Carol Haydon

Every cross stitcher, whether new to the craft or experienced, knows the most important tool needed is of course the counted cross stitch patterns.  Without them, there would be nothing to stitch.  You can find them individually in magazines, from websites on the Internet or in a cross stitch kit. The kits offer the advantage of having all the materials necessary to stitch that particular project, including the pattern.

Just beginning your journey into this amazing craft?  Here's a quick tip for you; there are two basic kinds of cross stitch patterns.  One type is printed charts usually found in pattern books called leaflets.  These patterns can be stitched on anything you want.  You have total control with your project when using this kind of pattern.  The other type is the stamped designs which are preprinted on items for you.  These patterns are usually in blue, and can be found on several different items.  Some things that may have preprinted patterns on them are a baby bib or a pillowcase.  These items can be bought at most craft stores, and have the pattern already imprinted on the piece for you.

Many newcomers to the world of cross stitch choose to begin with a stamped cross stitch item.  These can either have the entire pattern or just a portion of the design stamped onto the piece for you.  It is very easy to follow because you can see exactly where the stitches should go.  They even have some stamped cross stitch kits showing the preprinted designs in colors so you know exactly where the colors should be placed.  While these kits are great for beginners, eventually after mastering the basic cross stitch, many people choose to seek out a more challenging project.

When trying to develop your stitching skills, a range of counted cross stitch patterns is the way to go. They create much more of a challenge than stamped cross stitch patterns do. Of course, there is a greater margin for error with these patterns.  Mistakes become evident usually after you've done several stitches and things don't line up the way they should.  Locating these errors, and then fixing them is often times a stressful problem.  However, as frustrating as re-stitching an area may be, it's a great learning experience.  You'll be able to create a system of checks-and-balances for yourself to avoid a lot of the easier mistakes made in your earlier pieces.

Another creative benefit to counted cross stitch patterns is that you can create patterns that look exactly the way you want them to.  You can personalize projects this way.  Simply by changing some of the colors, or taking items from individual patterns and putting them together, you can make a whole new pattern.  This is useful when making gifts or trying to match the décor of the room the piece will be displayed in.  Modifying patterns is also useful in many other situations.

Searching for just the right pattern can be both difficult and at the same time, exciting!  Go to your local discount store and see what's available in their craft section.  Visit your favorite craft store to find out what they have to offer as well.  Don't just look at the leaflets; be sure to check out the kits too.  If kits themselves don't excite you, often times you'll discover similar individual patterns that will be close to the cross stitch pattern you liked.

The stores didn't have anything to strike up an interest?   You'd be surprised by the multitude of patterns you can find online.  Just by doing a general search for cross stitch patterns you're sure to find something that you just have to stitch right away!  You can even find patterns of great artworks by famous painters such as Monet, Van Gogh, and even Thomas Kinkade.  There are several artists who have had their talents converted into counted cross stitch pieces.

Entering the magnificent world of cross stitch can be very exciting.  Don't get overwhelmed by the variety and amount of patterns you'll find online.  First, take time to decide what type of pattern you would like to stitch.  Then simply do a general Internet search for counted cross stitch patterns pertaining to the subject you chose.  You'll be glad you took this first step!