Materials needed:
•ABC patterns for cross stitch
•Cross stitching thread
•Embroidery hoop
•Cross stitch material
Directions:
•The first thing that you are going to need to do is to find an ABC pattern for counted cross stitch. The best place to find these free patterns is to look on the internet there are numerous websites that offer free counted cross stitch patterns.
•Next you are going to need to print out your counted cross stitch pattern
•Now you are going to need to create your cross stitch. This is actually really easy to do as long as you keep a few tips in mind.
•First thing that you need to do is to find the center of the pattern. To do this you will need to count the number of squares across the pattern from one edge to the other and then divide that number in half, this is the vertical center of your piece.
•Now you need to count the number of squares from top to bottom and divide that number in half so that you can determine your horizontal center.
•Once you have figured out these numbers you are going to need begin counting at the bottom left hand side of the design the half number of horizontal squares and then the correct number of vertical squares. And then you have found your center of the pattern.
•Next you are going to need to find the center of the material. To do this you are going to want to fold the material in half and then in quarters. Once the material is folded into quarters take a piece of string on your needle and push it through the hole that is in the folds of the fabric. Open the fabric up and where the thread comes through is the middle of your material.
•Now you are going to need to start your thread. To do this you are going to want to secure the end of your thread before you start by pulling the thread through the material and leaving about an inch of thread on the wrong side. With the first few stitches you are going to want to work over that thread so that the thread is held in place.
•Something to keep in mind while you are cross stitching is that when making your cross stitches go in the same direction. Basically you are going to want to stop and check to see that all of the stitches are going to the right or left, this gives it a uniform look.
•You are also going to want to make sure that all your cross stitches are sqaure
•Once you are done cross stitching you are going to need to end your thread, but do not tie a knot. Simply pull the thread with the needles through the back of several stitches.