5 Steps to Make Your Own Cross Stitch Patterns

Posted on January 6, 2011 by admin

While there are literally thousands of cross stitch patterns available to buy, you may want to make something more special. If you have a photograph or favorite graphic or picture, you can turn it into a cross stitch pattern and create a unique design out of it. Specially-designed software can turn any picture into a cross stitch pattern complete with a color key! You won’t even have to worry about how to choose the colors, because the software will tell you exactly which kind of floss to use for each stitch.

1. Download or buy a cross stitch conversion program. Install it to your computer. PC Stitch and Hobbyware Pattern Maker Cross-Stitch are two such programs.

2. Pick out the design you want to cross-stitch. It can be a photograph or some other image, perhaps from a book or magazine. Some software programs also have images that you can use for conversion. The best types of designs to use for cross stitch are simple with few colors. Do not choose something with a busy background or too many colors, or you will soon find yourself swamped.

3. Figure out how to import your photo or design into the software program. There should be some instructions on how to go about doing this.

4. Pick the number of colors you want to use. The conversion programs will give you suggestions on colors as long as you set parameters. Don’t pick more than 30 colors, or it will get too complicated. If you are a beginner to cross stitch, only pick a handful of colors.

5. Crop out any areas in the photo that you aren’t going to cross stitch. Finish the pattern and print it out. It will also print out a color key that tells you which floss colors to buy. Set up your embroidery hoop and start stitching your custom design.

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Hand Embroidery Supplies

Posted on December 20, 2010 by admin

Hand embroidery is an inexpensive hobby if you compare it to other types of crafts. You need a few basic items, but the rest of the materials can be collected along the way. Embroidery is something that even children can do to pass the time. Like any hobby, you get better at it the more you practice, so it can be a lifelong craft for you.

Items for Hand Embroidery Projects

1. Hoops should be your first expense. Most hoops are made from wood with a simple screw attachment. They come in all sizes. There are also plastic hoops that do the same job. The best place to find lots of hand embroidery hoops on sale is through eBay.

2. Floss (thread) is another expense. It’s very cheap, especially online. Even bulk purchases only cost a few dollars, and the threads will last you a long time. Cotton or silk floss is the best, although there are specialty flosses made out of thin metal strips.

3. You are going to need something to embroider, whether it’s a piece of clothing or a blanket or pillowcase. Almost any type of fabric is fine for hand embroidery, but you’ll want to avoid thick fabrics, since it’s hard to get a needle through them. A general rule of thumb is the thicker the fabric, the thicker the needle.

4. Buy some needles in varying sizes, from very thin to extra thick. Look for packages of needles that are specifically made for hand embroidery projects. Stock up on these items in case you break or lose your favorite needle.

5. Embellishments are optional. Glass beads and ribbons are attractive accessories once you learn how to attach them to your hand embroidery design. You can pick up these items very cheaply online, or just look around your house for odds and ends.

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Cross Stitch Kits for Beginners

Posted on December 5, 2010 by admin

Counted cross stitch kits for beginners usually have pre-printed designs on the fabric to help guide your needle. It can be tricky to keep track of every tiny fabric hole if you have never done it before. Beginners need designs that are simple and that can be completed in a few days.

If a person new to counted cross stitch attempts an advanced design to quickly, frustration will undoubtedly ensue. You will have to train your hands to use a needle and learn how to hold the hoop so that you don’t prick yourself. Even holding a needle might feel strange to someone who is not used to it. Cross stitch is an art that takes tremendous focus and precision – skills that not everybody possesses, but they can be learned over time.

Learn-A-Craft Kits

Learn-a-Craft cross stitch kits are designed for beginners or older children. They are small enough so that you can complete it in a day or two, and have lots of attractive designs from which to choose. They contain everything you need so you won’t have to buy extra accessories. Since the hoop is only three inches around, the design itself is also tiny.

Janlynn Corporation

The Janlynn Corporation is another company with suitable beginner’s kits. They are exceptionally affordable at less than $2 a kit. With it, you receive the thread, frame, mounting board, instructions, and needle. The finished product makes an adorable gift for someone to hang on the wall. Patterns include Disney characters, baby prints, landscapes, and simple flowers and butterflies.

Dimensions Company

Dimensions has a whole line of counted cross stitch kits for beginners. They also offer advanced patterns for when you’re ready to move up. Even children can tackle these easy projects in a weekend or two. Prices for all-inclusive kits are around $5 online or even less if you find a sale.

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Punch Needle Embroidery Supplies

Posted on November 19, 2010 by admin

Punch needle embroidery is also sometimes called “thread painting” because you can design beautiful landscapes just like a painting. The craft has been around for about 100 years, but has recently enjoyed resurgence among embroiderers and sewing enthusiasts. Inclusive punch needle embroidery kits are also becoming more prevalent as the hobby becomes more popular.

To create a design on fabric, you need to push (punch) the thread through the fabric and make a small surface loop sort of like a carpet. The loop is created by using a hollow needle. You don’t have to tie any thread to knot it, since the needle does all the work. This type of embroidery is quite durable and can work on any fabric type. Even children can learn how to do punch needlework. Read on to see a list of recommended tools for your next embroidery project.

1. The punch needle is a necessary component of this style of embroidery. A set of a few hollow needles will cost you less than $10 online.

2. Embroidery thread (floss) is another item you will need. Any type of cotton or silk thread will do the trick. Thicker, wool threads might add some more texture and fluffiness than silk thread, however.

3. The embroidery hoop is what holds the fabric tight while you sew. Get a pack that includes different sizes, although smaller hoops are easier to work with.

4. Look for a fine weave cotton fabric for your first punch needle embroidery project. Muslin is perfectly suitable for punch needle embroidery.

5. Fabric markers are nice to have to draw designs onto the fabric. Even better, find a fabric marker with disappearing ink so that you won’t see any markings underneath your embroidery pattern.

6. Buy a nice frame to highlight your creation upon completion.

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Where to Find Free Embroidery Designs Online

Posted on November 4, 2010 by admin

Embroidery patterns aren’t just found in books and magazines at the craft store. You can also find them for free online. You are going to need an embroidery machine to create these designs, unless you are exceptionally talented at hand embroidery. Listed below are a few websites that offer free patterns for downloading and printing. A word of caution: You may only use these patterns for personal use only – not for retail.

1. FreeEmbroideryStuff.com

The website is exactly like the name implies. Over 30 free embroidery designs are added every month, so you won’t ever get bored with the selection. A handy keyword search tool helps you find exactly what you’re looking for.

2. EmbroideryDesigns.com

Here’s another free embroidery design website, but the download limit is three designs per week. Otherwise, you have to pay to download more. There is also a keyword search tool on this site.

3. AnnTheGran.com

This amazing website has tons of information along with free embroidery designs. Many of the designs were uploaded by readers and blog followers. One nice feature about this website is the forum, where you can ask questions and get help from embroidery experts. It also has ads for special embroidery tools at discounts.

4. Needle ‘N Thread

Needle ‘N Thread is actually a directory of websites that offer free embroidery designs. There are over a dozen websites listed, so you’ll never run out of ideas!

5. EmbroideryFriend.com

If you subscribe to this website’s free newsletter, you will receive 20 free embroidery downloads. They feature a new embroidery design every 10 minutes, so you might get addicted to watching the clock.

6. EmbroFree.com

They have almost 3,000 free embroidery designs you can use. One unique element of this site is that they tell you how many stitches are in each design, how many colors, and how big it will be on fabric.

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