Many beginning stitchers get started with kits. A Cross Stitch kit provides almost all the basic supplies you need to do a project, making it much easier for beginning stichers to get going. Here are some tips for for success with stitching a kit project.
1. Know the Basic Stitches
Before you begin with a kit, learn to do the basic stitches used in Cross Stitch. This will help ward off frustration in the future.2. Choose a Kitted Cross Stitch Project
For a first project, look for smaller design with whole cross stitch and limited color selection. As skills increase, more detailed projects may be attempted. If a large, detailed kit is selected as a first project, then it may be abandoned before completion.
3. Open the Cross Stitch Kit
Once a kit has been selected, the first step is to open it up and sort out the contents.4. Check the Contents of the Cross Stitch Kit
Most kits have a list of what is included that will make it easy to determine if the elements are all there. If something is missing, you will need to contact the manufacturer or prepare to find a substitute for whatever is missing.5. Read the Instructions for the Kit
For simple kits, the instructions are usually fairly straight-forward. The most important information is related to how many strands of floss to use. If more strands of floss than instructed are used for cross stitch or back stitch, then there is danger of lacking enough floss to complete the project.With more complicated kits, it is even more imperative to read the instructions carefully to ensure proper completion of the project.
6. Select Scissors or Snips
Scissors are rarely, if ever, included in kits. Select a small sharp pair for snipping your floss neatly and cleanly.7. To Hoop or not to Hoop....
Kits may include a hoop, but if not, determine if you will stitch in the hand or with a hoop sized appropriately to the project.8. Sort the Cross Stitch Floss
Now that supplies are gathered, it is time to deal with the floss. Some kits include pre-sorted floss. If the floss is not sorted, then the next task will be to do just that. Do this in a brightly lit area, on a white or light colored surface if possible.Many times the number of strands of each color is listed. This helps when sorting close colors. The photo of the finished project may also be helpful when sorting flosses, enabling easier determination of colors used.
