Some Thoughts on Floss Coverage in Cross Stitch

I’ll admit this is something I never really think about, but do you use different numbers of strands of floss in different projects or different parts of a project? Unless the pattern says otherwise, I default to two strands, but that might not always be the best look, as Better Cross Stitch Patterns explains.

It all depends on the look you want for your project, of course, but it makes sense that different numbers of strands create more or less coverage of the fabric beneath.

So if you really want your design filled in, you might need to use three strands, or if you’re going for an open look, one strand might be enough.

Click over to the post for bigger images and more examples, including how coverage changes when you use colored cloth.

Is this something you’ve thought about or do you tend to stitch the same regardless? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Photo: Better Cross Stitch Patterns.]

Next Pattern:

How Much Embroidery Floss Should You Use?

The designs from Bella Rose Craft look like they would be good for beginner cross stitchers and others who like relatively simple and small designs that are quick to finish for gifts or decor.

I’ll mention up front that this Etsy shop based in Indiana has no organization whatsoever. There are two categories: kits and patterns. So it’s a bit of a treasure hunt to find what you might be interested in.

As mentioned there are lots of minis and small looking projects with simple lines and minimal colors. There are holiday projects, animals, summer motifs like palm trees and beach umbrellas, a bathtub with a rubber duck, some text based designs (like hoppy spring and merry and bright), some biblical and religious designs, flowers, bunting and more.

On a site like this its difficult to pick something representative of the whole page, but I liked this bees and beehive design, so it’s the one I picked to share. This one illustrates a lot of my general points about the patterns from this shop. It’s small (2.79 by 2.57 inches, or about 7 by 6.5 cm on 14 count fabric), it looks like it’s all whole cross stitches and probably uses only six colors, and a couple of colors are only used for a handful of stitches.

Of the 300 plus cross stitch patterns available as of this writing, 140 are also available as cross stitch kits. These would be great to give as gifts if you’re trying to get someone interested in cross stitching. The kits include the pattern, fabric and floss, and you can choose to have it include a needle or not. The hoop is not included but the patterns explain what kind of hoop is shown if you want to get one to match.

So if you’re looking for cute, beginner friendly patterns for yourself or you’re trying to be a crafty enabler for someone else, check out Bella Rose Craft on Etsy.

[Photo: Bella Rose Craft]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?