The Cross Stitch
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Cross Stitch Explained
Below are basic stitching and finishing instructions for many Cross Stitch patterns that you will come across.
How to Work from Charts and Keys
Each symbol on a chart represents one stitch and its position is counted on the fabric using the chart as a guide.
Parts of the design may be outlined in backstitch. This is identified by plain and dotted lines. The key below tells you which symbols represent which colours of thread and how many strands of thread to use. The example project is stitched using the threads that are listed in the Anchor column. Threads from other manufacturers may not be exact equivalents so check by eye.
Any additional stitches, such as French knots, are listed at the end of the key. Also given is the size of the stitched area in stitches, inches and centimetres.
Example Key
Cross Stitch in two strands
Key No |
Anchor |
DMC |
Madeira |
Colour |
1 |
077 |
3687 |
0604 |
Pink |
2 |
097 |
554 |
0711 |
Mauve |
3 |
121 |
793 |
0906 |
Light Blue |
4 |
230 |
910 |
1302 |
Green |
5 |
289 |
307 |
0104 |
Yellow |
6 |
847 |
3072 |
1709 |
Light Grey |
Cross Stitch in one strand
Key No |
Anchor |
DMC |
Madeira |
Colour |
7 |
170 |
3750 |
1005 |
Dark Blue (Vase Pattern) |
8 |
401 |
844 |
1809 |
Outlines |
Finished size: Stitch count 22 high x 13 wide
Fabric and approximate finished design area:
11 HPI aida 2x1/16in (2.9x0.2cm)
14 HPI aida 151/8x7/8in (2.3x2.2cm)
18 HPI aida 1 1/4x3/4 in (3.2x 1.9cm)
How to Size your Project
At the end of each key an approximate finished design size for the project with two other fabric size alternatives is shown. However, if you wish to use a different count fabric, the size of the design will change. A higher count fabric (more holes to the inch) will give a smaller design and a lower size will give a larger design.
To work out how big a design will be, simply divide the height and width (in squares) on the chart by the number of holes per inch (HPI) of your chosen fabric.
For example consider the chart shown above. This design is 22 squares high and 13 squares wide.
On 18HPI aida: 22 / 18 = 1/4in
13 / 18 = 3/4in
On 28HPI evenweave:
22 / 28 = 3/4in
13 / 28 = 1/2in
If you are stitching over two threads you need to divide the HPI by two to give the number of stitches per inch, before calculating the design area.
How to Start Stitching
1) Fold your fabric lightly in half both ways to find the centre. The corresponding point on the chart is marked by a darker square and arrows.
2) The centre is usually the best place to begin stitching as you can be sure of getting the positioning of your work correct on the fabric. Sometimes it is easier to start in other places such as the border on the design if there is one as it makes it easier to position the stitching within. If you want to do this then count out from the centre carefully to start stitching.
How to Stitch over two Threads Designs on higher count fabrics are often stitched over two threads. This will be indicated in the instructions for the project. If you are working over two threads on 28HPI fabric you will have the same finished design area as 14HPI. (Likewise, if you are working on 36HPI fabric you will get the same design area as 18HPI aida.) Make each cross over two threads to cover a nine hole square instead of the usual four hole square. Follow the numbers shown in the illustration. |
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How to Lace your Work for Framing
1) First decide on the size and shape of your frame.
2) Cut a piece of acid-free board to the size of the inside of the frame. This will be your lacing board.
3) If you use a mount cut a piece of 2oz wadding to the size of its opening. If you are not using a mount then cut the wadding to the size of the lacing board. Place the piece of wadding centrally on the board.
4) Centre your fabric over the wadding and lacing board. Push pins through the fabric into the board along the top edge. Use the holes of the fabric as a guide.
5) Pull the fabric gently and pin along the bottom. Repeat for the sides, keeping the fabric straight. Pin the two sides of the fabric to the board in the same way.
6) Working from the back of the project, thread a large-eyed needle with strong cotton and knot the end. Lace from top to bottom with an under-and over motion. Stop half way and repeat from the other side. When you reach the centre, remove the slack before knotting the ends.
7) Repeat with the other two edges. If you run out of thread, join in a new piece with a reef knot.
8) Fold in the corners, stitch in place and remove the pins. Your work is now ready to put into your frame. Add glass if you wish.
We highly recommend the Needlecraft Magazine for patterns.
Page updated 20th January 2001 by d@gilbert.freeserve.co.uk
