by Susan Hibberd

Created on: July 28, 2008

There are two sorts of cross stitch patterns the sort with the pattern printed onto the fabric for you, and counted cross-stitch patterns, where you have to work out where each coloured square goes.

Sorting Your Yarns

For both sorts of cross stitch, you first need to sort out your yarns. Look at the colours that the pattern recommends, and see which of them you already have in your collection.

If you don't have all the colours that are recommended, you will need to buy them, or choose alternatives. Have a look at the pattern and see where the missing colours will go. If they are on a leaf, for example, look closely at the other colours in the same section. Choose an alternative colour from the ones you do have, and place them in a row with the colours it is to be next to in the finished piece. See if the colours go well together. If the colours are too closely matched, then look at another or buy a new skein.

Now, take an embroidery thread organiser or punch holes into the sides of a piece of cardboard. Thread one colour through each hole. Note down next to it the name of the colour, and the number or symbol that is being used for it on your pattern. Use pen, and pencil will fade before you get to the end of the piece.

Choosing Your Fabric

If you are using a counted cross stitch, you will need to choose a fabric to work on.

The pattern will recommend which fabric to use. I strongly recommend that you follow the advice and use the right holes-per-inch. You can, however, choose the colour of your fabric. You might want to choose an alternative background colour to fit with your dcor. Before you start, lay all the embroidery threads onto the fabric to see that they work.

Starting The Work

For a printed pattern, you can start wherever you like! Wash your hands first, and pick a colour.

For a counted cross stitch pattern, you will need to give yourself some reference point to start at. Fold the fabric equally into four, and mark the centre with a black sewing thread. Don't sew it so tightly that it can't be removed in a short while.

Some people use a black tacking stitch to mark out the fabric into eight or more sections, depending on the size of the piece. You can't work to these without reference to your centre point, but they do help you to know you are on the right track!

Working in Sections

It is best to work in sections rather than in colours. Choose a dog, a rainbow or a roof to sew first, and do the whole section, changing colours as necessary.

When you have a whole section

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