Question 1

How to transfer hand embroidery patterns onto fabric

Accepted Answer

There are many different ways to transfer patterns onto fabric. You can iron it on, sew it on, or use a light box and transfer paper. We recommend using a lightbox and transfer paper because you get a much clearer pattern. If you don't have a lightbox and transfer paper you can put the pattern under a bright light and trace around it with a pencil. If you have a lightbox and transfer paper follow these steps: 1. Tape your pattern to the flat side of the transfer paper. 2. Place it under a bright light or outside in the sun. This will allow you to see the lines better when tracing them on the fabric. 3. Trace around your pattern onto the fabric with a pencil. 4. Peel off the pattern and tape the transfer paper to the fabric wrong side up. 5. Cut along the lines using a sharp scissors or rotary cutter and mat knife. 6. Iron on the design using a hot iron for 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on how thick the fabric is and apply pressure while ironing for 30 seconds to 1 minute until set in place. 7. Embroider over your design with embroidery floss or thread of choice.

Question 2

What is the difference between aida and evenweave?

Accepted Answer

Aida is a type of cross stitch fabric with a grid of squares on it. The most common type has 14 squares per inch. Aida has the advantage of making it easy to count stitches and so forth. However, there are some disadvantages: Aida tends to curl on itself and is more difficult to keep flat when stitching. The edges are also very bulky, so it does not show off stitched areas to their best advantage. There are ways to deal with these issues, but if you are new to cross stitching, I would recommend starting out with an evenweave fabric. Evenweave fabric is made up entirely of woven threads running in one direction only. This makes it much easier to stitch on since there is no grid to contend with or pull down when stitching. It also does not curl at all, which makes things easier still. However, unlike aida, there is no way to count stitches using an evenweave fabric since there is no grid or squares on it at all. You have to count the threads yourself if you want to keep track of how many stitches you are doing. Evenweave fabric also tends to have very large holes compared to aida, so if your work shows off your stitched areas well or if you just like to see what you have done in each area, then an evenweave might not be for you either. It's really just personal preference in this case.

Question 3

What can cross stitch be used for?

Accepted Answer

There are really only two limitations that I can think of when thinking about what cross stitch can be used for: The first is that cross stitch cannot be used for anything that will get wet (i.e., kitchen towels). The second limitation is that it cannot be used for anything that should not get wet (i.e., nappies/diapers). Beyond that, though, there are no limitations Cross stitch can be used for pillows, hanging wall art, clothing (from baby clothing to adult clothing), bags (including handbags), jewelry (necklaces and earrings), home decor items (wall hangings and other things), framed pictures, place mats, coasters...the list goes on and on.

Question 4

Is cross stitch easy?

Accepted Answer

Cross stitch can definitely seem intimidating at first glance since there are so many different patterns out there and they all look so complex - especially if they're done in blackwork or other types of counted embroidery where you have a grid or pattern that has a lot of small squares or numbers on it that tell you exactly where each stitch goes - but once you get past those first few steps and once you learn how to read a pattern properly, it really doesn't take too long to complete something using cross stitch. Cross stitch might seem intimidating at first glance because there are so many different patterns out there and they all look so complex, but once you get past those first few steps and once you learn how to read a pattern properly, it really doesn't take too long to complete something using cross stitch.

Question 5

Why do cross stitches?

Accepted Answer

For me personally, I like cross stitching because it is relaxing, fun, creative, artistic, and it's something that makes me feel good about myself when I work on it. I also like that it can be used for making practical things that are useful or decorative things that are beautiful. To me, the benefits of cross stitching far outweigh any cons I can think of.

Question 6

What is cross stitch vs needlepoint?

Accepted Answer

Cross stitch is a countable form of embroidery where you use a chart to determine where each of your stitches goes. Needlepoint is a form of embroidery where you use a canvas or piece of fabric with holes already in it to determine where each of your stitches goes. It's up to you which one you choose - they're both great.

Question 7

Can cross stitch be washed?

Accepted Answer

Yes You should wash your cross stitch on a gentle cycle in cold water. It is best if you use either a lingerie bag or a pillowcase so your hoop doesn't catch on anything and tear. Make sure you wash with colors as well so your colors don't run.

Question 8

Can you cross stitch without a hoop?

Accepted Answer

Actually yes - if you have a quality needlework frame. There are several different types available at different price points depending on your needs and budget.

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