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Needlecraft Superior Cross Stitch Embroidery!
CROSS-STITCH EMBROIDERY.

Cross stitch is a traditional type of embroidery adaptable to either
simple or intricate designs.
Cross stitch designs are often worked exclusively in basic cross stitch,
can also be worked on almost any fabric suitable for embroidery.
The even-weaves (as shown in my last blog on weaves),types are especially
good because their even weaves help guide the stitches.
Gingham is popular for cross stitch  for a similar reason - its squares
form a natural grid.

Nearly 50 years ago when I got married all of my table cloths where
cross stitch on gingham.
I think their was more conversation from visitors, when we
where having a cuppa, about cross stitch and how it was done, than a lot
of other things, in general life gossip.
A little different these day’s as the homemade table cloths are seldom
made or used.

Stranded embroidery cotton is the usual choice for working cross stitch,
but other embroidery threads can be used. Just be sure the thread you
select is compatible with the weight of your fabric.

Choose a needle according to your fabric: a tapestry needle for a even weave,
to slip between threads; for other fabrics, a sharp-pointed needle (crewel
or chenille) to pierce the fabric.
To keep stitch tension even, it is best to use an embroidery hoop of frame.

WORKING CROSS STITCH.

Cross stitch can be formed in two ways. It can be worked in rows of even,
slanted stitches with one arm of the crosses laid down in one run, the
other in a second, return run.
Cross stitches can also be worked one at a time.
(as illustrated in the image below).
Work cross stitches in a row when they are adjacent in a design.
When they are scattered, it is best to work them singly; this way no long
threads will be trailed on the wrong side.
With either stitching method, make sure that the top thread all lie in the
same direction.
This is important to the even, neat look that is characteristic
of cross stitch embroidery.

CROSS STITCH ON GINGHAM.

Gingham is a highly popular fabric for cross stitch because of its natural
grid. One cross is worked within each square, which keep stitches uniform.
Any charted design that requires a fabric with a natural grid can be worked
on gingham, but some designs are particularly effective on this fabric.
The three tones of gingham (dark, medium and white) can be used to advantage
( see the bottom three in the image below).
No 1. Crosses worked on the dark squares enhance the contrast between whites
and darks.
No 2. Crosses worked on the white squares give a more monochromatic look to
the gingham.
No 3. Crosses on both dark and medium squares make shape more solid, white
more emphatic.

Top left-hand corner of image below is how to work a sample motif : Individual
flowers,are stitched separately, work outline as a row (in two Journeys).

2nd mofit below it, is to fill in the centre petals, working one petal at a
time, again as a row (as shown).

Work connecting blocks and borders stitches as rows.
Stitch Triangle crosses one at a time.

All put together you can have a lovely finished border that is ideal for any
decorative border, (as the top right-hand image looks).

Gingham comes in many colours, and in many checks sizes from about two to
twenty five millmetres. Since the check size determines the size of each
cross, the larger the squares, the larger the design.

Cross Stitch Gingham