5 Things I Love About Cross Stitch
In case you hadn’t guessed by now, I love cross stitch and here are five reasons why.
1: Anyone can do it
Cross stitch is a really simple embroidery technique where you make two diagonal stitches, one on top of the other. it doesn’t matter which one you make first, as long as you make them all the same way.
After a bit of practice you’ll be ready to tackle your first project. My cross stitch bird kits are a perfect place to start.
My blue tit kit is perfect for beginners
2: The sensory joys of crafting
I love the feeling of the threads in my hand, making one stitch or row at a time and gradually building up a picture. I usually stitch while listening to music or watching a film. Even though it’s part of running my business it doesn’t feel like work.
I design my patterns for use with DMC’s range of embroidery floss. There are 500 colours to choose from and I’ve had over 350 of these in my fingers at one time or another. I often get inspired to create designs just by looking at all the beautiful colours in my stash.
3: Turning ideas into beautiful projects
As Mr X Stitch says, the possibilities are endless. You can make something as traditional or as modern as you like, large or small, colourful or monochrome, whatever your tastes there will be something out there for you.
And if you can't find what you're looking for, why not have a go at creating your own design? It’s a really fun craft to play with so I recommend saving cut-off pieces of fabric to experiment on.
Rainbow Mushrooms cross stith pattern
4: A craft for all reasons
Having a beach holiday? Take a summer cross stitch kit with you. Want to create some autumn décor? Cross stitch pumpkins are your new friend. Want to make Christmas decorations or make a unique gift for a friend? There’s sure to be a cross stitch project you love. Looking for a creative way to celebrate spring or Easter? You get the idea. Cross stitch never goes out of fashion and its versatility will keep you busy all year round.
5: Growing a new skill one stitch at a time
As I said in my first point, you don’t have to be an expert embroiderer to enjoy cross stitch or create something beautiful with it. Cross stitch has taught me how much you can grow when you dedicate yourself to something you’re passionate about.
When I first started creating my own designs I only had the confidence to make geometric and Celtic patterns. I still enjoy creating these but my favourite ones to work on are my bird designs. I’m so glad that I decided to challenge myself to create the first one – bullfinches – as I now have dozens of them, inspired by birds all over the world.
Cross stitch brings me joy every day, and I hope it does for you too.
Happy stitching!