![]() I recently started a new cross stitch project and it got me thinking about counted cross stitch basics again. Have fun and set yourself up for success.Aida cloth is the most common fabric for cross stitch projects so you need to know which count Aida cloth you should use and how many strands of thread. ![]() Choose to stitch one color at a time, one section at a time, or whatever makes sense for you when reading the pattern. Now that your Aida has a matching grid to your pattern, you can really begin anywhere! I always advise starting towards the center no matter what. ![]() Be careful not to snip your actual cross stitches. If the string gets stuck, take your scissors and snip the floss into smaller sections from the back. When you're ready, simply pull from the edge of the cloth to remove the single strands. This could be throughout the whole project, or after you've stitched a majority of your project. If you've chosen to use thread, keep the threads on your cloth as long as they're useful. This will make pulling out the thread in the end MUCH easier. HOT TIP: Make sure if marking just the corners, stitch all the vertical markings first, then with new thread pieces, come back and make the horizontal lines. OR, instead of using long swaths of thread on the front, mark only the corners of the grid.in addition to a vertical grid, try adding some horizontal markings in the same 10x10 pattern.using long strides of floss, count 10 squares (matching the grid on your pattern) to mark a vertical grid.How you do that is up to you! Shown in the photo above from left to right: The whole point of marking the grid onto your fabric, is to give yourself the ease of counting to make sure you're stitching in the right spots. This is where you can get really creative. I like to make sure I cross threads directly in the middle of my cloth so I get a clear center marking. ![]() Now turn the fabric and stitch the perpendicular line. Use a single strand of floss, begin at one end of the Aida and stitch continuously to the other end. There is no need to be consistent here - you're simply dividing the fabric into the 4 sections matching your pattern.Ĭut a long piece of thread, about 18" / 46cm, so that it's longer than your Aida cloth. These thread lines are similar to making a 'running stitch' or 'basting stitch' when sewing. This is a great option if you plan to stitch your project one quadrant at a time, instead of one color at a time across the whole pattern. Make a quick guide with thread that follows those quadrants for easy reference while stitching. Your cross stitch pattern is divided into 4 equal quadrants. Wait for you fabric to dry before marking in the correct spot. If you make a mistake while counting, spritz some water onto your fabric at the 'mismade' marking and continue on. You can find instructions for framing your project with a hoop here or here and in your instruction booklet. At that point, the markings will also wash off, and your large cross stitch project will be ready for framing. Once all of your stitching is completed, you'll be instructed in your cross stitch pattern to wash the fabric.
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