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For specific crossed stitches used in needlework, see Cross stitches.
Cross-stitch is a form of sewing and a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture. The stitcher counts the threads on a piece of evenweave fabric (such as linen) in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. This form of cross-stitch is also called counted cross-stitch in order to distinguish it from other forms of cross-stitch.[1] Sometimes cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric (stamped cross-stitch); the stitcher simply stitches over the printed pattern.[2] Cross-stitch is often executed on easily countable fabric called aida cloth[3] whose weave creates a plainly visible grid of squares with holes for the needle at each corner.
Cross stitching using a hoop and showing use of enamel needle minder
Fabrics used in cross-stitch include linen, aida cloth, and mixed-content fabrics called ‘evenweave’ such as jobelan. All cross-stitch fabrics are technically «evenweave» as the term refers to the fact that the fabric is woven to make sure that there are the same number of threads per inch in both the warp and the weft (i.e. vertically and horizontally). Fabrics are categorized by threads per inch (referred to as ‘count’), which can range from 11 to 40 count.
Counted cross-stitch projects are worked from a gridded pattern called a chart and can be used on any count fabric; the count of the fabric and the number of threads per stitch determine the size of the finished stitching. For example, if a given design is stitched on a 28 count cross-stitch fabric with each cross worked over two threads, the finished stitching size is the same as it would be on a 14 count aida fabric with each cross worked over one square. These methods are referred to as «2 over 2» (2 embroidery threads used to stitch over 2 fabric threads[4]) and «1 over 1» (1 embroidery thread used to stitch over 1 fabric thread or square), respectively. There are different methods of stitching a pattern, including the cross-country method where one colour is stitched at a time, or the parking method where one block of fabric is stitched at a time and the end of the thread is «parked» at the next point the same colour occurs in the pattern.
HistoryEdit
Detail of floral border pattern in cotton. Tea cloth (small tablecloth), Hungary, mid-twentieth century.
Cross-stitch is the oldest form of embroidery and can be found all over the world since the middle ages.[5] Many folk museums show examples of clothing decorated with cross-stitch, especially from continental Europe and Asia.[6]
The cross-stitch sampler is called that because it was generally stitched by a young girl to learn how to stitch and to record alphabet and other patterns to be used in her household sewing. These samples of her stitching could be referred back to over the years. Often, motifs and initials were stitched on household items to identify their owner, or simply to decorate the otherwise-plain cloth. The earliest known cross stitch sampler made in the United States is currently housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts.[7] The sampler was created by Loara Standish, daughter of Captain Myles Standish and pioneer of the Leviathan stitch, circa 1653.
Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to embellish items like household linens, tablecloths, dishcloths, and doilies (only a small portion of which would actually be embroidered, such as a border). Although there are many cross-stitchers who still employ it in this fashion, it is now increasingly popular to work the pattern on pieces of fabric and hang them on the wall for decoration. Cross-stitch is also often used to make greeting cards, pillowtops, or as inserts for box tops, coasters and trivets.
Cross stitch from Surif. Top half of picture is the reverse side.
Multicoloured, shaded, painting-like patterns as we know them today are a fairly modern development, deriving from similar shaded patterns of Berlin wool work of the mid-nineteenth century. Besides designs created expressly for cross-stitch, there are software programs that convert a photograph or a fine art image into a chart suitable for stitching. One example of this is in the cross-stitched reproduction of the Sistine Chapel charted and stitched by Joanna Lopianowski-Roberts.[8][9]
There are many cross-stitching «guilds» and groups across the United States and Europe which offer classes, collaborate on large projects, stitch for charity, and provide other ways for local cross-stitchers to get to know one another. Individually owned local needlework shops (LNS) often have stitching nights at their shops, or host weekend stitching retreats.
Today, cotton floss is the most common embroidery thread. It is a thread made of mercerized cotton, composed of six strands that are only loosely twisted together and easily separable. While there are other manufacturers, the two most-commonly used (and oldest) brands are DMC and Anchor,[10][11] both of which have been manufacturing embroidery floss since the 1800s.[12][13]
Other materials used are pearl (or perle) cotton, Danish flower thread, silk and Rayon. Different wool threads, metallic threads or other novelty threads are also used, sometimes for the whole work, but often for accents and embellishments. Hand-dyed cross-stitch floss is created just as the name implies—it is dyed by hand. Because of this, there are variations in the amount of color throughout the thread. Some variations can be subtle, while some can be a huge contrast. Some also have more than one color per thread.
