A question that pops up for many beginners; how do I begin cross stitching? To make it easier to start, we’re happy to share some of our tips. In one of our previous posts we discussed the different types of suitable fabric for cross stitching. In this post we’ll explain how to prepare the fabric for cross stitching.
We have already touched upon the subject of ‘counting’ the little squares. But we’d like to take this opportunity to go further into detail in this post. Cross stitch patterns are usually divided into large squares of 10 cross stitches high and wide, which is why it would be so convenient for yourself to draw these squares on your fabric. It makes following the pattern so much easier and more hassle-free.
Begin cross stitching: drawing the squares on your fabric
I myself work with linen and that will also be the fabric I’ll use in the examples below. Of course, you’ll need the right pen as well. Please do not use a pencil as this is difficult to remove. I like to use a Pilot Frixion Pen. The ink will disappear when confronted with heat, so when you iron it. I usually start my drawing the first corner about 2,5 cm off of the edges. Please be aware this will also of course depend on what you plan on using your cross stitched fabric for. When I have drawn the first corner, I start counting the little squares and place small indicators:
When I have counted all the squares, I start to actually draw the lines. Don’t worry about drawing straight lines. If you make a mistake, which I do all the time, you can easily correct yourself. It doesn’t need to look pretty after all, it just needs to remain clear what the correct line is.
Repeating the process
Sometimes I have to draw the same pattern somewhere else on the same fabric, or maybe on a different piece of fabric. In these cases, I try to copy the pattern by placing it under the fabric I want to copy it onto to. I still first only place small indicators and recount the squares. Once I am sure it is correct, I draw the lines.
I hope this will help you to start your own cross stitch project. Should you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.
