8. Number of Strands to Use

The number of strands of floss to use is, as with most of counted cross stitch, open to individual choice. Traditionally, a certain amount of the background cloth should be visible. However, some people prefer a full, covered look. Some common choices are two or three strands for 14 stitches per inch, two strands for 18 stitches per inch, and three or four strands for 11 stitches per inch. Try a few stitches on a scrap of the project's fabric to see if the look is what you want.

source : www.mismatch.co.uk

7. Thread Length

Floss should be cut about 18"-20" long, or twice that if the thread will be doubled for the loop method. Some people like to use one arm length when doubling. See section "10. How to Start the Thread" for more information about the loop method.

Metallics or any fibres with rough surfaces should be cut somewhat shorter to help prevent fraying.

Separate the floss into individual strands and then recombine them. This is known as "stripping" the floss. There is less twisting and knotting, and the stitches lie flatter. To separate a thread from the others, hold onto the top end of the thread between your thumb and forefinger. Pull down on it with the other thumb and forefinger, taking all the other threads with you. It looks like a knot will form. Have faith. Everything comes out just fine.

source : www.mismatch.co.uk

4. Setting the Floss Colour

Floss is generally colourfast, but some people like to be very cautious when using dark or intense colours in heirloom quality projects. If you choose to be this cautious, do the following.

• Remove the floss from the paper wrapper.
• Place each skein of floss in a separate glass container containing cool or room temperature distilled water. Some people recommend adding vinegar or salt to the water, but the usefulness of the vinegar or salt varies with the type of dye and may even cause damage.
• Rinse the floss in the distilled water.
• If the water does not remain clear, replace the water and rinse again.
• Repeat until the water stays clear.
• Place the wet floss on a white paper towel to dry. The floss colour should not bleed onto the white towel. If it does, rinse the floss again.

Obviously, you should not do this if you know the floss was dyed with a non-colourfast dye.

source : www.mismatch.co.uk

2. Selecting the Floss/Thread/Fibber

Commercial charts suggest which type and colour of thread to use. Kits even supply the thread for you. However, there are times when you want to select the thread yourself.

Situation: The floss supplied in a kit is of poor quality.

If you are lucky, the chart supplied with the kit lists colour numbers and a brand name. This doesn't happen very often, at least with kits that supply ugly floss. If there is no list, try to get a colour card for one of the big-name brands of floss such as DMC or Anchor. Look for one which includes thread samples. Match the colours from the kit with the colours on the card as carefully as you can. Do it in natural light. Write down the numbers of the colours you need on the chart next to the correct symbol. If you can't find a colour card, take the bad floss with you to your local needlework store and do the matching there. Be careful, because the lighting in some stores can make the colours look wrong.

Situation: You created the chart yourself.

If you are experienced enough to create your own chart, you are probably experienced enough to select fibres. Consider using the many new types of fibres which are now available, such as metallics and hand painted silks. Always keep in mind the final use of whatever you are stitching. For example, don't use a non-colourfast silk for a baby's bib.

Situation: You want to use a different brand of floss than suggested.

Some charts supply colour number information for two or three manufacturers' floss. If not, try to find a floss conversion chart. Commercial ones are available and there are conversion charts in the "Needlework FAQ: Threads, Fibres, Embellishments".

Situation: You want a different texture or finish.

Consider using the many new types of fibres which are now available, such as metallics and hand painted silks. Always keep in mind the final use of whatever you are stitching. For example, don't use a non-colourfast silk for a baby's bib.

Situation: You want to use different colours than suggested.

If it is a geometric design or a simple picture with no shading, replace the colours anyway you like. More care must be taken for complex pictures. Compare the values of the old set of colours and the new set to make sure they are the same. You can do this by looking at the threads through red glass or cellophane, or by photocopying them in black-and-white.

While we're on the topic of fibres, here is a definition, just in case you ever see references to "Z-twist" or "S-twist."

From: Noeline McCaughan ...

Just to make things a little clearer -"Z" and "S" are used to describe the twist in a yarn - any yarn regardless of what fibre it is spun from. Just take a piece of thick yarn and hold it up in front of your eyes. If the twist goes from top right to bottom left it is called "Z" (the slant of the twist equalling the slant of the downstroke in the letter). If it slopes from top left to right bottom it is of course an "S".

source : www.mismatch.co.uk/

Cross Stitch Tools

Cross stitch is easy to learn and make. It is requires only a few supplies. Next are a few supplies that you need to prepare first :

Pattern : Choose the pattern or design you want to stitch. You can create your own pattern by using the software or by your own creation. More easily is by download or buy the pattern ^_^

Fabric : The fabric for cross stitch is evenweave so you can place your needle rightly or do the cross. Generally, besides it is made from fabric there also made from vinyl. You can sew the edges of the fabric to keep it neat.

Needle : For the cross stitch you must prepare the size 24 or 26 (size 26 is smaller than size 24). The needle has a blunt point and a large eye.

Floss : Floss is a cotton thread used for stitching. It has has 6 strands, but usually you will use only 2 strands at a time for stitching and 1 strand for backstitching. Or you can use more than 2 strands to adjust the between the kind of fabric and its floss. The most popular brand of the Floss is DMC.

Embroidery hoop : It is used to help you hold the fabric while do the cross stitch. After you finish the stitch remove the hoop. It is prevent to not leave the hoop marks on the fabric.

Scissors : Prepare a good quality scissors with sharp points.