Expert: Angela - 1/21/2007

Question
I am a beginner cross-stitcher and have recently purchased a pattern. My question is, what is the best way to tackle this project. Is it easier to start one color and finish it or should I have a bunch of different needles threaded with all the colors and just do square by square? Hopefully, this makes sense. I am just trying to figure out the best way to start it off. Any advice will be helpful. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello, Kristin :)

Congratulations on purchasing your first project. :)  The best way to start this is by doing the following:

1.  Fold the fabric in half, and then half again.  Pinch the center or insert a needle into the holes at a diagonal and then unfold the fabric.  This marks your center of where to begin.  You will need a hoop to hold your fabric taught, but NOT tight.

2.  Find the center of the pattern by following the arrows marked on the pattern itself.  This is your center of the pattern.

3.  Find the color that corresponds to the center of the pattern.  The symbol will correspond to the color marked on the pattern index.  Begin your stitching.

You will not need to thread many needles at a single time in order to complete this.  When you have completed a section of stitching, run the needle through the back of the previous stitches that you have made (run it behind 4 stitches), as this will secure your thread.  DO NOT PULL TIGHTLY, NOR DO NOT KNOT YOUR THREAD as this will create bumps in your design.

4.  Find the corresponding color next to the color that you started out on and begin stitching that color.  End the stitching the same as #3.  Some patterns have 1 or 2 stitches to be done before you have to change colors.  Others do not.

I hope this makes sense. :)  Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)