In this class, you’re going to be completing a simple and pretty cross stitch quote pattern. Even if you’re a complete beginner to cross stitching or embroidery in general, I will show you everything you’ll need to know to be up and stitching in no time. This pretty project can be framed in a 4” embroidery hoop, ready to hang. You can display this project in your own home or office, and it also makes a great gift. You will learn the following:

How to select your materials and what you’ll need
Preparing to stitch with basics such as threading your needle and cutting your floss to the right length
How to read your pattern and mark the centre of your fabric
Three methods to anchor your floss
How to make the basic cross stitch
How to follow your pattern
Tips and tricks such as finishing off threads and how to travel across your pattern

If you wish, take pictures to document your progress on your project. I’d love to see your project photos in the class project gallery, click the "Your Project" tab to upload them. It’s always fun seeing your embroidery come to life!

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Fabric for cross stitching onto (14 count Aida), 7" x 7"
4" embroidery hoop
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Embroidery floss (four colours -- DMC 310, 414, 747, 3845 recommended)
Straight pins
Printed pattern (download from the "resources" section and print)
For finishing:
- Sewing thread (can match felt colour)
- Felt for backing, 4" x 4"

LINKED RESOURCES:

Link to cross stitch needles blog post
Link to cross stitch fabric blog post
Link to a tutorial reviewing different needle threaders and which is best for you
Link to a tutorial on how to wash your stitched piece before framing in the hoop
For the tutorial on how to finish the back of your hoop with felt, see video 8 ("Finishing Your Hoop") in the Hand Embroidery Fundamentals class
PDF cross stitch pattern with full colour image, printable colour and black & white pattern, colour key and thread sorter (download under "Resources")

Featured in the class:
- The Caffeine cross stitch pattern from The Adulting 101 Collection
- The Stitching Planner PDF
Join the Peacock Lounge to download more free cross stitch patterns
Equation for calculating your finished size: [number of stitches] divided by [thread count of fabric] = finished size of project in inches. For example, a project that’s 28 stitches wide on 14 count fabric will be two inches wide when stitched (28 / 14 = 2). Also make sure to add at least 1.5” to each side for a margin for small projects, and 3” to each side for larger projects.

Ela Alvarado

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