Handy Guides

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

• Cross Stitch Pattern: Your chosen design printed out or saved on a device
• Fabric: Typically, Aida cloth is recommended because it’s even grid makes counting stitches easier. Choose a fabric count that suits your pattern (commonly 14, 16, or 18 count). This will be specified on your pattern.
• Embroidery Floss: Pre-cut strands in the colours specified in your pattern.
• Needle: A tapestry or embroidery needle with a blunt tip, sized appropriately for your fabric count. (size 24 or 26 is good for beginners).
• Needle Threader (Optional) – Helps thread the floss through the needle easily.
• Scissors: Small, sharp scissors for trimming floss.
• Embroidery Hoop (Optional): A hoop can help keep your fabric taut and make stitching more comfortable.
• Light Source: Good lighting will help you clearly see your pattern and the fabric grid.

Work Out Your Fabric Size for Cross Stitch

1. Check Your Pattern Details Your cross-stitch pattern should provide the following information:
   • Stitch count: This tells you the number of stitches across and down (e.g., 100 x 150 stitches).
   • Recommended fabric count: This refers to the number of holes per inch of fabric (e.g., 14-count Aida, 16-count Aida, 32-count linen).
   Most good patterns will specify the actual stitched fabric size but remember that you will still need to leave enough fabric for finishing (stretching and framing) – see below. If your pattern does not specify fabric size, you can calculate it manually using the stitch count and fabric count.
2. Calculate the Design Size
   To determine how big your stitched area will be on different fabrics, use this formula:
   Design Width (in inches) = Stitch Count Width / Fabric Count
   Design Height (in inches) = Stitch Count Height / Fabric Count

   Example Calculation
   Let’s say your pattern is 140 stitches wide by 180 stitches high, and you want to stitch it on 14-count Aida fabric.
   • Width: 140 ÷ 14 = 10 inches
   • Height: 180 ÷ 14 = 12.86 inches (~13 inches)
   So, your stitched design will be 10 x 13 inches on 14-count Aida.

Fabric Count Variations

If you decide to use a different fabric count, the design size will change:

• On 16-count Aida: 140 ÷ 16 = 8.75 inches, 180 ÷ 16 = 11.25 inches
• On 18-count Aida: 140 ÷ 18 = 7.8 inches, 180 ÷ 18 = 10 inches

Smaller fabric counts (e.g., 14) produce larger designs, while higher counts (e.g., 18, 28) result in smaller designs.

How to Ensure Even Extra Fabric Around Your Design

When finishing a cross-stitch project, it’s essential to leave extra fabric around the design to allow for stretching, framing, or finishing.

Here’s a detailed guide on how much extra fabric you should leave and how to ensure your piece is properly prepared.

Use this formula to find the full fabric size:

• Total Fabric Width = Design Width + (2 × Extra Fabric)
• Total Fabric Height = Design Height + (2 × Extra Fabric)

Example: If your pattern is 10” x 12” and you want 3 inches of extra fabric per side:

• Width = 10 + (2 × 3) = 16 inches
• Height = 12 + (2 × 3) = 18 inches
• You need a fabric piece of at least 16” x 18”.

Exactly How Much Extra Fabric to Leave?

The amount of extra fabric you leave around your stitched design depends on how you plan to finish it. Here are general recommendations:

For Framing with Matting (Best for Professional Framing)

• 4 to 6 inches of extra fabric on all sides.
• This allows for stretching, mounting, and securing the piece behind a mat.
• Example: If your stitched design is 10″ x 12″, cut your fabric to at least 18″ x 20″.

For Framing Without Matting

• 3 inches of extra fabric on all sides.
• This ensures there’s enough room to stretch the piece over the backing board.
• Example: If your stitched design is 8″ x 10″, cut your fabric to at least 14″ x 16″.

For Finishing in a Hoop or Ornament

• At least 2 inches beyond the stitched area.
• This allows the fabric to be wrapped around and secured at the back.

For Making a Pillow or Banner

• At least 1.5 to 2 inches extra on all sides to allow for seams.

