2.Basic Material You need for Cross Stitch

Cross-stitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture.

This is my Completed Cross Stitch Pattern.
Before discussing the pattern explanation i would like to discuss the basic material you will be required to start any pattern.

About the Fabric
Cross-stitch is usually executed on easily countable evenweave fabric called aida cloth (In India we call matty cloth). The stitcher counts the threads 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. Sometimes cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric (stamped cross-stitch); the stitcher simply stitches over the printed pattern.

Picture of Aida Cloth how it looks.

Selecting the fabric
1. Different colours will be available.
2. The different types of Aida cloth are labeled according to their thread count. Therefore, 14 Aida cloth is a 14-count fabric which gives 14 stitches per inch, and 18 Aida cloth gives 18 stitches per inch, since it is an 18-count fabric.

"the finer the fabric used, the smaller the stitches become." For a smaller design, use 18 Aida; for a bigger design, use 14 Aida. The advantage that 18 Aida has over 14 Aids is that it makes the completed stitching look more fine and detailed. The holes are closer together on the higher fabric thread count, which is 18 Aida.

Floss/Thread
Commercial charts suggest which type and color of thread to use. Kits even supply the thread for you. However, there are times when you want to select the thread yourself.You get the thread color code by that you can buy in near by stores or online.The Brands i know are Anchor,Dmc.

Needle
Counted cross stitch should be done with a tapestry needle. Tapestry needles have blunt points and much larger eyes than sewing needles. The blunt points prevent the needles from piercing fabric threads.
Tapestry needles come in a variety of sizes. A larger size number means a smaller needle. Cross stitching usually requires a #22, #24, #26 or #28 needle.
One traditional rule says you should use a #22 needle if the fabric is 14 count (14 threads per inch) or less, a #24 or #26 needle if the fabric count is 16-18 count, and a #26 needle if the fabric is finer than 18.

The needle 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.
The floss or fiber thickness and number of strands used can also affect the choice needle size.

Hoop or Hand

Advantages of "in the hand":

Stitching can be done with the sewing method, which requires less motion on the part of the stitcher than the stab method. The sewing method can be much faster.
There are no worries about squashing existing stitches or leaving hoop marks.
The project is much easier to transport without the weight and bulk of bars.
Some people like the feel of the fabric in their hand. It's part of the enjoyment of stitching.

Advantages of bars:

They can keep the fabric taut, for those who prefer this. They can be used with the fabric loose, for those who like the sewing method.
More of the fabric is immediately visible than if it were draped over a hand.
Most bars can be used with lap stands or floor stands. The stands allow "two handed stitching", where one hand is kept above and one hand below the project. Good quality stands are like fine furniture, and keep the current project on display.
People who have trouble holding projects for long periods of time also may find stands useful--they help avoid or reduce effects from tendonitis, arthritis and cramping.

These are all the basic material you use for the cross stitch.
The next post will be the "basic stitches -how to..??"

Thanq for watching the blog,any comments/feedback are appreciated..
Happy Crafting!