Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create a cross stitched picture from your favorite photo or digital image but didn’t know how, or perhaps believed it was either too difficult or too expensive?
You have!
Well! Wonder no more because now you can – easily, cheaply, and by yourself … online!
Frequently, I see articles in Cross Stitch magazines about the importance of storing your cross stitch stash well in order to be tidier and better organised. These articles usually recommend spending a small fortune on craft tote bags, storage solutions and attractive craft boxes. Now, while these are wonderful objects to own, they are not necessarily exactly what you – as an individual – need.
We all have our personal preferences for storing our stitching items. And, of course, many of us are naturally untidy too … leaving projects scattered around the home, and possibly gathering dust. So, let’s take a look at how we can become better organized…
If you are new to the world of needlework and embroidery crafts, you might consider trying counted cross stitch. Cross stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which you use x-shaped stitches to form a picture. It is called counted cross stitch because the stitcher counts the threads in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. It may sound a little complicated but, believe me, it isn’t. To get started, you’ll need a few counted cross stitch supplies…
In my last article, I wrote about the seven bad habits of cross stitching – those dark secrets that lurk in everyone’s cross stitching past – and even persist when we become more skilled. Today, I’m thinking of the opposite – cross stitching tips: the 7 essential secrets of the best stitchers. You’d think that this may just be the opposite of the bad habits. But great cross stitching doesn’t just mean avoidance of bad habits. (more…)
It’s easy to get into bad habits, isn’t it? Very often, impatience or laziness can prompt us to cut corners or to be sloppy with our work. Not surprisingly, if bad cross stitch habits are not corrected, they soon become cross stitching sins.
Sins that rarely save us any time at all, and the results of which can be oh-so-clearly seen in finished projects. This is a real shame, especially when we have worked hard to produce something of intended beauty. So! Let me tell you what these seven bad habits are and how we can eliminate them? (more…)
Cross stitch is one of the simplest forms of needlework, but can still be daunting to an inexperienced stitcher. Perhaps you are now becoming familiar with the basic concepts of stitching. Maybe you have even done a couple of projects and are starting to feel comfortable with the basic supplies of threads and fabric. Not all Cross Stitch accessories are viewed the same by stitchers. An example of this is a needle threader. Some might consider this as a nice-to-have tool but not essential. Other stitchers would be lost without this vital aid. It’s very much horses for courses with these items. (more…)
Using cross stitch hoops (or frames) when you embroider is often considered to be essential. I have a small collection of hoops of different sizes, and every now and again I use them. My largest hoop is too big to place among my general stitching stash, so it sits on a shelf, like a huge halo. I know that stitching experts are divided as to whether or not we should use hoops – so here are the reasons for and against…
Are you looking to try something new for your next cross stitch project, but undecided on exactly what. Or, perhaps you’re in a bit of a stitching rut? After all, it’s usually easier to stick with what is familiar. Every now and again though, it’s great to broaden our stitching horizons and try something new! In this article we’ll give you a few new cross stitch ideas and get you to look at things a little differently.
As we all try to make an extra effort to add shimmer and style to our special occasion stitching projects, there are many challenges that may arise. We know how great specialty threads are – and what they can add to the finished results of our sparkling projects. Metallic or rayon/viscose threads can make the difference between a good project and an extra-special one.
However, these threads can be difficult to work with, and it can be tempting to lose patience with them when they tangle, break, fray and do not lie flat on the fabric as other cotton or silk-based threads do. Let’s see what we can do to make life a little easier…
The Native American people are proud of their heritage and of their ways. They have endured many tragedies throughout history, but they have stood strong and not turned their backs on those that went before. It is because of their strength and heritage that many companies have designed Native American cross stitch charts to honor these indigenous people.
You can stitch many striking native american images, especially of warriors and wolves, in fine detail as a cross stitch pattern…