Beginning Cross Stitch - image 1 - student project This is an introduction to one embroidery stitch - the cross stitch - which can be used to create a range of beautiful designs, from small motifs to highly detailed, full-coverage art pieces.

This class starts you on your journey with a brief history of the craft, a list of basic supplies needed for your first project, and simple guides on how to read a chart, use whole cross stitches and back stitch, and finish your project for display.

Included are several small projects to choose from, suitable for framing. Each includes a list of thread colors and fabric to purchase, and you will be able to complete one project in about an hour. I’m here to answer all of your questions!

In addition, have handy some scissors, and a 4” - 5” wooden embroidery hoop.

It’s easy to get started, and I’ll show you how to finish and frame your piece, as well as give other ideas for use.

I look forward to seeing what you create! Please share your project with the class! To anyone who posts their completed project, I’ll send another, larger pattern to practice on!

Project:

Each project is a small motif which measures approx. 1.5” x 2.5”. Choose one of the three provided, and gather the materials needed, available at craft stores online or in person (a downloadable resources list is attached). I’ll walk you through the entire project in my videos.

Materials:

A 6” x 6” piece of 14-count Aida cloth in the color of your choice. Note: it’s more difficult to stitch on dark fabrics. You may need to purchase a larger piece and cut from it what you need. Then use the rest on the other projects!
The DMC embroidery thread colors listed in the pattern you’ve chosen. One skein each. Note: I prefer DMC floss, as I trust its color-fastness, and it feels good in my hands.
A 4” - 5” wooden embroidery hoop.
Embroidery needles - Size 22 or 24.
Scissors
Printed chart - You can use the chart as shown on your computer screen - whichever is your preference.
Color sorter card, if you desire. Or you can use a piece of cardboard with slits cut across two opposing sides, to wrap your thread into when not in use.
Thread bobbins, if desired.

Steps:

Pre-Stitching:

Always make sure your hands are clean (don’t eat chips and stitch).
Don’t leave your project lying about - others in the household will spill something on it, to be sure. Or, your toddler will find it and use the scissors, which you’ve also left out, to cut right through your second attempt at the project, causing you to have to start a third attempt (I have no experience with this).

Cross Stitches First:

Notice on your chart, the arrows centered around its edges - these indicate the center of the chart. Find the symbol and thread-color in the center of your chart.
Take the DMC thread skein of that color, pull out an 18” length, and cut that length. This is 6-stranded floss that is easily separable.
Pull one thread at a time from your skein - never several at once. Pull out two threads, one at a time. Put them together and thread your needle. Do not knot the end.
Find the center of your fabric - fold in half one way, then fold again in half the other way. Pinch the center point with your fingers so when you unfold the fabric you will see the center. Don’t stress about whether or not you will find and start on the exact center point. You’ll be close enough.
Bring the threaded needle up through the first hole of the stitch color/symbol, at the center of the fabric. - NOTE: Always do cross stitches first, back-stitching last.
That hole is the bottom left of the first stitch. Put the needle down through the top right hole of that stitch, making sure to keep a 1”-2” tail on the back. You now have half of a stitch, and it’s angled toward the right.
If there are other stitches of the same color nearby or in a row, as indicated on your chart, continue making those half-stitches, counting the number and placement of the stitches on your chart and then counting the holes on your fabric to find correct placement.
Anchor that tail of thread on the back - when you have your needle to the back of the fabric again, before you come back up through the next hole, make sure the tail will be under the loop of thread created by the next stitch. Continue doing this for ~10 stitches, until the tail is well-anchored.
When you’ve completed a row of these right-slanting half-stitches, go back the other way - from the bottom right hole of your last stitch, come up through that hole with your needle, and go down with the needle through the top left hole. You have now completed one whole cross stitch, by slanting left, on top of the right-slanting half-stitch.
Continue completing the stitches in that color.
End use of one color, to change to another - When you’re done using a color of thread, after you’ve completed your last sitch and your needle is on the back of the fabric, run the needle and thread under previous stitches for about 1”, then clip the thread.
Find the next set of symbols and color you’ll stitch, and follow the instructions, as before. Except - now, you don’t have to start with a tail. To begin, run the threaded needle under about an inch of stitches, close to where you’ll begin your new stitches. You have just anchored your thread.

Back stitching:

Back stitching is usually done with 1 strand. Cut an 18” length from the skein, or use a length already cut, but which has several strands left. Pull one thread from it, and thread your needle.
Back stitching seems tricky at first, and some stitchers don’t like it. But it really defines design elements and finishes the piece off well.
Note that there are two different colors used for back stitching.
Back stitching gets its name from how the stitches are created - you’ll make a stitch to the right, then bring your needle up to the left of that stitch, to make your next one. So, it looks like you’re going to the right, but your progress is to the left. I’m right-handed, so left-handed people may do the opposite.
Some stitchers make their back stitches one at a time, while others, if they have long distances to go in the same direction, will skip several and finish that distance faster. It all depends on what you like best - so experiment with it! Let your preferences evolve as your skills and experiences grow - you do you!
Anchor your thread as described earlier. Then begin completing your back stitches as indicated on the chart. When you’re done, anchor the thread as described above.
Many stitchers will add their initials and the year, in very simple back stitches. I'll show examples. Do this if you'd like!
You’re so clever! You’re done! (almost…)

Finishing:

Washing

Gently wash your project in a bowl with a couple drops of dish detergent and cool water (not woolite).. Let it soak several minutes.
Remove from the bowl. Don’t wring or twist. Pour out the soapy water and fill with clean water. gently swish the work in the clean water.
Lay the piece onto a towel and roll the towel up with the piece in it. This will help to remove excess water. You can squeeze it now, if you’d like.
Unroll the piece and let it dry a bit - but not completely.
When still slightly damp, lay it face-down on a dry towel, on an ironing board, and press the piece (cotton setting) until dry. It will now be crisp and beautiful.

Framing/Using:

Frame or use as desired:

The wooden hoop you purchased is for this purpose - center your piece into the hoop. Trim away excess fabric. You can leave it as it is now, and hang it on the wall, or you can glue a piece of lace or other fun trim around the back (or front, depending on the trip) edge of it. Other uses will be discussed in the videos.

Okay, now, you’re truly done and should be addicted to this lovely art! Explore the resources lists to learn about all you can do with cross stitching! And don’t forget to post your project in the class for other students (and me) to see and admire, and so you can receive your next, more challenging project!

Happy Stitching!!!

~Charlotte

Charlotte Raby

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