Cross Stitching!!

Hello all! I will probably be adding to this page as time goes by, but essentially this will be everything about cross stitching basics. For those of you that don't know, cross stitching is a bit of an old hobby, and can be used to place designs on all kinds of things.  While you can get beginning kits at many craft stores, it it also possible to find patterns online and just purchase Aida fabric along with the colors (most commonly used is DMC floss) again, at most craft stores.

The most important things you need to know before starting are of course, how to do it!!

Below is a diagram showing the process of stitching.  Essentially you use the holes that are already seen in Aida fabric to begin a row of the same color by coming up from underneath at the bottom right part of the first "X" to the top right corner.  You repeat for all the "X's" of the same color and then return back over the same row to complete the "X's" and it's as simple as that.




However, it also is important to know how to both begin and end a row of stitches as well.  Below, on the right side (figure B), the picture shows how to begin a stitch.  Using one color, if you cut your piece twice as long as you want it, then fold it in half so it makes two strands.  When you begin your first stitch, you are left with a loop through which you can thread your needle and your floss will lay flat against the fabric with no messy, lumpy knots.  In the left picture (figure A), we see how to end a row of stitches by running the needle underneath the row of vertical stitches made on the back to secure the thread in place, then snip snip!