How to: cross stitch

Make a cross

Make a second diagonal stitch to complete the cross. The direction of your diagonals are up to you, just be sure all your top crosses face in the same direction. Otherwise, your design will end up looking uneven.

Outline

Once the cross stitched areas are finished, you can add the backstitch outlines. You’ll find it helpful to change to a sharp embroidery needle. Weave your thread through the reverse of your stitches to secure before you begin the backstitch.

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Backstitch

Make a backstitch over about 1-3 aida blocks, following the chart. For the second stitch, bring your needle up 1-3 aida blocks away from this stitch and take it down next to your previous stitch, and so on...

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Secure it

Working from front to back, pull your needle almost all the way through your fabric. Use your finger to hold about 3cm of thread on the back. Stitch as normal, guiding the backs of your stitches so they cover the thread tail. Once it’s been covered by at least four stitches, release your finger and continue stitching. (Pictured: reverse side of aida)

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When using just two threads, work a loop knot by cutting a length of thread twice as long as you need it to be and folding in half. Thread your needle as normal and make a half cross stitch. As you pull your thread through the reverse of your fabric,carefully loop your needle through the thread loop to secure. This is a really great way to start stitching without having to tie a knot!

Waste canvas

Waste canvas and Soluble Canvas are used when stitching onto fabrics other than aida and evenweave. Tack onto your fabric and stitch as normal. When you’ve finished, soak in warm water. Soluble Canvas will dissolve completely in water. For waste canvas, you’ll need to remove each each strand individually.

For easy-to-follow guides on fractionals, french knots, beading and much more, visit Crossstitchermagazine.co.uk

• Familiarise yourself with the cross stitch tools of the trade
• Discuss cross stitch and embroidery on the message boards
• Sign up to the Quizbreak newsletter