This month on my podcast Stitch Talk I am talking all about travelling with Cross Stitch! Check out the episode here and below are a summary of my top tips for stress free holiday stitching!

Choose an Inspiring Project 

A holiday is a perfect time to treat yourself to a project you have been longing to do. Or why not stitch up a scene from your travels, an inspiring quote or a scene from the natural environment you are visiting. Try beach scenes or mountain views, the possibilities are endless! Whatever you stitch, why not try to find something that capture the mood of your trip so that you finished piece can really remind you of the holiday feeling when you are back home.

My Greek Island Hoop Design is a real mood booster of a pattern that always reminds me of my travels to beautiful Greece

Pick Projects that Travel Well

• When I am travelling I like to take  small projects that I can most likely complete during my trip. Why not take along some freebies from cross stitch magazine for a quick all in one project? 
• Cross Stitch Kits are an obvious option for taking away on your travels and there are so many lovely options available like these beachy scenes from Love Crafts.
• You can also make your own kit before you go, using up your own threads and fabric and buying your pattern as a pdf. This option is usually my preference so that I can make the most of what I already have.
• Fewer colours in the project you choose might makes life easier while travelling rather than juggling many different shades!

 
Project Packing

• Prepare everything before you set off on your trip. Cut your fabric and make sure you have all of the threads for your project plus scissors (or an alternative as mentioned below) and several needles (in case you lose one!)
• Check, check and double check that you have everything you need, There is nothing worse than being away and wanting to stitch and realizing that you have forgotten something!
• Take a ripping tool with you for any mistakes
• As an alternative to taking Scissors with you (if you are travelling by plane) precut your threads, use nail clippers or try mini scissors.
• Put everything in a zip lock bag to keep it clean and dry (in case of shampoo explosions) You could then bag it all in a cute project bag!

Finding Time/Keeping it Light
And finally, make sure that you enjoy your stitching time while you are on holiday. Holidays can be the perfect time to stitch, or not! See how you feel about it when you get there. Don’t heap the pressure on If you don’t finish you can always get to it at home which is a lovely way to keep that holiday feeling going!

What are your top tips for travelling with stitching? I'd love to hear them

P.S Some links in the post are affiliate links which helps to support the podcast when you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for using our links!

It's so handy to be able to make your own aperture cards for showing off your cross stitch designs and sending them to family and friends. By making your own you can create any colour card you want, that best shows off your finished pieces, and you can also make it any size you want allowing you to make any small cross stitch piece into a card.

Here's a step by step guide to making your own aperture cards!

What you will need:

• Coloured Card of your choice
• An existing aperture card or use my download my free A6 card template below. Alternatively you can measure out your card yourself.
• Paper Scissors
• Fabric Scissors
• Double Sided Tape
• Ruler
• Pencil 
• Craft Knife and cutting board (I use the back of an old placemat!)
• Fabric Pen 

Step 1

Trace the outline of the card, including the aperture, onto your piece of card including the extra piece that will go inside the card to back your cross stitch.

 Step 2

Cut out the card, but not the aperture

Step 3

Use a craft knife and a ruler to cut out the aperture. Make sure you do use a ruler for this bit as freehand edges often leads to wobbly edges! 

​My template has curved edges, cut these freehand after you have cut the straight edges with the ruler. 

Step 4

Centre the cross stitch design inside the aperture. Use the edges of the card to mark the fabric so that you know where to cut. I use a water soluble fabric pen for this but you can use a pencil as you won't see these edges once they are inside the card.
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Step 5 

Cut out your design one square smaller than your line using fabric scissors. 

Step 6

Stick double sided tape around the edges of the aperture on the inside of the card.

Step 6

Remove the backing from the tape and then carefully place your cross stitch piece centrally in the frame. This should be straight forwards as you have carefully measured and cut your piece already.

Step 7

Stick double side tape on the corners of your backing piece. Stick this over the back of your cross stitch for a neat finish inside.

Step 8

Marvel at your beautiful aperture card! If you make your cards a standard size (A6 for example) then you can use a pack of standard envelopes. Or why not make your own?

Enjoy!

P.S If you love this card and would like more designs to fit into the template below then the designs are available here.

P.P.S I've linked up some supplies in the post as a Love Crafts Affiliate. When you purchase through these links I get a small commission at now extra cost to you. Thanks so much for shopping with my links!

P.P.P.S Get you free aperture card template (plus all my other free downloads) to your inbox by adding your email below!

Thinking about trying Cross Stitch but not sure where to start? Cross Stitch is such a fun and easy hobby and it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.

It is, however, much easier shown in video than explained in words! This free video tutorial covers:

• How to prepare your needle and thread
• Where to start stitching
• How to make your first stitch (and how to carry on stitching!)
• How to read the pattern and move around the design
• How to display your design in a hoop and finish it off

This video will give you all the basics to get started with cross stitching and you can also download the pattern and kit list required to make this design below.

