Counted Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is a form of counted thread embroidery in which x shaped stitches are used to form a picture. Counted cross stitch is a kind of cross stitch technique as in this technique it is required that the person should refer a chart indicating the position of X's to be placed on the fabric and of what color they should be. In this the design is not already printed on the fabric. Counted cross stitch is a unique form of art and there are exquisite cross-stitch charts for it. This type of cross stitch requires a bit of concentration and it also requires some more efforts.

There are few rules that are meant for the counted cross stitch in terms of selection of fabrics, selection of needles, setting the floss color, thread length, making the x, how to carry the threads over and this description includes a lot of other things. The first and the very basic thing about this counted cross stitch is the fabric as it is the most important part of the art of cross stitch. People often prefer this type of cross stitch on Aida and later learn to stitch on linen or other fabric materials. Aida is worked with one X over one square while others generally work over two threads. While selecting a fabric for the counted cross stitch the look of the cloth in the background is also to be considered and it also involves both the color and the texture. Aida is generally expensive for such type of cross stitch technique but the choice of the fabric should not be compromised on the quality part.

Then there is a great concern of selecting the floss and the threads for this cross stitch. There is also the matter of selection of the needle as counted cross stitch should only be done with a tapestry needle. These needles have blunt points so they prevent the needles from piercing fabric threads. It comes in variety of sizes and a large size number means a smaller needle. The needle for counted cross stitch should be large enough to move the fabric threads out of the way just a tiny bit. This reduces the friction and wear on your stitching fiber.

In counted cross stitch setting the floss color plays a significant role and above it the number of strands of floss to use is, as with most of the counted cross stitch depends upon an individual's choice but traditionally certain amount of background cloth should be visible. Above all these things there is one major consideration in this cross stitch and that is the right location to start from. This is necessary as the design or the pattern is not printed on the fabric beforehand and by just seeing the chart you have to create that design on the fabric. That is why it is very important to find the correct starting position. The design should be centered and then after that from where you start stitching the design is up to you as each pattern has its own best place to start.