| Are you planning to present a cross stitched item | | | | sized needles that can pass through the holes in the |
| made by you as a gift for your friend's birthday or as | | | | fabric effortlessly without enlarging them or distorting |
| a Christmas present for your grandmother? It is an | | | | the fabric. Also never leave your needles on the fabric |
| excellent and very innovative idea and you will be | | | | as it could leave a stain. |
| thanked for giving them such unique gifts. Cross stitch | | | | Threads |
| is very easy and if you are a beginner then also it is | | | | Use single strands of embroidery floss when you are |
| hassle free. You can start with simple designs and | | | | using 2 threads for stitching. If you are uncertain about |
| migrate to complicated ones once you are | | | | the color fastness of the floss make sure that you |
| accustomed with the process. There are some | | | | wash them before you use them. Immerse the |
| important necessities like the cross stitch materials that | | | | individual skeins separately in distilled water. If the color |
| you need for your creation. | | | | of the embroidery floss bleeds when you move it in |
| Fabric | | | | water remove the skein and use the same procedure |
| The most favored fabric for cross stitch is the Aida. It | | | | with fresh water till the color stops running. Remove |
| is made of cotton and has large pores. So this is a | | | | and dry it. |
| very good material to work on if you are a novice or if | | | | Frames and Hoops |
| your eyesight is not good. You can use some other | | | | Embroidery frames and hoops are good options |
| cross stitch materials also such as linen which give | | | | among cross stitch materials to mount your fabric onto |
| very good effects. It is better that you first try out your | | | | so that it is easy to handle and the stitches are |
| handiwork on inexpensive fabrics. Make sure to use | | | | smooth. Select a frame that envelops your entire |
| an embroidery hoop which helps in keeping your fabric | | | | design without you having to fold the fabric or bend it. |
| taut and facilitates easy stitching This also ensures no | | | | If you use white bias tape on the outer ring of the |
| oil staining problems on your fabric and prevents your | | | | hoop this will hold the fabric in place and prevent it |
| hands from becoming moist. Leave a gap of 3-4 | | | | from staining as well. Using a tissue paper between |
| inches on each side of the design. | | | | your fabric and the wooden hoop also helps to |
| Needles | | | | prevent your fabrics from getting stained by the |
| Tapestry needles are best suited for your cross | | | | wooden hoops. |
| stitching purposes and one of the most essential cross | | | | Scissors |
| stitch materials The blunt end and the large eye of the | | | | Always use a sharp pair of embroidery scissors for |
| needle prevents damage to the fabric. Select the right | | | | cutting the threads neatly. |