Autism Heart 2 Cross Stitch Pattern
Size on 14 count roughly 7" X 7"
Cross Stitch Tips and Tricks
Floss
To avoid knots - don’t cut your floss too long, about an 18-inchs is enough. Dangle the floss
and needle regularly to allow it to unwind.
Before stitching you can straighten the floss by dampening it and pulling it straight to get rid
of any kinks or twists, just slide it over a wet wash cloth or sponge.
To secure the end when you start a floss thread, you can pull the threaded needle up through
the fabric, leaving about a 1" tail on the wrong side. Work over the tail at as you are working
the first few stitches on your project.
Or you can begin a new floss thread in an area that has been partially worked, run your
needle through the backs of a few of the stitches that are nearby. Pull the thread through
until the end of the tail just disappears under the stitch backs. Then continue with your
stitching, careful not to pull too hard.
My preferred method is the Loop Method it can be used when your project calls for an even
number of floss strands. Separate half of the number of strands needed. Cut the strand(s)
twice as long as desired for stitching. Fold the strand(s) in half and insert the cut ends in the
eye of your needle. The folded end is at the opposite end of the strand(s). Come up through
the fabric, leaving the loop on the underside. Make your first stitch. Bring the needle down
through the loop in the folded end of the strand(s), and pull until loop lies flat against the
fabric.
Avoid carrying the floss far on the back if you are going from one area of the design to
another, it can easily cause a pucker. To get from one area to another, you can run your floss
under stitches on the back for a short distance if the two floss colors are similar. Otherwise,
end off your floss and restart it at the new area. Never carry a very dark color when you are
working on a light color fabric.
If you make a mistake that involves only your last few stitches, remove your needle from the
floss and, using the end with the eye, slide the needle under the last stitch and pull up,
taking out the thread. Continue to take the stitches out one at a time until the error has been
removed. If the mistake is over a large area, you must carefully slide sharp embroidery
scissors or seam ripper under the stitches and snip, being careful not to cut the fabric.
Make sure your stitches are consistent, all the top “cross” stitches should go in the same
direction. If you’re using solid-color floss, you can do the first part of the stitch for an entire
row and then go back and do the top cross stitch. Complete one stitch at a time if you are
using variegated floss.
To end a floss thread run the needle through the backs of a few stitches. You do not want to
create bumps or knots in back of work.
Hoop
You can stitch without a hoop, but I think the stitching turns out neater if you use one. Don’t
leave a project in the hoop when you aren’t stitching, it may stretch the fabric, damage
existing stitches, or create creases.
Needle
Choose the right size needle for your project fabric and floss.
The shorter, petite needles make it easy to get in a couple more stitches from a length of
floss.
Fabric/Evenweave
Don’t skimp on the fabric size, if the fabric is too small, you may not be able to use a hoop.
You’ll want your fabric to be at least 2 inches bigger all the way around your design.
To determine the center of your fabric: Fold the fabric in quarters, marking the fold point.
Pattern/Chart
Don’t hesitate to swap out colors in a pattern to match your taste.
http://www.motherbeedesigns.blogspot.c
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