How hard would this cross stitch be?

[NewDiary]

I've only done printed designs before so it would be first time with a chart.

www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/p/bothy-threads-season-and-time-sampler-cross-stitch-kit-52cm-x-33cm?sku=10193112&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwjbyYBhCdARIsAArC6LKbvXWM0icY9CPsVI4YKnmUAre-jON45cgmUgODt8q9t5YIOETgIvAaAquNEALw_wcB:G:s&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjbyYBhCdARIsAArC6LKbvXWM0icY9CPsVI4YKnmUAre-jON45cgmUgODt8q9t5YIOETgIvAaAquNEALw_wcB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_gb&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17961199342&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjbyYBhCdARIsAArC6LKbvXWM0icY9CPsVI4YKnmUAre-jON45cgmUgODt8q9t5YIOETgIvAaAquNEALw_wcB

Would I be better off starting smaller or do you think it doesn't matter?

It’s beautiful but although it doesn’t look complicated and most of the pictures are small, so easily completed, if I were you I’d practice on one smaller projects which has charts, just to see how you get on.

Do you have a frame?

I don't not think you should do some thing like this because it hard. You can always stop and start. But you should enjoy the challenge! The sense of satisfaction will be immense!!

It doesn't look hard, just long and you'd need to be very accurate. As PP says I would view it as a pick up - put down project and intersperse with other smaller ones but lots of people like to work at something bigger full time. I'd definitely agree about using a proper frame though.

Thank you, everyone. I've never used a frame, only a hoop (and sometimes nothing)- what sort of thing would you recommend?

Not too bad - most importantly:
Do a loose one strand running stitch across fabric top to bottom and side to side to find the actual centre, and begin from here. (I told mine now and take a good guess, but have been stitching for years). Beginning in the centre and counting v v v carefully will be crucial to getting it right.
Also, maybe don't do the 'borders' bit first, or the long lines, as if you miscount you won't know until you're trying to squish trees in etc. Try to do a complete area at a time, bar any backstitch / beading (do this last).
Finally - think about whether you're left or right handed when you begin. I've never worked on a floor standing fixed frame before (I like to curl up on the sofa) but I have used hoops LP sized, or roller frames bit bigger than a laptop. With these, I think about when I'll be holding the fabric, dragging my hand across it, where it might get flattened or brushed, and then I begin in the area I can leave alone. For me that's often begin on the right hand side, after I've tracked across a little from the centre starting point.
Good luck! You'll be great.

"Fold" my fabric, not 'told' it! (Although I do chat to myself...)

Embroidery Clip Frame, Plastic Square Frame Embroidery Hoop for Embroidery Quilting Needlepoint Cross Stitch Silk-Painting(43.1×43.1cm) amzn.eu/d/gDJWV0G

These are light, the plastic ones. You don't have to get one the actual size of the design, they will 'roll' the fabric over. Or wood .

@PhDmum22 Thank you so much- that's really helpful (and I definitely would have started with the border!)

I made this exact design years ago, I had it mounted and framed and still get pleasure from looking at it.

It was pretty much the first charted project I did and I didn't find it particularly difficult. Although I do remember having to squish some trees due to miscounting, so I'd take all of phdmum's advice! Fortunately it doesn't show at all even though I know where it is.

Good luck and enjoy!

You've had some really good advice from previous posters. I just came on to say go for it! I actually found it much easier working from charts as I found the pre-printed ones quite tricky (the crosses didn't always exactly align with the holes on the material). Just be really careful with the counting, keep check check checking, and you'll be fine.
There are loads of tiny counted chart kits available from Hobby craft for just a few pounds, so maybe worth doing one of those as a quick trial. I love your choice of project - a traditional sampler was my first big piece, and I still love it.

I only ever use a hoop. I’ve done a similar design to that. It wont be difficult, just time consuming. Just take your time on it, it’ll be worth it.

You’ll be fine. I have done one printed one 30+ yrs ago and that was all till I fell in love with this (and 3 other Wrendate designs!).

I’m slowly working through one. I colour each bit of colour as I’ve done it. Copy the pattern and maybe enlarge further. I’m finding it more relaxing than my crochet (easier to keep count!)

It looks easy enough but time consuming. Might need a frame stand for stitching.

Don't be daunted by counted cross stitch :-)

• start in the middle: you can fold the fabric in half, and in half again and open it out to find the middle of the fabric: the pattern will most likely have arrows on each edge highlighting the middle row/column to get you started
• make sure you have the fabric correctly orientated...my mum once did a fair amount of a picture before realising she had the fabric orientated portrait rather the landscape 😱
• always check your counting by counting once, counting twice!
• this looks like a big one, you may find the progress slow-going, but it's well worth persevering.

You can get tiny counted cross stitch kits, how about trying a greeting card or similar first to get the hang of it?

Love that

I’d say it’s not too hard as it doesn’t have lots of close colours eg 3 shades of red which tests the eyes somewhat! It will take a while just due to size however.

My personal view is that cross stitch is cross stitch, the size of the project is irrelevant when you have grasped the idea.

It looks like a lovely project.

I did a different but similar Bothy sampler cross stitch last autumn. It was the first cross stitch I've done for years and years. I found it very straightforward.

Starting from the centre is an absolute must!

Looks beautiful - I started an enormous sampler 32 years ago when pregnant with my son, it was on linen and now I have time to finish it I can't see, it's too fine. I am totally gutted. I might see about starting it again on 16 count!

Quite easy to do.

Like others I would highly recommend a frame.

I also photocopy the chart and use highlighter pen to colour in the bits I've done as I go along.

Hows it going OP?

I find cross stitching relaxing to do. Must order a new set.