Learning how to cross stitch was something almost all ladies used to learn; and it a simply beautiful vintage skill.  It is also fairly simple to learn and produce a work, even if you have little to no sewing experience (no sewing machine required). If you’re looking to start working on your “vintage skills” and feel overwhelmed by knitting or crochet, this needlework might be just the place to start.  It is a great way to get kids off electronics too!  There is nothing like framing their first work or turning it into a small pillow.

How to Cross Stitch

 

Vintage skills are slowly dying…learning needlework, like cross stitching, keeps this lovely tradition going.  Don’t want that “country look”?  There are lots of fun and modern takes on this ageless art too.  Check out Subversive Cross Stitch for a walk on the wilder side of cross stitch.

I am working on a cross stitch sampler with my youngest daughter.  Samplers are a great way to teach/learn and later to showcase your work.  Samplers can be very basic and others quite detailed and ornate.  Start easy and work up!

One of the things that makes cross stitching so great is that it can be very inexpensive to start.  I have even found free patterns on the internet with a few google searches.  You don’t need a lot of supplies either.

Your basic supplies will be:

1. Needles
2. Thread (embroidery floss)
3. Hoop to hold your work
4. Scissors (smaller the better)
5. Cloth made for cross stitching or embroidery
6. Pattern
7. OR you can buy a kit when you’re starting out that will include all of the above

I’ve collected a few videos to help you get started.  Let me know how it goes for you!