Does anyone cross-stitch?

HELP! Please!!!!!

I've got a project to start -- and I have less than NO  idea WHERE to start!

I cross-stitch.  What kind of help do you need? 

I cross-stitch.  What kind of help do you need? 

I'm trying to get started on a COUNTED cross stitch -- the instructions say to start in the middle -- the symbols on the sheets don't make ANY sense --

Should I just go by the PICTURE and WING IT?  I remember my cousin did that once with a Mary Englebrieit "pattern".

There's very few colours -- so it really shouldn't be too difficult.

Another thing I don't understand is:  Fasten on by weaving several times through stitches on the wrong side of the fabric, near to where you wish to start, taking care not to form a lump but making sure the thread is sufficiently secure.  WHAAAAAAAAT?

Maybe I should call you later and talk you through it!

I never work on ones with printed designs, so I always just fold the material like a greeting card and mark the approximate middle, then work out from there.

Another thing that I find makes it easier for me is that I use a highlighter to mark the stitches I've done on the pattern - that way I can still see them if I make a mistake somewhere, but it's easier to pick up again.

The fastening bit - I usually hold a bit of string back, and make sure it gets "wrapped" in the stitches on the underside.  Does that make any sense?

it doesn't have a printed pattern -- it's a blank canvas -- I've never worked on one without a pattern -- I'm used to the "color by numbers" 

Gotcha about the fastening -- I was thinking that was it -- just wasn't sure

THANK YOU!!

I also cross-stitch and I think peedal covered the questions as well as I could. One point it is easiest to make half the cross and then go back and make the other half so you stitches start looking like this //// on the row.
When you start you find the middle of your pattern-- often it is marked or you just count boxes. ...and fold the material to find the middle. Usually you have extra material so it doesn't have to be exact!

The symbols on the patter should match to a key that tells you what thread colour to use.

Hope some of this made sense!

Helena

  Ding ding ding!
Thanks HG!  I've got it started now!  (Whew!) 

It's alot bigger than I thought it would be -- and it's meant to be an anniversary gift so I HAVE TO get busy!

          Thanks so much!!! 

Good Luck! I admit I haven't cross stitched in awhile-- mainly because I tend to start a project and never finish it...LOL

Good Luck! I admit I haven't cross stitched in awhile-- mainly because I tend to start a project and never finish it...LOL

Guilty as charged.   

I definitely like the paint by numbers better!

I'm smokin' along though -- I've finished a good chunk so far!