Cross Stitch is one of the many kinds of needle craft. It is also amongst the oldest embroidery forms which allows for “X” type stitches.

The technique is to embroider any shape or pattern with x shaped stitches counted in all directions for a perfect figure and hence the name.

Cross stitch can be only be started if one has a design in hand like a design chart. For the rest, it requires the same materials more or less as other forms of stitches.

You will need an evenly weaved fabric, tapestry needles, cotton floss with six strands, and of course, the good old scissors. One can also embroider a cross stitch on a non-even surface.

Cross-stitch as we learn it today was not always the same. It has evolved over the centuries to be what it is now. Archeological excavations and carbon dating has shed light on the fact that women knew embroidering this kind of stitch right back in the sixth century. This was found in the Eastern part of Europe, more specifically in Egypt in a Coptic tomb.

It was a staple design in the clothes embroidered in China around this time. Experts suggest that this must be where it all began.  This pattern of embroidery was adapted in Spain due to the Islamic Influence after the Crusades.

At about this time, the dual color cross stitch evolved with black wool stitches white linen. The earliest cross stitch printed patterns were seen in Germany during the 16th century.

Before the printed patterns, designs were made on sheets of paper and stored for reference.

The art next invaded England with Catherine, wife of Henry the VIII. With the progress of civilization and the advancement in printing, cross stitches became more popular as books began to be disbursed more widely.

Around the 18th century, children were taught cross stitches along with other arts as part of their education.

In the 19th century, it spread to the new world with people on the Mayflower carrying it forward. Then, in the year 1828, the first embroidery machine was invented by Joseph Heilman.

After this, there was no looking back as now this pattern could be mass produced. But, gradually the art itself faded out as machines took over and fewer and fewer women learning it or even buying handmade stuff as that was comparatively dearer than the machine made product.

These days, only the interested people learn it and very few prefer it over other more intricate embroideries on offer in the market.

However, for those with the desire to learn, there are complete kits available in the market which would help one learn cross-stitch embroidery right from the word go! These kits are available at all leading retail stores, craft stores and needlework suppliers.

Cross stitch kits even contain books with basic printed patterns. It is a valued art form, easy to learn with minimum requirements. The technique is simple, one only has to learn to make the “X” stitch and after that it’s just putting down these stitches on cloth on already printed or prepared patterns.

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For those wishing to learn how to cross stitch, it is advised that beginners begin with only basic projects, and they do not need to be finished necessarily; they are merely test projects, if you will. Make sure to have all of your supplies at hand: fabric, needle, floss, hoop, scissors, a good light source and a soft chair or comfortable work environment.
Remember that once the stitch is learned, you can tackle sought after projects with far less frustration and a better outcome. It is normal to take up cross stitching to create an item that you absolutely must have, but it is crucial that you are patient and begin with something simple before getting in over your head. Think of it as dating before becoming serious with someone when it comes to relationships; you want to make sure that the relationship will work before you commit. However, this hobby can be very, very entertaining and addicting!

If you search on the internet you can easily find many free stitching charts to help guide you. It would also be wise to begin with “whole stitches” while beginning to simplify cross stitching until it becomes less awkward for you.

To perform a basic cross stitch, one must follow these directions:

1. Thread the needle with the indicated number of floss strands and color. Note that the threading will be easier if the strand ends are delicately twisted together.
2. Pull 3 to 4 inches of the floss through the eye of the needle. Make sure this remains the same length throughout your project.
3. Place the needle at the back of the fabric and push the needle all the way through until the starting point is reached. Leave only 1 inch of floss at the back of your work.
4. Hold the thread at the back of the fabric and weave your first few stitches over it until it is secured.
5. Perform a half cross-stitch by pushing the needle through one hole in the fabric and then through the hole that sets diagonal and to the right of the first.
6. Create a cross-stitch by creating a half cross-stitch, and then another in the opposite direction. The second cross-stitch will overlap the first; creating an “X” shape.
7. Create a backstitch by pushing the needle upwards through one hole, and then going backwards over the pre-determined number of threads. Second, push the needle down through the proper hole, and finally, bring the needle upwards the same number of threads ahead of your starting point.

A few tips and precautions for the beginning cross-stitcher should be followed before beginning:

• The kind of stitch and color are to be used as the pattern says. Each square equals one stitch.
• Six strands make up each length of floss. You must separate these strands by holding a length of floss between two fingers and pulling one strand out at a time to avoid the floss from tangling.
• Keep your stitches even and light handed. This will prevent the thread from breaking and fabric from furrowing.

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