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Cross Stitch PatternsCross stitch patterns come in all shapes and sizes, and cross stitchers love them all! If you have never tried this form of needleart you should consider it. It's much easier than crochet and has fewer stitches than embroidery! In fact, cross stitching is a kind of embroidery originally known as counted thread. This sort of needlework is basically made of x's or portions of x's on a woven fabric. Appropriate fabric for counted cross stitch is softer and finer than needlepoint canvas. Hand embroidery was also known as free embroidery or free hand embroidery because it did not confine the stitchers to the exact fabric - but counted cross stitch does. Do you know why they call it counted? Imagine woven fabric for a second. strips of fabric run left and right while still others run up and down. where those two intersect there is a small hole on a grid like x's. Cross stitching is done mostly by staying right on that grid. You count as you go. That's why they call it counted. Typically someone stretches their fabric in a hoop so it's easier to manage because the hoop provides tension. A chart is provided which tells which color DMC floss to use and how many stitches to make. Usually once the x's are all made you will outline your project to make it stand out. It's a great craft for new crafters and doesn't cost much to get started. A little aida cloth, a needle or two, some embroidery floss and a hoop is all you need in terms of cross stitch supplies. And then of course there are the cross stitch patterns. Leisure Arts is well known for there many cross stitch patterns. Most patterns are for counted cross stitch. Stamped cross stitching lends itself more to the embroidery category because it is not confined to the fabric. It is still x's, but the patterns are usually transferred and then stitched on top of. The most sought after cross stitch patterns include free, Christmas, baby, wedding and alphabet cross stitch patterns. But there are many others. Some like fairies, others dragons while others stitch Disney characters. Leisure arts even has a Wubbzy cross stitch pattern! If you are interested in cross stitch patterns, I've noted some below to help you get started.
Free Cross Stitch PatternsFree cross stitch patterns are a dime a dozen. Don't get me wrong. I'm a cross stitcher and love to get my hands on free patterns. But the fact of the matter is that few cross patterns compare in quality to those done by Leisure Arts. I know it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn, but cross stitch is what we are famous for. Our color charts are easy on the eyes, especially since our charts can be so intricate. They are truly beautiful. If you are looking for free cross stitch charts, you should definitely check these out:
Christmas Cross Stitch PatternsChristmas cross stitch is a tradition. Some of the most beautiful Christmas stockings I have ever seen have been cross stitched. In addition to stockings there are cross stitch ornaments, table runners, decorations and of course presents. Here a few to show you what I mean:
Baby Cross Stitch PatternsImportant occasions where just the sort of events that cross stitchers wanted to memorialize. Babies and weddings both were opportunities for stitchers to get busy. Baby gifts are often cross stitch designs as framed art. See what I mean:
Wedding Cross Stitch PatternsAs mentioned above, weddings got cross stitchers busy. Hardanger is a pulled thread sort of art that often accompanies cross stitch for wedding presents. Look at some of Leisure Arts classic wedding cross stitch below:
Alphabet Cross Stitch PatternsAlphabets are also traditional in all sorts of needlework. This is because young girls could learn two things at a time - their alphabet and their stitches. Cross stitch is no exception. Because of the traditional nature of this sort of work alphabet cross stitch patterns are still a favorite and are still very attractive:
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