Counted Cross Stitch Supplies

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Author: Deborah Kulp

With only a few Counted Cross Stitch supplies, you can create a beautiful heirloom for your family or a gift for a favorite friend. Here's a brief explanation to help you get started.

Fabric:
All types used for counted cross stitch are called evenweave. Evenweave fabric is woven with the same number of threads from top to bottom as there are from left to right. The easiest type to begin with is called Aida. It has groups of threads that form squares with little holes at the corners. The holes are where you come up and go down with your needle, and that's what makes it easy. Aida commonly comes in 11, 14, or 18 count—or 11, 14, or 18 stitches to the inch. More experienced cross stitchers frequently use linen, another type of evenweave. This usually has 28 threads to the inch and the stitcher works each cross stitch over 2 threads.

Stretcher Bars and Hoops:
This type of equipment is a must for a professional-looking finished design as it will help to make your stitches even. Stretcher bars and hoops come in a variety of sizes and shapes, hand-held or stand-on-the-floor. Choose a hoop or frame in proportion to the size of your design—you'll want to be able to see a good part of your design as you work. Standing frames leave both hands free to stitch. With one hand on top and one on the bottom you'll be amazed how fast your can stitch. Two things to remember when you are looking for stretcher bars or a hoop:

• If you are using a dark colored fabric be careful when using plastic fames or hoops as they may mark your fabric.
• If you are using a hoop, be sure to remove it when you are not stitching to keep it from leaving marks on your fabric.

The size needle you will use depends on which count fabric you have. The "T" after the number means tapestry, which indicates a rounded tip so the fabric threads will not be pierced. The higher the number, the finer the needle and the smaller the eye. So even if you are using a high count fabric, stitching with several strands of thread in the needle may mean you will need a needle with a larger eye. If you are using a fine needle you may find a needle threader helpful. Here's a chart showing the most common types.

You will want to keep your thread neat and untangled. You can use an extra embroidery hoop, floss bobbins, or something as simple as a thin piece of cardboard with holes punched into it to help keep your thread organized. These are all readily available at your favorite craft or needlework shop.

• If you are stitching a large area of the same color, thread several needles with the color you need so you do not have to stop stitching to rethread your needle.
• If you are doing a large intricate design or working on a small count fabric or linen you may want mark your fabric with sewing thread to help you keep your place. You first want to find the center of your fabric and baste a grid on your fabric the same as your chart.
• Buying a kit like the high quality ones available from Dimensions  rather than individual items makes it easy. Not only do you get superb designs, but you also know that you have the correct fabric, instructions, and enough thread to recreate the picture you see on the label.