Cross stitching looks complicated especially to beginners. This is where cross stitch charts are most advantageous since you’ll be able to learn how to stitch properly.

The basic principle here is to transfer the design from the printout onto the fabric using various colored threads for stitching and counting the squares on the fabric as you stitch.

Some tips in reading cross stitch charts:

Cross stitch kits usually come with charts that have information and some instructions. But if you purchase just the chart, you will need to buy the threads and fabric separately.

* Stand-alone charts may also have the information regarding the fabric count for that particular design/pattern and also optional counts which resizes the stitch design. The fabric size may not be present on most cross stitch charts, but you may find the finished size of specific designs.

If you plan to work on a 4×4 pattern, your fabric’s size should be 8×8. It is beneficial to have a 2-inch allowance on every side especially when mounting the finished work on a frame.

* The chart is basically a grid with bold lines on every 10 squares. The squares on the chart represent the holes on the fabric. The symbols on the chart represent the squares/holes that you need to stitch. No symbol on the square means no stitch required.

Each color has a corresponding symbol on the squares. You can identify the corresponding thread color by referring to the color key on the chart. If you need to stitch the squares with the symbol “@”, check the color key for the equivalent color – for example “green” – and use the corresponding thread color.

* Typical cross stitch charts would have the thread number code as well as the color variant/shade. When buying a stand-alone chart, make sure to check if it has the thread codes and color variants.

* In locating the center of the chart on your fabric, look for the arrows at the top and sides of your chart. Use the arrows are references and trace a line down and across using a ruler and pencil. Locate the lines’ meeting point on the chart and mark it as well.

It’s only challenging to use cross stitch charts at first. Once you see the finished works using charts, you’ll find it more helpful and necessary in your next projects.

Since the early centuries, cross stitch fabrics have been used as an integral part of needlework crafts. You can create beautiful designs since your fabric is like a blank canvas. But which fabric should you choose?

With a variety of cross stitch fabrics, you might find it hard to pick the right one for your new project. By knowing the most common types of cross stitch fabrics you’ll be able to identify which one is right for you.

* Aida cloth is the most common and popular fabric for cross stitching since it has tiny holes that are set as grid patterns. There are many sizes of aida cloth and each size determines the spacing of the holes. When using a larger sized cloth, you’ll find that the holes are much closer to each other; and the smaller the size of the cloth, the wider the space between each hole.

You may find that it is easier to use a smaller sized aida cloth. If you wish to create detailed designs, you may use a larger sized cloth. This type of fabric comes in various colors which can be dyed, solid, or with prints. You’ll definitely find this fabric easy to use. It is easy to make an “x” stitch by inserting the a needle in the holes.

* Linen usually has a basket weave form with grid lines that are difficult to notice. It is not easy to create straight stitches using this fabric. It is better to use other types of fabric especially if you are a beginner. Stitching the “x” requires two squares, compared to other fabrics that require only one. So if you are planning for more detailed design pattern and an old feel, linen is your best bet for the project.

* If you want a softer and larger version of aida cloth, then you should use linen. It has the same size of a small afghan throw, hence the name. Some fabrics have finished edges and a pattern that may divide it into little squares. Allowing every square to have a varied design and pattern.

You can use other cross stitch fabrics to create beautiful designs. You can make the simplest to the most intricate designs provided that know and understand the right fabric to use.

Newbie cross stitch hobbyists may not be able to find cross stitch patterns in their locality, but there is one place you can look for. Online cross stitch patterns are highly available for hobbyists and they come in free or paid downloadable patterns.

The internet offers a wide array of cross stitch patterns that every needlework hobbyist and enthusiast will enjoy. It is best for newbies to use simple and printable patterns on the net for their first cross stitch works. For expert hobbyists, you can always find more complex patterns on the net.

When you browse on a cross stitching website, make sure to check if there are free printable cross stitch patterns aside from those that are for sale. Nevertheless, most websites do not charge as much and many may even offer other perks and freebies.

