Cross Stitch Knitting
First time cross stitching! I have some questions!?
What is the difference between counting cross stitch and regular?
Do you use special fabric what kind ? A special size needle?
How long does it take to make a fairly simple project?
Is it easier or harder than knitting? ( I love to knit with looms)
Thank you so so much!
Counted cross stitch can be done on any fabric where you can see the yarns clearly enough to count them… but it’s probably easiest to start on a fabric made for cross stitching like Aida — the holes make it easier, especially when you’re learning. http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1254921487051728447hMlGcL
Needles used for counted cross stitch are called “tapestry needles” and they’re blunt-tipped. They’re also the same needles used for needlepoint, except the needlepoint needles are usually larger.
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/glossa2/g/TapestryNeedle.htm
Less than $1/pack at Walmart; maybe to $2 elsewhere.
DMC cotton floss is fairly standard to work with — a skein will run you about $0.50. And you can pick up a small piece of Aida for $2-3. Add another couple of bucks for a small hoop… the plastic ones that look like this: http://www.yarn-and-threadbylisa.com/Embroidery_Quilting/Accessories/spring_tension_embroidery_hoops.htm or http://www.patchworksewingbasket.com/4 inch Embroidery Hoop.jpg are easy. I prefer small hoops if I’m using them… I want my fingers to easily reach the center of the hoop as I’m holding it, so about 6″ circular hoops are my limit. I actually prefer the oval hoops like: http://www.elegantstitches.com/Notions/BatesOval.gif
Let’s estimate high and add $3-5 for a hoop.
I’ve had beginners complete a simple bookmark in less than an hour. There are a number of free designs out there, like: http://www.dmc.com/majic/pageServer/1v010000kw/en_US/Free-Cotton-Cross-Stitch-Designs.html, though I typically start people out with geometric designs like: http://www.freepatternsonline.com/xscharts/page/border1.htm — each of the colored squares represents a completed X.
Especially if you’re working with a small piece that you’re making up as you go along, it’s a cheap and easy hobby, one that you can fit in your pocket and work on instead of fidgeting. I prefer to work “in hand”, which means without hoops, which makes it even more portable.
Easier or harder than knitting… I dunno… I’ve been cross stitching since I was 3, but didn’t pick up knitting until I was a teenager. Never did learn to crochet.
There are also hundreds of variations of counted stitches… you don’t have to do row after row of plain cross stitch. 
Remember:
Thread goes through needle. Needle goes through fabric. Everything else is just a suggestion.
(Oh, and I’m not a good person to ask about what you’re calling “regular cross stitch”, with a stamped design… hate ‘em! They’re usually printed crooked and it’s hard to cover the lines with floss.)
Talk To Me Tuesday: Knitted hats and cross stitch
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Bucilla 45529 Counted Cross Stitch Picture Kits Mini, Meadow $7.26 Exquisite counted cross-stitch designs with fine detail and realistic shading that capture the beauty of life. Kits include 14-count white aida fabric, pre-sorted cotton embroidery floss, color-coded floss separators, chart and trilingual instructions. Packed in a durable, acetate project storage sleeve…. |
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Bucilla Baby 45609 Stamped Cross Stitch Crib Covers, Rocking Horse Bears $28.26 Stitch something special for baby. These precious and playful Bucilla Ensembles are the perfect way to dress up baby’s nursery with delight. Look for coordinating Counted Cross Stitch items too…. |
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Bucilla Baby 45613 Counted Cross Stitch Birth Record Kit, Precious Moments $11.26 Stitch a bright and cheery nursery with a design that catches the eye and the heart. Bucilla Baby Counted Cross Stitch kits includes cotton embroidery floss, needle and easy-to-follow instructions. Be sure to check out coordinating Stamped Cross Stitch items too…. |
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Irresistible Gifts to Cross Stitch: Inspired Designs and Patterns for Hand-Stitched Projects to Make and Give $11.90 It’s so much fun to stitch for others, because making gifts is the perfect excuse to stitch! With this in mind the editors of CrossStitcher magazine have assembled the ultimate collection of irresistible gift ideas. Inside you’ll find 255 amazing gift and card patterns for each and every special occasion, from Mother’s Day to the arrival of a new baby. Featuring projects by 16 top cross … |
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2001 Cross Stitch Designs : The Essential Reference Book $7.86 This golden encyclopedia of needlework complements the library of every cross-stitcher.Designs for every occasion and category of stitching—holidays, alphabets, florals, nature, sports, children, babies, Christmas, animals, and numerous others.Each motif collection accompanied by a clear and accurate color chart and color key.Tips for end uses for the designs.Includes 50 specialty stitch diagram… |
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Needlecraft Patterns: For Needlepoint, Cross-Stitch Embroidery, Knitting, Piecing and Quilting, Beadwork, Mosaics $7.50 … |
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Harrisville Designs Cross Stitch Sampler $20.28 Make your own Heirloom Sampler using traditiional patterns with this fun kit! There’s no better way to kindle the creative spirit in kids than to give them high quality materials to work with. Let them experience the excitement of mastering an historic craft and learning what samplers were and how beautiful they can be. A wonderful project to proudly hang and display or to give as a gift! Kit incl… |
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Harrisville Designs Potholder $12.99 Children love to weave! The Harrisville Designs Potholder Loom allows children to discover the basic techniques of weaving and to produce something beautiful and useful that they can be proud of. Weaving is a quiet activity that encourages concentration and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they create their own designs. Weaving also helps children understand spatial relationships while deve… |
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Knitting Art, Cross Stitch, Crochet Art and Weaving Loom Kits $49.95 This set includes Knitting Art, Cross Stitch, Crochet Art and Weaving Loom kits with high quality materials and detailed instructions and patterns sufficient to create a butterfly fashion bag, a penholder, four coasters, pillow, mobile phone bag, handbag, placemat, and belt… |
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Cross Stitch Night Light – Dutch Kitchen $14.99 This is a night light of a cross stitch pattern with original cross stitching by Scuti Mueller. This image truly does light up beautifully when lit and is perfect for any room in the house. This light makes a very unique gift and perfect as a stocking stuffer, office gift, or grab bag gift. Photographic image is printed in the USA using high quality inks and is very colorful. **PLEASE NOTE** Unlik… |