DESIGN SIZE: 192 x 147mm, 833 stitches
DMC COLOURS: 891 Carnation DK / 563 Jade LT / 310 Black
MATERIALS
14-count Aida fabric / embroidery hoop / fabric scissors /
embroidery scissors / tapestry needle / DMC stranded cotton
thread / good lighting!
GETTING STARTED
Place your clean, dry and ironed fabric inside the embroidery hoop.
Separate a 1000mm (40”) length of your embroidery thread so you
have two strands, and thread your needle.
Start at the top of the pattern, as it’s loads easier to stitch
downward than upwards. Thread your needle through from the back
of the fabric, leaving 40mm (1.5”) of the thread at the back. When you
begin your first row of stitching, make sure the tail of the thread is
tucked under each stitch and secured.
MAKING A STITCH
There are two methods of making your X. The first is for working
horizontal rows. Start by working a row of half stitches (////),
then work back ( \\\\) to complete the Xs. Use this method for
most stitching. The second method is to complete each X as you go.
Use this method for vertical rows and randomly placed stitches.
It’s important that all the Xs are crossed in the same direction,
i.e. the top thread of the X should always angle the same way.
It doesn’t really matter which way they slant, but if they’re mixed,
the finished piece will look wonky.Be careful not to pull the thread too tight, as it will distort the fabric
and make it harder to straighten at the end. When you pull your
thread through the canvas, ensure it sits flat and firm, but not tight.FINISHING A STITCH
When you reach the end of a piece of thread, run it under the
stitches at the back so they hold it tight. Trim off any spare bits of
thread, but make sure there’s at least 20mm (1”) held tight at the
back so it doesn’t come undone.crafty