You can check a website’s pattern gallery section to find the design that you’ve been looking for. It is easier to search for designs in website galleries since most of them are categorized. Downloading or printing your preferred pattern is just a click away.

One of the many features that many cross stitch websites offer is that you can view the finished product of each pattern. It is also likely that you’ll find details about the finished product such as the dimension, frame and mat info, and such. If you wish to have larger finished piece, you don’t have to worry about converting or calculating the fabric dimensions and the number of threads since pattern size options are available in most websites.

Once you have chosen and downloaded your cross stitch patterns from the websites you visited, it is time to print them out. Most patterns are printed in section especially if you are using a regular printer. Check the printed sections and paste them accordingly to piece together the whole pattern. Check out the instructions from the website you have browsed to help you with your print outs.

Having online cross stitch patterns available to hobbyists like you is a great convenience. It is truly beneficial particularly for newbies since honing their skills would require a lot of indispensable resources and guidelines. And the best part of it is that you don’t need to spend each and every time you need a new pattern for a new project.

Cross stitch samples have been popular in the early days as it is today. Among the favorites, counted cross stitch samplers are on the top of the list. Many family heirlooms include cross stitch artistry and skill that many families pass onto to the next generations.

Today’s modern and fast-paced living, there are still many cross stitch enthusiasts who practice and value this needlecraft. For beginners, it is advisable that you learn the skill step-by-step. And by using counted cross stitch samplers as your initial guide, you will be able to improve your skill in time.

Traditional counted cross stitch samplers usually have words or numbers as part of the design pattern. Designs may also include poems and sayings, but having the date is considered more important.

Traditional samplers are generally symbolic with their design motifs. So to take a good look at the design to see the meaning or symbolism that’s being depicted on the finished product.

Modern cross stitch samplers retained the way they are stitched. Designs and colors have changed due to the application of modern techniques in production. Modern-day samplers and finished works still carry with them the tradition of symbolism and meaning especially with themes that involve special occasions and celebrations.

There are people who look into making their own cross stitch samplers by using a kit. In doing this, you need to have a motif to design into a customized pattern. Personalizing the motif may also include the traditional practice of putting a story or meaning. Incorporate a person’s background into the design motif if you wish to make a kit for someone.

Counted cross stitch is a popular type of needlework that has been practiced and passed on to family members for years. In today’s world of high tech living, this craft still lives and evolves for the next generation to enjoy.

Having an artistic and challenging hobby is what most people are looking for these days. One of the many hobbies that can help you achieve both is cross stitching. But first thing you need to do is to get your own cross stitch accessories and kit so you can start practicing during your free time.

You can begin with projects that are not so complicated. It is advisable and hassle-free to get prepared cross stitch accessories that are sold as kits. Most kits would have photos of the finish products so hobbyists can see the simplicity or complexity of the stitches that need to be made.

Start off with cross stitch accessories that have less number of color shades. You can improve your stitching expertise as you choose more complicated patterns to work on. It is a good idea to browse the net or to ask for recommendations from your local crafts store on which project to start based on your skill.

Your basic supplies should include patterns, threads, needles, and fabrics. You will find all these in many cross stitch kits that are sold online and offline. It depends upon you if you wish to use a pre-printed or blank fabric that may or may not have a pattern, and with or without color.

Fabric hoops are good additional to your growing cross stitch accessories since they come in handy for holding and stretching fabric while you’re working on it. Another must-have item is an organizer to keep all your supplies in one place. Beginners are advised to start working on cross stitch samplers because these are comparable to kits in terms of supplied items.

If you start working on more complicated patterns, chances are you’ll encounter other items such as beads and various embellishments. You’ll encounter more complicated designs that call for embellishments as you progress with your skill. Comparatively, beginners’ kits rarely have embellishments and complex color shades. It is likely that you leave out on the kits and use your discretion on purchasing complicated patterns or in designing your own.

Cross stitch accessories for newbies like you would often come in pre-packaged form. Prepare yourself by using these packed kits in improving your cross stitching ability. And soon you’ll see yourself working on the more compex designs that are worthy of your efforts.