Counted Cross Stitching: Not Impossible, but a Fantastic Gift

When it comes to the embroidery world, many people are intimidated by counted cross stitching. Counted cross stitching is when the pattern is not printed on the aida cloth and one must count the number of stitches required in a specified color. This is very scary to those who are chicken. Counted cross stitching really is not that bad and I will explain why.

Cross stitching involves only a couple stitches, with the vast majority being a cross stitch. A cross stitch is made by inserting the needle with thread up a hole in the cloth, go up a hole and right a hole and insert back down in the cloth. The thread should be diagonal to the right. Then come back up the hole directly below the one you inserted in and go diagonally to the left and insert. You just made a cross stitch. In words this sounds harder than it is. In life this is very simple and extremely repetitive. Other stitches are back stitches, which are used mainly for outlining, and half stitches, used for texture. All are very simple stitches.

Now that you are over the lack of complexity of the stitches, counting is not all that hard. Choose a pattern that is small, as in only a couple inches tall. To find the middle look at the pattern. The picture is divided into squares with each square representing a stitch and color. There are also usually bolder lines every 10 squares. Some patterns even have an arrow pointing towards the middle lines so you can locate the middle of the pattern with ease. Once you locate your center on the pattern fold you aida cloth in half and then half then other way so it looks like a square. Stick you needle in the corner with the center of the cloth and voila! You have now picked the center of your project. It doesn't have to be exact.

Now, we go on to the stitching. Only do a small section at a time. If it helps, put the pattern under a stand alone magnifying glass so that you don't strain your eyes. Use those bold lines as a number reference since you know within each bold line on the pattern there are 10 stitches.

The best way to go about all of this is to get a kit. Kits include the thread, the pattern, instructions on how to do the required stitches, the aida cloth, and a couple needles. All you need to have is a hoop. I use a 3"-4" plastic hoop so that I keep my focus small and so that I don't have to hold something heavy. Be in a place with lots of light and go at it! Take your time and it will get easier as you go along.

Once you are done, you can get a frame and give it as a gift. If it is on the larger side, you can get it custom framed. I have done this with all my counted cross stitch projects. They reside on the walls of the family and look like art unless you get up close. People are amazed by the work that goes into such a gift and are touched. The pattern doesn't have to be big to be appreciated.

My recommendation for kits is Dimensions. If you are more experienced, their Gold Collection kits are stunning. Kits are a good value. You can find kits at a local craft store. I go to Michael's craft store to get mine. Good luck on your project!