READING A CHARTED DESIGN To read a charted design. determine the center of your chart by locating the arrows. Count from the center up to the top row of the design. Then count to the left or the right to the first symbol and start there. Each square on the chart equals one stitch on the fabric. The symbols within the squares are coded on the color key for a [loss color. Usually. each symbol represent a different color. It is easier to work all of one color within an area at one time. MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CROSS STITCH FABRIC: Determine the piece size of the fabric needed by dividing the stitch count by the count of the fabric per inch. Some of the most popular counts of fabric are 6. 11. 14 and 18 threads per inch and hard anger (22 threads per inch). Most of the linens are stitched (over two threads of the fabric. Once you’ve determined the size of the design add at least 6″ to the design area. This win give you approximately a 3″ border all the way around the design. leaving room for framing or mounting. If you are planning special framing or mounting (oval or round for instance) you may need to leave even more border. NEEDLE: A tapestry needle is the needle of choice to use for counted cross stitch, as it has a blunt end and will not split the thread of the fabric. A size 24, 25 or 26 tapestry needle will suffice for most designs. If the design that you are stitching has a number of l/4 or 3/4 stitches. a candle wicking needle (which has a sharp point) may be helpful as this will allow you to split the threads more easily. FLOSS: A fine quality six strand 100% cotton floss is most often used for counted cross stitch. The number of strands used depends upon the count of the fabric. Generally, use 6 strand-; for 6 count fabric; use 3 or 4 strands for II count: use 3 strands for 14 count; use 1 or 2 strands for 18 count and use I strand for 22 count. Backstitching uses 1/2 the number of cross stitch strands: 6ct.l3. Ilct./2. I4ct./1,18 & 22ct/1 OThEER ITEMS YOU WILL FIND USEFUL: A hoop or frame. scissors (small. sharp embroidery scissors). water erasable pen. line minder and a good light source. PREPARE MATERIAL: To prepare the material for stitching. machine stitch or whip stitch by hand around edges of fabric with sewing thread to prevent raveling. Do not use tape unless you allow enough fabric 10 cut off the tape when you are finished. Pulling it off may pull a thread of the fabric out all the way across the design. LOCATING CENTER OF FABRIC: Measure. or fold the fabric in half two times. Length wise and crosswise. Add at least a 4-6″ border for finishing. Mark your center by creasing the folds, or by basting a temporary guide line of thread. or with a water erasable marker. STITCHING THE DESIGN Place the fabric in the hoop or on a scroll frame. Carefully tighten the fabric and then tighten the screw of the hoop. To begin. thread needle (do not knot thread). Leave a short tail hanging on the back of the fabric. and work your first few stitches over this tail. to secure it. Use a two step method to cross stitch. Come up at point A, down at point B. This is considered a half cross stitch. Next. come back up at C and down at D. Continue across the row to the end. When you reach the end of the row. tum and come back. crossing the first stitches as you go. draft-horse-pdf-document Click the link above to view full Pattern with Adobe Reader download Adobe Reader here