Menu
homeFor a wedding

How to cross stitch easier. Cross stitch basics: from selecting threads to washing

It is believed that embroidery has a beneficial effect on the human condition, but you should not forget about basic safety precautions. Getting started, you need to learn how to make stitches correctly, because without this, embroidery will not turn out beautiful and neat. You can embroider with crosses in various ways, namely: from the bottom up and vice versa; rows can be vertical and horizontal; diagonal embroidery.

The most important thing when embroidering is that the rows go strictly in one direction. Each cross stitch you make consists of two separate stitches: a bottom stitch and a top stitch. Initially, all stitches are sewn strictly in one direction, and then the embroidery goes in the opposite direction. By following simple rules, you can quickly learn how to embroider very well and decorate your home with your products.

Cross-stitch is considered a fairly easy and interesting type of needlework, but before you start work, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for embroidery.

Before embroidery, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work, namely:

  • Processing the canvas with a special adhesive;
  • Carrying out the markup of the canvas;
  • Wash and iron the fabric.

Since the canvas can crumble during work, its edges must be treated with a special adhesive before embroidery. It takes quite a bit of time, but at the same time its edges will remain intact. The pre-treatment of the edges of the border is especially important when embroidering large modular paintings. Then be sure to mark up the canvas. All cross stitch patterns are divided into separate squares corresponding to one cross. In order not to get confused in embroidery, it is necessary to mark the canvas into squares of 10x10 crosses. It is quite possible to make markup using special markers, pencils or ordinary remnants.

Important! When choosing markers, you need to take into account their peculiarity, since some of them are fixed to the fabric at high temperatures, so the product cannot be washed in hot water.

Threads for embroidery must be divided into separate threads by winding them on special bobbins. Before starting work, the fabric must be washed and ironed thoroughly.

How to learn to cross stitch yourself

To learn how to cross-stitch very well from scratch on your own, you need to view the master class, which explains step by step how to start the embroidery process and what is required for this.

To learn how to sew beautiful paintings, you need:

  • Correctly fasten the thread;
  • Make stitches;
  • Choose pictures and much more.

You need to start embroidery from the upper left corner, in which case the crosses will go from left to right, and all available rows will be embroidered in turn down one after the other. From the very beginning of embroidery, you need to learn how to fix the thread without knots. To secure the thread, you can leave a long tail on the opposite side of the embroidery or fasten the tail on the front side of the embroidery under the previously embroidered crosses.

To embroider with a cross, you need to thread the needle into the lower left corner of the future cross from the wrong side, and then pull the thread diagonally on the front side and thread the needle into the upper corner on the right. Then, on the wrong side, draw a thread and bring it out in the lower corner under the upper one.

It is necessary to make to the right side as many diagonal stitches of the same color in a row as indicated on the embroidery pattern. Then, in the same way, you need to return to the very beginning of the row. To do this, you need to thread the needle into the upper left corner and bring it out through the wrong side in the lower corner diagonally. As a result, smooth and beautiful crosses are obtained.

Important! You should never start embroidering a pattern from the middle of the pattern, as you can only get confused and incorrectly determine the location of the pattern.

Easy cross stitch: a lesson for beginners

Cross stitch for beginners is an excellent opportunity to get a beautiful picture in the end without putting too much effort, since the main pattern is already applied to the fabric, the most important thing is to study the meaning of each color applied to the fabric.

As a canvas, you can use a variety of fabrics, namely:

  • Cotton;
  • Gunny;
  • Sackcloth;
  • Canvas.

All of these fabrics have a noticeable cage for cross stitching. The fabric can be with a large or small weave and it is better if it is light. After reviewing the sample patterns, you can choose the best option for yourself, which will look stylish and elegant on absolutely any thing. The schemes are very convenient for embroidery, as in this way we learn to embroider with a cross. It will be very interesting to combine a cross with a smooth surface on one canvas, as this will allow you to get a very beautiful and original drawing.

You can also embroider on colored fabric, because such embroidery will look very interesting and original.

The special meaning of cross stitch

Before proceeding with the selection of a pattern for embroidery, it is necessary to clarify whether each pattern carries such symbols.

In particular, you can embroider such patterns and drawings as:

  • Flowers;
  • Animals;
  • Human.

