Not just baking and cooking

Ok, what am I doing lately? Besides baking and cooking these are my other hobbies, Crochet and Cross stitch. I've made lots of it, most of them I gave as gifts, few are in my parent's house and some are (you know) unfinished projects. I started cross stitching when I was in college, my cousin taught me how to do it. I remember she told me that once Im done I can make a wish and it will come true. Just a fanatic cross stitcher belief though.

I started with this design last week, it's called Nine Koi Carp. 11 count ivory Aida fabric. 280 x 168 stitches or 50.8 cm x 30.5 cm.

The highlighted symbols are done already. I used to start at the center of the pattern just to make sure the allowance on both sides are enough for framing. Still long way to go uh! I will try to finish it before December.

These are some of the threads. Instead of buying floss bobbins I made my own by just cutting 1x1 inch cardboard. I also use size 26 needle. for me the smaller the better.

If you are planning to start cross stitching. Here are the photos of basic step by step stitches I made.

To Begin
Find the center of the graph. For most patterns this is shown with arrows or a bold line. Next, find the center of your fabric. Fold the fabric in half from top to bottom then fold in half from side to side. Use a needle or pin to mark the corner of the fabric or use pencil and slightly make a thin line. Unfold the fabric. The pin or pencil line marks the approximate center of the fabric.

Each symbol on the chart represents one X on the fabric. The different styles of symbols on the chart represent different colors of floss.

The first method is to work a row of half stitches (////), then work back (\\\\) to complete the X's. Use this method for most stitching.

The second method is to complete each X as you go. It is important that all the X's are crossed in the same direction. That is, the top thread of the X should always slant in the same direction (either \ or /). It does not matter which way they slant, but if they are mixed the finished piece will look uneven.

Quarter stitch - partial stitches to smooth edges and round corners. To do this you need to poke the needle through the fabric between the holes.

Backstitching is a running stitch used to outline an area or to form lettering. On this photo I used to skip one square.

Then fill in as I go back from the start.

To end off, weave your needle back through the last 3 or 6 stitches and clip the thread short so as not to leave a loose tail.

So now you know the basic stitches. If you're a beginner start with small design first. Check this DMC website for free patterns. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view and print.

Happy Stitching!