Charity Cross-Stitchers Central

Hints & Tips

Have a tip to share with your fellow charity cross-stitchers? Please e-mail me!

Smaller patterns: Yes you can!
Have a smaller pattern that you would love to stitch for a larger-sized charity project (eg. 12x12 inch quilt squares)? How about stitching a border around it to make the pattern bigger? Even a single line of cross-stitches can be quite effective. I like using variegated threads to make the borders more interesting!

Cross-Stitched Quilt Squares: Making your stitching last!
When finishing off your floss, run it under 4 vertical stitches on the back of your work then run it back under the first 3 stitches the other way. This will 'lock in' your floss and help avoid your stitching coming undone during the washing that the quilt will require from time to time.
(Marianne, Western Australia)

Stitching for Kids: Backstitch
When doing backstitch, keep the front of your stitches no more than 2 stitches long, ie. no long-stitch. If your backstitches are too long (3 stitches and more), the child might get their little fingers caught in them.
(Marianne, Western Australia)