Flowers are most often used as a pattern for embroidery, as they are a symbol of beauty, love and attractiveness. Lotus means perfection, grace, peace of mind. Magnolia is considered a symbol of love and sophistication. Peony is a flower of joy, passion and love. It is considered the most favorable sign for young couples. Chrysanthemum is considered a symbol of good luck, and a vase of flowers helps to attract wealth. If you need to attract love to the house, then you should hang a picture on the wall where the aspen is embroidered.

Very often you can see animals on embroidery. Many people prefer to embroider cats, as they are considered a symbol of home comfort. Therefore, if you want to get your own comfort keeper, you should embroider a cat.

If there is no loved one, then you can embroider a couple of wolves, as this contributes to a meeting with your soulmate, and also helps to find family comfort. In addition, you can embroider a couple of birds, in particular, bullfinches look very beautiful, as the embroidery is bright, colorful and saturated.

Cross stitch: ideas

Many are interested in what is the best embroidery pattern to choose so that you can decorate the house.

Now embroidery is actively used to decorate many products, in particular such as:

  • Decorative pillows;
  • handbags;
  • Jewelry boxes and more.

There are many embroidery ideas that children and adults can enjoy. To make a beautiful picture or postcard for children, you can use pictures with animals, in particular, those that depict: a bunny, a fox, a dog or a cat are perfect. For kitchen towels, cross-stitched fruits, vegetables, tea and tableware can be a good decoration. In addition, if desired, you can decorate kitchen utensils with beautiful and original patterns. It looks quite stylish and unique.

Many people prefer to depict a person on embroidery, however, some rules must be taken into account. To bring coziness and harmony and comfort to the house, it is better to embroider a couple that is holding hands or kissing. This will help bring harmony to the couple's relationship and make the relationship more harmonious. The seasons embroidered with a cross look very beautiful in the picture, especially summer, because in this way you can show all the beauties of nature. If there is a desire to depict the New Year theme, then it is necessary to depict drawings of balls, Christmas trees, Santa Claus and other fairy-tale characters on the canvas.

How to cross stitch correctly: basic rules

Cross-stitching is considered to be quite an interesting and simple activity, the most important thing is to follow certain rules. All required processes must be carried out very competently and carefully.

There are three main types of stitches that are used in embroidery, namely:

  • Cross;
  • Half cross;
  • Tapestry stitch.

Cross stitch is a pattern in which two threads are laid on top of each other in the form of a cross. This seam is quite simple, the most important thing is to consistently perform the embroidery process. A half cross is half a cross. A similar stitch is usually used to embroider a background for a picture. In addition, the semi-cross is used for embroidering large-sized paintings, as this will save the thread.

The tapestry stitch is very similar to the half-cross, but only the wrong side is different. Tapestry stitch embroidered vertical and horizontal rows.

There are certain secrets of good embroidery that must be taken into account when carrying out work. It is very important that all stitches are the same and go in the same direction. Do not tighten the thread too much, it is better to make the stitch looser. For embroidery, it is better to use good quality floss threads, as they are strong, durable and rich in colors.

Important! When cross stitching, you can use a traditional (English) cross or Danish.

What you need for cross stitching: materials and tools

Before proceeding directly to embroidery, you certainly need to prepare materials and tools.

In particular, such as:

  • Overhead canvas;
  • hoop;
  • Mouline threads;
  • needles;
  • Scissors;
  • Schematic for the pattern.

The false canvas part is used to facilitate the embroidery process. After the embroidery is completed, its threads are simply pulled out from under the threads of the finished pattern. For cross-stitching, floss threads are used, which manufacturers offer in a wide range of good quality. Before carrying out work, it is advisable to wash them to make sure that they do not shed and the finished work will not lose its attractiveness over time.

It is very convenient to embroider if a pattern has already been applied to the canvas, as this will facilitate the embroidery process. Many craftswomen do not use the hoop while working, but they help to greatly facilitate the process of embroidery.

Beautiful voluminous works: photos of cross stitch

One of the most popular types of embroidery is cross stitch. It is quite possible to make this kind of creativity voluminous.

Volumetric cross-stitch allows you to create simply unique three-dimensional products, for example, such as:

  • Caskets;
  • Vases;
  • Decorations;
  • Decor items.

All things are quite possible to use for their intended purpose. To make the manufactured product voluminous, it is necessary to use a plastic canvas for work. You can buy such material at any needlework store.

