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    Basic Cross Stitch Instructions


    To prepare your fabric for stitching, there are several methods to prevent the edges from raveling - machine zigzagging, hand whipstitching, or taping. Taping is the easiest. Use 1" wide masking tape, pressing half of the tape to the front side and folding over and pressing the remaining half of the tape to the back side.

    Cut floss to about 18" lengths and thread needle. To start stitching, pull thread up from back and leave a 1" tail of floss. Use the diagram to see how to make cross stitches. Work the first few stitches over the tail to secure it. Work one cross stitch to correspond to each block shown on the chart.

    All your stitches should lay in the same direction. Your bottom stitches should lay in one direction and your top stitches should lay in the opposite direction. Be sure to keep even tension on all stitches for a smooth and flat appearance.

    To get from one area to another, you may skip over a few stitches across the back, but not more than an inch. Do not skip threads across an area that will not be stitched in the finished design. Otherwise, you risk having back threads show through the fabric, especially if the thread is dark and the fabric is light.

    To finish a length of thread, run needle under several stitches on the back and clip thread ends close to the work. Never use knots to secure threads, as this will surely cause bumps on the front of your finished work. While you are stitching your project, be sure to keep your hands clean. Should your piece get soiled, gently wash it in cold water and roll it in a towel to remove as much water as possible. To avoid wrinkling fabric, do not twist or wring. When fabric is almost dry, place face down on a towel and press with a warm iron on the wrong side.

    For cross stitching on 11-count Aida use 3 strands of floss; on 14-count use 2 strands; on 18-count use 1 or 2 strands; on 22-count use 1 strand.

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