The large eye of a tapestry needle accommodates cotton embroidery floss, pearl cotton, and other specialty fibers you might want to stitch with. The large eye also helps keep the thread from rubbing against the fabric as you stitch, which reduces wear.

Cross stitch patterns will show a grid with each square of the grid representing a single stitch you will make in your aida. Every cross stitch pattern will have a key to explain the colours and symbols used on the cross stitch chart. Take some time to get to know your pattern - it will make stitching even easier! You might decide to leave your cross stitch work in the hoop to display it. First of all, trim the Aida all the way round, leaving about 3cm of fabric. Sew a long piece of embroidery thread all around the excess Aida, leaving a long tail. Pull both ends of the thread tight to draw the Aida in, and make a secure double knot. Trim the thread, not too close to the knot. Cross stitch is a form of counted thread embroidery which is a traditional craft, and easy peasy to learn. You’ll love its meditative and repetitive nature: let your mind drift to a peaceful place as you create something beautiful with just a needle, thread and some special fabric!

The triangular markers at the side of the grid mark the half way points on the chart. It’s usually best to start a cross stitch design in the middle of the fabric to ensure that you don’t run out of space for stitches.

This is quite normal. Try not to pull at the loose pieces of fabric. If you have some masking tape, bind the edges of the Aida. This will help to prevent it fraying as you stitch. The majority of cross stitch designs are stitched with stranded embroidery thread. These threads are made up of six strands and can be separated according to the design you’re working on. You might find it easier to work with a hoop in place as you stitch; this is up to you. The hoop stretches the Aida fabric which might make it easier for you to see the holes. To attach a hoop, loosen the screw and separate the two pieces. Place the hoop without the screw flat on a table or work surface. Lay the Aida over the hoop making sure the centre of the fabric is in the centre of the hoop. Place the other hoop with the screw over the fabric and press it down so the fabric is sandwiched between the two hoops. Gently pull the fabric taut as you tighten the screw on the hoop. Be careful not to over stretch the Aida as you might distort the weave of the fabric. The following needle sizes are recommendations for Spiral Eye Needles.You may prefer a different combination when you work with different threads or brands of needles.Sometimes it can be confusing when shopping for cross stitch needles, to know which brands to get and which sizes or types. Tapestry needles are the most commonly used in cross stitch, but there are other specialty needles available as well. They might help turn your project into a beautiful work of art, and they might make your stitchy time that much more enjoyable. Cross stitch is made up of X-shaped stitches on fabric with an even and open weave; this type of fabric is called Aida, but you can also stitch onto linen. Aida fabric has a defined number of holes per inch – for example 11, or 14 holes. The bigger the number of holes, the smaller the stitches will be. This allows for a detailed, intricate pattern. If you’re a complete beginner, opt for Aida with a smaller number of holes per inch. A good pair of scissors are invaluable for any crafter. Keep them sharp and use them to cut the ends of threads when you’re finished stitching. 2. Learn how to read a cross stitch pattern The size of the needle you use depends on the fabric you are stitching on. In general, the larger the holes in the fabric (that is, the lower the fabric count), the larger the needle. Cross stitch is usually worked in rows from left to right. It’s up to you where you begin, but as a general guide, start near the middle of the fabric, at the beginning of a row of colour. It’s best to work all of one colour in one area before moving on to the next colour.

mm needles work for larger count Aida (6, 8, 10), perforated paper, waste canvas, and metallic threads When planning a cross stitch project, you might spend lots of time thinking about what fabric and threads to use, but what about your needle? Instead of grabbing any old needle from your sewing stash, use this handy guide to select one that will give you the best stitching results. What is a tapestry needle? Tapestry needles come in different sizes which are denoted by a number just like knitting needles. But different from knitting needles, with tapestry needles the larger the number, the smaller the needle. Fold your fabric in half, then in half again. Pinch the middle of the fabric to make a crease, then add a small stitch as a marker. Work from the middle of the chart outwards, if it makes sense to.Continue in this way, making halfcross stitches along the row. Don’t pull the thread too tight as you stitch. If your thread starts to twist as you work (this will definitely happen!) just let go of the needle – it will untangle itself. and 11 count Aida: use a size 22 Tapestry Needle with a size 8 perle cotton or 6 strands on embroidery floss The larger the needle size: the smaller the actual size of the needle will be. (So a size 24 Tapestry needle is smaller than the size 22 and the 24 Tapestry is larger than a size 26.) shaped like a regular sewing needle, but has a small ball on the end (that acts like the tip of a tapestry needle)