Cross-stitching is carried out directly on the plastic base. In addition, the desired pattern can be applied to an ordinary canvas, but at the same time small allowances are left along the edges of the fabric. After the embroidery is completely ready, the canvas must be sewn to the elements made on the basis of plastic according to the outline of the embroidery. The result is strong elements, which are then fastened to obtain products of the required shape. Such products can become a home decoration or a rather interesting and original gift.

Modular cross-stitch embroidery looks very beautiful and unusual. Modular paintings serve as a real decoration for home decorating.

Cross stitch lessons for beginners (video)

Cross-stitching is very popular, as it allows you to relax, calm down and, as a result, get simply excellent results.

The easiest way to get your pattern centered on a piece of fabric is to start stitching from the center and work towards the edges.

Cross stitch, as you might guess, consists of many small crosses. The main rule is that all crosses must be made in the same sequence. The two stitches we use to make the cross go from top left to bottom right and from top right to bottom left.

For the first stitch, thread the needle from the inside of the fabric to the outside.

Then, to make a stitch, insert it into the hole that is straight diagonally down from the first spot.

Tighten the loop - carefully so as not to pull out the entire thread. The first stitch is finished. This is half of your cross. On the other side of the fabric, you should have a short tail on one side, and a thread with a needle at the end on the other.

Find the hole right above where your filament is now going. Insert a needle into it from the back of the fabric and pull, but do not pull out all the way.

Turn the fabric over and insert the short end of your thread into the loop formed. So the embroidery will not unravel. Then tighten the loop.

To finish the second half of the cross, insert the needle into the hole that is diagonally down to the left of the one where your thread is now sticking out.

You have made one cross. This is amazing.

But what if we need a series of crosses (and most often this is the case).

Create a row

In ready-made kits, there are often places painted in the right color to make it easier to embroider a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pattern. And instead of several separate crosses, you need to make a whole row. Of course, in the event that you have a drawing with a row of the same color of threads.

Remember that all crosses should be done in the same way, which means first from the upper left corner to the lower right. Start with the leftmost stitch and work your way to the right.

If you have one or two crosses of a different color in a row in your diagram, just skip this place - fill them in later.

When you get to the end of the row, insert the needle into the hole above your last stitch and work from right to left in the same way, stitching from top right to bottom left.

You should end up with a row of crosses like this

If you have several rows, then it is better to work from the bottom up. When you have completed one row, insert the needle into the hole that is in the upper left corner of the square above your leftmost cross, then cross stitch so that the needle enters the lower right hole of this square.

And just keep doing a new row, just like the previous one.

When you've finished sewing the desired section or you've run out of thread, pass the remaining tip from the back of your stitches to the inside of the fabric.

That's all, so it turns out cross-stitch. We hope that our instructions will help you take the first steps. Good luck!

There are many types of embroidery. It is divided mainly into two varieties - satin stitch embroidery and cross stitch. Although there are still examples. Counted cross - one of the types of embroidery on the cells.

Embroidery embroidery strife

The counted cross is the oldest of all types of embroidery, in which the main element is a crosshair of threads. Today, needlewomen can also talk about printed cross-stitch or uncountable embroidery. This type of needlework came into being as a result of a desire to help needlewomen - why bother with the count, if you can just work on a canvas with a pattern applied to it. Change the thread to a different shade in time - and you do not need to constantly recalculate the elements in the diagram, and then compare them according to the work done. But the true counting cross is real pride in the result. And it is expensive. Moreover, for those who are truly passionate about embroidery, it is the counted cross that is real creativity, but embroidery based on a printed pattern on canvas is just pampering.

Where to begin? From theory

Counted cross stitch is based on the absolute precision of the embroiderer: one incorrectly stitched cross - and the work can go awry if the mistake is not found and corrected in time. This, of course, will cause large losses in time. Therefore, an important element of embroidery in the technique of counting cross - schemes. The drawing that makes you want to work is transferred to the scheme - multi-colored cells indicating piece crosses of a certain color. Such schemes were developed in abundance by embroiderers both independently and with the help of special computer programs.

Cross stitch technique

Counted cross-stitch, the schemes of which can be the simplest, monochromatic, or contain many shades of color, involves working with only one technical element - a cross. Most often, a simple cross is used, although there are several techniques for performing such an element. A simple cross is the most convenient way to work with an account. It is done like this:

  • base - square;
  • the first stitch is laid from one corner of the square to the diagonally opposite corner;
  • the second stitch captures the next pair of diagonal corners, returning the needle to the side where you started work.

