COUNTED CROSS STITCH To Keep the Fabric From Raveling You have a choice of 4 methods: - Whip around the edges with floss or sewing thread.
- Zigzag around the edge with your sewing machine.
- Use a liquid like Fray Check.
- Tape the edges with masking tape – never scotch tape. Use ½” masking tape – it will come off during washing.
Back to Top Centering Your Design It is important where you make your first stitch, as it will determine where your design will appear on your fabric. Find the centre of your fabric by first folding it in half, top to bottom and folding it once more, left to right. Do not crease – instead, pinch the centre and baste centre lines. When basting, use the same color thread as the fabric. Find the centre point of your graph by the arrow marks if shown, or by counting the squares. Each square on the graph represents one square on your fabric. From the center point, count upwards to the top row of the design. Then count left or right to the first symbol and begin at that point. It is important to always begin at the top. Back to Top Place Fabric in Hoop Place the fabric in the hoop and gently pull taut and tighten the screw. The screw should be in the “ten-o-clock” position, or if you are left handed, put the screw in the “two-o-clock” position. This will help to prevent your floss from becoming tangled in the screw with each stitch. If you are using a plastic hoop, be sure to wash it often in warm soapy water. This will get rid of the natural oils that accumulate from your hands. These oils may cause discoloration over time. Don’t leave the fabric in the hoop when you are not working on it. Crease marks are often difficult to remove from cotton. Back to Top Floss When separating the floss, hold tightly all 6 strands between your thumb and forefinger (using your left hand if you are right handed) pull one strand at a time and put back together the number of strands of floss you need for stitching. Back to Top Not to Knot Never knot your thread. There are two basic ways to start your stitching. One – hold an inch of thread behind the fabric and secure it by the first two or three stitches you make. Two – the loop method can be used only when you are using an equal number of strands ( 2-4-6). If the fabric calls for two stands, take one stand of floss 30” long and fold it in half. Thread the needle with both ends of the thread leaving the loop end lower than the 2 cut ends. Bring your needle up through the fabric until the cut ends appear. As you go back through to make your first half cross, take your needle through the lock and it will “lock” leaving “no-tail” on the back of your fabric. Knots make a bumpy back surface, and your work will not lie flat when finished. Back to Top Use a Stick Jab Method The stick jab is done in two motions – straight up and then straight down. This will avoid pulling your fabric out of shape. Be careful not to pull the thread too tightly. When working your design, the same hold will often be used for more than one stitch. Back to Top Needles You will need tapestry needles in the size #26 and #24 for your basic fabrics. If you choose a larger weave of fabric, such as a 6 count, you will need a #18 needle. Never leave your needle in the design area of your work, even the best needles will rust over time. Back to Top Loose Threads on Back of Work Do not jump too far from one area to another. (Not more than 3 squares). Finish off and start again. Loose threads, especially dark colors, will show through to the front. Back to Top Washing Instructions Your completed design should always be washed; we suggest that you use a very mild soap, never a detergent. Rinse well under cold running water. Roll wet work in a terry towel. Do not wring. Press with a medium hot iron (you could iron over a piece of what paper towel, just in case) press with the right side down. The loops in the terry towel help your stitches to “pop-up”. Do not leave your piece in the towel overnight. Cotton fabrics take on their own natural shape, and wrinkles are often difficult to get out when dry. Back to Top | 
