Working from a Counted Cross Stitch Chart
Initially for a beginner working from a counted cross stitch chart can appear daunting.
It is important when working from a chart you read the instructions before you begin stitching. Otherwise the end result may not be the same as the product you purchased.
When you purchase a chart it should include the size of the completed design.
It will not necessarily tell you how much fabric you require so you will need to add two inches or 5 centimetres to each side of the design. The reason for this is there is plenty of fabric for the mounting of the piece. It is much better to have too much fabric than too little.
The chart is made up of a grid of squares. Each square will have symbols representing the colours. For example a cross would be blue, so all the crosses on the chart would be stitched in blue thread. Squares without symbols means no stitching is required. At the side or the bottom of the chart there will be a key for you to refer to.
The size of the chart may look smaller than the finished design size stated on the chart. Each square represents a stitch so your design will be the size stated on the chart.
In order to commence stitching it is necessary to find the middle of the chart this will be where your first stitch will be on your fabric. On the chart there will be bold lines and numbers every ten squares. There may be arrows denoting the centre lines or a zero is in the middle at the top and bottom and at the sides. Follow the lines and where they meet this is the middle you may want to mark this with a pencil.
Whilst stitching you may find it easier to follow the chart if you mark with a pencil where you have stitched.
The chart should also tell you what colour threads to purchase and how many.
It will also states how many strands of thread are used for the stitching.
Counted cross stitch kits are popular due to the convenience of everything being included so much easier especially if you are short of time.
About the Author
Janet Kelly is a keen cross stitch enthusiast. She writes articles on all aspects ofCross
Stitch and also runs a website: Needlwork
Magic where she sells a wide range of Cross Stitch Kits which are very competitively
priced.
|
|
Robert E Lee,Counted Cross Stitch,Civil War, New $16.00 |
|
|
CSA Sampler, Counted Cross Stitch Kit,Civil War, New $13.00 |
|
|
H L Hunley, Counted Cross Stitch Kit,Civil War, New $15.00 |
|
|
Confederate Santa, Counted Cross Stitch, Civil War,New $16.00 |
|
|
Flags of the Civil War, Counted Cross Stitch, New $16.00 |
|
|
Chamberlains Charge,Counted Cross Stitch,Civil War $20.00 |
|
|
Drummer Boy,Counted Cross Stitch,Civil War $20.00 |
|
|
Lincoln Bookmark,Counted Cross Stitch Kit,Civil War $10.00 |
|
|
General Lee Sampler,Counted Cross Stitch Kit,Civil War $17.00 |
|
|
Ulysses S Grant,Counted Cross Stitch,Civil War, New $16.00 |
