The first steps of cross stitch. Embroidery - first steps: how to prepare and what a beginner embroiderer needs to know

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Learning to cross-stitch all the secrets in the master class

Cross stitching is one of the most fun things to do. In fact, the hardest part about this is getting started. For those who are just taking their first steps, there are many lessons. They even contain photos and. However, it still doesn't work the way it does in the picture. But then how to learn how to cross stitch correctly. Just initially do not need to try to cover everything at once. A little patience, and the technique of cross-stitching will definitely be mastered.

The beginning of time

In fact, in order to understand whether cross-stitch is right for you, you do not need to buy the entire assortment of the store. It is enough to purchase the simplest set or a small piece of canvas, floss threads and a pattern. Some needlewomen for beginners in cross-stitching do not even advise using a hoop, since the canvas is quite dense and it is very easy to drag it. However, to understand how it will be more convenient, it is advisable to try both options.

Now you can start embroidery, following the pattern. It is advisable to do it right immediately. What does it mean? Usually for the first work, the choice falls on a small picture. Therefore, it is not necessary at the first stage to think about the ideal wrong side. After all, no one will see her anyway. It is much more important to complete the front side perfectly. And it's not as easy as it seems at first glance.

In practice, the cross-stitch technique is as follows. A floss thread in two or three additions is threaded through the needle. In this case, there will be no knots on it. The thread will be attached a little differently. But how to do this will be discussed later. Now we are learning to embroider with the most ordinary cross stitch.

In practice, it looks like this. The thread is threaded from the upper right corner to the lower left, and such a half-cross makes the required number of crosses according to the pattern. Then the thread is led in the opposite direction: from the upper left corner to the lower right. Further, if necessary, the transition to a row above or below is performed. Once the segment has been embroidered, you can secure the thread by passing it under the stitches.

You can more clearly see how cross-stitching is done, you can in the following. This video shows only the embroidery technique, however, without a good example it is difficult to take the first steps.

: learning to cross stitch

Thread attachment

However, to embroider a picture so that you can easily see the picture from the inside, it is advisable to learn how to fasten the thread correctly. The most commonly used for these purposes is the "loop" method. In fact, with its use, the thread is attached by itself. It is easy even for beginner needlewomen. So how to do it?

Fastening the thread using the "Loop" method

The thread with floss is threaded in such a way that a small loop remains on the front side. Then, at a distance of 2-3 millimeters, the needle is brought out and threaded through the left loop. It tightens well, and now you can continue to embroider.

Also on a small cross-stitch, you can fasten the thread as follows. Embroider a few crosses, leaving the tip of the thread on the wrong side and holding it. Then thread it through the eye of the needle and simply slip it under the stitches from the inside out. This option is great for embroidering pictures. However, where the underside will be visible, it is better to use a loop fastening. This applies, first of all, when it is planned to embroider a napkin, tablecloth or clothes.

: how to fasten the thread

Perfect underside

Even for beginner embroiderers, it is quite affordable to make a product with an almost perfect wrong side. To do this, just follow simple rules. However, once again it is worth mentioning that it is not always advisable to spend time and effort on such work, for example, when embroidering paintings. In addition, the ideal wrong side increases the consumption of floss threads.

Firstly, all crosses on the front side must be done in one direction, and a picture or other product should be embroidered from the bottom up or vice versa. Thus, it is possible to achieve not only the perfect wrong side, but also the fact that the embroidery will not be pulled to one side.

Secondly, all work must be done without knots. How this is done has already been described above. At the end of embroidery, the rest of the thread is hidden under the stitches on the wrong side. It is very important that the dark floss be fixed under the dark ones, and vice versa. The only exception is those cases where this is not possible. For example, if you need to embroider a black eye on a pale pink face.

Thirdly, when embroidering segments of the same color, you should not transfer the thread by more than 3-4 crosses. Not only will such cross-stitching be untidy, it can greatly increase the consumption of threads. When embroidering dresses or tablecloths, where you can accidentally catch on such threads, you should refuse such transitions. Maximum 1-2 crosses to one side.

: perfect reverse in cross stitch

Cross stitch large pictures

After the first basics of cross-stitching have been mastered, many needlewomen dare to take on more complex work. Increasingly, their choice falls on paintings. And it is not surprising that you can decorate your apartment or house with them and easily brag to relatives, friends and just acquaintances.