Cross-stitch is widely used in traditional Palestinian dressmaking.[14]
Related stitches and forms of embroideryEdit
Ukrainian girls in traditional-style embroidered costumes
A cross-stitching created with the use of different color fabrics
The cross-stitch can be executed partially such as in quarter-, half-, and three-quarter-stitches. A single straight stitch, done in the form of backstitching, is often used as an outline, to add detail or definition.
There are many stitches which are related structurally to cross-stitch. The best known are Italian cross-stitch (as seen in Assisi embroidery), long-armed cross-stitch, and Montenegrin stitch. Italian cross-stitch and Montenegrin stitch are reversible, meaning the work looks the same on both sides. These styles have a slightly different look than ordinary cross-stitch. These more difficult stitches are rarely used in mainstream embroidery, but they are still used to recreate historical pieces of embroidery or by the creative and adventurous stitcher. The double cross-stitch, also known as a Leviathan stitch or Smyrna cross-stitch, combines a cross-stitch with an upright cross-stitch.
Berlin wool work and similar petit point stitchery resembles the heavily shaded, opulent styles of cross-stitch, and sometimes also used charted patterns on paper.
Cross-stitch is often combined with other popular forms of embroidery, such as Hardanger embroidery or blackwork embroidery. Cross-stitch may also be combined with other work, such as canvaswork or drawn thread work. Beadwork and other embellishments such as paillettes, charms, small buttons and specialty threads of various kinds may also be used. Cross stitch can often used in needlepoint.
Recent trends for cross stitchEdit
Cross-stitch has become increasingly popular with the younger generation of Europe in recent years.[15] Retailers such as John Lewis experienced a 17% rise in sales of haberdashery products between 2009 and 2010.[16] Hobbycraft, a chain of stores selling craft supplies, also enjoyed an 11% increase in sales over the year to February 22, 2009.[17]
Knitting and cross-stitching have become more popular hobbies for a younger market, in contrast to its traditional reputation as a hobby for retirees.[18] Sewing and craft groups such as Stitch and Bitch London have resurrected the idea of the traditional craft club.[19] At Clothes Show Live 2010 there was a new area called «Sknitch» promoting modern sewing, knitting and embroidery.[20]
In a departure from the traditional designs associated with cross-stitch, there is a current trend for more postmodern or tongue-in-cheek designs featuring retro images or contemporary sayings. It is linked to a concept known as ‘subversive cross-stitch’, which involves more risque designs, often fusing the traditional sampler style with sayings designed to shock or be incongruous with the old-fashioned image of cross-stitch.[21]
Stitching designs on other materials can be accomplished by using waste canvas. This is a temporary gridded canvas similar to regular canvas used for embroidery that is held together by a water-soluble glue, which is removed after completion of stitch design. Other crafters have taken to cross-stitching on all manner of gridded objects as well including old kitchen strainers or chain-link fences.
Traditionally, it is believed that cross stitch is a woman’s craft. But lately there are men who are also addicted to this. [22][unreliable source?]
Cross-stitch and feminismEdit
In the 21st century, an emphasis on feminist design has emerged within cross-stitch communities.[23] Some cross-stitchers have commented on the way that the practice of embroidery makes them feel connected to the women who practised it before them.[24] There is a push for all embroidery, including cross-stitch, to be respected as a significant art form.[25]
Cross-stitch and computersEdit
The development of computer technology has also affected such a seemingly conservative craft as cross-stitch. With the help of computer visualization algorithms,[26] it is now possible to create embroidery designs using a photograph or any other picture. Visualisation uses a drawing on a graphical grid, representing colors and / or symbols, which gives the user an indication of the possible use of colors, the position of those colors, and the type of stitch used, such as full cross or quarter stitch.
FlosstubeEdit
An increasingly popular activity for cross-stitchers is to watch and make YouTube videos detailing their hobby. Flosstubers, as they are known, typically cover WIPs (Works in Progress), FOs (Finished Objects), and Haul (new patterns, thread, and fabric, as well as cross-stitching accessories, such as needleminders). Other accessories include but are not limited to: Floss organizers, thread conditioner, pin cushions, AIDA cloth or plastic canvas, and embroidery needles.[citation needed]
See alsoEdit
- Mosaic
- Pixel art
- Embroidery
NotesEdit
- ^ Nicholas, Kristin (2015). The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids. Concord, CA: C&T Publishing. pp. 33. ISBN 978-1-60705-973-8.
