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The list shows the most widely read articles on this site.

1. How To Frame Your Cross Stitched Project
   Jess Richards
   If you have purchased a book, chart, or kit, you will have instructions for at least two or three framing methods. After trying to frame a couple of completed projects, you probably prefer one method over others. In this article, we shall focus on a framing method that yields good results and lasts for years. . . . keep reading
   
   
2. Cross Stitch Patterns for Horse Lovers
   Kelly Morgan
   We all have a favourite animal that we collect ornaments and pictures of but how many of us have a beautiful and unique cross stitched plaque or sampler picturing our favourite type of animal in pride of place on our wall. The internet is full of cross stitching websites with all manner of patterns, including a lot of stunning horse pictures for all the equestrians among us. . . . keep reading
   
   
3. Create Your Own Peyote Stitch Patterns
   Marion Hernandez
   Our fascination with creating a fabric by stitching or weaving tiny beads together is not new. The Egyptians created burial garments using an early form of peyote stitch patterns over 4000 years ago! In more recent times the technique got its name from the Native Americans who created beaded items for ceremonial events. Over the years the techniques have changed although the name has stayed the same . . . keep reading
   
   
4. How to Create Your Own Cross Stitch Designs (Part I)
   Katherine Harris
   Cross stitch design may be easier than you think! To produce your own design in cross stitch, you will need to create a chart (pattern) from which to work. You do not need to be a great artist! You do need patience and determination however. You may wish to experiment with the 'graph paper and crayon approach first'. If you think that you would like to develop your skills, then buying some design software is the next step. Here's how to start: . . . keep reading
   
   
5. Cross Stitch: A Complete Beginner's Guide
   Marion Pike
   Many people are inspired to start cross stitching when they see a beautifully stitched design. It is tempting to think that anyone can produce such a work of art -- and indeed, there are those clever souls who have done just that -- but for most people, it is more sensible to start small and easy, and build up skills gradually. Completing some small basic projects successfully can build up your skills and confidence too, and you soon can be addicted to this fascinating and creative hobby. . . . keep reading
   
   
6. Religion and Cross Stitch Come Together in Many Ways
   Kelly Morgan
   Religion is undoubtedly a major influence in the world today and many cross stitchers will have considered stitching a piece that symbolises their religion. Well, just as with every other type of design that we frequently get the urge to search for, there are hundreds of beautiful patterns available . . . keep reading
   
   
7. Free Counted Cross Stitch Patterns
   Ellen Frost
   It used to be that if you visited your local needlework shop you may have found a few sheets on the counter from the big manufacturers containing some free counted cross stitch patterns. Now with the internet, it is much easier for both the designer and the stitcher to find each other . . . keep reading
   
   
8. Free Ballet Cross-Stitch Patterns
   Lizzie Bolton
   Do you love the ballet? Maybe you have a loved one who is aspiring to become the next Prima Ballerina. There's a way you can display your love of ballet in your home. All you have to do is look for free ballet cross stitch patterns online and . . . keep reading
   
   
9. Cross Stitch Projects for a Special Wedding
   Carol Haydon
   When someone close to you is getting married, don't forget cross stitch in your plans for celebrating that great Wedding Day. Along with the other plans, put some time aside for stitching invitations, place setting cards, wedding favours, a ring pillow or even a sampler. . . . keep reading
   
   
10. Counted Cross Stitch: Thomas Kinkade
    Nancy L. Haydon
    There is an art in turning a painting into counted cross stitch. Thomas Kinkade, one of todays most celebrated living artists, inspired Californian company, Candamar, to create beautiful needlework designs based on his pictures . . . keep reading
    
    
11. Religious Cross Stitch Patterns May Help Your Faith
    Kelly Morgan
    Among the subjects included in the work of almost every designer is that of religious cross stitch. One source attributes this to early examples of embroidery such as vestments worn by the clergy and royalty during religious ceremonies. Most artists consider their work to representation of life and religion has been an important influence in many cultures for centuries. Even people who claim not to be religious may still believe in the existence of the soul or spirit . . . keep reading
    
    
12. Celtic Wedding Cross Stitch
    Marion Hernandez
    There are many different Celtic wedding traditions, which date back to at least the middle ages. One of the traditions is the use of many different combinations of the Celtic knot whether it's in a handfasting or the couple's jewelry. Celtic wedding cross stitch designs are a great way to incorporate the Celtic tradition into gifts and keepsakes . . . keep reading
    
    
13. Wash Your Cross Stitch Project The Correct Way
    Sarah Bee
    Every completed project should be laundered before framing or finishing regardless of the care taken during stitching. Natural oils from your hands enter the fabric during stitching and will eventually appear as stains. Any fabric that isn't clean is also subject to discoloration within a few years . . . keep reading
    
    
14. Beyond Anchor and DMC: Exploring Other Thread Manufacturers
    Lizzie Bolton
    Many stitchers start out happily using thread made by two of the best known manufacturers: Anchor and DMC. Although these two companies are excellent, other notable cross stitch thread manufacturers exist, and are well worth your consideration . . . keep reading
    
    
15. Native American Cross-Stitch: A Heritage To Be Proud Of
    Olivia Storm
    The Native American people are proud of their heritage and of their ways. They have endured many tragedies throughout history, but they have stood strong and not turned their backs on those that went before. It is because of their strength and heritage that many companies have designed Native American cross stitch patterns to honor these people . . . keep reading
    
    
16. The Most Difficult Cross-Stitch Design I Tracked Down!
    Olivia Storm
    I track things down on the Internet … that is just the way it is in today's times. I search and surf to my heart's content, finding what I need to know or do…eventually . . . keep reading
    
    
17. Kneeling Santa Cross Stitch Pattern
    Heather Martin
    Holiday time is the perfect season to gift and showcase your cross stitch pieces. A particularly popular pattern for Christmas is the kneeling Santa cross stitch pattern. There are variations of the design, but this pattern typically shows Santa kneeling beside baby Jesus in the manger . . . keep reading
    
    
18. How to Cross Stitch on Plastic Canvas
    Loretta Kent
    Using plastic canvas, it's possible to create unique cross stitch projects that you simply can't create with fabric. This is because plastic canvas is much firmer than normal fabrics; you can even use it to create three-dimensional projects. So if you haven't already done so -- try it soon! . . . keep reading
    
    
19. Cross Stitch Patterns of Roses -- A Great Way To Send A Message To A Special Person.
    Nancy L. Haydon
    If you ask people to name their favourite flowers, it is likely that they will place roses high on their lists. Roses are very popular, and have been named the Queen of flowers, possibly because of their beauty -- creating a wide expanse of color in the garden, and valued for their heady fragrance too. There are thousands of varieties that differ in shape of blooms, size, fragrance and some even lack thorns . . . keep reading
    
    
20. How to Get the Best From Metallic Threads
    Marion Pike
    Have you ever wondered how to transform your cross stitch projects from basic pictures to unique treasures? Metallic thread ranges from a company such as Madeira can add sparkly embellishment to any design -- and can be especially appropriate for festive occasions, outshining everything else with that extra shimmering touch. . . . keep reading
    
    

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