Cross Stitch

spuddy1

Sewsosew wrote: »

One warning, you may become hooked!

I'd realy like to take it up as a hobby generally actually and I'm looking forward to the whole process of doing it as well as giving it to her (well her parents really as she is only 6 months old). I would just like her to have something she can maybe keep for her first christmas rather than something she will grow out of. I think I have chosen one now. I have gone for a Tinker bell one, maybe not the simplest design I could have chosen and it could go horribly wrong but I think I could live with that and I guess you just have to try these things don't you.

Again thanks so much for your help Old Style gang, I can always rely on you xxx

spuddy1

One last question. The set I am about to buy is described as being 20cm by 20cm which is 8 inches, does anyone know if this will be the size of the image or the size of the material? I want to buy a hoop to use with it and I am not sure which size to get?

mavisangelica

Good luck! This brings back happy memories. I used to be a prolific cross stitcher (and knitter). Cross stitching is easy as one square on the chart equals 1 square on the fabric.

A handy hint - before you start, fold your fabric into 4 (half and then half again) and then get a needle and thread and put a rough stitch in the square that is in the middle of the fabric. This will give you the centre of your picture that you can then correspond to on your chart. Once you have done enough stitches you can then take it out.

One other handy hint - when you thread your thread through behind the stitches to start and finish a colour make sure that you do it through stitches of a similar colour (or go back on the bit you have just done) else you will be able to see it on the front.

You have reminded me that I should get my last project out (after 4 years!!!) and try and finish it. I now need reading glasses so I think that I will struggle to do any of it unless it is in daylight.

mavisangelica

spuddy1 wrote: »

One last question. The set I am about to buy is described as being 20cm by 20cm which is 8 inches, does anyone know if this will be the size of the image or the size of the material? I want to buy a hoop to use with it and I am not sure which size to get?

Buy a hoop that you are comfortable working with (probably smaller rather than larger so that it keeps your material tight.). You can move it around when you do different bits.

peachyprice

And get yourself some coloured pencils!

Although the charts have different symbols for different colours they are printed in black & white. It's much, much easier if you colour code it before you start.

HTH

meritaten

you would have ample material to use the six inch frame. or a five inch or even the four inch. any smaller and it becomes fiddly to use. Its a matter of personal preference really. But, I find that most beginners like the six inch as you dont have to move it too many times to complete the design, you can see most of the design as you work it and its easy to hold unless your hands are exceptionally small.

zippychick

ive merged this with our cross stitch thread to see if you can get some useful ideas in here

Zip

Kitten_Pie

Hey all,

First time poster on this thread and was hoping for some suggestions. I have just finished my 1st project which I would like to give to my friend for her 1st wedding anniversary but not sure how to display it.

I was considering going for an oval/round frame but don't know if anyone has any other options I haven't thought of.

Here is the picture (the camera on my phone isn't the best, but you get the idea)

MessyTessie

It's lovely, I'm sure they'll love it. A cheaper option may be a rectangular frame but get a mount cut in an oval shape. I've found some good bargains in charity shops for frames and have a local frame shop that will cut mounts for a couple of pounds, that way the frame doesn't have to be a pefect fit.

HTH

Kitten_Pie

Thanks MessyTessie great idea will have a look.