NEEDLES
Use blunt-ended tapestry needles in a relatively small size to avoid enlarging the existing holes in the fabric.
USES
Cross stitch is not just limited to samplers and pictures, but can also be used to great effect on household linens and even clothing. There are a number of products available, such as tablecloths, that incorporate evenweave areas ready to be stitched. Aida is also available as a band complete with decorative edges in a variety of widths and colors. These are perfect for making edgings for dishtowels, guest towels, tablecloths and cushions.
PREPARING THE FABRIC
Cut a piece of your chosen evenweave fabric, allowing at least 2 in (5 cm) extra all around. Bind the edges of the fabric to prevent them from fraying (page). Find the horizontal and vertical centers of the fabric and mark them both with a line of running stitches in a brightly colored sewing thread (page). Find the center of your cross stitch chart and mark this too with a pen. Mount the fabric in an embroidery hoop ready to start stitching at the marked center point. Large pieces of work can be mounted in an embroidery frame (page).
STARTING AND FINISHING
To start an area of stitching, bring the needle up to the right side in the required square, leaving a short end on the wrong side of the work. Secure the end by working the first few stitches over it.
To finish an area of stitching and secure the thread, pass the needle back through a few stitches of the same color on the wrong side. Snip off all loose ends as you progress to prevent them from becoming caught up in subsequent stitches.
How to make cross stitches
Single Cross Stitch
This is where an individual cross stitch is completed before commencing the next. Bring the needle up to the right side of the fabric in the bottom right corner of the square to be filled. Then take it down in the top left corner of the square to complete the first part of the stitch. Now bring the needle up in the bottom left corner and take back down in the top right-hand corner to complete the cross stitch.
Rows of Cross Stitch
This is particularly suitable for filling shapes and for working simple borders. Working from right to left, bring the needle up to the right side in the bottom right corner of the first square and take it down in the top left corner of the square. Repeat this first part to make a row of diagonal stitches from bottom right to top left of each square. Then return along the row from left to right, working each stitch from bottom left to top right to complete the cross stitches.
Half Cross Stitch
This is used for creating areas of shading. Although traditionally worked from right to left and from bottom right to top left, this stitch can be worked to slope in the opposite direction to catch the light in a different way. Work the stitches as for the first, or the second, part of basic cross stitch.
The following embroidery may also be used with cross stitch:
• Beadwork
• French knots
Three-quarter Cross Stitch
Part stitches are ideal for giving smoother outlines to shapes. Work the short part of the stitch first, from the required corner hole into the center of the square, parting the fine threads that make up the fabric. Then work the second, longer part as for the basic cross stitch.
Quarter Cross Stitch
This can be used as an open filling stitch, as well as to create smoother outlines. Work it in exactly the same way as the first part of a three-quarter cross stitch, always from one corner hole into the center of the square.
Back Stitch
Back stitch adds definition to cross stitch figures and motifs, and therefore a more realistic appearance. It can be worked horizontally, vertically and diagonally, and over one or more blocks or threads. Working from right to left, bring the needle up one square to the right of the required starting point. Take the needle back down into the hole at the starting point to make the first stitch. Bring the needle up again one square farther on and take it back down at the end of the first stitch. Continue in this backward and forward fashion to complete a continuous line of stitches.
Double Cross Stitch (also known as Leviathan Stitch and Smyrna Stitch)
Although this is a canvas work stitch, it makes a very attractive cross stitch motif and can be used either to create interesting borders or on its own in the center of a square or diamond. It can be worked in two colors for decorative effect. Bring the needle up at A and work a large cross stitch over three horizontal and three vertical holes in the fabric. On top of this, work a large upright cross stitch in the sequence E, F, G, H. Bring the needle up again at C to repeat the stitch.
Assisi Work
In this type of work, cross stitch is stitched in the background areas and the motif or pattern areas are left unstitched. Assisi work is usually stitched in just one color and is best suited to dramatic designs made of simple shapes.
