After a long day at work the majority of us want to come home to relax and unwind but for a lot of us that means that we simply sit in front of the television. You might want to do something productive and creative but more often than not, that all involves energy and money…doesn’t it? Of course not!
Cross stitch is incredibly relaxing and therapeutic as you can let out your creative side without using too much money or energy! The majority of beginners say that once you get started, it’s difficult to stop and, of course, you’re left with a beautiful cross stitch when you’re finished.
If you’ve never picked up a needle and thread before, starting out in cross stich might seem daunting but it really isn’t that difficult and this beginners’ guide makes everything as simple as possible.
Don’t Rush Into It: Get the Right Supplies
If you rush into starting your cross stitch then the chances are that you’ll run into trouble before you know it. It’s essential that you have all of the right equipment and supplies to make your first cross stitch experience as stress-free as possible:
– Always use a frame or hoop to hold your canvas in place and keep it taut. This will make it considerably easier to make progress with your pattern and reduce to risk of you making a mistake.
– Choose the right size needle for the canvas that you are using. If your canvas has very close mesh then using a large needle will distort it; choose a needle that passes through the mesh comfortably.
– Always have a pen to hand when completing a cross stitch pattern and mark off the sections that you’ve completed. It may sound simple but it can be a nightmare if you forget to do it.
– It’s a good idea to start with a simple pattern that comes in a pack. The majority of cross stitch patterns now come with the correct cottons, canvas size and needles; this means that you can get some experience without worrying if you’ve chosen the right materials.
– It’s not essential but a desk lamp or specialist sewing light is a good idea so you can see clearly what you’re doing without straining your eyes.
Start Simple: Choosing a Pattern
It might be tempting to jump straight in with complicated, impressive patterns but this is how a lot of cross stitch beginners end up giving up on such a fantastic hobby. If you don’t choose a pattern that reflects your skill level then you’ll undoubtedly struggle to begin with.
– Begin with small patterns. A design that will take you months to complete will probably be left unfinished.
– A lot of patterns will have a skill level rating so choose one that states it’s for beginners.
– Always choose a pattern that you think you’ll enjoy completing, what’s the point in doing it if it’s not enjoyable?
Cross stitch is the perfect way to chill out in the evenings and the completed patterns can make great gifts for your friends and family. As long as you have the right supplies and start small to work your way up, you’ll be stitching like a pro in no time!
This article was written by Jennifer Griffiths on behalf of All Cross Stitch. With a huge range of patterns and accessories, All Cross Stitch should be your first port of call for cross stitch patterns when you’re an experienced ‘stitcher’ or a complete beginner!