Free cross stitch patterns, free stitching charts
Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and can be
found all over the world.
Many folk museums show examples of clothes
decorated with cross-stitch, especially from continental Europe and
Asia.
Two-dimensional (unshaded) cross-stitch in floral and geometric
patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen, is
characteristic of folk embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe.
In the United States, the earliest known cross-stitch sampler is
currently housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The sampler
was created by Loara Standish, circa 1653.
Multicolored, shaded, painting-like patterns as we know them today are
a recent development, deriving from similar shaded patterns of Berlin
wool work of the mid-nineteenth century.
|
Aida cloth is a coarse, open-weave,
even-weave fabric traditionally used for cross-stitch embroidery.
Aida cloth is manufactured with various size spaces or holes between the
warp and weft to accommodate different thicknesses of yarn or thread.
These are described in count – that is, 10-count aida cloth has 10 holes
per linear inch. Typical sizes are 7-, 10-, 11-, 12- and 14 count. The
fabric is relatively stiff for ease of use and is made from linen,
cotton, or blends. Traditional colors are white, "natural" (off-white),
or shades of tan and brown, although many bright and dark colors are now
offered.
Aida fabric is one of the most popular and easy to use fabrics for cross
stitch. It is 100% cotton. 14 count is the most widely used in the group
with the most color choices. The fabric consists of small squares that
make it easy to count and even to stitch. It comes in several different
counts as large as Herta (6 count) and fine as 18 count.
The double cross-stitch, also known as a Leviathan stitch or Smyrna
cross stitch, combines a cross-stitch with an upright cross-stitch.
Berlin wool work and similar petit point stitchery resembles the heavily
shaded, opulent styles of cross-stitch, and sometimes also used charted
patterns on paper.
|
Cross-stitch is often combined with
other popular forms of embroidery, such as Hardanger embroidery or
blackwork embroidery.
A fairly recent development is the use of other stitches in cross-stitch
work, in this context called special stitches, in order to create new
visual effects and satisfy the wishes of keen stitchers who may find
pure cross-stitch boring after a while. These may be stitches from
surface embroidery, canvas work or even drawn thread work and other more
unusual branches of embroidery. Beadwork and other embellishments such
as paillettes, charms, small buttons and specialty threads of various
kinds are becoming more popular.Cross-stitch is often used together with other stitches. It is sometimes used in crewel embroidery, especially in its more modern derivatives.
It is also often used in needlepoint.
The most difficult task is choosing the proper shades of floss to embroider a certain project.
Usually the dealer from whom you purchase your embroidery floss will advise you, but when one lives in one of the smaller towns, no store will
be found which carries a good stock of embroidery materials, from which to make a selection. In this case the best thing to do is; google for
embroidery floss for on-line stores.
Choose a simple design to begin with, such as a Violet, a Buttercup, or a Daisy, and get a small size stamped linen, not over nine inches
square.
Cross-stitch can be worked from a chart or directly onto printed fabrics such as table cloths. Cross-stitch is most commonly worked in
embroidery floss.
The threads used for stitching may be wool, silk, cotton or combinations, such as wool-silk blend. Variety fibers may also be used, such as
metallic cord, metallic braid, ribbon, or raffia.
Cross-stitch is often combined with other popular forms of embroidery, such as Hardanger or Blackwork embroidery.
Tips;
Some people find it easier to control the tension of their thread with a hoop. Remove it, when you are not working.
I always use a wooded hoop but there are plastic ones too. Try to avoid marks in your fabric.
You can mark off the row on the chart with a highlighter or pencil as you finish the corresponding stitches. Or put the chart on a
metal board, and use a magnetic straight edge that can be moved along the chart as you stitch, or use post-it notes.
Embroider with clean hands, don't use any hand-lotion, and don't eat while your are stitching.
If you have pencil marks, by any change on your fabric, you could try alcohol 90% to remove it with a cotton tip.
If you have to lay your work away, roll it instead of fold it.
I always use a daylight lamp, they are really great for stitching in the evening.
And last but not least; if you use beads, beading should be done after the cross stitching.
|
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%20icon.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
