Expert: Angela - 5/18/2007

Question
I bought a counted cross stitching kit... The Apache Wedding Blessing and I am having trouble centering it.  I have done a lot of cross stitching before and never had a problem but this one is hard for me.  Also do you have any suggestions for letters... I am not good at them and can I send this one somewhere to get the pattern stamped on to the aida cloth?  Thank you for your help

Answer
Hello, Heather :)

Forgive my tardiness in not answering your question right away as I was in the hospital from Wednesday until Saturday for hysterectomy.

Centering a design is simply.  Simply fold your fabric in 1/2 lengthwise, and then fold it again widthwise.  Pinch the corner of the fabric, and mark it using another needle, unfold the fabric, and your center should be where your needle is.

With regards to letters, I haven't done many myself, and I don't know of any place where you can have the pattern stamped onto the fabric to stitch on.  The only thing that I can suggest is count the area where you plan on stitching your letters, and then do a count of the width of the letters themselves including spaces between the letters.  For instance, if you have a 6 letter name, and your letters are fairly large, you'll need to count out each of the squares per letter, and include either 2 or 3 spaces between the letters.  You'll also need to count out the space where you plan on putting your letters so that they're as evenly spaced as possible.  It's simply a lot of guesswork when it comes to letters.

I hope that helps.  Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)