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Welcome to The Heritage Crafts Counted Cross Stitch Tutorial. This will cover all aspects of counted cross stitch, from fabric to those pesky fractional stitches we at Heritage Crafts are so keen on using - but we hope you'll agree, the end result is worth it! This tutorial is aimed at users of our own cross stitch kits and charts, but the basics are the same for all cross stitch.
The material in the majority of Heritage Crafts cross stitch kits is either 27 count evenweave or 14 count aida. The count refers to the number of fabric threads per inch (evenweave) or fabric blocks per inch (aida).
You can work your design in a frame or hoop if you wish. If using a wooden hoop remember to bind it first to prevent the oils in the wood from staining your fabric.
The centre of a Heritage Crafts chart is marked by two arrows - one at the side and one at the bottom of the chart. Where these two meet is the centre point.
You can begin to stitch at the centre of the design or you can count out from the centre should you wish to start stitching in another area. Do not use a knot to fasten on.
Work all of the cross stitches first, then add any outlining (detailing) in back stitch or long stitch, following instructions given on the chart.
On evenweave fabric cross stitch is usually worked over two threads, with each full cross covering a nine hole square. On blockweave fabric crosses are worked over one block of threads, with each full cross covering a four hole square.
Where possible work crosses in a line, working all the diagonal stitches in one direction and then coming back along the line adding the top stitches.
 Evenweave |
 Aida |
NB. The top diagonal stitches should all lie the same way.
 Full Cross Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Full Cross Stitch On Evenweave |
 Full Cross Stitch On Aida |
Sometimes a symbol will appear on a line on the chart, not in a square. This is a straddled cross stitch. It is still a whole cross stitch but it is out of alignment with those full stitches surrounding it by half a stitch, or one thread of the fabric.
 Straddled Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Straddled Stitch On Evenweave |
 Straddled Stitch On Aida |
Fractional stitches are used where more detail is required. The fractional stitches used in our cross stitch designs can be vertical, horizontal and diagonal. Remember - each square on the chart represents the space required for one full cross stitch on the fabric. If a symbol takes up only half the square then the stitch it represents will take up half the area of the full cross stitch.
The diagonal half stitches which may be used in Heritage Crafts designs are the same as the three-quarter stitches used by other designers. However, when the chart shows that two diagonal half stitches of different colours are required in the space normally taken by a full stitch, two complete diaginal stitches should be worked. This will give equal prominence to each of the colours. Ensure that the long diagonal parts of each stitch lie side by side.
 Diagonal Half Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Diagonal Half Stitch On Evenweave |
 Diagonal Half Stitch On Aida |
 Two Diagonal Half Stitches Chart Symbol |
 Two Diagonal Half Stitches On Evenweave |
 Two Diagonal Half Stitches On Aida |
 Diagonal Half Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Diagonal Half Stitch On Evenweave |
 Diagonal Half Stitch On Aida |
 Two Diagonal Half Stitches Chart Symbol |
 Two Diagonal Half Stitches On Evenweave |
 Two Diagonal Half Stitches On Aida |
The other two types of fractional stitches which may be used in Heritage Crafts cross stitch designs are horizontal and vertical half stitches. We call them fractional or half stitches but they are, in fact, 'squashed' cross stitches.
Vertical and horizontal half stitches are worked in the same way as full stitches, but use half the space. If two symbols are shown side by side in one square, your work will show two 'squashed' stitches sitting side by side in an area equal to one full cross stitch.
 Vertical Half Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Vertical Half Stitch On Evenweave |
 Vertical Half Stitch On Aida |
 Two Vertical Half Stitches Chart Symbol |
 Two Vertical Half Stitches On Evenweave |
 Two Vertical Half Stitches On Aida |
 Horizontal Half Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Horizontal Half Stitch On Evenweave |
 Horizontal Half Stitch On Aida |
 Two Horizontal Half Stitches Chart Symbol |
 Two Horizontal Half Stitches On Evenweave |
 Two Horizontal Half Stitches On Aida |
Back stitch is shown on the chart by straight lines and is worked as shown below.
 Back Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Back Stitch On Evenweave |
 Back Stitch On Aida |
Long stitches are used when a long unbroken line is required (e.g. for a ship's rigging).They are also used to clearly define window frames, etc. where a strong line is needed to stand out from the background. Where necessary a break in the line, or a circle drawn over the line, will indicate the end of one stitch and the beginning of the next.
 Long Stitch Chart Symbol |
 Long Stitch On Evenweave |
 Long Stitch On Aida |
Check the back of your work for loose ends of thread. Darn in any which are not securely fastened off and trim off any others.
You can wash your work if you wish - in Heritage Crafts kits we use DMC stranded cottons which may be washed in the following way. If you are unsure about the thread you are using, we suggest washing a test piece first. Use hand hot water and a mild powder or liquid (not a detergent). Rinse well in cold water and leave to drip dry or roll in a towel. While still damp iron under a clean tea towel. Finish by ironing the back. Your work of art is now ready to be stretched and framed.
If you have any problems or queries with Heritage Crafts cross stitch kits, or if you run short of thread in one of our kits then please ring 01889 575256 or contact us in another manner.
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