When you first start out with a new hobby the tendency is to run before you can walk and cross stitch is no exception. I remember my first attempt, it was a large wall hanging of some mice with a grandfather clock and although it was a complete kit, I still hadn't got a clue what I was doing! There were around 30 different colors and millions of stitches to do but I wanted something impressive. Needless to say it didn't take me long to give up on that particular design!

The best thing a beginner to the world of cross stitch can do is learn the basics before they attempt to stitch anything and the following two sites teach everything that you will need to know to stitch your first masterpiece:

www.yarntree.com/007begin.htm

This site provides a free chart and the instructions to stitch it along with a comprehensive list of the equipment any beginner will need. There are also lots of 'How To' sections such as how to choose fabric and how to begin stitching that build into a great tutorial which may even benefit some of you intermediate stitchers out there.

www.caron-net.com/patguide.html

This second site has loads of hints and tips to help make counted cross stitch easier for all levels, not just beginners. After reading it I must admit that I learnt a few new things and so this is the perfect site for our newbie brothers and sisters. There's information on fabrics, flosses, basic stitches and more advanced ones and the bonus is that new hints and tips are added every month making this site one to add to your favorites list. 

So, my lovely converts to the art of cross stitch, now you know what you are doing you need something to do and that means finding some basic but pretty little patterns. There are thousands of patterns everywhere you look on the internet however many are not suitable for your first time out -- trust me! So where do you go for some great beginners patterns?

Well I suggest www.cross-stitch-academy.com/beginners/beginners.html as your first stop. Here you can find 8 great little patterns that include the chart, a picture of the finished design (which is always helpful) and an easy to understand floss chart. Each of the 8 designs are explained step by step and color by color until the last stitches are made which an absolutely fantastic way to show a beginner.

The site is so easy to understand that it is suitable for children and what is more, all 8 designs are absolutely FREE to download. There are a couple of simple motifs, a bouquet, a first border pattern, an Easter project, a Christmas project and a pretty little Mothers Day project as well which means there is something for everyone. Also the same site has a number of more advanced patterns for when our beginners gain their feet that include very clear instructions, and a self-explanatory symbol key.

When you get bored of this site, or just too good at stitching, then you can also try www.dltk-kids.com/type/crossstitch.htm where there are loads of free beginner patterns to choose from. Technically this site is a children's site but I regularly visit and download a couple of easy patterns for my novice daughter and the odd one for me. There are a number of animals to choose from including a dog, a cat, a chicken, a frog, a turtle and a little ladybug. There are also patterns for each of the seasons, a Christmas pattern, a mother's day pattern and a St Patrick's Day pattern. All of the patterns are printable as are the instructions and the floss charts.

All beginners to the art of counted cross stitch should be encouraged and congratulated for taking the first step in becoming a master stitcher. Beware though -- once you start you just can't seem to stop! 

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