This is a few months old, but I just came across this roundup of helpful tips cross-stitchers should know from BuzzFeed, and it’s worth a read.
The author suggests starting by buying a book (!) so you’ll have some basic alphabets and simple designs at your fingertips, as well as starting with a kit (which is a great idea because you’ll have all the supplies you need in one purchase).
It covers picking fabric and thread, how to keep everything organized, choosing hoops, needles and other tools and tips on things like keeping the edges of your fabric from fraying, making sure your thread isn’t too long and learning basic stitches.
There are also tips for finishing and displaying your work, as well as moving beyond the basics to things like doing cross-stitch on crochet or on fabric.
I would add that a great way to start is browsing Etsy or Pinterest for cross-stitch patterns related to something you’re interested in. Don’t stitch a sampler or a project from a book just because it’s there if it’s not something you’ll want to hang on your wall. There’s tons of subversive and geeky cross-stitch patterns out there, as well as charts for just about anything else you might like, from flowers to bicycles, holiday patterns and more.
What would you want to tell a beginning cross-stitcher? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
[Photo: BuzzFeed.]
Don’t stress, relax and have fun with it.