Video:How to Stitch a Cross Stitch

Transcript:How to Stitch a Cross Stitch

Hi, this is Angela with About.com, and today I am going to teach you how to cross stitch.

Supplies Needed to Stitch a Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is easy to learn and requires only a few supplies. To cross stitch you will need:

• a small embroidery hoop
• a piece of even weave fabric
• embroidery floss
• a size 24 tapestry needle
• a good pair of scissors

You will also need a pattern or design. There are thousands of patterns and designs to choose from. I will be using a simple design from the About.com Cross Stitch website.

Types of Cross Stitches

When cross stitching, you have five basic cross stitches: the full cross stitch, the half cross stitch, the quarter stitch, the three-quarter stitch and the back stitch. The cross stitch pattern includes a lot of letters or symbols in each square. The design key will also tell you how many strands of embroidery floss to use for each stitch.

Center Your Fabric to Stitch a Cross Stitch

First, find the center of your fabric by folding it horizontally and vertically and press the center point with your fingers to make a small crease. Open the fabric up and place it in a hoop with the crease in the center of the hoop. Now thread your needle. Cut a 12 to 18 inch length of six-strand embroidery floss and separate the strands of floss. Hold the hoop in your left hand the needle with your right thumb and forefinger.

Stitch a Half Stitch for a Cross Stitch

Pick a square near the center of the hoop. Insert the needle in the hole. Grasp the needle and draw the floss up through the hole. Leave a "tail" of about two inches on the back of the fabric. Insert the tip of the needle in the hole diagonally. Take your right hand to the back of the fabric and pull the needle and floss through the hole. Do not pull the stitch too tight. Leave the floss a little loose. You have just stitched a half stitch.

Finish Stitching the Cross Stitch

There are two methods for completing the cross stitch. The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X's. Use this method for most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows of stitches.When you start another color, you do not have to hold the tail. On the back of your cross stitch, run the needle under the previous stitches and continue. And as you complete your design, you can lightly shade in the design chart with a pencil after each row, that way you can see where you are on the pattern.

Thanks for watching. To learn more visit us on the web at About.com.