Counted Cross Stitch

Counted cross stitch samplers have been a popular method of stitching for centuries creating a family heirloom. They are an important part of a family history. Young girls would stitch them to practice their skill in stitching. If ever you see an antique sampler it is amazing how these girls managed to stitch such detailed items. The designs were created by themselves or with parental or governess tuition. Samplers would be the first step to learning embroidery and improving their skills.

They would use silk thread even today we talk about embroidery silks however in this modern age we no longer use silk but cotton or rayon threads.

They would also be a way of learning the alphabet and numbers. Usually in a traditional sampler there is the alphabet and numbers some have both this depends on the size of the sampler. Some have a poem or a saying. Most important is the date.

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Abbey Lane Designs ALL THINGS.... Cross Stitch Sampler Chart $5.95 Time Remaining: 29d 16h 5m Buy It Now for only: $5.95

ANTIQUE NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER BY MARTHA LOACH 1874 AGED 11 $79.02 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 15m

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Traditionally the motifs on a sampler have a meaning for example

Bee diligence

Butterfly playfulness

Heart love

Each time you see an antique sampler take a look at the motifs used and they will tell a story of the life of that person.

Today the sampler has not changed a great deal in how they are stitched. The difference is they are mass produced in kit form with a rainbow of colours and a variety of designs. They are stitched on fabric counts from even-weave to 14 count. They are still a very popular way to commemorate special occasions. Wedding,births,new home to name a few but still creating family heirloom which will be around for generations to come. Using a kit is a very convenient way of producing your own sampler.

Making your own sampler with a choice of motifs and the positioning of them is as much fun as the stitching. Samplers are normally symmetrical and look balanced when finished. Designing your makes it personal to you and your family.

For a limited time! StitchX Cross Stitch Designs presents ---- PETS! Bundle

Here's your chance to get TEN of our most popular patterns for only $7 - that's a tiny 70 cents per pattern!

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Here are the specifications for each pattern:

Angel Baby
Stitch Count - 100x112

Art Deco Bird #1
Stitch Count - 121x160

Art Deco Bird #2
Stitch Count -80x124

Art Deco Bird #3
Stitch Count -100x93

Fancy Fish
Stitch Count -84x66

Halloween Kitty
Stitch Count -81x84

Happy Kitten
Stitch Count -99x85

Mimi Kitty and Birdhouses
Stitch Count -90x91

Mimi Kitty with Chick
Stitch Count -71x81

Mischief
Stitch Count - 81x105

Because of their vivid colors and endless array of designs, fractal cross stitch patterns please a variety of stitchers. You can begin stitching today, as our patterns are available for immediate download. You'll enjoy large, clear graphs with contrasting symbols for easy stitching. Each fractal cross stitch pattern in our bundle is easy and quick to print in PDF format. Each pattern includes a large clear color picture for reference as well. And since you'll have the file on your computer, spilling hot chocolate on your pattern is no problem!

Fractal Cross Stitch Patterns are the HOT new thing among cross stitchers!
Here's your chance to get our TEN newest patterns for only $7 - that's a tiny 70 cents per pattern!

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These patterns are on sale individually at the regular price of $2.95 each, so this bundle is an amazing savings for you.

These patterns are large. Most patterns span 15-30 pages and use many colors of DMC threads for best detail. This full bundle is a huge 247 pages - enough to keep you stitching for a long time.

Here are the specifications for each pattern:

Caramel Swirl
Stitch Count - 299x400

Cosmos
Stitch Count - 200x305

MistleGlow
Stitch Count -252x336

Planetary
Stitch Count -318x450

Proton
Stitch Count -264x350

Purple Passion
Stitch Count -266x350

Red
Stitch Count -232x350

Summer Splash
Stitch Count -203x280

Tiger Art
Stitch Count -229x336

Winter Fire
Stitch Count - 252x336

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Please visit Craftsy for these free pattern (and many more by other designers!)

Counted Cross Stitch

A common problem that many stitchers have when starting a new project is trying to figure out how much fabric they will need for their project. If you know the stitch count of your design, it's not too difficult, but it can be very frustrating for some. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Fabric size calculations:
What is the stitch count of my pattern:
*A*_________x *B*__________
What count is my fabric? If using aida cloth, or stitching “over one”, enter the amount in blank *C*. If using linen or evenweave and stitching “over two”, divide that number by 2. (Example: For 28 count fabric, divide by 2, and enter ‘14’ in blank *C*)
*C*___________
To figure the finished design size, divide the stitch count by your fabric count. Find the values from the blanks above and do the calculations here:
*A* ______ divided by *C* _______ = *D* ________ inches
*B* ______ divided by *C* _______ = *E* ________ inches
My finished design size will be *D* x *E*, but I will need to add extra fabric to each side to allow for framing. Most framers like to have an extra 3-4 inches on each side. (This also helps if I accidentally stitch my design off center a bit.)
How much fabric do I want to add to each side? *F* _______ inches
Now, multiply this by two. *F* _______ x 2 = *G* _______ inches
Add this to my finished design size that I figured earlier (*D* x *E*).
*D* ________ inches + *G* _______ inches = *H* _______ inches length
*E* ________ inches + *G* _______ inches = *I* ________ inches width
The fabric size that I need for my project is:
_______ x _______ inches

We've created this easy to use Project Planner in a download form also. Feel free to print out as many copies as you need. It's great to have handy when you are out shopping as well.

