Archive for the ‘indian cross stitch knitting’ tag
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 86194 Holiday Cornucopia Stamped Cross Stitch Tablecloth, 60-Inch by 90-Inch $26.38 Celebrate special occasions with family dinners over the Holiday Cornucopia Collection of hand-made table coordinates. This kit contains washable white poly/cotton pre-finished fabric with the design pre-printed in wash away ink, DMC floss requirements and easy to follow instructions. Finished size: 60″ x 90″. Design: Holiday Cornucopia. Made in USA/Imported…. |
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Bucilla 86193 Holiday Cornucopia Stamped Cross Stitch Tablecloth, 52-Inch by 70-Inch $28.38 Celebrate special occasions with family dinners over the Holiday Cornucopia Collection of hand-made table coordinates. This kit contains washable white poly/cotton pre-finished fabric with the design pre-printed in wash away ink, DMC floss requirements and easy to follow instructions. Finished size: 52″ x 70″. Design: Holiday Cornucopia. Made in USA/Imported…. |
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Crochet Stitches In Motion $9.29 With this groundbreaking DVD it is so easy now to improve your crocheting and increase your confidence. Simply sit shoulder-to-shoulder with a friendly expert as she puts crochet in motion for you. With close-up photos from the crocheter’s point of view you will learn 12 intriguing pattern stitches that can energize your projects. The Stitch-Along format automatically pauses periodically waiting u… |
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Needle Arts Featuring Shay Pendray $12.98 NEEDLE ARTS FEATURING SHAY PENDRAY… |
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Namaste Oh Snap XL Set 2 Pink Mesh Sewing Knitting Crafts Tote Bags $17.00 Namaste’s Oh Snap! Bag Set gives you a convenient way to transport your small projects, crafts tools, needlework, sewing and knitting supplies. These bags make great organizers for many other household uses as well. Details: Set of 2 Pink Mesh Bags |
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Harrisville Designs Cross Stitch Sampler $29.99 Finished Size: 5″ x 7″ Contents: Wooden Frame for working and mounting (8″ x 10″) Tapestry Needle (size 22) Cross Stitch Fabric Wool Yarns in 8 beautiful colors: Gold, Tundra, Aster, Teak, Charcoal, Topaz, Periwinkle, Iris (24 one yard lengths, 3 per color) Illustrated Instructions Lots of Fun Ideas! Make your own heirloom sampler using traditional patterns! The possibilities are endless. Recommen… |
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Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners $4.74 lark books this book offers fresh and fun embroidery projects for beginners add a creative look to garments accessories and home accents with charming embroidered touches. outlining filling and applique work are easy to master with aimee rays guidance. also learn how to transfer your own doodled designs onto any fabric object projects are practical and fun to make. softcover 128 pages. made in the… |
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Knit Your Own Dog: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 25 Pedigree Pooches $8.48 The knitted dog is indeed the ideal companion. There’s no feeding, barking, shedding, or vet’s bills, and he’ll live forever! Knit Your Own Dog is the irresistible guide to knitting the perfect pup. By authors Sally Muir & Joanna Osborne… |
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Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker $8.73 Lacy, sexy summer tops. Chic, cozy sweaters. Chunky, funky hats and colorfully crafty afghansâit all starts with the single, simple act of wrapping a hook around a strand of yarn. Then come the stitches, the flourishes, the unlimited creativity. Stylish, cheeky in tone, chock-full of information and inspiration, this is the indispensable guide. Learn the skills. Speak the lingo. Make the stuf… |
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Instant Stitch 1.0 $19.69 Instant Stitch is a four-CD-ROM set designed to help knitters, crocheters, and stitchers create patterns for stitching, sweaters, and children’s clothes. Users can take their own photos (with a scanner), digital camera images, or any graphic file and turn them into stitch patterns instantly. With an easy-to-use interface and step-by-step procedures, this program makes crafting fun and accessible. … |