Traditions Continue . . . What Is Cross-stitch? - WVU Ext

WLG 33
Traditions Continue . . .What Is
Cross-stitch?
Janice Heavner, WVU Extension Agent, Pendleton County
Educational
Objectives
1.Understand how cross-stitch is passed
down from generation to generation.
2.Learn the art
of cross-stitch.
History
Cross-stitch, one of the oldest forms of embroidery, can be found
all over the world. Many folk museums show examples of clothing
decorated with cross-stitch, especially from continental
Europe and Asia. Two-dimensional cross-stitch in
floral and geometric patterns, usually worked in black
and red cotton floss on linen, is characteristic of folk
embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe. In the
United States, the earliest known cross-stitch sampler
is housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The sampler was created about 1653 by Loara Standish,
daughter of Captain Myles Standish and pioneer of the
Leviathan stitch. Multicolored, shaded, painting-like
patterns as we know them today are a recent development,
deriving from similar shaded patterns of Berlin wool work
of the mid-19th century. Traditionally, cross-stitch was
used to embellish items like dishcloths, household linens,
and doilies. Only a small portion, such as a border, would
actually be embroidered.
What Is Cross-stitch?
Cross-stitch is a popular form
of counted-thread embroidery
in which X-shaped stitches in
a tiled pattern are used to form
a picture. Counted cross-stitch
usually is created on countable
even-weave fabric called Aida
cloth. The stitcher counts the
threads in each direction so
that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance, thus the name
counted cross-stitch. Stamped cross-stitch is when the pattern is
printed onto fabric and the stitcher simply stitches over the image.
Many cross-stitching “guilds” across the United States and Europe
– continued –
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offer classes, collaborate on large projects,
stitch for charity, and provide other ways for
local cross-stitchers to get to know one another.
Getting Started
Patterns
There are two types of cross-stitch patterns.
Stamped cross-stitch patterns are printed
directly onto the fabric, with color coding to
show you where to stitch each thread color
and stitch type. (Note: Do NOT wash your
piece until it has been completed. Washing
will remove the stamped pattern.) Counted
cross-stitch patterns are graphs on a grid
that corresponds to the grid of the Aida fabric.
The pattern includes symbols to show where
to stitch each color.
Fabric
Stamped cross-stitch is normally printed on
100-percent cotton, and Aida cloth is commonly
used for counted cross-stitch. Aida is a basketweave fabric in which horizontal and vertical
threads are grouped, making the intersections
for stitches very easy to see and use. Aida cloth
comes in three sizes: 11 count (11 stitches to
the inch); 14 count (14 stitches to the inch);
and 18 count (18 stitches to the inch).
Hoop
Counted
cross-stitch
can be
done with
or without
a hoop;
however,
using a
hoop is
recommended for stamped cross-stitch. Placing
a hoop over existing stitches may slightly
distort them but a gentle raking with a needle
will restore their square shape. Hoops are made
of several materials, including plastic, wood,
and metal. When it comes to choosing a hoop,
personal preference is the main focus. The size
of the hoop is determined by the size of the
project and the size of the workable area.
Average hoop size is approximately 8 to 10
inches. Stretch the fabric in the hoop and keep
it taut for easier stitching. The use of a floor
stand frees both hands and makes stitching easier.
If using a metal hoop, be careful not to leave the
hoop assembled on the fabric because rust may
form on the hoop and transfer to the fabric.
Needle
Needles used for counted cross-stitch need to be
blunt-pointed tapestry needles, ranging in size
from 24 to 26. For stamped cross-stitch, regular
sewing needles can be used, due to the sharppointed ends. The length and size of the eye
hole will depend on your personal preference.
Floss or
Thread
Any sixstrand
embroidery
floss, made
with 100
percent
cotton that
is washable
and fade resistant, can be used for stamped
or counted cross-stitch. The six stands can
be divided up to work with one, two, or three
stands as required by fabric or type of stitch.
The pattern will tell you how many strands
to use.
Scissors
When you are crafting, sewing, or embroidering,
keep a pair of scissors for these special projects.
Keep your scissors clean and clear of any
foreign substances that may harm your
fabric or other craft projects.
Stitches
Traditional embroidery stitches that are
used in both stamped and counted cross-stitch
include cross-stitch, ¾ stitch, lazy daisy stitch,
straight stitch, satin stitch, French knot, back
stitch, and stem stitch.
Cross-stitch
A single cross-stitch is formed in two motions.