Click here to download Cross Stitch Project Planner

Counted Cross Stitch

For the final part of our Aida article, we'll talk about when aida is a good fabric choice.

The number ONE reason for using Aida cloth is personal preference! If you like it, use it.   Stitching should be enjoyable!   Stitchers have a variety of reasons for preferring aida cloth, including that it's easier to see, it's not as confusing, or that they like the sturdy feel.

However, there are some stitchers that prefer not to use aida. The main reason, from my experience, that people don't want to use aida is because of fractional stitches.  The weave of aida cloth can make fractionals a little more difficult, but it can be done.  See the image below:

Fractional Stitches on Aida

In the first diagram, you will see a full "X" made on Aida cloth.

In the next one, a 1/4 stitch is shown.  Notice that the stitch goes from one "hole" to the center of the 'square'.  For aida cloth, you must use your needle to piece through the fabric at this center point to achieve this smaller stitch.

In the far right image, you see a 3/4 stitch, which is a 1/4 stitch and then a full 'leg' going in the opposite direction.  The smaller stitch is achieved in the same way as the 1/4 stitch.

While some stitchers feel that they 'must' use linens or evenweaves to achieve the same degree of detail in a pattern, that's not always necessarily true.  Again, stitching is our hobby - we should relax and enjoy it!  With the vast amount of colors and counts avialable, combined with being widely available, aida cloth will likely remain a favorite needlework fabric for years to come.

Counted Cross Stitch

In part I of this article, we talked about the different manufacturers, colors and counts of Aida cloth.  There are so many different types available, some solid, some heathered, some soft, some not!

Typical aida that most stitchers think of when they talk about "aida cloth" is available in a wide variety of counts/colors/sizes and isn't hard to find for purchase.    This "regular" aida, we'll call it, is typically 100% cotton and usually has more of  a stiff feel to it.  Most of the time, as it's being stitched on, it does loosen up some and become softer.   This stiffer texture does make stitching small projects without a hoop much easier for some, but that is mostly personal preference.

Not all aida cloth types have this stiff feel, however.  One such aida cloth, called "Country French Soft Touch Aida" is available through needlework shops, and is very soft and "drapable", much like many of the evenweave fabrics (such as lugana).  When would you want to use a drapable cloth?  How about if you are making a breadbasket cloth?  You would want to be able to drape the cloth over your bread or inside the basket.  The stiffer aidas wouldn't work as easily for this.  Country French Soft Touch Aida is also 100% cotton and is currently available only in 14 count, and just a few colors.   It is so very "yummy" to stitch on and worth a try to test it out.

Zweigart produces a couple of fabric types, Rustico and Yorkshire, that aren't solid in their coloring.  They have a heathered look to them.  This makes a more interesting background for your project.    The Rustico fabric is a cotton/rayon/linen blend and is perfect for a 'country' look, while the Yorkshire is a cotton/polyester (96/4) blend.  Yorkshire currently is available in 14 count, while Rustico has limited colors in 12, 14, 16, and 18 count.

Zweigart Rustico Aida

Zweigart Yorkshire Aida

Wichelt Imports also now has a new Jobelan Aida.  This fabric is currently only in White and Ivory 14ct.  It's also a cotton blend.  (51% Cotton & 49% Rayon/Modal).  I have not personally used this aida yet, so I cannot comment on the feel of it.

There are multitudes of other aida cloths available.  We've stocked Wool Aidas at one point, as well as Damask Aidas.  The wool, was just that - manufactured from wool and was thick and sturdy as one would expect.  Damask Aida is also a Zweigart product.  It has a beautiful sheen to it, which makes it great for elegant projects such as wedding samplers.

This wraps up a general summary of a few of the main types of aida. Stay tuned for part III, where we'll talk about the basics of stitching on aida, and when you might want to consider a different type of fabric other than aida when stitching.