In order for the result to be of high quality and look as neat as possible, all crosses must be done in the same way. For example, first the diagonals are sewn from the upper left corner to the lower right, and then the diagonals from the upper right corner to the lower left. Each embroiderer decides for herself how it is more convenient for her to work - from right to left and from top to bottom or vice versa, it does not matter. It is important that all crosses look the same.

How to fill in the picture field?

Cross-stitch embroidery allows you to fill the body of the pattern with one color in the required areas without breaking the thread.

This is convenient for those who are very attentive to the count of stitches and know how to navigate the change of color on an empty pattern field. But it is much easier, according to many who have already mastered this type of needlework, to use the so-called row method. What is its essence? With a thread of the same color, crosses of the same row are completely stitched, that is, both in the forward and in the opposite direction, in a row. The thread changes to the next color, and the same row is stitched with the required number of crosses of a different color. If the distance between two separate sections of a row of the same color is small, then the thread can not be broken, but by counting the number of cells of a different color, continue working with the color of the thread that started the row. So, stitching row after row, they embroider a counted cross. The technique of cross-stitching using the in-line method is more convenient and simpler, it allows you to make fewer mistakes than if you first filled in areas of the same color on the entire field, then another, then the third, and so on.

To keep the thread from slipping

Any work with threads requires their fastening so that the thread does not slip during operation or operation of the product. For this, knots are made. But in this kind of needlework, like embroidery, knots are not made. Well, how to embroider a counted cross? The description of the beginning of work for those who are just getting acquainted with this type of needlework will begin with the rules for attaching a working thread. There are two of them:

  • no knots;
  • no "tails".

These seem to be completely impossible requirements. But in fact, everything is very simple. The working thread is held precisely by its "tail", but it must be hidden. And you can hide the tail of the working thread either from the inside of the work, or from the front side. On the “face”, it is convenient to hide the tip of the thread when the skein for embroidery is thick enough, then the tail is brought to the front side from the first stitch and, during work, is placed under several subsequent stitches until it disappears completely behind them. On the wrong side, things happen in exactly the same way, but the tail of the thread is hidden under the transition stitches. The wrong side as a place for attaching the working thread is most suitable when the skein is not too thick in relation to the size of the canvas cell, on the front side it will be visible through the stitches. But even a thick skein will give excessive volume to the stitches, so the wrong side for attaching the thread in this way is still more preferable than the front. Some embroiderers secure the end of the thread by tightening a loop on the canvas thread. What method is more convenient and practical to fasten the working "tail" - the embroiderer decides.

working material

Any work, including creative, requires material. In embroidery, a counted cross is:

  • Canvas. It can serve as the basis of the work, its canvas. Such a canvas has a dense texture, the weave is elastic, rather rigid, the threads do not diverge from each other, but keep the shape of the cells. But there is another canvas - as a help. Such a canvas is applied to the base fabric for the uniformity of the crosses, and at the end of the embroidery, it is pulled out of the pattern line by line.
  • Threads for cross stitch. Use different threads - silk, floss, polyester. The most important thing is that they do not shed, be slippery, but do not twist into knots in work. Usually, embroiderers prefer floss, since it meets all the requirements of this type of needlework, as it is created for it.
  • Needles. Yes, there can be several identical needles in the work, so as not to pull out the thread every time there is a transition to another color. Needles should be of high quality - strong and straight, not too long, with a good, but not wide eye.
  • hoop- special hoops between which the fabric is stretched (hooped). Depending on the size of the embroidery, the hoop is selected with a suitable diameter. After work, the base is processed and used for its intended purpose. Although there is a hoop that is suitable as a frame for an embroidered picture. They are textured, with a special lock with a patina - semi-antique. In them, medium-sized works look very impressive.
  • Scissors- some with thin blades for thread, others are ordinary tailor's - for working with canvas.

foundation of the foundations

As an artist uses a canvas or sheet of paper, so an embroiderer uses fabric. And to make it convenient to work on it, it is hooped in a hoop. How to do this so that the counted cross embroidery is organized correctly? The principle of cross stitch is the uniformity of all elements, which is achieved with the help of canvas. Therefore, the base must be stretched evenly:

  • the smaller hoop ring should be placed on a flat surface;
  • expand the fabric on top of the ring, straighten it;
  • cover with a second ring and fasten the clip so that the rings hold tight enough, but the fabric can be pulled through;
  • supporting the ends of the fabric, align its weave so that it has the correct geometric shape, and all cells are square;
  • tighten the rings to the end so that the fabric does not bend or slip.

