New to cross stiching

[ilovespinach]

I've been wanting to do something creative for a while and I've decided to give cross stiching a go.

I've ordered this www.cross-stitch-corner.de/product_info.php?products_id=17844 and I'd like to get it done for xmas to give to my boys for their room. I think if I take it a car at a time i should be ok. I remember doing some sewing when I was a child....

Anyone got any tips?

[ThatVikRinA22]

yeah id practice first too - i used to be totally addicted to cross stitch!

my first few attempts were a bit messy but i got really neat at it. i really enjoyed it - might dig out my stuff again!

[ThePrettiestStar]

I think that example you linked to was the chart only? Was that what you wanted? I normally pick up whole kits from ebay quite cheaply - I love cross stitch but get bored and pick it up again with gaps inbetween.

[TwoIfBySea]

As PrettiestStar said, eBay has some really good bargain kits, and Black Sheep Wool is also quite good.

I buy cross-stitch magazines, they have some really good ideas, as well as designs they tell you how to finish off your project, make them into cushions etc. Also go in to charity shops or on Amazon for cross-stitch books, needlepoint books.

Yes, take the chart one car at a time. I'll put my latest project on my photos if I figure out how to! It is a large project so I finish one square at a time. Remember, if it isn't enjoyable for you then you won't want to do it!

[TwoIfBySea]

Okay done, photo on my profile.

[FenLondon]

That's a lovely kit!

It's a boring tip, but deal with your thread ends as you go. The first little kit I did I snipped them all to an inch or so and left them till the end - nightmare...

This kit has nice big blocks of one colour, but if you get hooked and get a kit that's got more chopping and changing of colours it's well worth getting a magnetic needle board so you can have several needles threaded and ready to go with each colour.

[blithedance]

That is a gorgeous kit!

My experience of cross stitch is that it takes about 10 times as long as you think it should. I am a knitter so should be used to slow progress but have been beaten by a couple of bookmarks.

good idea to practise on a small project as you don't want to make a mistake on something big!