Techniques Archives | Patterns Patch

Cross Stitch Fun: 5 Ways To Increase Your Cross Stitch Pleasure – Right now!

July 3, 2020January 22, 2020 by Scarlet

It’s easy to get into a stitching rut. I know how easy it is to keep to the same sorts of designs, safe in the knowledge that it’s the easiest route to getting good results. I’ve started stretching myself a little more, over the past few months, and I am surprised to discover just how much better a stitcher I am for my efforts AND how much more cross stitch fun I’m having.

If I can do it, so can you. I am not a patient person, and I am certainly no natural expert. Here are five strategies for improvement I have learned. I wish someone had told me about them when I first started cross stitch.

Cross Stitch Birth Sampler: Make It Unique, Give it Love!

May 5, 2020January 14, 2020 by Scarlet

For cross stitch enthusiasts all over the world, well designed patterns and kits are their favorite way in which they can create a beautifully made cross stitch birth sampler, card, wall hanging, pillow and so forth.

However, as many of us use our cross stitching in order to create gifts for our loved ones, we can sometimes be at a loss as we look for ways in which to provide them with unique pieces which are personal to them.

Delightful Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking Patterns Bring You Joy!

February 1, 2020November 13, 2019 by Scarlet

With Halloween now over for cross stitchers, and thanksgiving just around the corner, your holiday fun begins with the excitement of the vast range of needlework projects for a Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking.

He’s known by a different name in almost every country he visits. But no matter what Santa Claus goes by, his arrival is eagerly anticipated by children all over the world…

How To Keep Your Cross Stitch Stash Organized and Tidy.

January 15, 2020May 15, 2019 by Scarlet

Frequently, I see articles in Cross Stitch magazines about the importance of storing your cross stitch stash well in order to be tidier and better organised. These articles usually recommend spending a small fortune on craft tote bags, storage solutions and attractive craft boxes. Now, while these are wonderful objects to own, they are not necessarily exactly what you – as an individual – need.

We all have our personal preferences for storing our stitching items. And, of course, many of us are naturally untidy too … leaving projects scattered around the home, and possibly gathering dust. So, let’s take a look at how we can become better organized…

Counted Cross Stitch Supplies For Newbies Made Easy.

January 12, 2020April 12, 2019 by John

If you are new to the world of needlework and embroidery crafts, you might consider trying counted cross stitch. Cross stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which you use x-shaped stitches to form a picture. It is called counted cross stitch because the stitcher counts the threads in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. It may sound a little complicated but, believe me, it isn’t. To get started, you’ll need a few counted cross stitch supplies…

Cross Stitching Tips: 7 Essential Secrets of the Best Stitchers.

January 15, 2020March 30, 2019 by John

In my last article, I wrote about the seven bad habits of cross stitching – those dark secrets that lurk in everyone’s cross stitching past – and even persist when we become more skilled. Today, I’m thinking of the opposite – cross stitching tips: the 7 essential secrets of the best stitchers. You’d think that this may just be the opposite of the bad habits. But great cross stitching doesn’t just mean avoidance of bad habits.

Bad Cross Stitch: 7 Habits to Avoid

January 12, 2020March 30, 2019 by Scarlet

It’s so easy to get into bad habits, isn’t it? Very often, impatience or laziness or time constraints can cause us to cut corners or to be sloppy with our work. Not surprisingly, if bad cross stitch habits are not corrected, they soon become cross stitching “sins”.

Sins that rarely save us any time at all, and the results of which can be oh-so-clearly seen in finished projects. This is a real shame, especially when we have worked hard to produce something of intended beauty. So! Let me tell you what these seven bad habits are and how we can eliminate them.

Specialty Threads: Great Tips for Cross Stitch Success

January 8, 2020March 24, 2019 by Scarlet

Introducing specialty threads for stitching

As we all try to make an extra effort to add shimmer and style to our special occasion stitching projects, there are many challenges that may arise. We know how great specialty threads are – and what they can add to the finished results of our sparkling projects. Metallic or rayon/viscose threads can make the difference between a good project and an extra-special one.

However, these threads can be difficult to work with, and it can be tempting to lose patience with them when they tangle, break, fray and do not lie flat on the fabric as other cotton or silk-based threads do. Let’s see what we can do to make life a little easier…

Thread Heaven: Six Tips for Preventing Cross Stitch Knots and Tangles – Guaranteed!

January 10, 2020March 1, 2019 by Scarlet

In my last article, I wrote about storing your threads (floss) in such a way that they would remain easy to find, store and identify – to spare the frustrations of losing important shades of thread just as you needed them. Today, I’m going to focus on another challenge relating to threads – that is how to prevent and deal with tangles and knots, which is my idea of thread heaven…

Cross Stitch Storage: How To Keep Your Projects Safe.

January 8, 2020February 26, 2019 by Scarlet

Do you have a number of projects on the go at a time? I know I do. I have a several projects ‘on hold’ while I complete some Christmas cards and tree ornaments. There are some disadvantages of putting away your long term projects into cross stitch storage, however. Not least being that the momentum of my work is lost, and it takes a lot of willpower to get back into the swing of my former projects. Is it the same for you?