Following the numbering in Figure 1, bring
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the threaded needle up at
Figure 1
1, down at 2, up at 3, and
down at 4, completing the
stitch. When working on
Aida cloth, a stitch will
cover one “block” of fabric.
For horizontal rows of
stitches
Figures 2 & 3
(Figure
2), bring
thread
up at 1,
holding
tail end
of thread
beneath fabric and anchoring it with your few
stitches. Work half of each stitch across the
row left to right; complete the stitches on the
return. For a vertical row of stitches (Figure 3),
complete each stitch and then proceed to the
next. End thread by weaving over and under
several stitches on the wrong side of fabric;
begin new threads in this manner if stitches
are available.
¾ Stitch
Figure 4
This stitch is used
to smooth out edges
or round corners.
Figure 4 gives you an
example of a ¾ stitch.
Bring the thread up
at 1 and 3 and down at 2 and 4.
Lazy Daisy
Stitch
Figure 5
A
B
This stitch
can be worked
singly or in
groups to form
flower buds
or petals. Bring the thread through at A
(Figure 5) and, holding the thread down with
the thumb, insert the needle again just
a single thread away. Still holding the thread,
bring the needle through at B. Pull the thread
through gently to form a small loop; then insert
the needle to form a small tying stitch over
the loop.
Straight
Stitch
Figure 6
To work
a straight
stitch
(Figure 6),
simply bring the needle through the fabric
at one end of the stitch and return it to the
backside at the opposite end of the stitch.
Satin Stitch
Figure 7 shows the needle
coming up through fabric
at 1 and all odd numbers,
and down through
fabric at 2 and all even
numbers. Keep tension
even and the strands
of thread smooth for
this stitch.
Figure 7
French Knots
As shown in Figure 8, you will bring needle up
at 1, hold thread close to fabric with left thumb
and index
finger
about 1
inch from
point 1.
Slip needle
under
Figure 8
thread and
turn needle
clockwise. Still holding thread in left fingers,
insert needle back down through fabric at 2
(above number 1), maintaining firm tension
on thread until it is almost completely down
through the fabric.
Back Stitch
Back stitches are
usually worked
B
A
after all crossC
stitches are
Figure 9
complete. They
may slope in any direction and are occasionally
worked over more than one fabric block
or thread. Figure 9 gives an example of the
back stitch; bring thread up at A and C,
and down at B.
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Stem
Stitch
Finished Project
Figure 10
In Figure
10, you
can see
the needle
comes up
through fabric at odd numbers and down
through at even numbers. When creating the
steam stitch, always keep the thread below
the needle.
It is easier to start your embroidery in the
center and work out toward the edges. For
stamped cross-stitch, start closest to the
center as possible. When working with counted
cross-stitch, you must find the center of your
project first.
Fold the fabric in half vertically and
horizontally to find the center of the fabric.
Follow the arrows on the pattern to determine
the center of the pattern.
The Charts
Cross-stitch is completed by following a pattern
and/or chart. The pattern includes the design
layout and a key explaining the different
symbols, color of embroidery thread, or stitch
style to be used.
If you started with a kit, you may not know
how you to want finish your project. Take
the time to determine that before you start
a project. You could make a bookmark, wall
hanging, lap quilt, etc.
Follow-up Activities
Ask participants if they would like a followup to the lesson, such as one of the following
activities.
●Offer a beginners’ class taught by a local embroiderer who knows the skills of cross-
stitch embroidery.
●Organize a group session, led by those with embroidery skills, to make items to donate
to a local service organization.
References
American School of Needlework. (1984). The Great
Craft-Quilts Book. New York: Sterling Publishing
Co., Inc.
Yarn Tree http://yarntree.com
Embroidery Suite 101 –
http://embroidery.suite101.com
Washing Project
Hand-wash in cool water with mild detergent.
Rinse well without wringing, but roll it in a
clean towel to absorb water. While item is
still damp, place face down on a towel. Place
another towel on top and press lightly with
a warm iron. Let dry.
2010
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard
to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or
family status. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Director, Cooperative Extension Service, West Virginia University.
Cross-stitch Hand photo by carolyntiry,Carolyn Tiry/Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/carolyntiry/3952589164/
Cross-stitch Thread photo by Mags_cat, Maggie/Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mk1971/1391235523/
Cross-stitch Hoop photo by megrje, mjb/Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/megrje/449448631/
WVU Extension Service Families and Health Programs
FH10-262