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Counted cross-stitch is primarily worked on Aida or evenweave fabric, which has the appearance of small squares. Each square on the fabric equals a square on the graph. If using linen fabric, work over 2 threads to create the "square". Most projects use 6-strand embroidery floss. The recommended length of floss is 18". To obtain the best coverage, separate the strands, then put the suggested number back together and thread the needle. If floss becomes twisted while stitching, drop needle and let it dangle to untwist floss to maintain good floss coverage. Begin stitching by finding the center of the graph by following the top and center arrows. This will correspond with the center of the fabric, which you find by folding it in half and then in half again.
Do not
knot thread to start or end a stitching area. To begin:
bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric leaving
a 1” tail behind the fabric. Stitch the first few stitches over
the tail and clip any extra thread. An alternative when using 2
strands is to cut the floss longer, use 1 strand and double it.
Feed the 2 ends through the needle. On the first stitch, leave
the looped end on the back of the work, when bringing the needle
to the back, pass the needle through the loop and pull it tight
to secure the floss. This lessens the number of tails that have
to be hidden on the back of the work. To end: turn work
over and run needle back through last few stitches and clip
thread close to work. Do not run thread across a large
unstitched area. Instead finish off thread and start again in
new area.
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