You can embroider.

Finishing touches

The counting cross involves working with only one main element - a cross. But other elements help to give the work more grace. So, in simple pictures, you can use an embroidery tool that passes the contours of the depicted objects and their parts. Small details that you want to highlight, for example, leaf buds or flower buds, raisins on a cake are embroidered with knots, giving the work some volume. Cross-stitch is not very democratic, it rarely allows you to complement the work with other techniques so that the result is amazing. Most often, contour additions are used to give greater clarity.

How beautiful!

Anyone who evaluates the work done, sees only the result. And it will consist not only of the plot, but also of painstaking accuracy. If the work is done carelessly, then no matter how beautiful the scheme is, no one will praise it. Therefore, accuracy in the technique of cross-stitching is the basis of a quality result. And in order for the work to bring satisfaction, you need to know how to embroider with a counted cross according to the pattern, observing a few rules:

  • Choose quality materials. If the threads in the process of work are shaggy, cling to knots, and then shed, then all the work will go down the drain. Needles should also be good - straight, so that it is convenient to work with them, with a narrow eye so as not to disturb the structure of the fabric.
  • The fabric should be hooped into the hoop evenly, avoiding distortions.
  • Knots in embroidery are not made! The tail of the thread is neatly hidden during operation.
  • The most important thing is to accurately calculate the number of crosses in one section of the same color, the pattern depends on this.
  • Absolutely all crosses should "look" in one direction. This is due not only to the rules of the counting cross, but also to the play of light on the finished work.
  • The finished embroidery must be moistened and allowed to dry. Steam the embroidery from the wrong side without pressing the iron.

Embroidery with a counted cross allows you to make small pictures, single objects or simple patterns, but it can also become the basis for a large-scale canvas - a whole plot picture. Schemes for such work, of course, are very different. If a ready-made scheme is used, then the threads should be selected in accordance with the specified ruler. If it is developed independently, then the colors are taken at will, a sense of harmony. For greater realism of the plot picture, one should not forget about halftones, because it is the shades that give liveliness and naturalness to the finished work.

Cross-stitch embroidery is a fascinating art that is accessible to people of all ages. It develops and maintains attentiveness, the ability to see the perspective of one's work, fine motor skills of the hands, which is also useful for brain activity. Well, there is no need to talk about the result of labor - high-quality embroidery will serve as a source of pride. Good luck!

But you can master one of the most spectacular techniques - cross-stitching in just a couple of evenings. It is considered the simplest and most accessible, but at the same time it is impossible to deny it expressiveness and originality.

Touching "grandmother's" napkins and tablecloths with embroidered flowers and birds have remained somewhere in the distant past. Today, on the wave of fashion for exclusive handicraft, this technique is considered to be the leading one in the creation of unique things for decorating the interior. And of course, high fashion did not bypass her attention, the decor of clothes and accessories in this technique is a fresh and relevant trend of recent seasons.

Learning how to work in it and creating your own masterpiece is really not difficult - just master a few simple tricks.

Fashionable cross stitch on the photo:

Cross stitch technique for beginners

Like any fine needlework, this technique requires almost jeweler's precision and careful preparation. No complicated and expensive tools and materials are needed: ordinary hoops, canvas, needles and threads are the easiest needlework kit.

The cross-stitch technique is often referred to as "counting", because during operation it is necessary to accurately count the number of stitches in rows and color blocks. Therefore, the first thing to take care of is an easy-to-work canvas or base that will facilitate the counting process.

It is better to use, especially at first, a canvas with a large weave, on which the “squares” formed by the interweaving of threads are well read. Such canvas is made, as a rule, from cotton or linen, synthetic materials, in particular, vinyl, give a more “readable” structure, which professionals advise beginners to use. Its only disadvantage can be considered only that the structure of the canvas will be clearly visible if the background is not “sewn up” completely. This effect, by the way, can be used as a stylistic solution for the work as a whole.

Unlike most needlework techniques, even large-sized cross-stitch work can be embroidered in fragments. So, it is not necessary to acquire special hoops at all. Any that will allow you to tightly stretch the base of 20-30 square meters will do. centimeters. Experienced craftswomen advise choosing wooden hoops - they are not only convenient, but also pleasant to work with.

