Cross Stitch Embroidery

Most people are aware of Cross-Stitch embroidery, as it is one of the most popular modern forms of counted-thread embroidery. You can’t walk in to a hobby store with out being bombarded may all the different pre-packed Cross-Stitch embroidery packs.

The basic stitch used in Cross-stitch embroidery is a X shape, were by one straight stitch is made diagonally in one direction and another is made over the top in the opposite direction. There are a few other stitches used when creating a picture in Cross-stitch, however these are all variations of the Cross-stitch or the straight stitch, such as a 1/2, ¼  or ¾ Cross-stitch.

Normally Cross-stitch is worked on Aida embroidery fabric. Aida embroidery fabric is an even-weave, 100% cotton fabric, with the most common thread counts being 14 and 16. However, Aida embroidery fabric is also available in 11, 18 and 22 count ranges, although these can be harder to find. Aida fabric is easy to use, as the threads are very pronounced and therefore easy to count, however occasionally Cross-stitch may be completed on another type of fabric, but it is very rare to see Cross-stitch completed on a non even-weave fabric, even if it is designed for embroidery use.

The term counted Cross-stitch refers to the way in which the piece is completed, this would normally be completed using a printed (paper) pattern, and the sewer will then count the threads across in accordance to the pattern, to place the stitches in the correct place and order. There are other forms of Cross-stitch, you can have stamped Cross-stitch, where by the image or design is printed directly on to the embroidery fabric and the sewer then follows the stitches accordingly; the Cross-stitch stitch is also widely used with tapestry in a free-form manner.

The most common embroidery thread used with Cross-stitch is mercerised cotton embroidery floss. Six strands of the cotton are loosely wound together, these strands can then be separated for use. Depending on the Aida fabric count, you may choose to use a different quantity of these strands together to achieve good coverage of the fabric. Other popular threads are pearl cotton, Danish flower thread, silk and Rayon, although these can vary in price dramatically. In most hobby stores you will be able to find a large collection of cotton stranded floss by DMC or anchor, if you are new to Cross-stitch then your kit will normally already have these, or ask for the colours from one of these two brands, if you are unsure, then DMC is a good company to start with. For the more adventurous embroiderer, there is now a large supply of metallic threads, wools, sequins and beads, especially for use with Cross-stitch embroidery, although these are not traditional, they can bring a wonderfully modern element in to your embroidery.

The traditional use for finished works of Cross-stitch embroider was for household items such as dishcloths and doilies. However today, the most popular use for Cross-stitch embroider is for cushion covers and wall hangings, where they can be seen and enjoyed by all members of the household.

Cross-stitch is hugely popular in Europe and throughout America, and no doubt it is also popular in the rest of the word to. If you are new to Cross-stitch and are looking for a group to join, or for tuition, there are often craft and sewing groups located in most towns, who will normally have some members willing to teach you how to complete a Cross-stitch embroider project correctly. Many of these groups can be found on the Internet, however, for the smaller groups locates in villages or small towns, you’ll need to ask for the contact details either through your local hobby shop or through your local tourist information centre. Another good place to find out about embroidery and other craft related events is your local church or town hall, often these groups take place here (after working hours), so make sure you take a look at the notice boards, as any regular group meetings will be posted on them.