Cross Stitch Kit
Cross stitch has become today one of the most popular forms of embroidery and can be considered as a hobby. It is used to embellish various things such as household linen, and for other items but is generally used to make pieces that are meant to be framed and hung as pictures. Cross stitch is a combination of canvas that is the fabric and the threads that together delivers beautiful designs giving a tapestry like effect. This form of art cannot be done alone but it requires certain other things as well and this complete package including all the necessary materials is termed as cross stitch kit. This kit contains basic supplies and is great for beginners. One can create numerous designs with these cross stitch kits with all the variations in colors and fabrics.
Most of the cross stitch kit includes Aida fabric, six-strand embroidery floss and a tapestry needle. Generally there are two types of cross stitch techniques available: the Counted cross stitch and the other is the Stamped cross stitch. In counted cross stitch there is a chart that is to be referred for the positioning of the X's on the fabric. The other one which is the Stamped cross stitch has designs that are already printed on the fabric and it allows you to create complex detailed designs in a fraction of time needed for the counted cross stitch. There are some cross stitch kits in which stamped technique is there which is easier than the counted one. Since the pattern is screened onto the fabric, all you need to do is stitch over it. The patterns in this cross stitch kit are printed in full colors and are printed in washable blue ink.
Modern cross stitch designs often make extensive use of colors in many shades. By using fine cross stitch kits very realistic designs can be created that look just like paintings. There are varieties of fabrics available but generally the cross stitch kits include Aida fabric which is a 100% cotton fabric and is easy to use. This fabric consists of small squares making it easy to count and even stitching is very easy on this fabric. It comes in several different counts as large as Herta (6 count) and fine as 18 count. Apart form the fabric there are wide variety of embroidery flosses are available from which six-strand embroidery floss is commonly used for cross stitch. This floss is sold in skeins which are cut into short lengths for stitching. One more important thing to note about this is that there are many brands available each with a unique system of numbering colors.
Cross stitch kit also includes various patterns and designs that are created with the help of tapestry needles. It is also included in the cross stitch kit having a blunt tip and a large oval-shaped eye. This needle pushes aside fabric threads while stitching a cross stitch instead of piercing the threads. It helps the stitch to be more uniform and properly placed. This needle comes in variable sizes and its size depends on the fabric count. A size 22 or 24 tapestry needle would be suitable for 11-countAida fabric. Size 26 to 28 are suitable for fabric having higher fabric counts.