Help with cross stitching please!?

Question

I still can't get to grips with cross stitching!! Am I meant to have a little bit of material showing between each stitch?? Or is this wrong?
HOW ON EARTH DO I DO THIS?!!
It's driving me nuts! I have a really nice design to make but I just cannot get the stitching right. Someone please tell me how to form the basic cross stitch correctly, plus the back stitch and all other stitching styles!
Thanks!

Answer 1

Sometime there is a bit of fabric showing around the stitches, but this is not always supposed to be. Are you doing counted cross stitch or stamped? Sometimes that can make a difference to. The best way to learn is to find someone that has cross stitched for a while, and is comfortable with the process, and have them work with you. The link below is also a good place to start. There are a lot of places on the web that cover cross stitch, you can check you local library, or try a local hobby or craft store. The people that work there can be a good resource too. Good luck!!!



http://crossstitch.about.com/

Answer 2

One of my favorite cross-stitch books contains *dozens* of different varieties. There is not just *one* "correct" way to do cross-stitch.

For some purposes the stitching should completely cover the stitched area ... for some, *not* for all.

For some other purposes are airy-er look is desired and "full-coverage" is considered to be crude then.

Consider the ultimate use and balance against your personal preferences.

Generally, however, the corners of the cross-stitches should "share" holes with adjacent stitches, rather than being hit-or-miss.

You can save much criticism by routinely lining stitched items unless you revel in obsessive tidiness. It is possible to do cross-stitch so it looks like perfect cross-stitch on both the front and the back, possible isn't generally preferable. :-)

Back-stitch: the ends of the stitches should share holes rather than being hit-or-miss. Back-stitching is fussier when the item isn't lined, such as on a handkerchief or a see-through fabric.

I'm sitting here grinning as I realize that part of my rush-to-finish/frame things after they're stitched is to thwart folk from examining my work without invitation. :-)

Answer 3

If there is to much fabric showing you might need to use two strands of floss (embroidery string) instead of one. It depends on the #squares per inch.
When working your stitch go in one direction first / / / / /
then come back and finish your X xxxxxxx
hold the beginning end of your floss behind your design and stitch over it to hold it in place.
Backstich is like sewing. Do the first stitch - then go over it to do the next one -------.
Start with a simple small kit. A little flower or animal.They have great instruction and our not as frustrating as larger ones. Good Luck

Answer 4

Does your pattern tell you how many strands of thread to use? I have been doing cross stitch for years and there are little bits of the material showing. Either make your stitches looser or add another strand of thread to what is suggested.

Answer 5

Do urself a favor n buy one of those Japanese cross stitching packages...

Its the easiest ones... cz they come with fabrics that already have the dots in them... and directions... suitable for kinds like us who don't understand these stuff :D

I'm gonna look for the brand name n give it to u... :)

Answer 6

These are 2 very good sites that will show you how to do cross stitch.
http://www.joyfulexpressions.us/HTML/Instructions.html
http://www.vsccs.com/Hints-Info/basic_cross_stitch_instructions.htm