Needles also do not require much choice. To work with coarse weave, needles of medium thickness with a blunt tip are suitable. The denser the canvas, the thinner the needle should be. The only thing to consider is the size and shape of the eye of the needle, it should easily pass the thread and at the same time not deform the canvas.

A variety of threads are used in cross-stitch, but cotton and silk floss, as well as thin twisted wool yarn, are considered traditional. Such threads softly "lay" into the stitches, create an even, smooth texture and look great in the finished work. In addition, you will not have any problems with the selection of even the rarest shades and color combinations - the choice of today's proposals is simply endless.

Cross stitch: how to fasten the thread

As in any fine needlework, in this technique, not only the magnificent work itself, but also the impeccably neat inside is considered the pinnacle of skill. On the “clean”, as it is customary to call it, the wrong side should not have any flaws: long stitches and ties that occur when moving from one piece of work to another.

But in the ideal "clean" work, there are no... not even knots on the wrong side. The fact is that when embroidering with a cross, the thread is fixed in a special way. To do this, a piece of thread is folded in half in the middle and the resulting "loop" is threaded into the eye of the needle.

After that, having determined the place to start work, the needle is inserted into the lower left corner of the “square” of the canvas. The same “loop” should remain on the front side. Stepping back literally a millimeter, the needle is again brought to the front side and the knot is tightened. They return the needle to the wrong side, and lightly pulling the thread, bring out the knot there. The result is a miniature strong knot, almost imperceptible either from the front or from the wrong side of the work.

Another technique that is worth mastering when taking the first steps is attaching a new thread. When moving from color to color, and this is especially important in multi-color compositions, a new thread must be carefully introduced into the pattern. To do this, a new thread on the wrong side must be pulled under a few stitches exactly to the place from where you will begin to embroider with it. In this place it is necessary to make a neat stitch “back to the needle”. Everything, the new thread is securely fixed and you can continue to work.

In the same way, with the help of the “back needle” stitch in cross-stitch, the thread is fixed at the end of the work. The tail of the working thread, about 5 centimeters long, is brought out to the wrong side, passed through the next few stitches and secured with a “back to the needle” stitch.

Easy Cross Stitch Technique for Beginners

The main secret of beautiful and effective embroidery is even and uniform stitches. To make them look like this without much effort, you need to take as a basis a canvas with a large, clear interlacing of threads, which literally divides it into “cells”, along which it is easy to make even stitches.

A needle with a thread fixed on the wrong side is brought out to the lower left corner of the “cell” of the canvas and brought out to the wrong side in the upper right corner - strictly diagonally. And then they make a “mirror” stitch: from right to left and get a perfectly even cross. Even for beginners, the cross-stitch technique is simple and affordable.

There are two ways to lay out stitches on canvas: English and Danish. English or traditional way - the first cross is embroidered separately and in its entirety, like each subsequent one, laid out in turn, they form a row, and then a color block. And according to the Danish method, in each row, the lower stitches are laid out first - from left to right, and then they are “closed” with the upper stitches, going in the opposite direction.

The choice of method is a matter of personal preference, and in both cases, the front side of the work is smooth and uniform, and the wrong side is neat. But it is worth trying both methods, and choose the most convenient for yourself. Often, especially in large works, they are combined, since it is more convenient for English to lay out vertical rows, and for Danish - horizontal.

For the first works, it is worth choosing simple schemes in which no more than three or four colors are involved. Choose a simple, proportional pattern with medium-sized details. This makes it easier to try out the nuances of the technique and develop your own style of work.

Cotton floss is ideal for the first work. Experienced needlewomen recommend starting to master cross-stitching in two strands.

How to learn cross stitch from video

Patterns and programs for cross stitch:

From the first stitches to complex plot canvases, in fact, there are only a few steps, this technique is so simple and fascinating. Especially if you use well-designed patterns that take into account all the features of cross-stitch. This embroidery technique is not called counting for nothing - it is better to entrust the preliminary careful calculation of schemes to professionals and use ready-made schemes. Fortunately, today there are offers for every taste - from still lifes and landscapes and genre scenes to reproductions of famous paintings.

All ready-made schemes, regardless of their complexity, are built according to the same principle. Each square of the scheme corresponds to the future cross on the canvas, and the symbol or number indicated in it corresponds to the color of the threads. You just have to choose the right shades. You can, especially at first, use ready-made kits that take into account everything - from the size of the canvas needed for work to the combination of colors and shades.

