| First, choose a design chart or a kit | | | | The threads or floss as some will call it |
| Before you start cross-stitching, you will need to | | | | There are so many beautiful brands of threads out |
| decide on a design. What do you like to cross-stitch? | | | | there. The most widely used brand are DMC and |
| Do you want simple cartoons, funny sayings that | | | | Anchor. Both are six stranded cotton threads that can |
| make you smile every day or do you want a work of | | | | be divided easily into separate strands as per needed |
| art adapted from the finest paintings that exists today. | | | | by the design. Other notable and popular threads used |
| You can choose to get a standalone chart where you | | | | for cross-stitch are Kreinik Metallics, DMC Variations |
| will have to get your own materials which is perfect if | | | | & Light Effects metallics. These threads even |
| you already have leftover threads and fabric or you | | | | come with some that are glow in the dark! How cool is |
| can get a kit that comes with everything you need to | | | | that? |
| begin this exciting project. | | | | A little tip on threads. When you are ready to stitch, |
| Get the fabric | | | | don't cut the thread needed too long. It makes it harder |
| The chart that you chose will indicate the | | | | to separate and it will twist and knot. It will be a waste |
| recommended count for the design. Don't be | | | | of a thread when it get too knotted that you have it to |
| intimidated if it says 25 or 32 count. This fabric count | | | | junk it. Also, don't just pull the strands apart. Wiggle it |
| has smaller squares that you can stitch over 1 or 2 | | | | between your fingers for at least the top 2 inches and |
| squares. If you prefer a bigger square fabric, do the | | | | then pull it to separate. |
| design on a 14 or 18 count Aida. There are no | | | | Scissors |
| restrictions at all. Of course, a design done on a | | | | You will definitely need this to cut off extra thread and |
| 32-count fabric will result to a tighter more concise | | | | to trim you fabrics. You can just use a normal pair of |
| looking finished product but it will be just a beautiful on | | | | scissors but there are wonderful embroidery scissors |
| a 14-count fabric. Don't let this part stress you out. I've | | | | which not only cut but also help to pick out wrongly |
| stitched for more than 10 years and I still prefer | | | | done stitches. These scissors are usually quite |
| 18-count over a 32-count. | | | | beautiful, some gold plated and carved like an antique. |
| A needle in a haystack | | | | I'm still using a normal pair of scissor but getting one of |
| You will a needle to start a stitch. A fork or a | | | | these collectibles are in my list of things to get! |
| chopstick won't do. There are a few different sizes to | | | | Embroidery Hoops |
| a tapestry needle. Here are the recommended sizes | | | | This is an optional item to help you with your stitches. |
| for the fabric count. | | | | It's not necessary and personally, for me I feel that it |
| Size 18: 6-count Aida | | | | made my stitching experience worse. Of course, |
| Size 20: 8-count Aida | | | | some might disagree and find it totally useful. The |
| Size 22: 11-count Aida, 22/25/27 count even weave | | | | reason why I find it hard to use is because I need to |
| Size 24: 14-count Aida, 28-count even weave | | | | stitch fast and I like to stitch the shortcut where you go |
| Size 26: 16-count Aida, 32-count even weave, | | | | all the way up/down on half a stitch and then you |
| 22-count hardanger | | | | reverse and do the other half of the stitch. I can't do |
| Size 28: 18-count Aida, 36/55 count even weave | | | | one cross at a time, it drives me nuts. A hoop will |
| It's better to use the correct size needle to not stretch | | | | tighten your fabric that you will need to poke your |
| out the squares on a fabric. Plus why not make a | | | | stitch from above, then retrieve it from below. With this |
| biscornu for one of your cross-stitch projects? They | | | | method, your stitches will be perfect though but |
| make a beautiful and creative pin cushion. Seriously | | | | beware of creases caused by hoops that are too |
| watch where you put those needles. It is not fun to sit | | | | tight. Some wooden hoops also leave a stain that is |
| on one. | | | | not a pretty sight. |