Cross stitch tutorial

Useful tips and articles and cross stitch tutorial.

Learn how to cross stitch (click on title to read more)
Counted cross stitch is very easy to learn. You only need to follow the design from a printed graph or pattern onto evenweave fabric (usually Aida).

History of cross stitch (click on title to read more)
Cross stitch is a form of counted thread embroidery; it is dated back to the 6th or 7th century. It was used to decorate household items using floral and geometric patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen fabric. Cross-stitch was found in a Coptic tomb in Upper Egypt, where it was preserved by the dry desert climate.

Cross stitch tips (click on title to read more)
Here are some cross stitch tips that will help you a lot with your cross stitch projects.

Fabric calculation and floss conversion

How to download cross stitch patterns (click on title to read more)
What a great way of receiving cross stitch patterns on an email or a download! Saving on postage fees and the fact that you don't have to wait for days to receive a cross stitch chart by post is absolutely great. The only thing you need is a printer

Tapestry, embroidery and cross stitch needles (click on title to read more)
Tapestry needles are also called cross stitch needles. They are blunt-pointed so that they can pass between the threads.They come in different thickness. You use different sized needles for various counts of fabrics. Needles for cross stitch are the smaller size - 24, 26, 28.

How to download and print cross stitch freebies (click on title to read more)
Many online cross stitch stores offer freebies to download and print from your computer.
This is great way to try a product and gain trust on online cross stitch shops.

What to look for in a cross stitch kit (click on title to read more)
This is a guide to help you buy a counted cross stitch kit. Many designers/companies produce cross stitch kits that are not good value for money. Before making a purchase, you will need to ask them what is included in a kit - if you are buying online, look for this information in their website. If there is not, then send them an email and ask them.

5 Reasons to start cross stitching (click on title to read more)
There are many reasons why you should start cross stitching but we will only mention the top 5!

Cross stitch gift ideas (click on title to read more)
If you do not know what to get your loved ones for Christmas or birthdays here are a few ideas within a reasonable budget.

How to find cross stitch competitions (click on title to read more)
Counted cross stitch is no doubt very popular. Many stores especially the online ones, offer competitions to win free cross stitch kits, patterns or materials. Every cross stitch addict wants to apply on just all cross stitch competitions, you might be lucky and win! The question is how to find all these cross stitch competitions.

How to read a cross stitch pattern (click on title to read more)
This is a guide to help you read a cross stitch pattern on several A4 pages. There are different types of cross stitch patterns, you may find them in a large A3 page or several A4 pages. The pattern in a A3 page will usually include the whole pattern in one large page. The pattern in several A4 pages is the one which needs a little bit more reading and attention.

How to make a biscornu (click on title to read more)
Many people think that a biscornu is difficult to make. This guide will teach you how to make a biscornu in 3 easy steps.

What to do with your unfinished cross stitch projects (click on title to read more)
How many of you love cross stitch so much that have two or more projects on the go? But also a few unfinished ones somewhere hidden in the house gathering dust. This is a guide to give you some ideas of what you can actually do with all your unfinished cross stitch projects.

Cross stitch with whole stitches or backstitch (click on title to read more)
Cross stitch is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. Usually all the cross stitch kits available in shops have whole (or full) cross stitches and backstitch. Backstitch, also called outline stitch is a class of embroidery and sewing stitch in which individual stitches are made backward to the general direction of sewing. These stitches form lines and are most often used to outline shapes or to add fine detail to an embroidered picture.

Lose weight with cross stitch (click on title to read more)
You are probably laughing right now but it is true, you can lose weight with cross stitch. I am sure you are wondering, how on earth you can lose weight with cross stitch when you are sitting on the sofa and the only parts in your bodies that move are your arms and fingers. Well there is more than exercise to consider.

Different types of cross stitch kits (click on title to read more)
There are many different types of cross stitch kits. Familiarise yourself before buying a kit.

How to teach children to cross stitch (click on title to read more)
Children of all ages are learning to cross stitch these days, in fact they ask their mums or grandmothers to teach them. In the 17th century, learning how to cross stitch was part of a young girl's education.

Cross stitch habits (click on title to read more)
I have been stitching for many years now and I have developed some cross stitch habits. I was curious to know if other stitchers have the same or different habits and so I run an online survey to find out. Bear in mind the habits below and try to improve your stitching time and finished project

Cross stitch on youtube (click on title to read more)