Check Your Fabric Before Cutting

• Always measure twice before cutting!
• If your fabric is pre-cut, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your design and extra margins.
• If your fabric has an uneven weave (like linen), stitch over two threads instead of one, which may affect your size calculations.

Preparing Your Fabric

1. Find the center of your fabric:
   Measure and Mark: If you’re using Aida cloth, fold it in half both vertically and horizontally.
2. Fold the Aida fabric in half, then fold it again in the other direction.
3. Unfold it and mark the center with a small pin or a light pencil dot. You can also use a washable fabric marker or a piece of tape to mark the center.
4. Align With Your Pattern: Compare the center of your pattern to the center of your fabric. If your pattern suggests starting from the center, position it so that the most detailed part is at the center of your fabric.
5. Secure the edges (optional):
   If your fabric frays, use masking tape, a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine, or Fray Check along the edges.
6. Place the fabric in the hoop (optional):
   • Loosen the outer ring of the embroidery hoop.
   • Place the fabric over the inner hoop, then press the outer hoop over it.
   • Tighten the screw and gently pull the fabric until it’s taut but not stretched too tight.
7. You may want to consider using paper over your fabric in the hoop to keep your work clean. See more detailed notes on How to Attach Paper to Your Hoop to Keep Your Cross-Stitch Work Clean at the end of these notes.

Reading the Pattern

1. Understand the symbols and colors:
   • Most patterns use a grid, where each square represents one stitch.
   • Symbols inside the squares correspond to different thread colors (refer to the color key).
   • Pattern Legend/Key: Review the symbols and corresponding floss colors. Most patterns have a key that tells you which color corresponds to which symbol.
2. Check the pattern size:
   • The pattern may indicate how many stitches wide and tall it is.
   • Compare this with your fabric size to ensure it fits.
3. Decide where to start:
   • Orientation: Identify the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the pattern. Some designs are worked from the center outward, so note the suggested starting point.
   • Many stitchers begin at the center of the pattern and work outward.
   • Size and Scale: Check how many squares your pattern spans on the fabric. Ensure your fabric is large enough to accommodate the design with some extra margin around the edges.
   • Find the center of your chart (often marked with arrows or a bold line).
   • Match it to the center of your fabric.
   • Start stitching from the center of your pattern outwards to ensure that you have enough fabric on all sides to stretch and frame.

Preparing Your Thread

1. Cut a Manageable Length of embroidery floss: Cut about 18–24 inches of floss at a time. Working with shorter lengths helps avoid tangling and ensures the floss doesn’t become too knotted.
2. Separate the strands:
   • Most floss comes in 6 strands.
   • Check your pattern to see how many strands to use (2 strands are common for 14-count Aida).
   • Gently pull apart the required number of strands.
3. Thread the needle:
   • Thread the separated strands through the eye of your needle. Make sure the floss is pulled through smoothly, with no tangles.
   • You can use a needle threader if needed.
4. Knot or no knot?
   • Traditional cross-stitch does not use knots to secure the thread.
   • Instead, leave a 1-inch tail on the back and anchor it by stitching over it.
   • For beginners, you can use a small knot and trim it later.

Starting Your First Stitch

Positioning Your Fabric and Pattern:

Lay your fabric on a flat, well-lit surface with the pattern in clear view. If your pattern is printed, consider taping it in place near your fabric.

Making Your First Stitches:

1. Anchor the Floss: Begin at the back of the fabric by tying a small knot at the end of your floss or simply securing it with a temporary stitch.
2. Start at the Design’s Recommended Point: Many patterns instruct you to begin at the centre or the top left corner. Insert your needle from the back of the fabric to hide the knot.
3. Create the ‘X’:
   • First Diagonal: Bring the needle up at the bottom left of the designated square (following your grid) and then diagonally down to the top right.
   • Second Diagonal: Bring the needle back up at the bottom right and complete the cross by stitching diagonally down to the top left.
   • When you finish the “X,” the intersection should be centered in the square.
4. Maintain Consistent Tension: Ensure that each stitch is even in size, and that the fabric isn’t puckering. Your stitches should lie flat on the fabric.

