Embroidery - Counted Cross stitch

Materials needed

1.Fabric

2.Floss (either anchor or DMC)

3. Needle

4. Scissors

5.Frame

How to do?

Counted cross stitch transfers a design from a printed graph onto evenweave fabric.The stitcher uses embroidery floss to place X's on the fabric corresponding to symbols on the chart. Each symbol on the chart represents one X on the fabric. The different styles of symbols on the chart represent different colors of floss.

To start

Find the center of the graph. For most patterns this is shown with arrows or a bold line. Next, find the center of your fabric. An easy way to do this is to fold the fabric in half vertically and "pinch" with your finger to make a small crease. Open the fabric, fold in half horizontally and make another "pinch". Open the fabric up. The two creases will mark the center of the fabric.

To Stitch

There are two methods.

1. The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X's. Use this method for most stitching.

2.The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows of stitches

To note

It is important that all the X's are crossed in the same direction.

To Finish

Make sure the fabric worked is flat. Then place in frame which suits it.