C

This refers to the number of holes there are per inch of fabric. It can vary from 6- to 55- count. The higher the number, the smaller your cross stitches will be, so choose a size that you're comfortable with. The most popular size in cross stitch is 14-count aida, and this is usually stitched in two strands. Try comparing this with 16- and 18-count to see which one you like best.

D

 
A special bulb that looks like an ordinary tungsten bulb but is moulded in blue glass which filters out the yellow light, thus giving a more natural light that is easier to stitch by.

E

A general term for fabrics that can be used for cross stitch instead of aida. These are more loosely-woven and less stiff than aida, and come in a high count such as 28- or 32-count. They are stitched over two threads. Linda, jobelan and linen are three popular types of evenweave.

F

This is similar to an embroidery hoop. It can be used either to hold your work while you stitch or as a simple plastic frame because it has a hanging loop at the top. You can buy round, square and oval flexi-hoops.

This is the American term for stranded cotton.

A fine cotton yarn that is used to achieve a subtle effect in cross stitch, typically when stitching delicate designs of flowers. It cannot be divided into strands.

A modified form of cross stitch used by designers to create more natural-looking shapes and outlines on a chart. Look out for half, three-quarter and quarter stitches. Half cross stitches are usually given a separate symbol in the key; three-quarter and quarter stitches are shown by a tiny version of the cross stitch symbol in the corner of a square

A knot used in cross stitch to add detail to designs. They are particularly useful for such things as eyes, noses, punctuation and for adding detail to flowers.

G

If you wish to design you own pictures then graph paper is essential. You can buy ordinary graph paper from stationers or special cross stitching graph paper which comes in various counts such as 14- and 18-count.

J

Jobelan is an evenweave fabric made from 51% cotton and 49% modal. It has very regularly spaced holes that are easy to see, making it ideal for a first project on evenweave. It drapes well and can be used for table linen as well as samplers and pictures. There are 53 shades to choose from in 28-count jobelan.

K

Knots can cause problems when you are stitching, suddenly appearing in your thread. In fact, they are not actually proper knots but just very tightly twisted thread. If one appears, take your needle and insert it into one of the loops of the knot and pull gently. You should find that this releases the 'knot' and you can carry on stitching.

L

Linda is a 100% cotton evenweave fabric made by Zweigart for DMC that is available in 6 shades in a 27-count. It is an ideal fabric to choose for a first project on evenweave.

Linen is an ideal fabric for creating an authentic-looking sampler or an heirloom piece you hope will last for years. It is an evenweave fabric that is woven from fibres found in the stem of the flax plant. The threads alternate between thick and thin throughout the weave. The thick part is known as the slub and gives the fabric a wonderful texture that sets off a cross stitch design really well.

Try this method of starting off when stitching with an even number of strands. Fold the cotton in half to thread your needle, then bring the thread up through the fabric to start. Take the needle down again and push it through the loop. Pull it taut and it will be secured.

M

This thread can be used to great effect alongside stranded cotton to highlight parts of a design. It is available in typical metallic colours - for example, gold, silver, or bronze - and is available as a stranded skein or on a reel.

This is the best material to use when stretching your stitching ready to put in a frame. It consists of a strong card and is best used with the white side facing up. Ask your framer for acid-free mount board to protect your stitching from becoming stained over time.

N

Needles are essential for cross stitching. It is a good idea to have a selection of tapestry needles in different sizes in your workbox for the different sizes of fabric you use. Other useful needles include a crewel needle for working with waste canvas, and beading needles, which are much finer for adding beads to your designs.

O

These are specialist threads where a pre-dyed single colour thread is taken and 'overdyed' with other colours with stunning results.

P

Perforated paper is a thin card that is punched with a grid of holes. It is available in a 14-count and can be stitched just like aida. It is ideal for Victorian-style cards, tree decorations and children's mobiles. Use three strands for the best coverage and handle it gently because it can tear.

S

When stitching a design on an evenweave fabric, such as 28-count jobelan, work each cross stitch over two threads of the fabric. This means you should count across and up two holes instead of only one to make each half of the stitch. This will make your design come out the same size as it would on 14-count aida. Try counting 'one, two' each time you make a stitch until you get the hang of it.

This is the most popular thread used for cross stitch and is sold as a skein. The thread is made up of six divisible strands. Pull out one, two or more strands to stitch a design, as directed in the key.

T

This is the best needle to use for stitching a design on aida or evenweave. It has a blunt end that will pass smoothly through the holes of the fabric without damaging it.

Tweeding is a technique where two or more colours of thread are used in the needle at the same time to give a subtle blending of the colours.

U

Unbleached threads are available for stitchers wishing to experiment at dying their own threads

V

On a skein of variegated thread the colour continually changes from light to dark and back to light again along the length of the thread. A subtle and interesting effect can be created by using this thread to work a block of cross stitches.

W

This is a spongy material that is used to stuff such items as a pin cushion or is put behind a design to make it stand out well in a card or frame. It is available in several weights and is also known as batting.

Use waste canvas when you want to stitch a design on a non-stitching fabric, such as a tee-shirt or a hat. Tack the waste canvas over the area to be stitched, and stitch through the waste canvas holes onto the fabric beneath. Then pull out the waste canvas threads to reveal the design beneath.

A method of starting your stitching when there is no where else to anchor your thread. Tie a small knot in the end of your thread and take the needle down through the fabric, slightly away from where you are going to start stitching. Now bring the needle up at the position on the fabric where you wish the first stitch to be and stitch as normal. The thread at the back of the work will be secured as you work your design and you will then be able to cut off the waste knot.

Y

Cross stitch can be worked in yarn on a larger count fabric such as 6-count Binca. Any type of wool is ideal for introducing children to cross stitch, as the yarn is non divisible and can be threaded straight onto a needle.

Z

Zweigart is a well known manufacturer of stitching fabric. There are a fantastic range of colours, fabrics and count.