Tip: Work in rows, making all the bottom stitches (////) first, then come back with the top stitches (\\\\). This keeps the back neat.

Following the Pattern

Stitching Order:

• Work Systematically: Whether you start at the center and work outward or follow rows/columns as directed by your pattern, try to complete one section fully before moving on. This helps keep your work organized.
• Keep Track of Completed Areas: Some stitchers use markers or sticky notes to indicate which sections are finished. This is especially useful for larger, more complex patterns.

Changing Colors:

• Refer to the Pattern Legend: When you reach an area that requires a new color, check your legend to confirm the correct floss.
• Neat Transitions: Finish the current color completely in that section before switching to the new one. When joining a new color, ensure you overlap the previous stitches slightly to maintain continuity.
• Finishing a color:
  • When you run out of thread, leave about 2 inches of floss at the back.
  • Weave the tail under 3–5 stitches on the back, then trim the excess.
• Starting a new color:
  • Check the pattern to see where the next color begins.
  • Thread your needle with the new floss and begin stitching as before

Finishing Your Work

Securing the Floss:

• When you change colours or finish a section, secure the end of your floss on the back of the fabric with a small knot or by weaving it under a few stitches.
• Avoid making knots too bulky; trim any excess floss once you’re sure the stitch is secure.

Review and Adjust:

• Periodically step back and view your work from a distance. This helps spot any misaligned stitches or areas that need reinforcement.
• If you notice errors, gently remove the problematic stitches with a seam ripper and rework them.

Weave in loose ends:

• When you’re done stitching, secure any loose threads by weaving them under the back stitches.
• Trim excess floss.

Remove the fabric from the hoop:

• If the fabric is wrinkled, gently iron it on the back side using low heat.
• Place a towel between the iron and fabric to protect the stitches.

Frame or store your project:

• You can frame your work, turn it into a pillow, or store it safely for later.

How to Prevent Fabric From Fraying Before Framing

Aida and linen fabrics can fray during stitching and stretching. Here’s how to prevent that:

• Use Fray Check or Pinking Shears – Apply Fray Check (a liquid sealant) to the fabric edges or use pinking shears to reduce fraying.
• Zig-Zag Stitch or Overlock the Edges – If you have a sewing machine, a quick zig-zag stitch around the edges will keep the fabric intact.
• Masking Tape or Hemming Tape – Tape the edges of your fabric to prevent fraying but remove it before final framing.

How to Stretch Your Fabric for Framing

Once your stitching is done, you’ll need to stretch it properly for a smooth, wrinkle-free finish.

Method 1: Lacing for a Taut Finish

1. Iron your fabric gently on the back using low heat.
2. Place the fabric over acid-free foam board (cut to the size of your frame).
3. Secure the fabric with pins along the edges, keeping it straight and taut.
4. Use strong thread to lace the back—start at the middle of each side and work toward the corners, alternating tension for even stretching.

Method 2: Pinning for a Quick Finish

1. Center the stitched fabric over foam board.
2. Pin the edges down, stretching slightly as you go.
3. Check for wrinkles and adjust if needed.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your cross-stitch piece has enough fabric for proper stretching, framing, or finishing—resulting in a polished, professional look!

Tips for Success

• Start with a simple pattern – Avoid complex designs until you’re comfortable.
• Practice on a small sample: If you’re new to cross stitching, consider practicing on a small piece of fabric before starting your main project.
• Keep your stitches neat – Try to make all your X’s face the same direction
• Stay Organized: Keep your floss, needles, and pattern in one area to avoid misplacing any materials.
• Use good lighting – A bright lamp or daylight helps you see small stitches better.
• Join a community: Whether online or in person, engaging with fellow cross stitchers can provide invaluable tips, encouragement, and troubleshooting advice.
• Take Breaks: Cross stitching can be time-consuming. Regular breaks will help reduce eye strain and maintain a steady hand.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll establish a solid foundation for your cross stitch projects. Remember, patience and practice are key—every stitch brings you one step closer to creating a beautiful piece of art.

Happy stitching!