- If you are just learning how to embroider, you should choose simple pictures with 5-6 colors. It will prevent you from becoming entangled in threads and colors. Your work will be finished quicker and this will give you inspiration for another work because one always wants to see the result of the work as soon as possible and to admire the first embroidery.
- It is better to use canvas with the holes for needle that you can see clear. Your stitches will be equal and fine.
- Canvas with small holes is not very good for your first projects because your eyes will get tired very quickly and it will complicate the process of learning.
- It's better to avoid black canvas because this canvas is also difficult to work with.
- You can mark out your canvas in 10x10 (stitches) squares grids so it will be easier for you to find necessary stitches in the pattern and your fabric. But be careful! Before you will do it you'd better make sure you can easily get rid of this grid. You can use special pens that can be washed off at the end of the work. Don't use disappearing pen because it will disappear in 48 hours - probably before you will have time to finish your embroidery. So you will have to do your grid again. You also should know that some tailor's chalks are not always can be washed off easily. And so they are not very good to make this grid. And pencil can't be washed off.
- You can cross out completed stitches on your pattern, but don't do it with pen. It's better to use pencil for this.
- While cutting the fabric you'd better leave some reserve. It will be of use if you are mistaken by chance in your calculations and you need it to stretch your picture under the frame.
- It is often recommended to start working from the center. But there are some variants. If it is more convenient for you to start from any edge, you can.
- Before starting, you'd better check if your floss is colorfast. Otherwise the first attempt to wash your work will reduce all your efforts to zero.
Cross Stitch Tips - Advice for Beginners from Artalex
By Connie G. Barwick, About.com Guide
Take Care When Cutting Cross Stitch Fabric
Photo © Connie G. Barwick, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Artalex from www.stitchbank.com submitted these tips for beginners:
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