Supplies needed for getting started:
- gingham material
- embroidery floss
- embroidery needle, sharp with a large eye
- sharp scissors
- Chicken Scratch pattern
- Double Cross Stitch, also known as Smyrna Cross Stitch
- Running Stitch
- Woven Circle Stitch
- The number of strands of floss you will need will depend on the size of the gingham fabric. Experiment on a scrap of fabric to see what looks best.
- Chicken Scratch is usually done with two colors of floss - white floss and a floss the same color as or slightly darker than the color of the fabric. Experiment with using different colors as you desire.
- Unlike Cross Stitch, you may want to use a knot to secure the floss when stitching.
- Before stitching, determine the count of the gingham fabric using a ruler. Then cut the fabric to the desired size.
- When stitching the design, the white floss is stitched on the colored gingham squares and the coordinating colored floss is stitched on the white squares. Refer to the pattern chart for guidance on stitch placement and color.
- Complete each stitch as you go when working the design.
- Watch stitch tension or the fabric will become puckered.
- Use a hoop to help with maintaining the proper fabric tension.
- Practice Square
- Heart Motif
- Christmas Tree
- Patterns from Other Sites
Do you have a question about Chicken Scratch Embroidery? Post it in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. The stitchers there have experience in a wide range of embroidery styles.
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