Marion Hernandez

Within each of us is the innate need to be creative. Many people fulfill this need by preparing attractive gourmet meals. Others choose to create something more lasting. The carefully chosen, well executed cross stitch project becomes a work of art. Becoming addicted to counted cross stitch results from using fabric and floss to create a priceless family heirloom.

Counted cross stitch is a simple embroidery technique that allows anyone, with or without artistic ability, to produce a thing of beauty. Other types of embroidery are worked over lines transferred onto fabric. Counted cross stitch is worked on blank fabric from a chart, counting symbols that represent each stitch in the design. For ease of use, charts are usually printed larger than the size of the completed needlework.

Either of two methods may be used for working counted cross stitch. In one popular method, stitches are worked by placing a row of half-cross stitches and completing them by reversing direction. The other method involves the completion of each individual stitch before moving to the next. A neat finished result is achieved by keeping all the top stitches laying in the same direction. Many stitchers ignore this rule when the designer has used fractional stitches to add extra detail.

Depending on the age and experience of the beginner, the best fabric for learning this type of embroidery is Aida in either 11 count or 14 count. Aida is woven in a way that produces a well-defined grid formation. Tiny openings in the grid aid with  the placement of stitches. As skills increase, the cross stitch addict moves on to an even-weave fabric with a higher thread count.

Counted cross stitch is worked using embroidery floss, available in a wide range of colors and fibers. The most popular embroidery floss is six-ply, easily separated into single or multiple plies for stitching. It is best to separate and recombine the number of strands specified by the designer. When the desired color of floss isn't available, two different colors may be combined in a technique called blending or tweeding.

One of the great things about the craft is the minimal equipment required. Other than tapestry needles, the basic necessity is a pair of sharp embroidery scissors. Most stitchers also find that placing fabric in an embroidery hoop results in more uniform stitches. Other equipment is available, though not necessary for the enjoyment of counted cross stitch.

With so many counted cross stitch designs from which to choose, the best advice is to select something appealing. Stitching a cute bunny for a nephew may not be enjoyable for the stitcher who hates bunnies. A simple design that is easily  completed is best for a beginning stitcher. If you like a design, the motivation will be there to complete it. Then you just might find yourself addicted to counted cross stitch.