For those of you that are just starting to cross stitch, you’re going to love it! Don’t let anybody tell you it is too expensive. Like any other hobby, it can be done economically while feeding your imagination and creativity! Framing can get very pricey but one cost-effective alternative I have found it advantageous to have your mats cut and purchase a frame off the shelf with a coupon from Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or Joann’s. You can also shop garage sales or thrift stores—black spray paint will change the look. Don’t be intimidated!
Today, I’m going to share with you some basic cross stitch verbiage so you can understand!
Aida – the most popular fabric to use for cross stitch with brands including DMC, Zweigart and Charles Craft. Threads are woven evenly to form squares and the most popular counts are 14, 16 and 18. The number indicates the number of squares in a row (or column) per inch. The larger the number, the more detailed your piece will look.
Back Stitch – a method of stitching to outline a cross stitch piece, usually in a dark color. This really highlights the design! I love this part. Sometimes I sew back stitches as I go and sometimes I wait.
Chart – the cross stitch pattern to work from when stitching. These can be a single page or multiple pages depending on the complexity of the project.
Count – the number of holes per linear inch. Often you will hear ’14 count’ meaning 14 holes (or squares) in one inch of the fabric.
Counted Cross Stitch – the fabric is plain and Aida cloth. Stitchers use a printed or digital pattern as a guide to help sew each stitch.
DMC – one of the most popular brands of thread (or floss) used for embroidery and cross stitch. It comes in hundreds of different colors and effects. These are sold in “skeins”.
Dust Cover - it wraps around your WIP and secures with hook and loop to keep your current project hidden or protected.
Floss – another word for thread used in cross stitch (e.g. DMC floss)
Frog / Frogging –happens when a mistake has been made and stitches have to cut out and removed/ripped out. This term comes from the sound frogs make ‘ribbit, ribbit’ or ‘rip it, rip it!’ No crafter likes frogging but everyone has frogged!!!
French Knot – a small knot used to define small details in a pattern (e.g. an animal’s eye, seeds)
Grime Guard - Fabric piece made to cover your frame to protect your project from greasy or dirty hands. Blooming Daisies Crafts have plenty to choose from!
LNS – Local Needlecraft Shop - Golden Needle moved to Texas. :(. But we can still shop online at her store!
Needle Minder – a small, decorative magnetic item affixed onto your Aida cloth which holds your needle safe and secure when not in use. Blooming Daisies Crafts has over 500 right now and adding more!
ORT – Old Raggedy Threads or Orphaned Random Threads
ORT Jar - Any jar or container for your Orphaned Random Threads. I use a canning jar with the metal screw on lid without the canning insert! This allows you to decorate it with Blooming Daisies Crafts Needle Minders!
ORT JAR Scissor Holder - Fits on your ORT jar to hold your scissors handy! I think these are Blooming Daisies Crafts exclusive!
Project Bag – A tote to carry and protect your precious cross stitch project when you are on the go. A customized bag makes it easy to recognize and reflects your unique personality. Blooming Daisies Crafts has many to choose from. Or contact us for more options.
Q-Snap – a type of frame used for cross stitching that snaps together around a frame to keep fabric taut and in place.
Q-Snap Bag - a bag that stores your WIP with accessories for traveling or just to keep everything together.
Scroll Frame - a type of frame used for cross stitching that lets you scroll instead of moving the frame. It keeps your fabric taut and in place, too.
Signature - your initials or some acknowledgement when you cross stitched the project and year.
WIP – Work In Progress
WIP Project Bag - a windowed bag to keep a future WIP with some supplies ready to become your current WIP.
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