Spain
Everyone has trouble seeing stitches when she/he stitches white on white. The trick is to put a piece of black material behind the canvas. This will provide contrast between canvas and the white thread.
Palacio Real de Madrid
159 x 119 stitches 27 colors
159 x 119 stitches 27 colors
Corrida
190 x 146 stitches 38 colors
190 x 146 stitches 38 colors
Spain Dancer
123 x 154 stitches 22 colors
123 x 154 stitches 22 colors
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Use a sharp pair of small scissors to avoid frayed ends on your floss. There are many embroidery scissors or thread clippers to choose from. The most useful size of embroidery scissor for cross stitch is probably 3/12 inch or 4 inch. It is a convenient size for snipping ends of floss while you stitch. Clip the floss with a small tail or with no tail at all. It’s a matter of choice. Beware of ends showing through the fabric. We have many fancy designer scissors and several more plain scissors to choose from. Some of my favorites are by Gingher and they are truly collectors items. They come in a variety of colorful handles and there are new ones every season. Right now the newest one is called Tessa. Store your scissors in the sheath that they come with or in a scissor block if you collect scissors. A scissor block is similar to a knife block.
In cross-stitching correct tension is important. Having too strong or too loose of a tension can totally destroy the impression of your project. The threads should be flat against the fabric you are using, but not too tight, so that they are actually pulling the fabric in any way.
You can find fabric for cross stitching in different sizes, colors and types.
Aida, linen and evenweave are the most common types of cross-stitch fabric. The standard Aida fabric is a good fabric for beginners because the holes are large and easy to see.
Note - it is the number of holes per inch that determines the size of your stitches.
Aida, linen and evenweave are the most common types of cross-stitch fabric. The standard Aida fabric is a good fabric for beginners because the holes are large and easy to see.
Note - it is the number of holes per inch that determines the size of your stitches.
Set up your main stitching station so that you are comfortable and avoid injury. If you don't have the luxury of a specific place to stitch, chose your perch carefully. Don't sit in an awkward position. Your seating should allow you to work freely, with your arms in a natural stitching position.
The easy to keep from losing your cross-stitch needles, is to glue a magnetic strip to the inside of the box you keep your embroidery floss and other accessories.
It is very important to double check your counting. It is called counted cross stitch, isn't it? If even one missing stitch in important area can destroy the project. So please, check your counting before you start the stitching. It's worth it.
It is very important to double check your counting. It is called counted cross stitch, isn't it? If even one missing stitch in important area can destroy the project. So please, check your counting before you start the stitching. It's worth it.