Starting cross stitch

[Anonymous]

Hi OP-

My advice is first learn to do it using a small kit. Just order a kit that has everything in it that you need. If you celebrate Christmas, try a Christmas tree ornament. It'll look nice when you are done and teach you the basics. It'll be small so you'll finish quickly.

You are planning to both design and then stitch your own sampler. There are patterns and kits online where you can just put in your own information into the design. This would make it easier rather than designing from scratch.

Your idea is really nice-- I think handcrafts are great because 1) you always feel productive even when bingeing netflix; 2) keeps your hands busy if you are trying not to eat or smoke; 3) staves off boredom at meetings and things that you have to attend (back to school night or committee meetings or whatever); 4) learning something new keeps your brain functioning at a higher level; 5) people will really appreciate what you make.

Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

I started when I was six. It's so easy, OP. One small kit to get the basic skills practiced, then start scaling up.

The things you need:
Pattern
Aida cloth
Needles
Needle threader (if you do two strands of floss, it's much harder to thread a needle!)
Embroidery floss
Scissors (obviously you don't need to get your own special pair yet)

[Anonymous]

I did it as a kid and started again as adult. Its relaxing to me, probably like knitting is for other people. You can order kids from amazon. Just start simple and check you tube videos.

[Anonymous]

I will add, its worth keeping an eye on the Smithsonian events and classes list. There are many which are to do with textile arts including quilting. I wouldn't be surprised if one came available for cross stitch. Its always helpful to have someone in the room to point you in the right directions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I haven't done it for 20 years (I have a project I started sophomore year of college in a box somewhere) so I may not get everything exact but here's a list. Like PP said you can start with a kit so make it easier and less expensive to try. Start with something small.

an embroidery hoop

Aida cloth (it's woven into squares and comes in various sizes. The numbers tell you the number of squares/stitches per inch). It's helpful to put masking tape over the edges to keep it from fraying.

Embroidery floss. DNC was the major brand, not sure if that's still the case. The colors all have numbers and patterns will list the colors you need.

Needle, and if you're over 40, a needle threader.

A pattern. It's helpful to have highlighters to mark what you've already done. Usually the pattern will tell you what count cloth is recommended and the size the project will be. I'm guessing these days you can probably find them to download online. My mom probably has hundreds in storage somewhere.

Why a needle threader if over 40?

Because the day after people turn 40, they can't see the tiny hole in the top of the needle anymore that they need to stick the thread in.

Haha this is so true! I'd add a lamp with a magnifying attachment. I would tell you the name of these popular lamps but I can't remember it because I'm over 40!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I haven't done it for 20 years (I have a project I started sophomore year of college in a box somewhere) so I may not get everything exact but here's a list. Like PP said you can start with a kit so make it easier and less expensive to try. Start with something small.

an embroidery hoop

Aida cloth (it's woven into squares and comes in various sizes. The numbers tell you the number of squares/stitches per inch). It's helpful to put masking tape over the edges to keep it from fraying.

Embroidery floss. DNC was the major brand, not sure if that's still the case. The colors all have numbers and patterns will list the colors you need.

Needle, and if you're over 40, a needle threader.

A pattern. It's helpful to have highlighters to mark what you've already done. Usually the pattern will tell you what count cloth is recommended and the size the project will be. I'm guessing these days you can probably find them to download online. My mom probably has hundreds in storage somewhere.

Why a needle threader if over 40?

Because the day after people turn 40, they can't see the tiny hole in the top of the needle anymore that they need to stick the thread in.

Haha this is so true! I'd add a lamp with a magnifying attachment. I would tell you the name of these popular lamps but I can't remember it because I'm over 40!

Ott

[Anonymous]

That's it! Ott lamps. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Tapestry needles tend to have very large eyes (and blind tips) so you really shouldn't need a needle threaded with them. That said, I'm over 40 and have started to notice I don't see the eye of a regular needle like I used to! Ack!

[Anonymous]

An ott lamp . . . I had never heard of those. Just looked it up. Yeah . . . I think I will be needing one of those in a few years.

http://www.kenssewingcenter.com/ottlite-18-watt-flex-arm-plus-lamp-with-bonus-3x-magnifier-p-32311.html

In my 40's I started using a needle threader. In my 50's I started wearing a headlamp when I needed to see threads to pull them out after a mistake. I am 57 now. So an Ott lamp sounds like a good thing to buy for my 60th birthday. Thanks y'all for posting about this because I didn't know such a thing existed.

[Anonymous]

Not only is the Ott light a big help when you're stitching (or reading), but it's also a full-spectrum light. For people who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), sitting in front of or near a full-spectrum light often helps alleviate their symptoms.

Best of luck with your hobby, OP!

[Anonymous]

I started cross fit about a month ago, lost 10 pounds so far! Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started cross fit about a month ago, lost 10 pounds so far! Good luck, OP!

Hilarious!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I started cross fit about a month ago, lost 10 pounds so far! Good luck, OP!

LOL!