But one of the most interesting solutions that allow you to feel like a real designer is cross-stitch programs. They allow you to translate any image into a well-designed scheme, it can be a photo taken by you yourself or an image taken from the Internet. Programs provide unlimited scope for choosing a plot and embodying your own creative ideas, especially since they are designed for the average user, they are not difficult and do not require special knowledge in design.

Today there are many such programs, but they all work on the same principle: you load an image into the program, and it calculates the future embroidery for you down to the smallest detail. The selection of threads, their number, color combinations and canvas size, you can even get an image of your work in finished form. But most importantly, the program will provide you with a scheme that is impeccable in its accuracy - you just have to pick up a needle. But it is worth considering that the more complex the plot of the intended work, the higher the level of your skill should be.

Cross stitch: technique

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Most often it happens that in the process of work there may not be threads of any shade that is important for the overall color scheme. It turns out, as a rule, at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, it is worth using the rule that experienced embroiderers adhere to: there is never too much thread. Collect your own palette, it will definitely come in handy.

If you have already decided on the scheme, then you can proceed directly to work. First of all, you need to pull the canvas tightly and tightly on the hoop - this way you will better see its natural markings. The hoop does not have to be large, the technique allows you to embroider in fragments, dragging the canvas during work. It is enough that they "hold" a fragment of 20-30 square meters. centimeters is the most convenient option for work.

Where to begin? First of all, from the definition of the center of the composition or drawing, you need to start working from it. The best way to keep the proportions and dimensions is to mark the diagonals on the canvas and stick to them as the main directions. It is best to fill the canvas according to the “snowflake” principle, moving evenly from the center to the edges.

If you have chosen a complex scheme, start with the largest area of ​​the same color. It is also better to start with darker color blocks - this way you will set the desired contour, which is easier to complement with lighter shades and colors. And be sure to cross out already embroidered sections from the scheme so that you do not mistakenly return to them again!

The technique of cross-stitching does not depend on the size of the work or on the complexity of the plot. Work with the English or Danish method - the choice is yours. But in large works, it is worth considering color transitions, avoiding long ties on the wrong side of the work. It is best to stitch the pattern not with separate crosses, but with solid color “blocks”. Trying to finish them so as to lay the last stitch as close to the first as possible.

It is also important to follow the direction of the stitches. If you started laying the bottom stitches from left to right, and the top stitches from right to left, absolutely the entire pattern should be done in this vein. Thus, you will get an almost perfect front side.

Stitches that "look" the other way are used to achieve certain visual effects, and this must be reflected in the scheme.

The basics of cross stitch technique on video:

Cross stitch: how many threads - 2 or 1?

This question inevitably arises before the start of any, especially large-scale work. The correct answer to it can only be given by the scheme that you have chosen and personal preferences. Someone loves translucent airy textures, someone prefers voluminous and dense ones - this effect is given by threads in several additions. More often they are used to work on large color blocks, a contrasting canvas of color, or to give an additional effect of volume that a drawing requires.

For example, in landscapes. The crown of a tree embroidered with a three-strand cross will have an effect similar to 3D, especially against the background of the rest of the pattern. And the clouds embroidered with a cross in one thread will enhance the impression of a complex spatial composition - the canvas will shine through them, and they will look more transparent and airy than the main background. You can create voluminous compositions in this way in any work, sometimes it is “embedded” in the scheme itself, and in some cases such a solution can be added on your own. Fantasy and creativity in this technique work wonders.

But when choosing the number of threads, it is worth considering the size of the sections of the canvas, the larger its “cells”, the thicker and more voluminous the thread can be taken to work. Most often, cross-stitch is done in 2 threads, but when starting a large work, for example, creating a picture or wall panel, it is better to try your choice on a sample. A small square measuring 5x5 centimeters will give you a complete idea of ​​​​how the texture of the finished work will look like.

Muline, as you know, is produced in skeins of different sizes, each manufacturer has his own. But each skein of floss consists of six thin threads, which must be properly separated before starting work - if you don’t know how to do it right and try to separate the threads in a common skein, you can hopelessly ruin the whole skein.

First you need to carefully unwind the skein and cut off the desired length from the total skein - 60-70 centimeters. This is the most convenient length for work - the thread will not get tangled, and the hand will not have to be bent and unbent during work.