Of course, you can embroider a picture using all the same skills that you already know. However, to get the job done quickly, you can learn a few new techniques. I would also like to note that it is advisable to embroider paintings larger than 25 centimeters on one of the sides on a tapestry hoop or simply on your hands.

In addition, to make it easier to embroider according to the scheme, it is recommended to use the "parking" method. Its essence lies in the fact that the rows in the picture are embroidered immediately. In this case, all needles and threads are simply attached where embroidery will be continued in the next row. Sounds a lot like parking a car, doesn't it?

True, for beginners, the question arises, why is this needed. It's just that when we learn to embroider, we do it in small jobs. There are few colors, which means that it is almost impossible to get confused and make a mistake. However, when large pictures are embroidered, the number of floss used can be more than 50 pieces. Naturally, in this case, it is very easy to make an error in the calculations, and you may not immediately notice it. As a result, you will have to dissolve part of the work. As a result, wasted time and, possibly, damaged embroidery.

Very detailed information on how to embroider correctly using the parking method can be found in this. The video very clearly shows the advantages of using it, and the author points out some tricks and subtleties.

: a lesson on cross-stitching using the "parking" method

Embroidery of napkins and tablecloths

However, for many, after the basics have been mastered, the second step is to embroider not paintings, but napkins, towels and tablecloths. And indeed, if you use thick cotton or linen, it is very similar to canvas. In addition, for small napkins, you can take the usual one for embroidery.

So, where to start embroidering a napkin? For the convenience of further work, you need to mark the contours of future embroidery using a special marker or pencil. This must be done carefully according to the chosen scheme. You can simplify the task a little if you embroider a border and fold the future napkin four times. Then measure from the middle along the edges the desired distance with a ruler. Draw lines with a marker, then connect. Do the same with the remaining sides.

If the napkin is completely embroidered, then you can do the same as when embroidering pictures. Actually this is the best option for beginners. The main thing is just to make sure that the wrong side is perfect. It is when we learn to embroider on small jobs that this skill is easy to work out.

Now it remains only to understand how to sew a ready-made napkin. First, it must be washed, dried and steamed. The edge can be processed in two ways. The first is suitable for fully embroidered napkins. You can simply sew around with an overcast seam, which, moreover, can also become part of the decor. And because of its lightness, it is suitable for beginner needlewomen.

For the second option, you will need a sewing machine, preferably with a decorative stitch function. Bend the edges of the napkin inward, bait and stitch. Manually, such an operation can replace the “back needle” seam. You can choose any method. The main thing is to understand why it is needed and how it will fit into the general appearance of a napkin or tablecloth.

Clothes embroidery

Perhaps the most difficult thing in cross-stitching is decorating clothes. This type of needlework is absolutely not suitable for beginners. You need to be able to correctly mark out a place for future embroidery, do the job without flaws and not drag the canvas. Here the cost of error is too high.

So, how to embroider clothes with a cross? For the first experiment, it is best to take a coarse linen cloth, on which the interweaving of threads is clearly visible. As in the case of napkins, slowly mark the boundaries of future embroidery. Lining canvas is also used to embroider clothes with floss threads. Then you can simply pull it out along the thread after finishing work.

During cross-stitching, you need to follow the wrong side. Here it should be just perfect. And not only because it will be visible. While wearing, unretracted threads will interfere, and it will be simply inconvenient to wear such clothes. In addition, because of them, you can damage the finished embroidery. That is why we learn to embroider right away. It is much more difficult to relearn later.

For beginner needlewomen, another question arises. What you need to do first - sew or embroider. However, it is worth noting that it is much easier to work on a small piece of fabric than to twist the whole dress in your hands. Therefore, it is advisable to first do all the embroidery, iron it, and then sew.

For inspiration, see the following, where the needlewoman shares the process of embroidering her work.

Cross-stitching is the simplest and most popular type of embroidery, which gives needlewomen inexhaustible opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Having mastered the technique of cross-stitching, you can decorate your home and the homes of friends (after all, good work can be presented) with bright paintings, cozy pillows, tablecloths with elegant ornaments, and even majestic tapestries or strict icons. This article will help you successfully take your first steps in the world of embroidery.

What is the main mistake of those who begin to master the technique of cross-stitching? Experienced needlewomen will say:

“Imperfect wrong side, uneven placement of work on the canvas, knots or twisted threads”

They are right - the work of novice embroiderers is replete with errors. The main mistake is the desire to embroider perfectly the first time. Striving for perfection makes it difficult to feel the pleasure of the embroidery process, which can lead to a feeling of boredom, fatigue and wasted time. Therefore, the first rule of a beginner is first pleasure, then technique. Skill will definitely come if the work brings joy.

The second rule of a beginner is to start with simple schemes and gradually move on to complex ones. Do not immediately take on the embroidery of a large multi-color picture with different types of crosses. Such work will bring nothing but disappointment. As a result, you will consider cross-stitching to be a very difficult type of needlework, although in reality it is not so - it's just that everything has its time.

It is better to start with small embroidery patterns or buy a cross stitch kit. Whichever option you choose, you should start with paintings that use no more than 10 colors and only a simple cross. The optimal embroidery format is A5 or smaller.

The third rule of a beginner - do not neglect the theory. It is better to know a theory than not to know it at all. Yes, the first rule says that pleasure is more important than technique, but this does not mean that technique can be neglected. After all, it is not for nothing that you start with simple patterns for embroidery - you have the opportunity to master the basics of cross stitching, gain basic skills and bring them to perfection, so that later you can move on to more complex techniques.

The mood for a successful start has been received, it's time to move on to practice, interspersing it with theory.

To embroider the first work, you need to have: a cross-stitch pattern, a hoop, canvas, floss threads, an embroidery needle, a special marker and scissors.

If you decide to buy a cross stitch kit, keep in mind that it already contains a pattern, canvas and floss. For beginners, buying a cross-stitch kit is ideal, because the most difficult work (selecting floss colors, as well as the size and type of canvas, the manufacturers have done for you).

Cross stitch example

However, do not despair if you looked for a beautiful embroidery pattern in a magazine for your first job. Usually, the diagrams are accompanied by a description of the size of the pattern, the colors of the floss and the type of canvas. You just need to go to a store that sells cross stitch goods and show this description to the seller. In the same store you can buy a hoop (wooden or plastic), a set of needles for embroidery with a blunt end and other necessary equipment.

So, you have everything you need to get started and you are ready to take your first steps into the world of cross stitching.

Step 1. Before fixing the canvas in the hoop, we process its edges, otherwise, in the process of work, they will begin to spread and crumble. The edges can be processed with special glue, which is sold in needlework stores. There are many other ways to finish the edges of the canvas, for example: water-washable glue (PVA); adhesive tape (preferably masking); interlining (glued with an iron).

Step 2. Determine the center of the canvas and mark it with a special marker. On the embroidery chart, the center of the pattern will be marked with a special icon. It is necessary to determine the center of the canvas in order to evenly place the embroidery on it.

Step 3. Determine the area of ​​the canvas, from where we will begin to embroider. It is better to start embroidery from the center, or from the upper left edge. If you start to embroider from below, then the threads in the process of work may be rubbed from contact with your hand.

Step 4. We fix the canvas in the hoop. To do this, put the canvas on the inner circle, press it with the outer circle and stretch it so that it does not sag.

Step 5. We take a skein of floss threads, separate one thread from it, fold it in half (a loop forms at one end), insert it into the needle.

Step 6. Making the first stitch. Remember that one square of canvas is one cross. We insert the needle from the wrong side into the lower left corner of the square, stretch it to the front side, leaving a small loop at the bottom. We insert the needle into the upper right corner of the square and pass it through the loop from the wrong side. We tighten. The first stitch is ready.

Step 7. We make as many stitches as necessary according to the embroidery pattern. We return back, threading the needle from the wrong side to the lower right corner, and from the front side to the upper left. The first row of crosses is ready. Such crosses are called a simple cross. If you want to make sure that everything was done correctly, look at the inside of the embroidery: if you see a row of vertical lines, then you did everything right.

Step 8. In the process of embroidering, make sure that the top stitches of the crosses always go in the same direction, and also that the threads on the front side do not twist and lie flat. In addition, remember that you can not stretch the thread far. For example, you have a row of crosses, and to the side of them you see a single cross of the same color. The thread can be pulled no further than 3 cells away from the main row of crosses, otherwise the wrong side of the work will look sloppy.

Step 9. We fix the thread at the end of the work. There are two ways to fasten the thread: from the wrong side and from the front side. To secure the thread from the wrong side, pass the needle under a row of nearby stitches and cut off the excess. The wrong side with such a mount will not look very neat. To secure the thread from the front side, you need to pass the needle under the nearest stitch and carefully bring it to the front side, hiding the thread under the crosses. The wrong side with this fastening will look very neat, but the method is rather difficult for a beginner.

Step 10. After the embroidery is finished, soak it in warm soapy water, gently (without friction) rinse, dry and iron from the wrong side.

Your first embroidery is ready. You can hang it in a frame on the wall so that later, when you reach the heights of craftsmanship, you will remember your first steps in the world of cross-stitching. Successful start and new ideas!

It is sometimes difficult to find an interesting occupation for yourself. I want something not banal, bringing satisfaction from what you do. Before those who are in search, a variation on the theme: cross stitch for beginners.

An interesting activity for yourself is sometimes difficult to find

Cross-stitching only from the outside seems like a pointless exercise. Don't let this bother beginners. Sewing is not just a hobby. This is art. And few will argue with that. But you need to get it right step by step.

You should start with the simplest images. Finding them isn't that hard. You can draw yourself. It is worth taking a little time and choosing what you really like, and not grabbing the first one that comes across. Next, you need to choose a set for needlework. On those sets that are best suited for a debutant, it will be written: “For beginners”.

The set includes as standard:

• instruction;
• canvas;
• different needles;
• a drawing is a diagram, sometimes a collection of diagrams;
• various threads.

However, everyone can assemble a set of this type on their own - to their taste. Everything depends on fantasy.

Schemes are made on paper or fabric. It can be made in color or colors are indicated by symbols.

For the first test, it is optimal to choose a pattern applied to the fabric. In this variant with fabric, the depicted embroidery will be done in multi-colored squares. In the version with paper, it will be necessary to calculate the cells in order to accurately determine the start of work.

Gallery: cross stitch (25 photos)

Threads and needles - simple generals of the embroidery army

The quality of these elements plays a decisive role in the embroidery process. The threads must be non-fading, non-fading, evenly woven. The name of this colorful beauty is floss. On the shelves of shops you can find any colors and shades of floss. Each color has its own number, which is written on the package.

• If you buy a set, then everything in it should already be matched by default by color.
• To get started, you need to measure a segment consisting of three threads half a meter long. You can immediately make your life easier and prepare the threads in advance by cutting them and sorting them by color.
• It is better to buy sets in specialized stores, and not by hand. Threads of an unknown manufacturer, as a rule, have the same quality. The result will be bumps and knots, which will affect the appearance. And if the thread also sheds, then everything will be simply spoiled.

Needles come standard with thread. Such needles are distinguished by a rounded end. Several floss threads are placed in the eye of the needle.

Cross stitching for beginners: an affordable technique step by step

Indeed, the cross stitch is the easiest technique for mastering seams. And at the same time - these are the basics of embroidery on the hoop. It is feasible even for those who take the very first steps. This technique will also be interesting for children - this is an excellent hobby that instills in the child a love of beauty and beauty, trains perseverance and concentration. And these qualities in children must be developed from an early age.

Cross - the easiest technique for mastering seams

The cross can be made in different ways:

• Classics of the genre - the British way, he is "Back to the needle." The principle of the method is that each cross is made in a certain sequence.
• Danish way. It consists in doing all the lower stitches from left to right horizontally. After completing the row, these stitches are locked with the top stitches in the opposite order. The execution rules are much easier than they seem.
• The diagonal is simple. It is better to use this technique when some cross stitching lessons have already been completed. Stitches are made from the bottom up, alternating the bottom with the top. Then in the opposite direction - from top to bottom.
• double diagonal. Here you need to carefully look at the drawing - diagram. On it, the segment to be embroidered is shown as a double chain of red squares. And the algorithm is as follows: you need to start sewing from the bottom with a pair of single stitches in squares that are parallel. Having finished one side, you need to go down again, close the stitches and make crosses.

At the first stage, it is enough to study the above lists. And, being sure that this has been studied and fixed, move on to further methods.

