Helpful Tips for Cross-Stitch Newbies

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.]

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Book Review: Lit Stitch

If you like your cross stitch designs full of color and with a bit of an 8-bit video game feel, you’ll want to check out Flossy Fox Shop. This Etsy seller based in Washington state specializes in fantasy creatures, cozy witch scenes, magic and myths, as well as other designs that are sure to delight.

I know that shop category “cozy witch scenes” caught my attention, so let’s take a look. It’s mostly sampler style designs with lots of little elements, and some are specifically parts of the house like a cozy with kitchen or library. The one shown here is called Bats and Bells, Tea and Spells, and it includes a table in front of a window with plenty of fun creatures like a fox, crow, dragon and cat.

On the wall there are swords and an axe, and maybe also some drying herbs and a teapot. The design is 82 by 77 stitches and uses 22 colors. On 14 count fabric it comes out to 5.9 by 5.5 inches, or almost 15 by 14 cm.

The largest category is myths and magic, which includes cryptids, dragons, mermaids, kitsune and other fanciful creatures. Another large group is animals and nature, which is heavy on cats and corgis, as well as foxes.

There’s also a handful of cute bookmarks, some Christmas designs, and a few cute video game inspired designs. They also have a few stitchalongs if that’s something you enjoy.

These projects are colorful, cute and whimsical, and look like they would be a lot of fun to stitch if you like this style.

The shop also includes some cute needle minders and washi tape in a similar style if you want to coordinate your stitching.

Check out all the cuteness at Flossy Fox Shop, and if you stitch up one of their patterns I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Flossy Fox Shop]

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