Then, slightly fluffing the tip of the skein, you need to carefully pull out one thread, after which the skein is straightened again. Pull the threads exclusively one at a time!

In order to save time and make the process of cross-stitching, for example, in 3 threads easier and more pleasant, the threads should be prepared in advance. They can be threaded into needles or use a special organizer.

If you have heard a lot about cross-stitching, seen the wonderful works of experienced craftswomen, also want to learn how to embroider, but have not decided to make the first crosses, does this mean that you simply do not know where to start? "Cross" with pleasure will dedicate you to the basics of cross-stitch!

Since the cross must have the correct shape (the same in width and height), the fabrics used in cross-stitching must have a geometrically correct base. In other words, the interweaving of threads must be strictly perpendicular to each other, forming squares. After all, the essence of cross-stitch is to fill these squares with a multi-colored pattern. Therefore, it will be much easier and easier if you embroider on a special fabric - canvas.

Canvas Aida (Aida)

In this case, cross-stitching for beginners will bring a lot of fun!

Working thread length

So that the thread does not get confused and twisted when embroidering, its length should not exceed 40-50 cm. For woolen or other threads with a loose texture, these numbers should be smaller - 20-30 cm. should be 2 times larger, because when refueling the needle, it will have to be folded in half.

In order not to measure the length of the working thread each time, experienced craftswomen apply it to their hand. The size of the hand-elbow is the most optimal. If the embroidery is not in one thread, then before embroidering, a piece of the desired length cut off from the skein must be divided into separate threads, straightened, and then joined in the required quantity. After that, the thread will twist less.

Embroidery density

Usually a skein of floss consists of 6 thin threads. Not all are used for embroidery, it all depends on the size of the canvas. When cross-stitching, for beginners, an indicator of good work is an even, smooth pattern through which the canvas fabric should not be visible. Therefore, the number of threads for embroidery is determined depending on the size of the canvas.

The size of the canvas is taken as the number of crosses per inch. The most popular is canvas Aida 14, for which a thread is taken in 2-3 additions, for Aida 18 2 threads are pulled from the skein, and Aida 11 requires 3-4 threads to work. To determine how many threads are suitable in a particular case, you can embroider several crosses with a different number of threads and see which one will be the most dense.

The background is embroidered with a thread in 1 addition. It looks light and airy, but the canvas is translucent

Sufficiently dense embroidery, the canvas does not shine through the threads

White canvas shines through dark threads

Where to start embroidering?

Finally, the size of the canvas is determined, the thread of the desired length is cut, you can start embroidery. And the question immediately arises - from what place is it better to do this?

The centuries-old practice of embroidery suggests that the center point must be determined on the canvas. It can be found by folding the canvas first along, then across. The point is best marked with a water-soluble marker, but you can use a pin or basting stitch.

After carefully considering the outline of the picture you are going to transfer to the canvas, determine the best place to start. But if you follow the advice of experienced embroiderers, then even cross-stitch for beginner children will turn out symmetrical and neat if you start it from the middle of the canvas.

Fastening the thread at the beginning of work

In order to achieve a smooth surface of the embroidered picture, without bumps and dips, when embroidering with a cross, knots on the wrong side should not be made in any case. It is possible to fasten the thread in several ways: using the “Loop” method, with a knot, without a knot, with a knot outside and under the stitches.

Fastening the thread using the "Loop" method

A cross stitch needle should not have a sharp tip and damage the canvas. Its rounded end should push the warp fibers apart and fall into the corner hole.

For greater convenience and uniform tension, the canvas should be hooped or stretched over a special frame.

Hoop embroidery

Frame embroidery

The design is transferred to the fabric using a cross stitch pattern, where each color is indicated by its own symbol. In the diagram, each cross occupies one cell. To facilitate the process, the cross-stitch technique for beginners is structured as follows: first, all crosses and half-crosses are embroidered according to the pattern, then French knots, a “back with a needle” stitch, etc. are added.

Fastening the thread at the end of work

As at the beginning of work, the thread should be fastened at the end without knots.

  1. The thread is passed from the wrong side under a few stitches, and then cut.
  2. On the wrong side, the thread wraps around one stitch several times.

One thing to keep in mind when securing the thread is that dark colors can show through lighter threads, so you should try to avoid such situations. The thread can be secured in another way - by passing it through the vertical stitches on the reverse side.