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Equipment you will need to start cross-stitching.




Contrary to the information given on some websites and in some magazines, you don't need to have a lot of equipment to start stitching. As you progress you will want to add to the basic necessities but in the beginning all you will really need to get started is a needle, some fabric, thread (floss), a pattern (chart), a good pair of scissors and possibly a hoop or frame to hold the work steady.

EQUIPMENT - the basics.

Floss

The most common thread used is 6ply stranded cotton (floss). Use a recommended brand as the colour in the cheaper threads is more likely to run and ruin your finished work. For most cross-stitch designs you will use two or three strands on 14 or 16 count Aida.

Copyright ©: Sylvia Lyth 2002

Scissors

You will need a pair of sharp pointed needlework scissors for cutting your floss when doing your embroidery, and these should be kept only for that purpose. You will also need a pair of scissors for cutting your fabric.






Hoops

There are several types of hoops available and it is a matter of preference which one you choose to use. I seldom use a hoop, especially on larger projects and it is not essential to use one if you feel happier without. Using a hoop does have some benefits however, especially to the beginner, as it will help to keep the tension of the stitches even. I find a hoop especially useful when I have to attach beads or buttons. When using a hoop, if possible, choose one that will hold the entire design. Never leave your work in the hoop when you are not stitching on your piece. The marks left by doing this can be impossible to remove later, and never leave your needle in your material when not in use, as this can also leave a mark.



Once you have the basic equipment you are ready to start your project.





Fabric

Fabric for cross-stitching is divided into the following groups. Aida, which is woven with an interlocking, weave which gives the fabric an appearance of squares, and holes which are easily seen. This makes it easy to count and is better suited to the beginner. Aida is available in 6,8,11,14,16 and18 hpi (holes per inch) Evenweave which is woven so that the threads cross over each other. It has the same number of threads over the inch in each direction. The stitches are usually worked over two threads, which make three-quarter and quarter stitches easier to do. Eavenweaves are available is various counts, the most commonly used being 28 and 32 tpi (threads per inch).





Charts

Charts are the patterns that you will follow to stitch your design. Each chart will be accompanied by:
·A list of the floss you will need and how many strands to use
·Clear instructions on how to complete the design
·The size of the design when finished on which counts Aida
·The stitch counts for the design (how many stitches wide and how many stitches high)






Needles

Needles can be either nickel plated or gold plated. Some stitchers find they are allergic to nickel-plated needles and therefore use gold-plated, which are a little more expensive but have the added benefit of passing through the fabric more smoothly and therefore making stitching easier. Choose a selection of blunt tapestry needles in different sizes. These are available in sizes 20,22, 24 and 26. You will need to use a blunt needle, as you will be passing the needle through the holes in the material and not splitting the fabric threads. The size of the needle to use will be dependent on the fabric you choose to stitch on. The most common needle sizes used are 24 and 26. If you are unsure about what size needle to use, pass your needle through your fabric. It should go through the fabric without making the hole in the material larger, but it should also not fall straight through.