Cross-stitch school

Unsure about how to sew a cross-stitch embroidery? Here you'll learn the process step by step.

Materials

The materials used when cross-stitching are:

• Fabric
• Threads
• Pattern
• Needle

An embroidery hoop facilitates the work substantially. It is used to keep the fabric taut while sewing.

Pattern

A pattern, or chart, is a large sheet of paper with a grid of symbols on it, which can look something like this:

Every symbol on the pattern corresponds to a cross-stitch on the embroidery. The different symbols represent different thread colours. An accompanying legend describes which symbols represent each thread. An example of such a legend:

Fabric

Cross-stitching can be done on many different types of fabric. The fabric we sell is called Aida cloth, known for being easy to sew through because of its natural mesh.

Threads

The threads that PhotoEmbroidery.co.uk uses are Mouliné threads from the manufacturer DMC. It is a commonly used brand of threads in the cross-stitching community.

When you are ready to start, cut off about a metre long section of thread to be used for sewing. To ensure that the thread will be long enough for the whole embroidery, it is strongly recommended that you cut pieces that are at least 80 cm long.

NOTE: The threads that you order from us are comprised of six separable strands. Only two of these strands should be used for sewing, meaning you can split the thread into three parts, each with two strands!

Sew according to the pattern

Sewing according to the pattern is both simple and fun to do once you get into the groove.

When sewing according to the pattern, you'll be working within what is called an area, using one colour at a time. The work area may vary from being a single cross-stitch, to several hundred cross-stitches. Below is an example of an area:

When starting a new area, begin from either the top or the bottom of the area. Sew the first row and then either move up or down (depending on where you started), and sew the next row. Do this until you have completed the area.

When sewing a row, you must start with a half cross (see the picture below):

Then sew it again so that it forms a whole cross (see the picture below):

For downward rows and single stitches, sew one full cross at a time

Things to consider:

• It is very important that the thread crosses over in the same direction, that is, a cross' top thread should always lean towards the same direction ( \ \ \ )
• No knots in the back, as they will become visible in the front
• Neatly fasten the thread in the back after each area is completed

Start an embroidery

When you start an embroidery, you begin by sewing from the centre, then working your way out. This is to ensure that the embroidery will be situated in the centre of the fabric.

1. Mark off the centre of both the fabric and the pattern.
2. Mark the area that you intend to sew with a coloured pen (yellow, for instance).
3. As you sew over a field, mark it with a different coloured pen (green, for instance)
4. Once you've finished an area, fasten the thread and then move on to sewing the next area!

Finishing

1. Once your embroidery is done, neatly fasten all remaining threads in the back.
2. Then wash the piece in lukewarm water (at a maximum of 37°C). Use a mild, liquid detergent.
3. Push the water out against a clean towel.
4. Place the moist embroidery upside-down onto a terrycloth. Place a dry towel on top of the work, and then carefully iron it.
5. Leave it to dry.

Now your embroidery is finished and ready to go up on the wall. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by clicking here. We look forward to helping you!

We at PhotoEmbroidery.co.uk wish you good luck!