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Supplies You'll Need to Cross
Stitch
Needles: You
will need a tapestry needle or one that is labeled for the count of
cross stitch fabric you wish to use. Tapestry needles have a blunt end
and a large eye for easier threading. Keep an extra needle in case the
first one breaks or bends. There are
nickel, gold and platinum
plated needles. The gold and platinum needles last longer and
slide easier than the traditional nickel plated needle. If you are
a serious cross stitcher, you may want to consider gold or platinum.
I just purchased my first platinum needle and I love it! Tapestry
needles come in a variety of sizes. The larger the number the
smaller the needle is. Here are some recommendations for needle
sizes for different counts of fabric:
Needle Size for Cross Stitch
fabric count
needle size
14 / 28 /
30 24
16 /32 /35 26
18
/ 40 26
larger counts 28
Storing needle:
You can store the needle you are working with on the fabric you are
using for your project by weaving it through a couple of the holes.
There are also some great
needle
cases that you can purchase that may become heir looms eventually
for the younger stitchers in your family. There are also some
great
needle magnets for storing you needles.
Floss: Cross
stitch is done with a 6 strand embroidery floss.
DMC 100%
cotton, Mouline floss
is a very popular brand. Most patterns call for
2 strands for cross stitches and one strand for back stitches.
Some of the larger counts of fabric like Herta 6 and 8 counts may call
for 3 strands of floss for stitches. DMC
also carries metallic floss called
Light
Effects. Light Effects are a sparkly floss that add
shine to a project.
DMC
Color Variations change the shade of the color as you sew for a
unique effect. There
are also specialty metallic and variegated threads.
Kreinik
is one of the most prevalent metallic threads used in cross
stitch. There are several different sizes including blending
filaments, #1, #5, #7, #4, #8 and #12, as well as 1/8th ribbon,
and 1/16th ribbon, . They come in a variety of styles like
braid, Japan thread, Cord, Cable, Vintage, High luster, Fluorescent, and
the newest, Holographic. There are also metallic threads by
Glissen
Gloss called Rainbow and Estaz. The Rainbow is a blending
filaments and the Estaz is a fuzzy floss that anglers often use to tie
their own flies for fishing.
Needle
Paints are a cotton floss that comes in rich colors designed
especially for
Lavender
and Lace patterns. They are made of 100% Egyptian cotton and
come in 3 different
color schemes, called
Robbins Egg Blue, Orchid, and Lavender/Blue.
Caron
Collection floss is a new addition to Julie's X Stitch.
It is a hand dyed floss that is variegated. The Waterlilies line
is used in many of the Mirabilia patterns.
A twelve-ply hand-dyed
variegated silk. It gives a subtle sheen when stitched and has
particularly good light reflection qualities. Use a single ply for very
fine work or as many plies as necessary to suit stitch and ground
fabric. Many of the colors match Watercolors and Wildflowers, but
because the silk fibers take the dye differently, they may be more
subdued.
Floss is usually
colorfast, which mean it does not run when washed. However, some
people like to wash their floss before using it to be sure. If you
choose to wash your floss before stitching with it, you will need to put
each skein in a separate container of tap water. You can also
use distilled water. If the floss makes the water colored, you
should wash it again until it no longer makes the water colored. Dry
your floss on a white paper towel or a white cloth towel. If it
leaves any color on the towel, then start the process over again.
Cross
Stitch or Embroidery Hoop:
Hoops can be made out of plastic, metal, or wood and come in several
different sizes, among those being 7 inch, 10 inch, and others. A hoop will keep your fabric taut while you stitch. There are
also free standing hoops. Q-snaps (standard sizes are 8 and 11 for
cross stitch) are also an option for holding
your fabric while you stitch. They snap apart for easy storage. To prevent creases from forming on your
fabric, remove the hoop when you are not stitching and roll your fabric
to store. I keep my fabric in a plastic bag while I am not working on
it to avoid accidents. Some more experienced stitchers prefer to use no
hoop at all. Others like to used a hoop when they work with Aida
and no hoop when they used Linen fabric.
Scissors:
Use a sharp pair of small scissors to avoid frayed ends on your floss.
There are many embroidery
scissors or
thread clippers to choose from. Clip the floss with a small tail or with no tail at all. It’s a matter
of choice. Beware of ends showing through the fabric.
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