Stars/back stitch on aida

Start your stitching at the centre of the star. 

Make your first stitch in the hole directly above your first one.

Come back up the fabric in the next hole directly above.

And come back down here.

Repeat this until you have gone up enough squares (usually 2 or 3 for the stars). 

Come back to the centre and repeat for the other 3 straight lines.

For the other lines start diagonally across from the centre.

And come back down into the centre hole.

Start your next stitch diagonally across from your first. 

And back down diagonally across (this is also a half X stitch).

Repeat this on the other diagonal lines.

Split stitch

A split stitch is quite similar to a back stitch but makes your stitches raised for a more decorative stitch. You usually use all 6 strands of thread or use pearle floss (this is floss that does not split into separate strands). Your kit will specify what to use.

You start the stitch by coming up through the back of the fabric and back down a stitch length away (approx. Just under half a cm).

Next, come back up your fabric in the middle of you first stitch and as you come up make sure there is an even number of threads on either side of your needle (usually 3 on each side) or if your using perle come up straight through the middle. 

Then come back down a stitch legnth away and repeat until you come to the end.

Lazy daisy stitch

A lazy daisy stitch is one of the stitches to make flowers. It uses between 2-6 strands of floss. You will have to knot the end of your thread for this stitch, don't use the loop method. 

1. Start your stitch at the edge of the circle in the middle, directly under one of the dots (doesn't matter which one).

2. Come back down the fabric right next to, but not the same hole as where you came up. However, don't pull the thread all the way through; leave a loop (this needs to be at least the same height as the distance between the middle circle and the dot).

3. For your next stitch bring your needle up at the dot directly above your first stitch and as you come up put your needle through the loop and pull gently. This should make your first petal.

4. Next, come back down over the top of the petal. This will be right next to where you just came up but will secure the loop so it doesn't move. 

5. For your second petal come up right next to your first one and directly under the next dot.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 until all of your petals are done. You fill the middle of the flower with a French knot or a satin stitch (your kit will specify this). 

How to cross stitch (Photos and Video)

French knot

French knots are something I use a lot in my stitching. They are perfect for eyes and "i"s and also make pretty decorative stitches.

For a French knot you will have to knot your thread; don’t use the loop method. 

Come up through the back of the fabric and point your needle down towards the fabric holding the needle. With your other hand pull the thread that is coming out of the fabric taught. Put your needle over the top of it and wrap it around the thread twice. Sometimes you will have to wrap it around more than twice to make a bigger knot but your instructions that came with your kit will specify how many times.

Keeping hold of the thread, push your needle right next to (but not the same hole) as where you came up but before you push it all the way through pull the thread again and keep hold of it until you have pushed your needle through.

You should be left with a knot. These are quite tricky to get the hang of at first so you might want to practice in the corner of your fabric first. 

Any questions please just get in touch:

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Happy stitching! x