Cross Stitch A beginner's step-by-step guide to techniques and motifs [Paperback]

Cross stitch is one of the oldest forms of hand embroidery, popular all over the world, and it is little wonder that it remains so. Cross stitch is easy to learn, is usually the first embroidery stitch taught to children, and is quickly arranged into patterns, pictures and letters by following grid charts where each square represents a single stitch.In Cross Stitch, you'll learn the essentials of counted cross stitch with plenty of illustrations to guide you, and a basic range of of free-style embroidery stitches, as well as advice on how to read charts and create your own, including numerous motifs and alphabets for you to use. Written with the beginner in mind, Cross Stitch is also a refresher for those who first learned the craft years ago and would like to pick it up again. You'll soon find the pleasure in cross stitch is watching your design grow as different colors are added, whether you're making a bookmark or a wall hanging to be framed as a future family heirloom.Presents the essentials of counted cross stitch with plenty of illustrations, plus a basic range of freestyle embroidery stitches to supplement the counted thread method. Get advice on how to read charts, and create your own.IntroductionPart 1: Equipment and MaterialsNeedles and fabricsEquipmentWorking with hoops and framesNeedlesThreadsFabrics and thread countsCalculating quantitiesCross stitch charts and how to read themCharting your own designBlank cross stitch gridsReadymadesPart 2: Cross Stitch Methods and TechniquesThread organizerPreparing fabricPreparing threadsStarting and fastening offBasic stitchesThe history of samplersBackstitch alphabetPopular sampler motifsAssisi workHeraldic beasts and mythical creaturesAssisi-style alphabetCross stitch variationsSans serif alphabet plus numeralsSerif alphabet plus numeralsKnot stitchesPart 3: StitchablesTemplatesGreetings cardsDecorative bandsWorking with plastic canvasMiniature designsBorders and cornersPart 4: Basic Embroidery StitchesBasic embrl��