HOW TO START
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HOW TO START |
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Cut your fabric to size, allowing extra for framing and over sew or tape the edges with masking tape to prevent fraying. Fold your fabric in half horizontally, then run tacking stitches in a contrasting colour along the fold. Repeat vertically. The arrows on your chart
marking the centre of your pattern should correspond with the tacking stitches. Run the tacking stitches up and down every 2 holes to make the squares easier to count |
Spacebaby Uk Patterns If you are working from one of my patterns you may find it easier to divide your aida into squares the same size as the A4 printed pages. This way your aida will correspond with the rows and columns of your pattern. If you do this you can stitch each page/square at a time. Starting from a central square and working your way around. Begin each square from the corner rather than the centre. But don't forget to allow extra room around the edge for framing. |
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(Click on picture for demonstration) |
(Click on picture for demonstration) |
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The diagram above shows a basic counted cross stitch. Begin by inserting your needle from the back, and come up at 1, then go down at 2, up again at 3, and back down at 4. You should now have a single cross stitch. |
To create a row of stitches you can either stitch
each one individually, or by following the diagram above create a whole row
at once. This comes in handy if you are filling in a large area as is looks very neat. |
When a vertical row of stitches is appropriate
for the design, it is best to complete each stitch in turn. No matter how you work the stitches, make sure that all the crosses slant in the same direction. |
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It is usually easier to complete a block of one colour before going on to the next. If possible start with lighter colours first. Avoid carrying your floss more than 1/2” between stitched areas on the back of your fabric. Don’t jump too far from one area to another. Finish off and start again. Loose threads, especially dark colours, will show through the fabric when carrying floss, run under worked stitches when possible. |
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| When you start a
thread, you must secure the end. There are several ways to do this, but
usually tying a knot is never recommended. Knots cause bumps on the
surface of your project. One method is to pull the threaded needle up
through the fabric, leaving approximately a 1" tail on the wrong side. Hold
the "tail" with your fingers, and work over it at the same time you are
working the first few stitches on your project.
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Another way to
start a stitch especially if you are using a darker colour or only need to
do one stitch is the loop method as described below. Cut a single strand of thread twice as long as desired for stitching, approximately 24"-30". Fold the strand in half, and insert the cut ends in the eye of your needle. The folded end is at the opposite end of the strands. Come up through the fabric, leaving the loop on the underside. Make your first stitch. Bring the needle down through the loop in the folded end of the strands, and pull until loop lies flat against the fabric. |
To begin a new
thread in an area that has been partially worked, run your needle through
the backs of a few of the stitches that are nearby. Draw the thread through
until the end of the tail just disappears under the stitch backs.
This is also the method used for ending your stitching. Never tie a knot in your work when you have finished a colour or area pass your needle under a few stitches on the rear to secure then snip the end so it doesn't hang loos |
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