Stitch N Frame cross stitch, Stitching and needlework how to

 

Stitch 'N Frame

3700 sq ft of  Stitching Heaven
6000 Douglas   Ste.110
Des Moines,   Iowa  50322
515 270 1066

 

Home of Springberry Kreek Designs

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03/23/2007 We are here to help our stitchers, we answer all email within 48 hours.We are a full service shop.

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Cross stitch, Needlepoint, Embroidery, Crewel How to.
This will include tips from Tidbit Fans
and tips I have learned over the years. I will start extremely basic - things that Stitchers ask in the shop.  This is a start and organization will change as time goes on. Suggests, Questions, comments and tips are encouraged! I don't really know how basic to get this so we will wing it as we go along.

The bigger the count of your cross stitch fabric the
smaller your stitches. The bigger number on the needle the smaller the needle.

Always stitch with a tapestry needle. A chenille needle is a sharp tapestry needle.

Using a loop to start the floss is easier and eliminates hiding a tail on the startup of your cross stitch. This works only when using even numbers of floss strands.

To divide your skein of floss evenly, pull out 3 pulls and cut - this will divide the skein into 8 lengths.

How to find the size of the design in inches? Take the stitch count of the design area divided by the count of the fabric. The result is the inches of the design. Add 6" to the length and width for the cut fabric size. This will allow a margin of 3" all around the cross stitch design.

Anchor White(01) floss covers better than any other brand of white floss.

If the floss coverage is not to your satisfaction  on 14ct, try 16ct it is easier to see than 18ct and 2 st of floss covers very nicely.

 

Here are some more Cross stitching Hints
 


  How to make your piece look better

Start cross stitching from the center of the fabric whether it is aida or linen/Jobelan and you will never go wrong. Fold the fabric into quarters and place a pin on the point. Unfold and the pin is the center.

Stitching going down from one row to the next will create more even stitches and cleaner holes - I never stitch going up to the next row - before I do this, I will turn the fabric top to bottom and stitch upside down. (Flip your pattern too).

You may turn your fabric 180 degrees and stitch but never 90 degrees the will make your stitches incorrect as far as which direction the top stitch is laying.

Always cross the stitches in the same direction - conventionally the top stitch is from lower right to upper left. If you like to enter your pieces into competition - This is a point that will count against the quality of the stitching.

Stitching with overdyed threads, every stitch must be finished independently before going on the next stitch to give even color variation.

Attaching Beads
Attach seed beads generally with the color of floss of either the fabric or the bead.

Terminology
The Floss as it comes out of a skein is a length, each length is made of 6 STRANDS, each strand is made of 2 ply, the strands are not divisible into the plys otherwise the strength of the thread is compromised.

 

Do you have a tip? Email me  - if you like to include your first name and state that will posted as well!