Cross-Stitching..... What do I need to start?

[jofeb04]

Hiya,

Looking for a hobby really, and love the idea of cross-stitching.

However, I'd prefer not to buy the whole kit (such as a dog, tedddy etc), but more to teach myself. Is this possible?

What do I need to begin, and are there any books that are helpful for learning stiches etc?

Thanks )

you need a needle, threads, material suitable such as aida (fabric in blocks) or an evenweave fabric where you stitch over a couple of threads, and a pattern. Jo Verso has written various books on cross stitching which have lots of patterns in which can be adapted, and also hints on how to design your own and how to stitch. A hoop can be useful too, and you will need fine scissors.

Actually buying a kit would be a good way to start, cheaper than buying the components aeparately, and if you buy a small kit you will see if you like it.

you can get very small kits when i started i did a tiny cross stitch and got a card to stick it to and gave it to a special friend she loved it!

Jo Verso books are really good if you want to do your own thing but have your hand held while you do it! This book is a good starting point - lots of ideas about how to put a pic together too.

Other than that, you will need:
Aida fabric (I would suggest 12 holes per inch)
Tapestry needle (size 22 I think)
A selection of thread colours - you may want to decide what you are going to stitch first
Small scissors
If you are going to design something to stitch, then graph paper would be useful - try and get hold of some that is 10 squares to the inch rather than the usual 10 squares to 2cm - easier to see then! I think the book I mentioned above has a "blank" graphed page in it that you could photocopy and use iirc.

hth!

lol at jo verso getting two mentions!

buy a magazine. they often have a free kit so you can get started straight away and have loads of ideas inside with advice on how to do things and what you need

Thanks for the advice, going to go and look at that book.

I think buying a piece of material & cottons is better than buying a kit. There are loads of free patterns around on the web to try out, infomation to get you started & stitches. I recommend EMS forum which lots of grogeous patterns & lots of friendly people to talk to.
www.cross-stitch-board.com/

Message withdrawn

I second the magazine suggestion - look around for one with a free kit to get you started & then you'll have all the patterns in the mag too which will list everything you need.