|
Organize your Cross Stitch Materials
Begin by
measuring your
fabric to the appropriate size. You must first figure out the
stitch count of your design horizontally and vertically. Most patterns
will supply this information in the directions. For example, if your
stitch count on your pattern is 140 (vertical) X 112 (horizontal) you
would divide each of these number by the count of the fabric you have
chosen. Let’s assume you have chosen a 14 count Aida cloth (which
means there are 14 stitches or squares per inch). You would divide each
stitch count by 14. Don’t forget to add another 4 to 6 inches to each
measurement for framing.
Example:
140/14 = 10 inches + 6 inches (for framing) =16 inches
112/14 = 8 inches + 6 inches (for framing) =14 inches
(you would cut your
material 16 inches vertically and 14 inches horizontally)
When using a linen or Jobelan or any fabric with an even stitch count of
20 or above you will generally be stitching over two threads. For
example, if your linen has a count of 32, you will cut that in half for
your calculations (32/2). So, a 32 count fabric would become a 16
count fabric when stitched over two threads. (32/2=16)
Cuts of fabric. There are a few different
cuts of fabric. Among these are fat quarters, fat halves, and full
yards. If you were to take a yard of fabric and lay it out flat
and cut it into 4 equal parts vertically and horizontally, one of the
four pieces would be considered a fat quarter. A fat half is that
same fabric cut horizontally right down the middle to make two halves.
Of course, a full yard is the whole piece of fabric. Most patterns
will fit onto a fat quarter of fabric. Some patterns, like
Lavender and Lace Angels require a little more fabric. A fat half
is more appropriate.
Be sure
to double check your math before cutting.
Once you’ve cut it,
it’s too late. There is no taping it back together. It
is also smart to make sure you have the correct fabric and the correct
count of fabric. A
cross stitch gauge is a great way to check what count your
fabric is. Measure one inch of fabric and count the number of
stitches you can stitch in that area. That will tell you what
count fabric you are working with. If you count 14 stitches in an
inch, than the fabric you are working on is a 14 count fabric.
Next, use
masking tape to tape the edges of your material to prevent fraying.
You can also serge the edges of your fabric with a sewing machine.
There are also products on the market that can be applied to the edges
of your fabric to stop fraying like
Fray Stop. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Then,
organize all of your floss colors in one floss container in numerical
order for easy access. Keep any other material you will need to
complete your project in the container as well, like beads and specialty
threads, extra needles, etc. Be sure to check how many skeins of each
color you will need so you don’t run out. This information should be
provided in the directions or in the color chart. I like to keep
my floss on reusable
plastic bobbins with a
number tag. Some people like to use small bags to hold their
floss called
Floss Away.
There
are many great craft bags designed for easy of storage of your cross
stitch supplies. There are some old fashioned ones like this free
standing
Knit and Crochet bag that I love.
Always a favorite accessory as this stand remains handy by your chair or
can pick and go when you do. Assorted prints will vary. 14¼” high, 14¼”
across, and 8¾” wide when open. Folds to 16” long and 2” deep. Natural
tone wood handles and legs. Lined with one vinyl pocket. Just like
Grandma used to have. Another of my favorites is this
Arm Chair Needlework Organizer. Blue fabric Description: Rests
on arm chair or sofa. Deep pockets to store supplies. Removable pin
cushion. Button to hold loose thread. Snap loop to hold scissors Size:
12.25" w x 20" h
Several manufacturer suggest washing your fabric and floss before
stitching to avoid having any of the colors run. I am not overly
fond of this idea. There is a product that can be used for this
process should you choose to do so. It is called
Fabri-Care. Read and follow the directions on the bottle
carefully. |
