Addicted to cross stich (Cross Stitching in general)

Name: georginaj

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Cross Stitching in general
Date:	21/01/02 (390 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You can make some lovely things, It is not expensive

Disadvantages: Very addictive

I started cross stitching as a child. My mother was always doing something creative, and i always wanted to help.

I think, in the end, she got fed up with me always pinching her needles and threads. I was really pleased, when she bought me my own things.

To get you started, you will need:

*Aida, this is the material, that you stitch onto. It comes in 14 count, 18 count ect. The count determines how big the holes are.

*Threads. These vary in cost, but i do recommend that you buy the more expensive ones. In the end your work will look a lot more pleasing. Plus the cheaper ones tend to knot.

*Needles. You can buy these in a variety of sizes. Make sure your needle is not to thick for the holes, in your material, or you could pull it out of shape.

*A patern. There are plenty of cross stitching magazines out there. They are not badly priced either, the majourity of them.

*A hoop. This is not an essential, but it helps to keep the shape of your work.

If you are a beginner, then try to start on something small and not to tricky. Try and stick to whole stitches. When you have mastered this, you will then be able to go onto half stitches and back stitch.

As far as hobbies go, this one will keep you hooked for days, not just hours. It isn't expensive. You can pick material up for less than a pound in some shops. They will be cut off bits, but they are big enough to get a two or three smaller designs on.

You will need a bit of patience, and be able to follow a pattern. As long as you can do this, you will be fine.

It is an ideal hobby for people of all ages. I think it is especially good for children. It helps with there hand and eye coordination, as well as there creativity.

You can make a lot of things from cross stitch. Some of the things i have made are:

*Cards
*Bookmarks
*Glasses holder
*Key rings
*Coasters
*Book covers

Anot
her thing i like, is that you can cross stitch onto more a less any fabric you like. If you have a plain boring bath towel, why not cross stitch a fish border on the end of the towel.

This can be achieved, by tack stitching a scrap bit of aida to the towel. Cross stitch your design, making sure you sew through the aida and the towel. When it is complete, dampen your stitching with a wet cloth. Then slowly and carefully, making sure you don't pull the design out of shape, pull the aida out, one strand at a time.

This can be a time consuming project, but the end result can look amazing. I do suggest you keep this technique for the small designs though. It can be too tricky, with a big design.

If you are a serious cross stitcher, why not make a load of things and then go to a craft show, and sell what you have made. If you have made a good job, then your work will sell. Cards are always in demand, so are keyrings and bookmarks.

Summary: