The essentials for the workbox are:

Your cross stitch project.

Embroidery hoop.

Sharp scissors.

It is so simple but you may wish to add a number of other items.

Fabric scissors to cut fabric.

Small pieces of fabric for a quick project.

Bobbins to keep thread tidy remembering to put the number of the thread.

Thread organisers to keep your threads tidy for the project you are stitching.

Accessories such as key rings,fridge magnets always handy for a quick gift.

Spare needles of various sizes are always useful in case you lose them.

A scissor keep will help keep embroidery scissors from disappearing down the side of a cushion.

Counted cross stitch is one of the most versatile hobbies and because of the few essential items it requires can be taken anywhere.

The kits will normally use whole crosses rather than including  fractional stitches which are for the more experienced stitcher.

So many people want to learn cross stitch because they have seen a lovely design buy it and then realise how detailed it is.  The project will be put to one side and never be finished and the person decides that cross stitching is not for them.

Stitching then becomes a chore for various reasons:

So many colour changes.

Concentrating on the chart and stitching at the same time.

The project includes fractional stitches.

It may include french knots.

Large amounts of backstitching.

As with anything new there is always a learning curve to go through.  With cross stitch it is important to see the work grow and complete a project.

The most important point is that it is there to relax and enjoy.

Cut two strands of thread to the size required to go around your finished item.

For a thicker cord use more strands.

Knot at both ends attach one end to a door handle.

Keeping the thread taut twist the end you are holding in one direction until there is a tight twist.

Take the centre of the threads and double the cord back so both knotted ends are touching.

Holding the knotted ends let the cord hang and twist together to form the cord.

Attach the cord all the way around the item.

Knot the two ends together at the base and trim the knots.

The remaining thread can be left as a tassel but that is personal choice.

This method can also be used for attaching scissors rather than using ribbon.

It is another versatile way to add to your stitching with surplus threads.

They are easy to make using leftover threads. All you need is a piece of card,needle and stranded cotton.

Take the card (3 x 3 cm) depending on the size you require for the tassle if you need a larger tassle increase the dimensions.

1 Leave some strands to one side for binding the tassle.

2 Holding the card in one hand and the threads in the other. Wind the thread around the card until you have used it all.

3 Thread the needle with two strands of thread and pass this under the thread on the card. Leave 7cm at each end.

4 Tie the two ends together tightly.

5 Cut the untied end of the thread on the card.

6 Take the remaining thread and approximately 5mm from the knot wind it around the thread and pass through the wound thread to finish it off.

7 Trim the ends of the tassle to neaten them.

8 With the two hanging threads attach the tassle to your chosen item.

The choice of colours is entirely personal but bold ones are best so they stand out in your workbox. Within a few hours you will have an attractive accessory and will never lose your scissors again.

You will need:

14 count aida 3.5″x3.5″ (9×9cm) fabric size add an inch to each side.

Stranded cotton

Needle size 24

Backing Fabric  3.5″x3.5″ (9×9cm)

Sewing cotton and needle

2oz wadding same size as the aida

Ribbon to tone with the front 18in (46cm)

With the right sides facing stitch around the scissor keep and backing fabric.  Leave oneside open.

Turn the right sides out and press.  Place the wadding in the centre and slip stitch the opening.

Place two ends of the ribbon at one corner before closing the seam.

Finally secure the scissors to the ribbon.

If making a keep for a gift adding some piping or cord around the edges makes the item look more attractive.

These are ideal gifts for the avid stitcher.

When cross stitching it is important to choose the appropriate needle for the fabric count you are using.  The needle should slide through the fabric, rather than having to push it through. Using the incorrect needle size can spoil the enjoyment of  stitching a project.  For example using a size 18 needle with 18 count fabric would not only be difficult for the needle to pass through the hole it would also distort your fabric.  The thread for the project would become worn with the friction of passing through the fabric and therefore break.

Needles normally are nickel or gold.  The gold are much better but more expensive.  There are also plastic needles which are designed for children.

Below is a guide to needle sizes and fabric

Needle Size                            Fabric Count

18                                                 6

20                                                 8

22                                                 11

24                                                 14

26                                                 16

28                                                 18

When you use the correct tools for any job it makes the work easier.  Cross stitch is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby when you use the correct sizes.

A gift tag attached to a present just adds that finishing touch to make the gift that little bit more special.

What will you need?

1 A gift tag which could be a purchased one or a piece of card.

2 Completed small motif in cross stitch.

3 Double sided tape for attaching the design to the card.

4 Ribbon to attach the gift tag to the present.

5 Pinking shears these will give a decorative edge to your stitching.

This is just another quick and simple way of using left over threads and fabric in cross stitch.

Materials

1  Completed design not too large.

2 Calendar Block and cover.

3 Hanger to attach to the back, ribbon or gummed hanger

4 Either an aperture card or a pre-cut piece of mount board with an aperture.

First you will need to decide or have an aperture in mind and the size of design you require to fit the aperture.  The design will be pretty small.

To make the calender all that is needed is a pre-cut mount card these can be purchased online with aperture or an aperture card.

Attach the design to the card the same as you would with making a normal greetings card.   Once the design is secure attach the backing paper with glue or double sided tape.  Attach a ribbon or you can purchase  gummed hangers.  Then choose where you would like to position the calendar block and attach.

There you have a calendar which at the end of the year can be framed as a picture or replace the calendar block for the next year.

1 If you use a knot on the reverse make sure to be able to snip it once you have anchored the thread.

2 Loose ends make sure there are no long strands at the back of your work they could show through when complete.

3 Weave any loose ends on the reverse through three or four stitches to anchor the thread.

4If you trail your thread rather than cutting and recommencing stitching only do it for two to three stitches.

5 Avoid trailing thread across the fabric if there are not going to be any stitches as this will be visible from the front.

Just five simple tips to keep your work tidy on the reverse this prevents the project from being uneven when framed or displayed.

Hours spent stitching could be spoiled unnecessarily by being untidy.

Make sure before you start to cross stitch your hands are clean.

This prevents the stitching being stained.

It is possible to gently hand wash the stitching  after completion.

Prevention is better than cure.

Tip 2

It is always best to use an embroidery hoop for cross stitch to keep the fabric taut and it keeps the stitching even.

Tip 3

Wooden embroidery hoops can mark your fabric with oils from the wood.

Bind the hoop with masking tape or some other material to protect your fabric.

It is unlikely the wood stains will be washed out.

Tip 4

When using an embroidery hoop to stitch it is best to use one that covers the stitching area.

This is not always possible when stitching a large design.

Tip 5

If you are working with an embroidery hoop and leaving your stitching for some time, take the hoop off the stitching to prevent marks and flattening any stitches.