Aida Fabric: You can find it at most craft stores. Its an even weaved fabric that comes in different sizes. These are described by the count. For example, a 10-count Aida cloth would have 10 squares per linear inch. Sizes range from 7-count, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 22 count. The smaller the number the bigger the weave, so your design will be bigger. I recommend Aida 14-count to begin.
Needle: Tapestry needles are great for cross stitch because they have a blunt tip and a large oval-shaped eye that makes it easier to
Scissors: It’s a good to have large scissors to cut fabric as well as small embroidery scissors to cut your thread.
Embroidery Hoop: They can be found at most craft stores. I like to use wood embroidery hoops, but they also come in plastic. Make sure to choose the right size for your project.
Embroidery Floss: Its a 6-strand thread that is easily separated strands, allowing you to adjust the thickness of your stitching by using a different number of strands. The most basic floss is 100% Egyptian Cotton, but there are also varieties made of rayon or polyester that will give light effects or a satin finish. There are also many brands. My kits all include DMC. I feel like they offer the most color variety and it’s easier to find and buy individual colors at any craft store.
Counted Cross Stitch Pattern: It’s a design created in a grid to be counted and transferred into even-weaved fabric,such as Aida fabric.
Your embroidery thread is made up of 6 strands. You will use 2 or 3 strands for cross stitch. Separate your floss and thread your needle with just 2 or 3 strands, your choice! and tie a knot in the end of your floss so it won't pull out the front of the fabric.
Find the center of your fabric as well as the center of the pattern. You can fold the fabric in half and then once more in half. When you open it up again, since the fabric is a bit stiff you will be able to see the center point. Do the same with your pattern.
Once you have the center, you can arrange your fabric on the embroidery hoop and start counting! Count from the center of the chart to where you want to begin stitching. To start stitching, bring the needle from back to front of the fabric and pull.
The chart below represents the Aida fabric. Cross stitch is made up of X shape stitches. They are made up by stitching two diagonal stitches. To best way to stitch is by completing rows, start stitching all the “right to left” stitches on the first row and come back at the end of the row to stitch the “left to right” stitches to complete the X shape.
Bring needle down to next row below to begin stitching the next row. Repeat until your pattern is completed!
Download the free cross stitch heart pattern here
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