Cross Stitch Essentials
Let's admit it you can spend an absolute fortune on gadgets, gizmos and so called "Essentials". The question is "What is Essential & What is not?"
Here is our guide with links to the appropriate selling page and further information where available
There are two types of Cross Stitching:
- Counted Cross Stitch
- No-Count Cross stitch
What you need will depend on which type of design you are sewing
Count v No-Count
There are by far more Counted than No-Count designs.
Firstly they are cheaper to produce, and second, and in our opinion more important, Counted designs are more accurate.
A graph will show exactly what stitch goes where. With a printed design you have to identify the colour and decide which hole is under which colour.
With a graph you can distinguish between any colour, with a print some colours are almost indistinguishable. There are some designs which try to use the best of both but they are few and far between.
Basic Requirements
Which ever type of design you choose you will need to have
- Design (chart or printed)
- Fabric (for guide to fabric please see Guide to fabric) Fabric
- Needle (for guide to needles please see Guide to Needles) Needles
- Thread - Cross stitch uses Stranded Cotton (termed "Floss" in America) Thread
- A pair of Scissors prefferably with sharp points Scissors
Strictly speaking you do not need anything else although It does help if you can see properly.
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A Good Light Source
The ideal light is natural light, ideally shining just above and behind you.
If you have to use artificial light then a blue tint or "Daylight" bulb will make a substantial difference.
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To make your sewing easier and more enjoyable there are some things that could be termed
"Highly Recommended".
Holding the Fabric
For small designs up to 4" (10cms) you can probably cope without any sort of support, but the more you handle the fabric the softer and dirtier it gets. The solution is either an embroidery hoop or Rotating frame.
(for guide to fabric please see Guide to hoops, frames and stands) Frames & Stands
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The idea is to stretch the fabric, making the holes easier to see and allowing the stitching to sit evenly.
Your choice may depend on your budget or personal preference. Rings are the cheapest and most traditional answer.
Larger pieces need a frame, and tapestries neeed a floor standing frame.
"No-Sew" options may save a bit of time and effort but they cost sometimes double a standard frame.
Clamps can alleviate repetetive strain for those who spend a lot of time sewing |
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In case you make a mistake
It would be nice if we were perfect but unfortunately mistakes happen.
Don't Worry
It may not even matter! the odd wrong stitch will not be noticed and it will make it unique!
But somethines we do have to unpick stitches and start over.
The Seam Ripper or "Quick Unpick" will get those stitches out in no time
Seam Ripper |
Counted Cross Stitch
It may surprise you that the most useful accessory is not available on our web site!
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A Highlighting Pen
You must be able to see underneath the marker.
The idea is to cross off the stitches on the chart as you sew them
If you obliterate the symbols completely it makes it more difficult to work out where you are as you canot identify the stitches you have sewn already.
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Some people photo-copy the chart so as not to damage it. This is all very well but Please note that
Selling and copying of charts, especially from kits is a breach of Copyright Guide to Copyright Law
Counting Aid
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Have difficulty counting large numbers of stitches?
May be you want to know if your design will fit into the card you have?
The answer is a "Counting Ruler".
O.K. it doesn't count out loud - but it measures in stitches not 1/10 of an inch or even millimetres.
It can measure up to 6" distance (approx 15cm)
Calibrated for 11, 14, 16, 18, 22, 28, 32 & 36 count materials.
Buy it Here |
Holding your chart
Most people just pick up and put down the chart where ever they happen to be. Obviously the more you handle it the scruffier it gets and you risk ripping it or pilling something on it or even worse loosing it!
Chart Holders are usually magnetic boards, altough there are some plain ones on the market. You can get by with a Document stand used by Computer operators, however they cost nearly as much as the magnetic boards
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Magnetic Boards
Come in all shapes and sizes from about 6" x 10" (15 x 25cm) up at leats 18" x 12" (45 x 30cms approx) and usually include some magnetic strips to hold the chart in place.
On top of that you can buy a Line magnifier or Stitch identifier which sits over the chart to help you see where you are.
To be honest, if you use the marker pen shown above the line magnifier gets in the way!
Magnetic supplies
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Project Cases & Folders
For the sewer on the move or the household with children or pets a project case keeps everything in one place, and safe from spills and damage.
There are a vast variety of solutions from a simple manilla folder to a purpose built carrying case. You can always just keep putting evrything in the kit bag it came in! (if you bought a full kit of course)
Project & Carrying cases
Further Suggestions
Needle Organiser - for large project with many colours
Thread Organisation
Finishing off and Mounting your work
Sewing Supplies - pins, tape measures etc
Portable Craft Light
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This instruction manual is produced by Stitch Pics for personal use. It may be copied and distributed freely for no personal gain. Stitch Pics can take no responsibility for any errors caused by use or misunderstanding of these instructions.
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Instruction Manual