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Making a functional object out of a cross stitch project isn’t hard, you just need to know some simple finishing techniques. It always surprises me when I see cross stitch or embroidery patterns that don’t include finishing instructions (particularly when … Read More

Fractional stitches are something that can be quite intimidating if you’ve never done them before, but they don’t have to be. Fractional stitches (quarter, half, and three-quarter stitches) are used to create more detail in a specific area of a … Read More

Learning how to cross stitch linen or evenweave doesn’t need to be intimidating, and this tutorial will teach you how to start your threads with a pin stitch that’s perfect for linen. Recently I started learning how to cross stitch … Read More

Metallic thread can really add a lot of pizzazz and sparkle to a project (and if you’re a magpie like me you love anything sparkly and blingy). The pattern I’m working on in the video below is the first time … Read More

Framing a cross stitch project can seem daunting, but in this post I’ll be showing you how you can save yourself money and time by learning to stretch and frame cross stitch projects yourself. In the past few days, I … Read More

Want to learn to cross stitch like a pro? Have a look at this list and see if you know all these cross stitch tips and tricks that experienced stitchers live by! You’ll not only end up with a nicer finished … Read More

Why do cross stitch pattern design?   It can be daunting to try and design a cross stitch pattern for the first time, especially if you’ve seen how complicated some patterns are. A cross stitch pattern chart is usually made … Read More

What’s a Kokeshi Doll?   A kokeshi doll is a lovely traditional Japanese doll, and originally they were made of wood. They’re so simple but so pretty, and for some reason I’ve been really fascinated by them recently. I used … Read More

“Manbroiderers”, or men who stitch, are thankfully becoming much more common and are coming out of the woodwork. One thing I’ve been noticing recently is the number of men who are watching my YouTube cross stitch tutorials and subscribing to … Read More

  This video tutorial will explain how to do a double running stitch. This stitch is quite handy to know! One is that it is used quite often in blackwork. As I’ve discussed in a few previous posts, I’ve taken … Read More

  In this video, I demonstrate how to do backstitch, which is such a handy stitch to know. This stitch is pretty common in many cross stitch patterns and can be used in many ways and different types of embroidery. … Read More

As a follow up to my last video about bobbin winding, this video goes through a few tips that might make starting a new stitching project easier. Of course this information is more geared towards those who are beginner stitchers, … Read More

  One thing I have noticed recently in some of the Facebook cross stitch groups that I belong to is that there are many different ways to organize your embroidery floss. Many people struggle with this, particularly if you’re doing … Read More

  Recently, I was doing some designing of sample cross stitch patterns and I was trying to figure out how exact my DMC color chart for floss compared to the colors I was seeing on my computer screen. In case … Read More

I love it when my readers and viewers write to me and ask me questions. Maybe there’s something that they needed a little extra explanation on, or they’ve come across a situation that I didn’t address in a video. In … Read More