- ^ Sutcliffe, Kristen (2013). Fabric Paper Thread. Concord, CA: C&T Publishing. p. 138. ISBN 978-1-60705-715-4.
- ^ Baker Montano, Judith (2016). Judith Baker Montano’s Essential Stitch Guide. Concord, CA: C&T Publishing. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-61745-077-8.
- ^ Studio Koekoek cross stitch blog (2018). «How to Cross Stitch over 2 threads or more». www.studio-koekoek.com.
- ^ Gillow, John, and Bryan Sentance: World Textiles, Bulfinch Press/Little, Brown, 1999, ISBN 0-8212-2621-5, p. 181
- ^ Threads (magazine), Issue 11, June/July 1987
- ^ «Loara Standish Sampler». pilgrimhall.org. Archived from the original on 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
- ^ Gwen Magee (Gwendolyn) (2010-08-27). «Textile Arts Resource Guide: The Sistine Chapel in Cross-Stitch». Creativityjourney.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2013-12-29.
- ^ «Cross-stitch recreation of Sistine Chapel ceiling». Telegraph. London. 2009-06-25. Retrieved 2013-12-29.
- ^ «About Us». Archived from the original on 2020-06-21. Retrieved 2020-08-12.
- ^ «Coats & Clark Hand Embroidery Threads». Archived from the original on 2012-07-28. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ «DMC History». Dmc-usa.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2017.
- ^ «Coats History». Coatsandclark.com. Archived from the original on 2013-11-05. Retrieved 2013-12-29.
- ^ Munayyer, Hanan (2020). Traditional Palestinian Costume: Origins and Evolution. Olive Branch Press. p. 423. ISBN 978-1-62371-924-1.
- ^ Hunter, Clare (2020). Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the eye of a Needle. Hachette, UK: Sceptre. p. 24. ISBN 978-1-47368-793-6.
- ^ Wilson, Bill (2009-08-28). «The modern ‘make do and mend’«. BBC News.
- ^ Hall, James (2010-01-18). «Hobbycraft sews up strong sales». The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ Farry, Eithne (2006-05-29). «¡Viva las craftivistas!». The Guardian. London.
- ^ «I Knit London, the UK’s First Official Stitch ‘n Bitch Day». iknit.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
- ^ «Sknitch — what’s it all about?». ClothesShowLive.com. Archived from the original on 2011-02-28. Retrieved 2011-03-29.
- ^ «Subversive Cross Stitch Is Older Than You Think». LordLibidan.com. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-12.
- ^ Manbroiderers — men who cross stitch, embroider, and design textiles, archived from the original on 2021-11-23, retrieved 2021-08-01
- ^ BARON CADLOFF, Emily (9 July 2018). «Not your grandma’s needle work: Combining feminism and cross-stitch». The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
- ^ Kim, E. Tammy (December 29, 2018). «The Feminist Power of Embroidery». The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2022-01-01.
- ^ Giliforte, Brittany; Goulem, Brigid (September 18, 2018). «Stitching into Feminism». The Queen’s Journal.
- ^ Karen R. Atkinson, and Jonathan C. Roberts. «Graphics and Visualization within Cross-Stitch». Archived from the original on 2021-08-09.
ReferencesEdit
- Caulfield, S. F. A., and B. C. Saward, The Dictionary of Needlework, 1885.
- Enthoven, Jacqueline: The Creative Stitches of Embroidery, Van Norstrand Rheinhold, 1964, ISBN 0-442-22318-8.
- Gillow, John, and Bryan Sentance: World Textiles, Bulfinch Press/Little, Brown, 1999, ISBN 0-8212-2621-5.
- Reader’s Digest, Complete Guide to Needlework. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. (March 1992) ISBN 0-89577-059-8.
External linksEdit
- Articles related to the recent comeback in popularity of cross stitch. «Is Cross Stitch Dead?»
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Welcome to the official website of the UK’s no. 1 cross stitching magazine! We bring you over 80 easy-to-use patterns each issue from the best international designers plus expert advice & technical features.
