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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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