FAQs
Please find some answers to FAQs below, if you can't find what you are looking for please email your query to pindependentcrafts@gmail.com.
What is cross stitching?
Cross stitch is a form of counted embroidery, made up of stitches in the shape of an X often on a linen or cotton fabric. The history can be traced back to the middle ages, but most people are more familiar with a cross stitch sampler, which girls were taught to make as a form of learning how to sew letters and motifs. Modern cross stitch tends to veer away from this traditional look and has seen a rise in feminist and craftivist patterns.
Is cross stitching beginner friendly?
Cross stitch is one of the easier forms of hand stitching, traditional aida fabric is used which is made in an open weave that creates a grid and is therefore easy for stitches to be made evenly and consistently in shape. This is also why cross stitch patterns look a lot like pixel art, and using the grid to be able to count stitches is very handy for beginners.
What comes in a cross stitch kit?
In a cross stitch kit you will get everything you need to get stitching, including:
- Full colour pattern print outs and how to guide
- 14 count aida fabric
- Wooden embroidery hoop
- Embroidery needle
- DMC cotton threads
How does the PDF download work?
Once you have gone through the checkout you will have the opportunity to download the pattern at the order confirmation page, but you will also be sent an email containing the download link. When you have downloaded it you can either use it on a screen or print it out.
I need another copy of the how to get started with cross stitch guide!
No worries, click here to download it for free!
I have the pattern but how do I stitch onto clothes?
To cross stitch onto a fabric without a grid pattern I recommend using waste aida cloth, you can pin, tack stitch or use an embroidery hoop to keep it in place, then cross stitch as normal and once completed you simply pull out the waste fabric to leave the stitches in place on your chosen fabric, magic!
How do I finish a cross stitch?
There are a few different ways to finish your cross stitch in a hoop for display, one is to back it with felt, simply cut a peice of felt to cover the back and you can either stitch or glue it in place. Another is to leave the reverse as it is and use a running stitch to gather the excess aida fabric at the back and lastly, you can buy wooden hoop backs that will slot into your hoop.