Cross-Stitching Tips and Tricks: Share Yours, Too!

Large and sophisticated cross-stitch pieces, cute postcards or home décor elements always look striking and make a strong impression. It is commonly known that hand-made items are always more valuable – things made with love, warmth and attention to detail are unique and one-of-a-kind. Even if two cross-stitchers have completed the same project, if compared, their works will still differ from each other. Besides, no other technique than cross-stitching delivers such a depth of color and perception. What’s great about this craft is that it is available to anyone!

You can find a huge variety of books, manuals and articles on cross-stitching online and offline. Materials necessary for a cross-stitch project are also very affordable – you can buy a canvas and a get a chart (you can find it in thematic magazines or even download online for free!) and then pick the threads you need for this particular project. There is an easier option – you can simply buy a cross-stitch kit that already contains all the materials.

So, you have prepared all the required materials and are ready to start. Despite being one of the easiest techniques, cross-stitching allows to achieve spectacular results. Use our tips and tricks to make sure the entire process works out perfectly.

1. Your stitching will look smooth and even if you stick with the same direction, i.e. all the bottom half stitches should lie in one direction, while the upper ones in the opposite. This may not seem a big deal, but following this simple rule will give your stitching a more professional look.

2. To ensure that your stitches are the same, stitch them row by row. For example, if you have several green cross-stitches in a row on the chart, complete one row of half-stitches first and then return across the row making the other half-stitches. Due to the tension and elasticity of the canvas, your stitches will straighten out and will look very even.

3. It is very important to keep the back side of your stitching neat. You can read about it in the following article for more details. To secure the thread without tying a knot, try doing the following: if you are cross-stitching with 4 strands of floss, fold 2 strands in half. Then, thread both ends through the eye of your needle. The other end of the thread will form a loop. Run the needle from the front to the back side and bring it back at the point that lies diagonally opposite from the point where you started. As a result, you’ll get a square with a loop at one point and the needle with the thread placed on the opposite diagonal. Run the needle through the loop and continue stitching. This way, you can complete the entire project without tying a single knot.

4. To neatly secure the remaining thread, pass the needle under several completed stitches on the back side.

5. Wash the completed cross-stitch piece with your hands in lukewarm water and iron it through a cloth. You can read more about washing your cross stitch here. Lace your cross stitch rather than use glue to frame your piece so that you can change the frame for your masterpiece at any time.

Have these simple tips been helpful? Feel free to share yours in the comments!