Counted Cross Stitch Stitching

General stitching instructions...

Find the center of the fabric by folding it in half lengthwise and then crosswise. Pinch the fabric along the folds. The center is at the intersection of the folds. Mark with a pin.

Follow the arrows on the outer edges of the chart inward; the point of intersection indicates the center of the chart. Mark this with a pencil for reference. Match this mark with the center of the fabric. Begin stitching here. This will ensure the completed design is centered on the fabric.

A "strand" of embroidery floss consists of six "plies". Separate the floss into the number of plies listed in the "Color List".

Each square on the chart indicates one stitch. Blank squares are left unstitched. Colored lines indicate back stitching. Blue dot indicates a French knot. Black lines around the border of the symbols chart indicates placement of Nun's Stitch. Symbols in the "Color List" correspond to the chart symbols.

Use a "waste knot" to begin stitching. Tie a knot in the end of the floss and insert the needle from the "front" side about 4 or 5 stitches away from where you want your first stitch to begin. The knot will secure your floss while you stitch over it on the back side to permanently secure it. Once you have stitched as far as the knot, take your scissors and clip it off. Right-handed people stitch from left to right, left-handed people stitch from right to left crossing their stitches in the opposite direction of right-handers. To end, carry the needle under 4 or 5 stitches on the backside. Clip. When backstitching the lettering, insert the needle on the front side about an inch or so away from your beginning stitch. Make sure you catch the floss on the back side as you stitch. Clip the waste knot off when you have completed a word.

Wash your hands frequently to prevent soiling the fabric, clean hands make a clean finished design.

It is helpful to print out the pdf version of the slideshow seen on my home page. This will give you a clearer view of the stitching as it progresses.

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		Find the center of the fabric by folding it in half lengthwise and then crosswise. Pinch the fabric along the folds. The center is at the intersection of the folds. Mark with a pin. Follow the arrows on the outer edges of the chart inward; the point of intersection indicates the center of the chart. Mark this with a pencil for reference. Match this mark with the center of the fabric. Begin stitching here. This will ensure the completed design is centered on the fabric. A "strand" of embroidery floss consists of six "plies". Separate the floss into the number of plies listed in the "Color List". Each square on the chart indicates one stitch. Blank squares are left unstitched. Colored lines indicate back stitching. Blue dot indicates a French knot. Black lines around the border of the symbols chart indicates placement of Nun's Stitch. Symbols in the "Color List" correspond to the chart symbols. Use a "waste knot" to begin stitching. Tie a knot in the end of the floss and insert the needle from the "front" side about 4 or 5 stitches away from where you want your first stitch to begin. The knot will secure your floss while you stitch over it on the back side to permanently secure it. Once you have stitched as far as the knot, take your scissors and clip it off. Right-handed people stitch from left to right, left-handed people stitch from right to left crossing their stitches in the opposite direction of right-handers. To end, carry the needle under 4 or 5 stitches on the backside. Clip. When backstitching the lettering, insert the needle on the front side about an inch or so away from your beginning stitch. Make sure you catch the floss on the back side as you stitch. Clip the waste knot off when you have completed a word. Wash your hands frequently to prevent soiling the fabric, clean hands make a clean finished design. It is helpful to print out the pdf version of the slideshow seen on my home page. This will give you a clearer view of the stitching as it progresses.