Tips for Cross Stitch Beginners
Cross stitching is great fun and really easy to learn. If you are a beginner, follow these tips and you will be cross stitching in no time.
To prepare fabric for cross stitching cut the fabric at least 3” larger than the finished design. This will leave room for matting and framing. Either whipstitch, use a machine to zigzag, or apply liquid ravel prevention to the edges of the fabric. This will prevent fraying of the fabric while you work.
Use a blunt tipped tapestry type needle. Do not use a regular sewing needle as it will pierce holes in the fabric and is not necessary due to the fact that cross stitch fabric has holes already. For fabric with 11 or fewer threads per inch use a size 24 needle, for 14 to 18 threads per inch use size 26. Also no not leave the needle in your work as it may rust or leave a permanent impression.
You will need a hoop or stretcher bar frame to keep your fabric tight and this will help you make stitches that are uniform. It is best if you can find a frame large enough to cover your entire design.
The graph has squares that contain a symbol that represents 1 stitch. Each symbol corresponds to a color of embroidery floss. Usually the floss is identified by name and number on a color code.
You will need to find the center of your fabric by folding it in half horizontally and then vertically. Then put your needle through the center of the fabric. Next you will need to find the center of your graph and then begin stitching from the center out to the edges.
Use about 18” of floss. This is a good length to work with. Separate all 6 strands and then combine them as per what your pattern calls for. If your floss begins to twist you should try to straighten it by suspending the needle and allowing it to unwind.
Hopefully these tips will help you get started cross stitching soon. Cross stitch is fun and also makes for great gifts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Armstron
Top Ten Beginners Mistakes
Cross-stitch is a wonderful, rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Avoid these common beginners’ mistakes and soon you will be creating stunning pieces of cross-stitch work to treasure.
1. Choosing the wrong pattern
With the extensive range of charts on offer it is often tempting to start with something too complicated. For your first cross stitch project choose a chart with a relatively small design area and no more than 3 or 4 worked colours. You will have the satisfaction of completing it relatively quickly and can soon progress to something more challenging.
2. Tangling your threads
There’s nothing more stressful than tangled threads so always keep them organised. When starting a project, punch a line of holes in a piece of card and loosely tie each coloured skein through a separate hole. Label each hole with the appropriate thread reference number and chart symbol.
3. Not finishing your edges
Some even weave fabrics and linens fray easily. Before you start stitching, prepare your fabric properly by stitching around the edges with a zig-zag or serger. NO tap or glue!
4. Loosing your place on the chart
For a large piece of work it is sometimes hard to keep your place on the chart. Before you start work, color in workable areas with a coloured pencil.
5. Stitching too tightly
Keep your stitches evenly tensioned or your fabric will buckle or stretch out of shape. Many cross-stitchers find that a hoop helps to keep the fabric taut as they work.
6. Not starting in the middle
The centre of a chart is clearly marked. You should always start stitching from this point and work outwards to the edges of your design otherwise your fabric may pull out of shape.
7. Leaving the needle in your work
Always remove the needle when you finish sewing to avoid rust marks staining your fabric.
8. Getting your work dirty
Grubby work looks unattractive. Wash your hands before you stitch and store ongoing work in a sealed bag or container. Finished pieces can be washed by hand with a gentle detergent. Dry by rolling in a towel – never wring fabric.
9. Starting with a knot
Knots should never be used to start off a new thread. Instead, leave a 10mm length of thread at the back of your work. Hold it against the fabric as you work your next stitches and it will eventually be kept in place by the new stitches. Trim off any excess thread.
10. Straining your eyes
It is very important to avoid eye strain by working in a well lit room. During daylight hours, work by a window where possible. Consider buying a halogen lamp for stitching in the evenings. If your eyesight is really poor, you might need to invest in a magnifier to place in front of your work. CAUTION: When using a magnifier, if left unattended and uncovered, it can burn your fabric and possibly start a fire.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Dop
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