most beginning stitchers. The stab method involves moving the hand back and forth from the front of the fabric to the back of the fabric. The needle is "stabbed" into the front of the fabric, left there, and then pulled through from the other side. The second, the "Sewing" method is a favourite of stitchers who prefer to hold the fabric in the hand instead of hoop.
Each stitch technique has unique characteristics. The stab method is effective when using a hoop or frame. The stab method of stitching does not distort the fabric. It is easy to make certain that the stitch is placed properly. In the sewing method, the stitcher's hand and needle stay on top of the fabric, except when securing floss. The needle scoops under the weave of the fabric. Since this requires practice, the sewing method is not the best for beginners. It is more difficult to ensure stitch placement, and the fabric can be distorted by the scooping motion. For more experienced stitchers, this sewing technique is preferred for some projects because a hoop is not required and the speed is considerably faster.
Some forms of Cross Stitch : Here we introduce you to some of the common and famous forms of cross stitch : Counted cross-stitch is unique since this involves actual counting of each of the stitches. Cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the canvas, showing every single cross (stamped cross-stitch)."
Two-dimensional (unshaded) cross-stitch in floral and geometric patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen, is characteristic of folk embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe.
Multicoloured, shaded, painting-like patterns as we know them today are a recent development, deriving from similar shaded patterns of Berlin wool work of the mid-nineteenth century
Cross-stitch is the most popular form of hobby embroidery in the western world. It lends itself well to recreational use, as it is easy to learn and very versatile.
In the United States, the earliest known cross-stitch sampler is currently housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts (Pilgrim Hall).The sampler was created by Loara Standish, the daughter of Captain Myles Standish, circa 1653.
Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to embellish items like dishcloths, household linens, and doilies (only a small portion of which would actually be embroidered). Although there are many cross-stitchers who still employ it in this fashion, especially in Europe, it is now more popular to simply embroider plain pieces of canvas and hang them on the wall for decoration. There are many cross-stitching "guilds" across the United States and Europe which offer classes, collaborate on large projects, stitch for charity, and provide other ways for local cross-stitchers to get to know one another.
Embroidery Designs Guide
Hand Embroidery Designs
Amazing Embroidery Designs
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Speak to most people who cross stitch and they will be the first to tell you that they love cross stitching because it is so relaxing. It also gives you a great sense of accomplishment and pride to show off your finished pieces. Best of all – it is so easy to learn.
There are two types of cross stitching – one type is called counted cross stitch (where you work from a pattern) and the other type is called stamped cross stitch (where the design has been pre-printed onto fabric). Stamped cross stitch is also called “no count cross stitch” because you do not have to count the squares on the fabric to figure out where a stitch should be placed.
Counted cross stitch transfers a design from a printed pattern onto evenweave fabric. One square in the fabric represents one square on the pattern. Each square on the pattern, which contains a symbol, represents a stitch. The different symbols on the pattern represent different colors of floss. The stitcher uses embroidery floss to place X's on the fabric corresponding to the symbols on the pattern.
To Begin, find the center of the graph. For most patterns this is shown with arrows or a bold line. Next, find the center of your fabric. An easy way to do this is to fold the fabric in half vertically and "pinch" with your finger to make a small crease. Open the fabric, fold in half horizontally and make another "pinch". Open the fabric up. The two creases will mark the center of the fabric. Most stitchers like to start cross stitching close to the center of the design in order to keep the design centered on the fabric. This makes it easier to frame the finished piece. Another benefit by starting at the center is that you know you will have enough material. It would be an absolute nightmare if you started on one side, only to get to the other side and find out that after all your hard work, you don’t have enough material to finish your design on.
To begin stitching, bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric leaving about a 1" tail of thread behind the fabric. Stitch the next 5 or 6 stitches over the tail. Clip off extra thread. To end off, weave your needle back through the last 5 or 6 stitches and clip the thread short so as not to leave a loose tail. Do not make knots on the back of the fabric when starting or ending your stitching, as the knots will make lumps on the fabric and will not allow the piece to lie flat.
When stitching your little X’s, first work a row of half stitches (////) one way, then work backwards to complete the X's. It is important that all the X's are crossed in the same direction. That is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction (for example, "/"). It does not matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look uneven.
Remember to relax as you stitch and do not pull the thread too tight. Your stitches should lie flat on your fabric and not distort the holes or the fabric.
When your stitching is complete, wash in cool water using a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well. Do not wring, but roll in a clean towel to absorb most of the water. While still damp, place face down on a terry towel. Place another cloth on top of the needlework and press lightly with a warm iron. Let dry. Then frame or finish as desired.
To see more information on cross stitching, including free patterns and framing ideas, please visit http://www.beautifulcreations.ca
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If you are interested in learning embroidery, then the first step is to learn about the various stitches. Once you have learnt and understood each stitch, then no matter how complex a design maybe, it is not difficult to fill it up. Ideally, you must start with a simple design and the progress towards larger designs that also require more detailing.
In this guide of how to embroider for beginners we will take a look at various embroidery stitches...
The stitches:
The line stitch: This is the stitch usually done to create the outline of a design. This is the simplest and most basic stitch also used in sewing objects. There are various line stitches, which are as follows:
Running stitch: This is also termed as the basic sewing stitch; and is also used as a decorative embroidery stitch. Right-handed individuals will work this stitch from the right to the left, or top to bottom, as required. The left-handers will ideally work from left to right, or bottom to top. This is a forward running, continuous stitch.
Whipped running stitch: In this stitch the needle has to be brought up to the point where the running stitch began. Following this the needle has to be taken down through each of the running stitches. If a contrast thread is used then the line would look like a candy.
Back stitch: This is also an outline stitch and is used for sewing objects. This is a tight stitch. With this stitch the gap in the running stitch is covered.
Outline stitch: In this type of stitch the stitches form a solid rope-like line.
Stem stitch: This is a stitch, which is tighter than the outline stitch. This stitch is ideal for creating embroidered leaves and flowers.
The other stitches include:
Coral stitch Scroll stitch Chained stitch Fishbone stitch Flat stitch Satin stitch Buttonhole stitch Lazy-daisy stitch French knot Fly stitch
Embroidery patterns can be used to adorn any kind of dresses including wedding outfits and pageant dresses.
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