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Have you ever seen a beautiful cross stitched masterpiece and been awestruck? Not only are they absolutely gorgeous but the detail, the colors, the precision of the stitches are amazing. And, what is most amazing of all is that these works of art are hand made and stitched. How could anyone make something so beautiful with a needle and thread? Well, you might be surprised at just how easy and enjoyable it can be. You too can make your own masterpieces. You do not have to be a great artist or even a good seamstress. You simply have to know the basics – the materials, the basic stitching techniques and have the desire to create a masterpiece of your own.
Counted cross stitch means that the stitcher starts with a plain piece of cloth or fabric with no markings or guides printed upon it. You work on this cloth by reading a chart – a representation or guide of the picture or image you are creating which includes a color key with every individual box marked with the appropriate color and kind of stitch to be used. Then, it’s simply a matter of reading, of taking your time and following the directions. These charts or patterns can appear very intimidating when you look at them as a whole, but don’t get discouraged. You will read this chart one box at a time, create one stitch at a time and before you know it will begin to see your design, your own masterpiece appearing before your very eyes.
There are many different types and sizes of fabric used in cross stitching. The most common is cloth. The general instructions on any pattern or chart will tell you what size cloth to use. The size of the cloth is determined by the “count”. The count is the number of stitches that will be made for every inch of fabric. For example, fourteen count means that there are fourteen holes in which to insert the needle per inch, thus you will have fourteen stitches per inch. The lower the number of the count the fewer stitches and the larger the stitches will be per inch. The higher the count, the more stitches and the smaller the stitches will be per inch. The best place to start on your blank cloth canvas is at the center. The center can be found by folding your cloth in half and then in half again so that it is divided in quarters. Find the center-most square on the cloth and then on the instructions. In many instances you may find that this center square has already been marked for you. Once you’ve created your center stitch you can work in either direction by counting stitches on your cloth and the square on your diagram.
Are you ready to begin? Determine where the center stitch is and what color floss is to be used. Thread your needle. Create your center stitch by inserting the needle from the back at the bottom left hand corner of the center square. Bring the needle through the square diagonally above that hole to the right, the upper right hand corner of your first square. Bring the needle straight down to the lower right hand corner and then diagonally to the upper left hand corner. That is your first cross stitch and you should now have created the letter “x” . Repeat this process using the directed and appropriate color. At first the going might be slow but don’t get discouraged. Before you know it you’ll be up and running in no time. Cross stitching can be a very time consuming hobby. Don’t expect to complete your first masterpiece overnight. I normally do my stitching for a few hours every evening. It can prove to be a very relaxing and enjoyable hobby and if you stick with it once you finish your first piece and finally see the results chances are you’ll be hooked.
If counted cross stitch seems too difficult, don’t despair. There are many cross stitch kits available that are not counted and have the diagram or chart printed directly on the fabric. If you prefer to begin that way and focus on the stitching before you get involved in reading and counting that’s fine too. Take it at your own pace, do it at your leisure and ENJOY YOURSELF!
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