Expert: Kris - 4/15/2008

Question
The patterns for cross stitch always state to start stitching in the middle of the pattern. My question is from there do you stitch toward the bottom of the cloth or toward the top? Do you ever start stitching from the top of the pattern?

Answer
Barbara,

I usually start in the middle and work towards the right and bottom. I tend to try to do as much of one color in that area as I can. My mother usually starts in the lower left corner of a piece. It is really your own preference. If you are using a kitted piece of fabric, you may want to start in the middle, because you don't know how much extra they gave you beyond the finished piece for framing. If you had a piece of fabric cut and know your allowance (I usually do 2 or 3 inches per side) then, you can start from a corner. It is really whatever your preference is.

I hope this was helpful.

Happy Stitching,
Kris