Cross-Stitching Tile

This Instuctable will guide users through the intricate work that is required to produce a specified cross-stitching pattern. Most cross-stitching sets do not come with directions; and, a common occurrence is to cross-stitch on non-traditional material— meaning that instructions of any sort are unavailable. Through this set of instructions, a baseline understanding and rudimentary skill set will be established.

Prior to beginning this project, ensure you have these supplies (or feasible replacements) in front of you. The required materials are as follows:

• embroidery hoop (1)
• fabric - minimum dimensions of 5 in x 5 in (1 square)
• sewing needle - size 18 (1)
• 12 inch strands of 3 different colored thread (2 strands per color)

It is important to obtain an adequate understanding of the sections you will be stitching. As previously stated, the colors chosen are completely optional, however you need to label them as coordinating with one of the three sections.

• section 1 - the words
• section 2 - outer rose
• section 3 - inner rose

You first need to set the embroidery hoop and fabric apart from the supplies.

• Open the embroidery hoop by twisting the tightening device leftward (loosening the apparatus). Once appropriately loosened, the enter ring will fall out of the outer ring, as shown above.
• At this point, you will lay the fabric on top of the smaller wooden hoop. Next, place the outer hoop on top of the fabric and fit it snuggly around the smaller hoop. Now, refasten the tightening device in order to hold the fabric in place.

When finished, the fabric should be pulled taught around the embroidery hoop— leaving no slack in the material. This will be crucial later on in the process.

You now need to thread your needle. Choosing your first color (section 1), place one strand of thread through the eye of the needle. Pull the tread through the needle, creating about 3 inches of slack. Tie an overhand knot at the eye of the needle with the excess string.

The order of movements in cross-stitching is crucial to the stitching's integrity.

**the exact starting point does not matter on this design**

To begin, pull the threaded needle through the fabric, going from back the front.

DO NOT PULL THE THREAD ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

With about 4 inches of thread remaining on the back side of the fabric, tie an overhand knot. Then, continue puling the needle away from the fabric until the knot pulls against the fabric.

Now you will pull the needle through the hole diagonal from your current position; this time going from front to back.

To better visualize this: Think of a square with four corners, you will always start in the top left, then you will move to the bottom right (diagonally).

Next, you will pull the needle through the hole to the left of your current position; going from back to front.

To better visualize this: You are moving from your current corner (bottom right) to the bottom left corner (horizontal movement)

To complete this single cross-stitch, you will pull the needle through the hole diagonal from your current position; this time going from front to back.

To better visualize this: You are moving from your current corner (bottom left) to the top right corner (diagonal movement).

You now have one completed cross stitch. This is the pattern you will follow for every stitch made on this project.

Start working on the first section, using that same cross-stitching technique as previously shown.

It will be most logical to stitch from bottom to top. Stitching the "t" in adult first, moving towards the "A" and then stitching "I" working towards the "t" in "Can't".

**however, as with much of cross-stitching, the order does not matter**

Ending a section mirrors the process of beginning a section. You will need to end on a stroke that moves from the front to the back of the fabric. Pull the thread all the way through until it is tightly set. At this point, you will detach the thread from the needle and then tie an overhand knot as close to the fabric as you can get it. A tight and close knot will prevent your stitches from loosening and becoming borderline unraveled.

When starting a new section, you will need to change the thread you are using. To do this, you will simply repeat the steps you have already taken. Rethread the needle with your new color.

Continue working on the piece, section by section, using that same cross-stitching technique as previously shown.

Open the embroidery hoop by twisting the tightening device leftward (loosening the apparatus). Once appropriately loosened, detach the two hoops and release the fabric. Now you will have your completed cross-stitch!

At the conclusion of the instructions, this is what the product is expected to resemble.