FREE EMBROIDERY PATTERNS

What is stitchery?
Webster defines stitchery as needlework, and needlework - - "work done with a needle; esp: work (as embroidery) other than plain stitching."


This article is about counted cross stitch and primitive stitchery.

Counted Cross Stitch
Counted Cross Stitch is stitchery done on even-weave fabric. The design is often done from charts showing how many squares of the fabric to count for the placement of the stitches.

Helpful Tips for Cross Stitch
Counted Cross Stitch is usually done on Aida cloth, which is an even-weave fabric with a natural grid over which X-s are stitched with embroidery floss. The number of strands of floss being stated on the pattern. 14count Aida cloth is a common size for many projects.

There are very few hard and fast rules for counted cross stitch, but one rule that must be followed is that all the stitches must lay in the same direction. If the first leg of a stitch is from left to right. then every stitch in the entire project must have the first leg of each stitch go in that same direction. Some people find it easier to go from right to left when stitching the first leg of an X, but the choice is up to you. Always be consistent with the direction of your stitches throughout.

The beginner should also be careful that the tension of the stitches is right - not too tight and not too loose. With a little practice on a scrap of material you will soon find your proper tension for a flat, even look.

Primitive stitchery
Primitive stitchery is usually done on muslin fabric on which the pattern has been transferred. The main stitch is the back stitch and the length of the stitches can vary.

article by aLundy

A ROSE BOOKMARK IN COUNTED CROSS STITCH Cut the Aida cloth 26 squares wide and at least 6 inches long. The pattern begins on the 9th row down from the top of the cloth. After stitching the rose design, pull away the threads in one of the squares on all four sides of the bookmark, forming a fringe to finish the bookmark. © 2007 alundy Personalize the bookmark by adding a name down the center. - great gift idea!

Instructions for sewing a two-inch wide border of contrasting fabric for a stitchery pillow Step 1: For a 2" wide border, cut 2 strips 2-1/2" wide. The length should be the length of the shortest side of the basic embroidered piece. Step 2: Place them on each side, right sides facing, and stitch a 1/4" seam. Press - having both layers of the seam pressed away from the center piece. Step 3. Cut 2 more 2-1/2" wide pieces the length of the longest side of the stitched piece. Step 4: Stitch and press as in Step 2. Step 5: Cut the back of the pillow the same size as the pillow top. Lay them right sides together. Stitch the edges in a 1/4" seam, leaving an opening for stuffing or for inserting a pillow form. For wider borders, cut the width of the strips as wide as you want the border to be, adding 1/2 inch, allowing for the two 1/4 inch seams on each side of the border strip. Continue following the instructions as above.

Brushes and Palettes disclaims any liability for unsatisfactory results and is not responsible for variations in workmanship when using any of their patterns.