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February issue 329
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People who enjoy crafty projects always have a creative mind. However, it can be a little overwhelming to decide where and how to invest your creative energy. It is always best to start with simple and easy stitching techniques and moving on to more complicated ones once you have a practiced hand. This is why most beginners remain confused regarding what to choose: cross-stitch vs embroidery?
Both of these are common stitching techniques; however, embroidery is comparatively easier as compared to cross stitching. Cross stitch is probably more complicated since it is a type of hand stitching, while embroidery can be done using specific kinds of sewing machines. Embroidery is generally an umbrella term used for various types of designs and patterns of stitching, while cross stitch is an x-shaped stitch most commonly used for bordering.
The following guide will help you understand the difference between embroidery and cross stitch. Continue reading to find out what is best for you and know the difference between cross stitch and embroidery.
Different types of embroidery
Embroidery is a stitching technique used to embellish fabric with decorative patterns and designs. There are two types of embroidery, one that is performed with a free hand, without counting stitches and the other type is machine embroidery that is done using a sewing machine. Embroidery can be done using several materials, like beads, pearls, yarn, sequin and even colorful threads.
Hand embroidery
This is the most common type of embroidery, which is done using a thread and a needle, with other items, like sequin, beads and buttons as well. This is a kind of needle work that is performed on top of a fabric with free hand stitching. You can incorporate several kinds of stitches for hand embroidery and follow a simple or complicated design of your choice.
Blending colors or painting is a common hand embroidery technique, where you mix colored threads for shading patterns. This type of embroidery allows you to work with several kinds of fabrics and stitch a variety of designs without restriction, allowing you to add a personal touch in your crafts. With this feature of personal design and fabric preferences, hand embroidery allows you greater creative freedom to create and experiment with unique elements and patterns.
However, one drawback of hand embroidery can be the slight inconvenience it comes with. It takes longer to finish projects, as compared to time-saving embroidery machines, along with the time it takes to perfect one’s stitching by constant practicing.
You can make use of embroidery hoops for quick learning because they help you follow the design more neatly, limiting the amount of mess. Hand embroidery doesn’t always mean free hand stitching of patterns because you can draw up a pattern using a fabric crayon, secure the fabric in a stitching hoop and neatly stitch your favorite pattern easily.
There are some excellent hand embroidery kits that you can get, such as the Akacraft DIY Embroidery Starter Kit that comes with several supplies, including multicolored soft cotton threads, washable fabric ink and a design book with easy to follow patterns.
Machine embroidery
Machine embroidery is most commonly used by professionals and commercial producers for mass production. This technique uses machines to embellish patterns on a limited number of fabrics that are compatible with the machine you’re using. However, embroidery machines are not just used commercially, they can be purchased by domestic crafters as well.
You can buy a machine that is specifically for embroidery, or a sewing machine that has embroidery features. You can use a reliable embroidery machine for designing several items, like dresses, cushion covers, tote bags and much more.
The best thing about machine embroidery is the options available in the market, where you can buy a machine that allows manual designing, as well as zigzag sewing patterns to embellish fabrics.
Some machines allow pattern controlling through link stitch options and computerized functions for easy and quick stitching. Beginners may find it difficult to use professional machines for embroidery; however the good news is that you can also buy embroidery machines that are easy to use and suitable for beginners!
Embroidery machines allow you to stitch over synthetic fabrics, like polyester, as well as tough ones, like wool and quilting cotton, but you need to make sure the machine you get is compatible with the thread count of the fabric you intend to embroider.
If you are looking to buy a new embroidery machine, you may want to consider the Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, which is easy to use and comes with 139 built-in stitches.
However, machine embroidery can be a considerably more expensive option compared to hand embroidery. It also allows lesser creative freedom to stitch the design of your choice, using materials that you wish to use.
What is cross-stitch?
Most people confuse
cross stitch
Cross-stitch — Wikipedia
Cross-stitch is a form of sewing and a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture.
en.wikipedia.org
with embroidery because it is essentially a type of embroidery work, however it requires counted needlework, which differentiates it from regular types of embroidery.
The most commonly seen and done cross stitch is an X shaped stitch on divided squares of a fabric that form a pattern when combined. This requires creative patterns that use several small X’s stitched together in squares of fabric that result in flat patterns, as opposed to pop up and dimensional patterns that emerge from embroidery.
It is an exciting technique that can be used to make color gradients and blended color patterns by using different shaded threads side by side. There are two major types of cross stitches we will discuss here.
