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Anybody can learn to cross-stitch!
How to start
  
There are two ways to make cross stitches. The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////) and then reverse and finish the X's (\\\\). Use this method for most stitching.
  
The second method is to finish each X as you go. Use this method for vertical rows of stitches.
Make sure that you always begin with the same diagonal, so that all the X's are crossed in the same direction (either / or \).
It makes no difference which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look uneven.
Relax as you stitch. Your stitches should lay flat on the fabric and not distort the holes or the fabric.
Knots on the back can show through, so try to avoid knots when you start and end. You begin stitching by bringing the threaded needle from the backside of the fabric and leaving a tail of about three centimetre (1") thread. To end off, weave your needle back through the last 5 or 6 stitches and clip the thread short so as not to leave a loose tail.
Sometimes a colour will have only a few stitches and then "jump" to another area. Most of the time you should end off and start again, other times you can carry the thread along the back. Just jumping from area to area is easier than starting and stopping, but sometimes the thread will show through or get tangled up. Plan your stitches so that you only need to make shorter "jumps", and if it is too long, start over.
How to read a pattern
When ordering from us you will receive a pattern like this:
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Each symbol on the pattern represents an X on the stitch work and a certain colour of floss:
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A good way to read the pattern is to first mark all the stitches of one colour that you want to start with. You can for example use a textliner:
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As you make the stitches you then mark them with a different colour. Move on to the next colour of the pattern!
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Conclusion
When your stitching is complete, wash in cool water using a mild liquid detergent. Rinse well. Do not wring, but roll in a clean towel to absorb most of the water. While still damp, place face down on a terry towel. Place another cloth on top of the needlework and press lightly with a warm iron. Let dry. Finished! Now you can frame it or sew it on to a pillow, a sweater or anything you can invent.
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