For lots of aida choices, visit Everything Cross Stitch:

Aida at Everything Cross Stitch

Fat Quarter 16 Count Antique White Aida Cross Stitch Fabric - 50cm x 55cm $7.03

Cross Stitch Kit Lurex Aida flowers $11.99

Charles Craft 14ct Garnet Aida cross stitch fabric $3.40

18X18 Brandied Apple H D Aida Cross Stitch Fabric-16ct $9.00

14 x 26 Pale Blue Aida Cross Stitch Fabric - 14 Count $5.00

WHITE COTTON AIDA 14 Count Cross Stitch Fabric 15 x 18 $9.99

EVENWEAVE 50562 IN COUNTRY LANE COLONIAL PINK CIRCLE CROSS STITCH AIDA CLOTH $9.95

LOVELY COUNTED CROSS STITCH KIT+FLOSS/AIDA /ELKS/ DEER IN SNOW $20.53

Cross Stitch Fabric 18ct Bone Bisque Aida 18" x 14" $4.99

DMC 14-CT AIDA FABRIC 14" x 18" NAVY BLUE 336 CROSS STITCH EMBROIDERY NEEDLEWORK $6.83

Counted Cross Stitch

Aida cloth is probably the most well known of cross stitch fabrics.   Most stitchers have used or routinely use this type of fabric, as it's widely available in most needlework shops, craft chain stores, and discount stores.   There are scores of different brands, with each having a slightly different "hand", or feel.  These facts, along with the variety of counts and colors available, make aida cloth very versatile.

The number (and quality) of brands of Aida cloth can be overwhelming.   To name a few of the more common brands, there is Zweigart, Permin (also known as Wichelt), and Charles Craft.   The latter brand is more well known in craft chain stores and discount stores.  It's usually available in tubes, which prevents fold lines in the fabric, and typically is only available in a few neutral tone shades.   Zweigart and Permin aidas are more commonly found in needlework shops and are regarded to be of highest quality by most stitchers.  Both manufacturers create a mind-boggling array of colors with descriptive names such as Forest Mist, Jade Stone and Baby Lotion.   With so many choices available to today's stitcher, it's no wonder that Aida cloth is so popular.

The "count" of Aida cloth refers to how many "blocks" are in a typical inch.  For example, if you are stitching on 14 count aida, and you stitch one full inch horizontally (or vertically), you will have 14 "x" stitches per row.   The most common counts of Aida cloth are 14, 16, and 18, however there are several other counts worth mentioning.  Counts as low as 6 (stitches per inch) can be found as well as as high as 22.  Remember, when talking stitch counts, the "lower" number means bigger stitches.   With so much variety, how do you know which to use?  The biggest factor in deciding is simply personal preference.   Eight or 11 count might be ideal for teaching children to stitch.  Factors to consider when deciding might be the experience of the stitcher,  whether the desired color is available, finished size of the design, and the eyesight/hand-eye coordination of the stitcher.

In Part II, we'll explore specialty aidas, fiber content, aida "hand" and when to choose/not to choose to stitch on Aida.

Counted Cross Stitch

This will be the first in a series of articles de-mystifying the many types of cross stitch fabric available to the stitcher these days.  There are oh, so many different fabrics - enough to make one feel dizzy-headed just picking something out for their next project.

First, let's talk terminology.   Most of us are familiar with aida cloth.  Some of us started out stitching on it, but then tried other fabrics.  Others of us love to stick with the old faithful.  In general, aida cloth is considered by most stitchers to have "holes" for stitching, as opposed to more of a woven appearance.

"Evenweave" is a term that can actually have more than one meaning, depending on whom you are talking to.  Technically, evenweave refers to a fabric that has the same number of threads horizontally, as vertically.  Using this definition, most all cross stitch fabrics would be considered evenweave, even aida.  For example, good quality 14 count aida will have 14 squares horizontally, and 14 square vertically.  (There are some linen fabrics available that have 36 threads in one direction and 38 in the other. )  Again, with this definition, fabrics ranging from 7 count Klostern, all the way up to 40ct Newcastle linen would be evenweave.

Another school of thought for the word evenweave is a fabric that has smooth, even threads, and that is not Aida cloth.  Fabrics that are made with linen fibers have threads that vary in thickness throughout the cloth, and also have "slubs", which look like tiny little knots or lumps in the fabric.  Because of these variations in the cloth, they are not considered evenweave since the threads aren't smooth and even.

The term linen also can have a couple of different meanings among stitchers.   Some refer to linen as any fabric that's not aida cloth. Others refer to linen as fabrics that are indeed made from true linen threads.

As you can see, just the basic terminology can even be confusing if everyone isn't on the same page, so to speak.   While one stitcher may say "I'd like to use linen for this project", they may mean a fabric such as Cashel Linen or they may just mean anything other than Aida cloth.

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Free Cross Stitch Patterns

Low-cost Patterns - Download immediately