Cross Stitching and How Is It Used to Form Different Crafts

Cross stitching is a kind of sewing and a famous counted-thread embroidery technique in which X-shaped stitches in a raster-like pattern are generally used to design a picture. The stitcher counts the threads on a piece of evenweave fabric (e.g. linen) in each direction so that the stitches are of unvarying size and appearance. This particular form of cross-stitching is also known as counted cross-stitch. This is to distinguish it from other forms of cross-stitching. In certain cases, cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric; the stitcher simply applies stitches over the printed pattern. Cross stitch belts are gradually gaining fame among the modern day youngsters.

Cross-stitch is the time-honored form of embroidery and is found all around the world. Such examples of clothing can be found at many museums particularly from Asia, Europe, Eastern and Central Europe.

Traditionally, cross-stitch was generally used to decorate items like tablecloths, household linens, doilies, and dishcloths. Although there are several cross-stitchers who still use this in the same fashion, nowadays it is increasingly becoming popular to work the pattern on portions of fabric and hang them on the wall for decoration. Cross-stitch is generally used to make pillowtops, greeting cards, needlepoint belts, coasters, and trivets.

Needlepoint belts made of cross-stitch methodology are quite popular these days. Yarn is stitched through a stiff open weave canvas and most of the designs completely cover the canvas. Although needlepoint is used in a number of patterns, most of which use only a simple tent stitch and count on color changes in the yarn to define the pattern. Needlepoint continues to develop as stitchers use new threads and techniques, and add specific embroidery or materials.