If you’d like to know more about how to cross-stitch, check out this handy video tutorial.
Types of Cross-stitch
The most common misconception people have regarding cross stitching is that there is only one way to do it and that it only uses small x shaped stitches to design patterns. Even though small x’s are the staple of cross stitching, there are two different types of cross stitches that we will identify below.
Stamped
Cross stitching can be a tricky style of stitching, especially when you are trying to achieve complicated and intricate designs. The stamped cross stitch technique helps you make this process a little easier to follow. It involves stamping or printing the intended pattern onto the fabric. This achieves a blueprint of what you want to cross stitch, serving as a guide that you can follow while stitching to avoid mess ups.
You can use the colors of your choice to incorporate creative color gradients within the pattern while stitching. The pattern is printed onto the fabric using washable fabric ink, so once you are done cross stitching over the print, the ink can be easily removed by washing. You can buy the supplies for stamped cross stitching separately, or save time by getting a stamped cross stitch kit designed for such projects.
These kits come with the supplies and a simple to follow instructions guide that are great for beginners.
Counted
Counted cross stitch technique is pretty self-explanatory, since it means literally what the name implies. You begin at the center of the fabric and count the number of stitches outward till you reach the end of the pattern.
Unlike stamped cross stitching, you start with a blank fabric, however when you start following the pattern according to your intended design, you get just as beautiful a pattern in the end. Some embroiderers prefer using cross stitch charts when following a counted cross stitch technique because it helps you use colored grids to count the stitches before working the fabric.
This chart acts like a map of sorts, which you follow and end up with the desired design. Counting manually or using a color grid depends on personal preference because both ways get you the same result. You can get cross stitching kits for easier and quicker stitching because they save you from shopping for each supply separately.
There are some excellent cross stitching kits that are great for beginners as well, such as the Caydo 3 Sets Embroidery Starter Kit that comes with embroidery fabric, with floral patterns, as well as 3 embroidery hoops and colored threads.
Which type of embroidery should you use?
The question whether embroidery or cross stitch is better usually comes from beginners, who are overwhelmed by the variety of options they are presented with as soon as they step into the world of stitching and crafting.
If by better you mean easier, then the answer is cross stitch. Cross stitch is an easier and simpler way to start and get acquainted to using a needle and thread before you delve into the more complex patterns and techniques of embroidery. As you learn how to handle a basic cross stitch, you can move onto learning how to stitch using elements like beads, sequin and other materials.
It should be noted that everyone is different and the brains are wired differently, so some people may find basic embroidery easier than perfecting a cross stitch, therefore we recommend trying out both techniques to see which one is more suited to you.
However, if you are a pro at stitching, you may employ both embroidery and cross stitch as you go, and switch between techniques on different projects.
When it comes to embroidery specifically, it is better to learn hand embroidery first. Using a machine can also get tricky and may take some getting used to before you can breeze your way through an embroidery or sewing machine.
Embroidery tips
The best thing about embroidery is that you require less supplies to create an amazing pattern, rather than investing in an abundance of items only to end up with a tacky end product.
We always suggest keeping it simple at first. By practicing on simpler designs, you can get the hang of handling a needle and a thread, which will help you graduate onto more complex embroidery projects.
The second most important tip is to always use a stitching hoop to avoid unforeseen problems and getting confused mid stitching. Experts suggest getting a trusty embroidery kit that comes with a detailed instructions manual and easy to follow designs for beginners because they are cost effective and help you learn faster.
You can also start by learning the basic cross and back stitches first.
Final thoughts
The main reason why creators may prefer a certain technique over the other is due to the requirements of the project they are working on and the vision of the final product they have in mind. Cross stitch can be an excellent technique to border your crafts or create flat patterns, while embroidery may be more suitable for adding some bling with sequin and beads. To get a pop up and three-dimensional pattern, you may want to go with embroidery.
Now that you know the difference between embroidery and cross stitch, the main choice of embroidery vs. cross stitch owes to the question of convenience and preference.
We personally like and recommend using both embroidery and cross stitch techniques, however make sure you’re not using them interchangeably because that will result in a mess you don’t want.
We hope you found this guide useful and feel free to share your thoughts and unique stitching tips with us!
References
1.
Cross-stitch — Wikipedia
Cross-stitch is a form of sewing and a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture.