Getting started Cross Stitch Embroidery stitches Hardanger Drawn Thread Pulled thread

[Note: If animated gifs stop, try reloading the frame.]

Fabric

Cross-stitch looks best on a fabric with a square weave (often referred to as linen or linen weave). This means that the warp threads (tensioned on the loom) and the weft threads (woven around the warp) [or groups of threads] are the same width. (A stitch in knitting, (or a character in ASCII-based art), for example, are usually taller than it is wide.) Typically needlepoint is worked on an open canvas (mostly holes), while crossstitch is worked on a closed canvas (mostly fabric). Aida fabric is often used for crossstitch because each warp and weft "thread" is a ribbon of four threads together, so stitches go from one hole to the next diagonal hole. On linen (or simple) weave, stitches go to the second diagonal hole ("over two" [threads]), and miscounting is easier. Note: When stitching on dark fabric, try to arrange a light to shine through from the back of the work (white fabric in one's lap will often reflect enough light for this).

Separating floss

Standard embroidery floss (embroidery cotton, etc) consists of six threads (or strands) of fiber twisted together. In general, lengths of 14"-18" are cut, then all the strands are separated. Usually, pulling one strand while holding the rest near the top will separate it without actually creating a knot (the rest of the strands will make loops under the held point). Once all the strands are loose, recombine them to the number specified in the instructions. Note: When choosing or comparing colors, try natural light - florescents can be misleading.

Threading needle (floss & blending filament)

There are several possibilities for threading the needle. Actually getting the thread through the eye can be done 1) with a needle threader (basically a wire passed through the eye and used to pull the thread through); 2) with a bit of paper folded over the end of the thread to keep it from unravelling; or 3) (see diagram) by folding the end of the thread over the needle to make a sharp bend, then sliding the needle over the folded ends.

Anchoring Thread

If using an even number of threads, you can thread the needle with the loose ends, then make the first half stitch, passing the needle through the loop of thread to anchor it to the back of the fabric. Another method of anchoring the thread (see Basic crosstitch ) is to knot the end of the thread, go into the fabric from the front a few inches from your starting point (clear of the first few planned stitches), make the first few stitches, then clip the knot and thread the tail through those stitches on the back of the fabric. [This is sometimes called an "away knot"] You don't actually need to knot the thread, but can simply hold the tail on the front of the fabric [A "knotless away knot"]. For yarn use the second method to reduce fraying. Also, use short stitching lengths for yarn. See the RCTN FAQ for more details.

Blending Filament

If using a blending filament, or something else slippery, you will usually want to knot the filament onto the needle. Any easy way to do this is to pass a loop of the filament through the eye of the needle, pass the point of the needle through the loop, then pull it tight. Cotton floss, etc, can then be threaded in the usual way. Some threads will stretch more than others, so leave the end of one type loose to take up the slack. If using an odd number of filaments, you can make the loop near one end of the thread instead of in the center, leaving a 1-2" tail when the knot is finished.

Ending a Thread

There are several ways to fasten the end of thread. With a few inches of thread remaining, pull the end of the thread through to the back of the fabric, and run the needle under a few stitches. For extra security, either reverse directions and run under a few more stitches, or loop around a thread and continue the same direction under a few more threads. Clip waste knots and secure them under stitching in the same way. There should be no knots on the back of the finished work.

Basic needlepoint stitch variants

The simplest filling stitch for needlepoint is for each stitch to pass diagonally over one intersection of canvas threads. There are three ways to do a set of such stitches. 1) Half cross stitch uses the least thread on the back, but the stitches can pull between canvas threads. 2) Tent stitch tends to distort the canvas if used to fill areas. 3) Diagonal (also called Basketweave) is more complicated to work, but covers well and maintains the shape of the canvas.
The stiches on the back of the canvas should be aligned with the direction of the top canvas thread of the current stitch. This assures that different areas of stitching will align at their edges, forming a continuous interwoven surface on the back.

Show index [without frames]. . . Go to my home page.