Are you looking to add some color or design to your crochet project? Cross stitch is a kind of embroidery wherein you can add creativity to your project. As a beginner, you might have heard this first time. It is an easy method and helps you to make your craft stand out. Once you create your project with the crochet hook, add a pattern or any design with the cross-stitch technique. Through this blog let’s learn cross stitch, the steps to create, and tips to get a professional look.
Unravel the creativity of Cross Stitch
In simple words, cross stitch it is the art of applying embroidery or design to your crochet fabrics. For example, imagine your crochet fabric as a canvas and paint it as a cross stitch. You can plan cross-stitches from the beginning, or add something to the already-created project and transform it into an extraordinary piece of art. Start with a simple design, if you are a beginner like alphabets, geometrics shapes, and motifs from large patterns.
We hope you have a clear understanding about the cross stitch. Let’s continue further.
What materials are required for cross stitches?
Let’s check out the required materials before and after the stitching.
- Hook: To keep it simple, use a crochet hook size of 5.00 mm, which is ideal for the project. Use wooden crochet hooks, which are lightweight and have a good grip.
- Yarn: Use medium-weight yarn and avoid using bulky yarn for the project. The cotton yarn is good for cross-stitch projects.
- Crochet accessories: It includes a finishing needle and a pair of scissors.
- Design for cross stitch.
Tips/suggestions before starting the cross-stitch
Here are some points that you can consider before starting your project:
- Make a proper plan or design that you want to add to your project.
- Start with a small project to get the hang of it.
- It is important to maintain consistent tension and size in your stitches.
- As a beginner, choose at least 2-3 colors for the cross stitching.
How to make cross stitches?
Cross stitches are easy and simple to create. You can choose your pattern or follow someone else; ultimately, you will get a beautiful design.
Step-by-step guide to cross stitch on crochet
Follow these simple and easy steps while adding cross-stitch design to your project:
Step 1: Make a swatch
- Start with a single crochet (SC) swatch. Keep in mind, that this technique works perfectly on a flat or in a round piece.
Step 2: Start with a single stitch over one SC
- Use scissors to cut the embroidery floss or yarn length according to your requirements.
- Afterward, tie the knot at the end of the thread to secure the backside of the fabric, which is a must.
- When working on an SC pattern, every single stitch represents a square on the cross-stitch grid.
- To make a cross stitch on the crochet fabric, insert the needle on the fabric from back to front at the bottom left corner of your first square. Bring the needle back from the top right corner to make a diagonal.
- Next, bring the needle up through the bottom right corner to the top left corner to complete the ‘X.’
Step 3: Complete the cross-stitch
- After working on the first half cross stitch, follow the same steps and complete the stitches.
- Make sure you keep the yarn tension consistent throughout the project. It should not be loose otherwise, it looks messy.
Step 4: Weave the loose ends
- Once you complete the steps, weave the loose end through the back of the stitches. It is important to work from one area to another so that your stitches look neat from the back.
Step 5: Add more design and colors (H3)
- You can continue with your design or add more colors. Even you can try out some fun patterns as well.
Tips for a perfect cross stitch
Here are some tips for getting a perfect design:
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of a stitch count, especially in a larger design.
- Keep the thread tension consistent for even and relaxed stitches.
- To make your project attractive, use different shades of the same color and add depth to your design.
- As a beginner, we recommend you start with a simple or small project such as coasters or dishcloths.
Finally, you have learned a new crochet skill, which will add creativity to your project. Whether making a blanket or adding a fun design to your cute little bag, this technique will inspire others, too. You can even share it with your family and friends.
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