Easy Ways to Make Your Cross Stitch Better

The post over at The Crafty Mummy has the click-baity title of “Is there a right or wrong way to cross stitch?” Of course the answer is no. As with any other craft, as long as you are happy with the results you’re doing it right and no one should try to convince you otherwise.

That said, there are things that you can do to make your cross stitch a little better if you aren’t totally happy with the way your projects are looking. They might not be considered the “right way,” but they are important things to think about and if you want to deviate from these “rules” at least you’ll know that you’re doing it.

You can head over there to read all the tips, but it’s things like making sure your stitches are all going in the same direction (meaning you stitch the bottom legs of a row all in the same direction, then work back and stitch all the top legs in the same direction). You wouldn’t think something like that would make a huge difference until you don’t do it and then you can’t unsee it.

Most of things things aren’t rules so much as they are reminders to be consistent in what you are doing as you work a project. So however you start doing things like stitch direction or the number of strands of floss (I might even add using a hoop versus not, since the hoop can stretch the fabric and change the tension of the stitches a bit) you should continue in that way throughout the project in order for it to look its best.

Head over to The Crafty Mummy to read the rest of her list, then come back here if you have something to add. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[Photo: The Crafty Mummy]

I feel like I’ve written about TeaJeigh Designs before but I think maybe it’s just because I have shared this shop’s patterns a few times before that it feels familiar. But it’s worth a look so let’s take a peek at their offerings!

This shop based in Canada has a variety of designs, but many of them are what she calls “mix and match” designs. These all feature a quote or saying that takes up on half of the design, while the other half includes an associated image, such as the person who said it, a mandala design, half a butterfly or a tree or what have you.

The biggest category in the mix and match section is mandalas, so that’s why I picked one of them to share. They aren’t all strictly mandalas, and most of them have a feminist or positive thinking vibe to them. The one shown does actually include a floral mandala design, and you can change the three colors used to suit your decor or your favorites if you like.

This one uses four colors total and measures 183 by 214 stitches. On 14 count fabric that would make the finished design 13.2 by 15.25 inches, or 33.5 by 38.7 cm. There are other counts given in the pattern notes if you want to make a smaller version.

The thing that’s cool about these designs and why they are called mix and match is that you can swap in other text if you like this mandala but a different saying, for example.

The mix and match designs also include butterflies, fantasy and nature, baby and kids, Halloween and fall and winter and Christmas designs, so there are a lot of options if you like this style.

In addition to these designs you’ll find other Christmas and winter patterns, often still with a lot of text, as well as spring and summer, fall and Halloween and Valentines Day designs.

Not feeling seasonal? Check out the Lord of the Rings projects, or other fandom designs, humorous and nerdy projects, Pride and feminist designs, projects for teachers and nurses, full mandalas and nature themed projects.

Check it all out at TeaJeigh Designs on Etsy.

[Photo: TeaJeigh Designs]

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