Addicted to Cross Stitch??? Read This...

Here are some thoughts to mull over:
Why do we stitch?
What is the philosophy of stitching?

The answer is very simple. We stitch for the sheer pleasure it brings. It is meant to be fun, relaxing, and satisfying. The bottom line is to enjoy yourself while separating yourself from the problems and routine of daily life. Often it becomes an obsession, but it is a productive one, giving you something beautiful to show and share for the time invested.
Stitchers love to start new projects. As a result many of us have a drawer or cupboard full of what we affectionately call UFO's, unfinished projects. Should we feel guilty about this when we begin something new? NO! Remember, stitching means pleasure. Sometimes after working on a piece for a while we discover that we really don't like it and therefore we don't enjoy stitching it either.
Don't feel guilty about abandoning this piece. Our spare time is too precious. Let's just enjoy it! Like any learned skill, practice makes better. The more you do, the better you get. Some of us strive to stitch flawlessly, but soon come to realize that we may never get to that point. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep trying. Here are some stitching tips from an experienced canvas stitcher who has been stitching for 20 years and is still learning. Jay from Rainbow Gallery (a major thread manufacturing company) offers these suggestions to you. Many will apply to Cross-stitchers as well.

1: Starting and ending threads:
If you are not careful when you start and end your threads they may pop out and be visible on the front of your work. If this were to happen after it was framed, you would not be very happy. To avoid this secure your threads on the back of your canvas with diligence. A waste or away knot is best. Tension is important when beginning and ending your thread. Be careful that you do not end with a tug that distorts the canvas, or too loosely, leaving a floppy thread.

2: Tension:
This is not something you can really learn. Proper tension comes with time and experience. We each develop our own rhythm of stitching, a way of working that is comfortable and produces good results. Stitching that is too tight will pull and distort the canvas and if too loose will show as lumps on the front. Mood can affect our tension. When we are angry, frustrated, or upset we tend to pull harder. If we are feeling carefree our stitches can be loose.

3: Grain or Nap:
Most fibers have a grain or nap. This refers to the direction that the little fuzzies stick out. The best way to determine the direction of the nap is to run the thread through your fingers both ways. If one direction feels smoother, that is the way you want to stitch it through your canvas or fabric. Stitching with the grain means a smoother, less fuzzy, finished product. It also means you should not double wool (or threads) through the needle. With some of the threads used today it may not matter too much about the grain, but with Perle Cotons and fuzzy yarns it does.

4: Furry and fuzzy yarns:
Using these special yarns will give extra dimension and texture to your work, making it so realistic. Here's how to get the most from these threads. To prevent wear and tear on the fibers you should stitch straight up and down. Once the fuzzy area has been stitched you can use a nap brush to fluff up the fibers, which do get caught up within the stitching. After it has been brushed you can also trim it if necessary. Stitch the fiber to be brushed first, brush it and then stitch the surrounding areas. If you try to brush up the yarn beside a stitched area it is almost impossible not to brush those stitches as well. If you have a choice of which stitches to use, choose ones that leave more thread on the front of the canvas as more fur will be seen. Longer stitches are better than Basketweave which pulls too much of the fuzzy to the back, for example.

source: www.cross-stitch.ca