Cross stitch tips for beginners (video)

How to do volumetric embroidery: diagrams and lessons - the most important points

When it becomes necessary to transfer only the outline of the pattern to the fabric, and not all of it, you can use the fabrics that are at hand in the work. You should choose a fabric that matches the color and texture would be in complete harmony with the pattern. The fabric should be light in the process of work, the necessary density to transfer the embroidery.

• Natural silk ribbons have sufficient softness. At the same time, they perfectly retain their shape. The ideal option would be tapes that were painted over by hand (different colors and halftones). They perfectly convey the color spectrum of natural vegetation.
• It is good to use plain dyed ribbons made at the factory along with dyed ribbons. A small number of such tapes must be put into operation without fail. Using only plain dyed ribbons will result in a flat result. The desired expressiveness and depth will be absent.
• Ribbons that have a finished edge do not crumble, easily slip through the fabric.
• Obliquely cut ribbons. In such strips of fabric, the edge is not processed. They are mainly used in surface embroidery.
• Synthetic bands. Yielding to others in softness. But they are more embossed, and on the fabric they do not look as flat as, for example, silk ribbons.
• Organza ribbons. Soft, creating the presence of lightness and transparency. The width of this type of ribbon is the most diverse, plain-dyed and with the effect of overflowing colors. Most often, such tapes are mowed by hand.

Each craftswoman works with the type of ribbons that she likes and is more comfortable with. The choice is for those who have a needle and thread in their hands. Volumetric embroidery requires a careful choice of working material.

Types of bulk embroidery

1. Classic. In it, each detail is performed separately from the others with the help of a second fabric. This type will require small scissors to cut out the embroidery, and thin wire to secure the volume.
2. Tape technology. For her, you need to know how to fasten the tapes. The fabric is needed with a rare interlacing of threads (dense knitwear, for example). Soft and thin fabrics are not suitable for this type of technique. It simply can not withstand the weight of ribbons and beads.
3. Trapunto. It can be done with the help of sewing equipment and manually. The type of embroidery is quite original, based on the “sandwich” method (due to several layers). You need to use not very dense and elastic material (cotton, chiffon, cambric).
4. brazilian look. The main focus of this technique is flowers and plants. The main types of seams: attachment, tambour, French knot, rococo, stem, invoice.
5. Volumetric cross stitch. Enough, completely different from other techniques. Looks great on boxes and toys. It is performed on the fabric, taking into account the allowances that fix the other canvas. The second canvas serves as a frame for the entire volume of embroidery.

Embroidery floss for beginners: what you need for the first steps

For those who are just starting to master the technique of embroidery, it is recommended to learn from not too large drawings.. Such drawings can be drawn by yourself.

You can use ready-made diagrams. It is better to take simple patterns.

• For example, it is good to learn on single flowers. Poppy, rose are great options to start learning.
• You can practice embroidering your own initials, for example, on a handkerchief.
• A good option for training is simple landscapes. The main thing is that they should be easy to draw. For this case, there are many ready-made drawings - patterns for embroidery.

And in any case, it is highly recommended to view at least one master class. There are many such lessons. Almost all published video lessons deal with embroidery, knitting, and also show how to use patterns - everything is laid out on the shelves.

How to embroider with a semi-cross: everything is not as difficult as it seems

The half-cross requires attention, no less than other techniques. For work, a canvas is dense, with clearly visible holes for the needle. Which needles are best? Again - with a large, wide ear. Contrasting canvas looks best. It is easier to calculate each stitch for semi-cross stitch on it.

Having selected the canvas, you need to make the first stitch from the lower left corner of the square. Then the point is drawn from the face to the wrong side in the upper right corner. A stitch comes out of the face - a diagonal going from left to right. From here, from the inside, the needle passes to the lower right point on the face. Then, stitch diagonally again - from the lower right point to the upper left. The needle goes out. As in any other technique, you need to try several times, and your hands will remember what they want from them.

Where to start cross stitching (video)

Whatever you say, with all the huge range of accessories necessary for embroidery, which it is no longer a problem to buy at all (it will be more problematic not to buy), the main thing is who has them in their hands. If you do needlework through force, when someone forces you, or realizing that it is “not yours”, you still stubbornly translate the material, it will not work. The soul does not lie - it is not worth suffering. Not everyone writes pictures or books, after all. But if embroidery is a pleasure, then everything will work out, and the world will be illuminated by new flowers and landscapes that will come out from under the hands of beautiful needlewomen.