| Here are some cross stitch tips that will help you a | | | | from getting bumpy. |
| lot with your cross stitch projects. | | | | When ending your thread by running under other |
| GETTING STARTED | | | | stitches, try to match colors. Never run a dark color |
| Always start stitching from the center of your fabric. | | | | under light stitched, it might show through to the |
| To find the center on your fabric, fold the fabric in | | | | front. |
| half twice. The center will be at the intersection of | | | | Back stitch should be added when all other stitching |
| the two folds. | | | | has been completed. |
| Finding the center of your chart by following the two | | | | NEEDLES |
| arrows. One arrow will be in the top center and the | | | | Many of us we have the bad habit of leaving the |
| other one in the middle left side of your chart. Follow | | | | needle into the fabric when we end a session. Be |
| these two arrows. Where they meet is your center | | | | aware that this can leave a permanent stain or large |
| stitch. | | | | hole in your fabric. Always store a needle properly. |
| FABRIC | | | | TIPS |
| Put tissue paper in your hoop with your fabric then | | | | If you have pets or small children do not keep your |
| tear away the center where you are stitching. This | | | | cross stitch materials in a bag. Keeping your threads, |
| will keep oils from getting onto your fabric and help | | | | needles and scissors in a box that shuts securely will |
| your hands from being moist. | | | | prevent little fingers and paws from getting into |
| Use different qualities of fabric. Try cheaper fabric | | | | things easily! |
| for quick designs, saving money so that you can | | | | If you are working on a larger needlework project, |
| splash out on the best fabric for heirloom projects. | | | | invest in a set of stretcher bars. They keep the |
| You will want to allow 3 to 4 inches of fabric on each | | | | fabric from getting warped and it makes it easier to |
| side of the design. This will help you framing your | | | | actually do the sewing. They come in several sizes, |
| project easily. | | | | and are fairly inexpensive. |
| THREADS | | | | Using a highlighter in a light color - yellow works very |
| When stitching with 2 threads use only one strand of | | | | well for marking off stitches or areas of stitching as |
| floss, put the ends together and thread them | | | | you complete them. If your lighting make the yellow |
| through the needle leaving a loop on one end. When | | | | hard to see at night, you could use another color like |
| you put the needle through on your second stitch, | | | | green or blue or orange when stitching at night. |
| catch it through the loop. This keeps the material | | | | |