Cross Stitching

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I have decided to start cross stitching but I have no experience. In looking around I see that you can do it by counting stitches or get a pre-stamped pattern. It seems like a pre-stamped pattern might be easier but I'm not sure.

Does anyone do cross stitching? Any suggestions. Thanks.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

I would google it and start with pre printed projects. Maybe Michales or Joannes has some kits too. I did counted crosstitch that way then did it using a blank canvas and a chart. I also did candlewicking which is a type of embroidery, that I loved. Also taught myself to needlepoint and even did some petite point. Haven't done any of that in a hundred years-- but really enjoyed it.

software · ‎06-08-2016

Have you ever done any kind of crafts in the past?

I learned how to knit at a young age while a Girl Scout.

When I tried cross stitch, I did really well using the plain fabric.

Fold in half one way then the other to find center. Start counting from there.

My eyesight is not good enough to cross stitch now but I loved it.

I still knit.

There's a lot more to it than just counting stitches.

But using a pre-printed fabric may be the way to start.

Are you going to teach yourself?

Lilysmom · ‎03-09-2010

@Winkk, I am a quitter but have never done cross stitch. YouTube will have lots of videos of beginner cross stitching. Check it out. LM

dusty523 · ‎08-12-2014

I cross stitch; not nearly as much time as I used to. With that being said, you should probably start out with a small pre-printed pattern. But, once you start on a cross stitch that is without a pattern, it's very easy, because it's all counting rows. Start with something small and then progress up. Before I even start stitching, I separate all of my floss. I usually take a strip of cardstock and use a paper hole puncher and put my floss in that. This way your floss won't get tangled. Read the instructions for each section because sometimes you use three strands, which is normal and sometimes they want you to use four. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@dusty523 wrote:
I cross stitch; not nearly as much time as I used to. With that being said, you should probably start out with a small pre-printed pattern. But, once you start on a cross stitch that is without a pattern, it's very easy, because it's all counting rows. Start with something small and then progress up. Before I even start stitching, I separate all of my floss. I usually take a strip of cardstock and use a paper hole puncher and put my floss in that. This way your floss won't get tangled. Read the instructions for each section because sometimes you use three strands, which is normal and sometimes they want you to use four. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice @dusty523

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

Our company moved and I found myself with an hour and a half to two hour commute one way. So we formed a carpool. And we decided to learn to do counted cross stitch during the commute.

I never tried the preprinted pattern. We all just started with small and relatively easy patterns. They had just a few colors. And we were off and running. When we completed one we would try an bigger and harder one the next time.

My last kit was about 12" X 24". It was a medieval lady with the saying "Gather Ye Rosebuds" and there was another one in the set of a knight.

The lady is about 80% done. Her dress has about 13 different shades of pink and that is all I have to finish. But it has been years since I did that commute or touched the counted cross stitch. I did quite a few for my son's room, when he was a little guy. And they really looked so nice.

Please give it a try. It isn't hard and it does look so nice.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I've been doing cross stitch for years.I prefer the counted stitch method, but I have a friend who prefers the pre printed projects. I'm currently making a mermaid project that I'll finish into a pillow for my living room. It is a long project though - 22 stitches per inch , and will be 18" x 12 " when finished - so that's a ton of sewing! I had a bunch of finished projects that I'd never made into anything sitting in a drawer and a friend took them to a craft fair and sold them for me. I made approx $40 per project. I also do some backstitch projects where I'll actually draw a picture on the fabric with a fabric pencil then stitch the picture in back stitch. I sold a few of those too, for $250 each.Such a simple thing but people love them.

I don't do them specifically to sell though. Actually I do it to keep from snacking!

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@software wrote:
Have you ever done any kind of crafts in the past?

I learned how to knit at a young age while a Girl Scout.
When I tried cross stitch, I did really well using the plain fabric.
Fold in half one way then the other to find center. Start counting from there.
My eyesight is not good enough to cross stitch now but I loved it.
I still knit.

There's a lot more to it than just counting stitches.
But using a pre-printed fabric may be the way to start.

Are you going to teach yourself?

I was planning on teaching myself @software. I may go into YouTube and see what they have. Thanks for the suggestion.

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

@151949 wrote:
I've been doing cross stitch for years.I prefer the counted stitch method, but I have a friend who prefers the pre printed projects. I'm currently making a mermaid project that I'll finish into a pillow for my living room. It is a long project though - 22 stitches per inch , and will be 18" x 12 " when finished - so that's a ton of sewing! I had a bunch of finished projects that I'd never made into anything sitting in a drawer and a friend took them to a craft fair and sold them for me. I made approx $40 per project. I also do some backstitch projects where I'll actually draw a picture on the fabric with a fabric pencil then stitch the picture in back stitch. I sold a few of those too, for $250 each.Such a simple thing but people love them.
I don't do them specifically to sell though. Actually I do it to keep from snacking!

@151949 people do like cross stitched items. It sounds like the ones you made are really nice. Yes, less snacking is also a good incentive. I like to read but I can snack and read. I need to keep my hands busy.