Olivia Storm

Cross-stitch was often used together with other stitches for quilt making, needlepoint, and crewel embroidery.  But quilting was a thing of necessity during the pioneer days clear back to the medieval period. 

A warm quilted blanket during the winter was always welcome, made from little scraps of memories that had been either outgrown or tossed into the ragbag.  Nothing was wasted; nothing was left over that didn't have a purpose.

The first thing that always needs done is to prepare the material for quilting.  This material, of course, has already been gathered from leftover material packed away, waiting for this moment. 

Some people go out and buy matching material, brand new filling, and material for the back OR you can respect the history of the quilt, and do it as it was intended to be done in the historical days…start gathering fabric remnants months earlier from children's shirts, old dresses or skirts, or old curtains and towels.

But the material for the quilt needs to be clean and wrinkle-free for the cross-stitching and cutting.  The old fashioned way was to soak the material, one piece at a time, in cold water and mild soap, rinse, and dry. 

The drying could either be hung out, or use a low dryer cycle.  Pull the opposite corners of the fabric square to "straighten" the material for easier stitching and to make cutting the patterns evenly a little easier. Prepare the material just before you begin the quilting process, not any earlier.

Once the cleaning of the quilt pieces has begun, prepare for the cross-stitch design, and purchase the needed items.  If you purchase a kit then it will be already available, but if you design your own, do the following steps: 

1. Items needed are the cross-stitch fabric, an embroidery hoop, a thimble, embroidery floss in colors of choice, embroidery scissors, and a couple of tapestry needles.

• A tapestry needle is needed as compared to a sewing needle because the tapestry needle eye is large enough for the floss to fit; and the end is blunt.
• Embroidery hoops are inexpensive; they are available in plastic or wood.  This is not mandatory, but you can see the entire piece all at once.
• Wooden hoops hold fabric tighter. Place a piece of tissue paper between the hoop and fabric so the wood will not discolor the cloth.

2. Purchase the size and quantity of items needed.

3. For fabric that is 14 count, use a No. 22 tapestry needle (14 squares per inch); No. 24 per 18 count. The larger the size number, the smaller the needle.

4. Remember, the terms "floss" is interchangeable with "thread".

5. Wash a skein of floss; if it bleeds do not use it, if it doesn't, then it's OK to do so... and there's no need to wash the remaining skeins either.

Cut your cross-stitch material to size, while wrapping any edges to prevent fraying. Look at the design directions, or your own design ideas, and use a highlight or pen to mark the rows as you go.  I have found this is a good way to stay on track and not get lost. You can work on each square moment by moment, cherishing the memories of each piece. 

When all the squares are correctively done with their new cross-stitch designs, join them with cross-stitches or an alternative stitch. Add your batting and back, and you are on your way to a delightfully warm blanket!