Cross stitch is a type of embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are sewn into a fabric or canvas to form a picture or pattern. The cross stitch technique is also often used for “counted work” projects that require stitching a design onto a pre-made piece of fabric, such as linen. A somewhat more complex cross stitch version is called Canadian cross stitch, needlepoint or petit point.
In the easiest case of cross stitch Adelaide, all one has to do is put two stitches (or more) down per hole on the chart and carry the thread across the back of the work. However, it might not be easy to count precisely where your needle should go for each stitch without using some marking system – this method of marking the fabric is known as “counting back”.
Cross stitch became popular in Europe during the 16th century Regency. The earliest surviving cross-stitch samplers are from England and Germany. The earliest dated embroidery worked in the technique was by Anna Zang, who made a tablecloth now in Weil am Rhein, which dates to 1540.
Today, people use two prevailing methods to mark their patterns on cross-stitch fabrics. The first way uses water-soluble pens to write directly onto the fabric, typically with lines about 1/8 inch apart to indicate where the stitching should occur. Then, after writing numbers onto each square corresponding to each colour of floss required, one can begin stitching.
The second way is to use carbon paper (or transfer paper) to place an image of the pattern onto the fabric. In this case, one would need a lightbox and a non-soluble marking pen that will not bleed when wet or stitched over. This method can be cumbersome when working on small items with limited visibility of the work area where the chart is placed in relation to your body. However, this is very popular in counted cross stitch because it makes each project unique in that you are stitching a design you have created yourself instead of following a pre-printed pattern or kit.
This style also allows for much more flexibility in that there is no particular grid system imposed upon the designer’s aesthetic vision. For example, one could centre the design inside a 12 x 12 grid if they chose. For this reason, this style is favoured by many designers and artists.
Cross stitch is often used for embroidery on pillows or edging on shawls and other items like tablecloths and aprons. It also can be used to make parts of quilts, such as borders. Cross-stitching is also meant to be included in patchwork, and stitching is sometimes done by decorators who want to mat and frame their own needlework.
The first step generally involves determining what size cloth will be needed for the project you have completed. Once determined, an appropriate fabric can be selected for use in your cross-stitch project.
When deciding what size to make your cross-stitch, keep in mind that you will not be able to fit a design larger than the cloth that you use or stitch off of it. Many people choose to do smaller projects and fit them onto larger pieces of cloth. Many different shapes can be used for stitching. Aida fabric is perhaps the most common material used in modern cross stitch projects.