P.S If you need some help on the kit you need for cross stitchthen check out my post on the essentials you need to get stitching.

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Get the Scandi bird hoop design plus kit list direct to your inbox by signing up here:

Happy Stitching!

Cross Stitch is such an easy and versatile hobby that really doesn’t require much in the way of supplies – though of course when you get into it you might ending up growing quite a collection of fabric and threads, but then that’s all part of the fun!

Here is a run down of what you need to get started:

Threads
Cross Stitch uses embroidery threads, also called stranded cotton, which come in what is called skeins. Major brands include DMC and Anchor.I use DMC threads that you can shop here.

Each colour has a different number which the pattern designer will quote so that you can order the right colour thread. You can, of course, change up patterns to use colours you already have or just prefer.

Fabric
The best cross stitch fabric for beginners is called Aida and comes in lots of lovely colours and patterns like this selection. It has regular holes across the fabric which make it easy to form those little x’s. You’ll be best starting with a 14 count fabric in a light colour like white or beige (it is a little trickier to stitch on dark fabrics)

Embroidery Hoop
Embroidery hoops come in all shapes and sizes and you can even frame your work in them. In Cross Stitch embroidery hoops are used to hold your fabric taut, making it easier to stitch. They aren’t essential though and you can stitch without them.

When you find a new pattern they may suggest the size of embroidery hoop to get so that the design will fit within it at the end (if you want to frame it in the hoop). If you are looking for a small, manageable hoop to hold and stitch with thena six inch hoop is a good option.

Embroidery Scissors
You will also need a sharp pair of scissors. Embroidery scissors are small and have a sharp point making it easy to snip little threads.

Cross Stitch Needle
Simply search for ‘cross stitch needles’ online or go for size24 or 26 needles.

A Pattern
This is the really fun part, choosing your pattern! Your pattern will have the image on a grid (like graph paper) and a key which tells you what colour thread to stitch each cross.

​You can buy patterns online which come as PDF downloads straight to your inbox on sites like Etsy. I have a range of simple beginner friendly patterns in my shop. I have also included a free download below of some tropical mini motifs so that you can practice your stitching!

Or Try a Kit….
You can also purchase complete kits for cross stitch which come with everything you need to get started. In the long run these end up more expensive but can be a good option when you are just starting out. Here are some lovely options available on Love Crafts.

If you would like some help learning the basics of stitching then do check out my free mini course that comes with a free Scandi Bird hoop design.
 
Happy Stitching!

​Get the free mini motifs to your inbox by entering your details below.

Please Note - This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase via these links we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for using our links!

This month on the podcast we have been talking all about what to do with your cross stitch supplies. Of course stitching and collecting supplies are two separate and equally valid hobbies but it can leave us in a bit of a conundrum as to what to do with all our beautiful sewing supplies as our collection blossoms!

Here are some of my tips, linked up to where you can get hold of them. Stitch Talk is an affiliate partner of Love Crafts so we receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you purchase via our link which helps us to keep the podcast going so thanks so much for shopping via our links!

General Storage

• Why not try upcycling a a cabinet or old bedside table for all your stitching supplies? Here's my vintage glass cabinet that I trekked through wind and rain to purchase for my sewing supplies! I transformed this beauty using Chalk Paint. This one is Annie Sloan in Provence finished off with Annie Sloan Wax.

• I also find little trolleys super helpful. Here's my one from Hobbycraft
• Think about where you stitch and so where you need to build in some storage. There is nothing worse than having ten minutes to stitch and having to spend that time digging things out of a cupboard! For this reason I have a space for storage both upstairs and downstairs near the sofa.

Fabric and Patterns

• Magazine style storage works really well for me for my patterns and fabric. Again, try upcycling an old magazine rack of go for a simple magazine storage file, perhaps something like this.
• I always keep my fabric in plastic or organza bags (which come free with my Love Crafts Thread orders) to protect it from dust and grime.
• Patterns can be easily kept in magazine files or in plastic wallets, perhaps sorted by season or theme. 

Thread Storage

• I swear by Bobbin boxes for keeping my threads in order and I use paper bobbins so that I can write the numbers on myself. Here's a selection of bobbin boxes that I use on Love Crafts.
• I also swear by having a well stocked sewing box. I'm in love with this Bee design on Love Crafts. Might be time for an upgrade!

Whole Project Storage

• If you have more than one project on the go (ahem, who doesn't?!!) then project bags are a great way to keep everything that you need in one place thereby increasing the odds of you actually picking it up and working on it! 
• Try Jem's Stitchery (using discount code MSC Podcast for 5% off) for a range of vinyl project bags that keep everything in one place and your supplies nice and clean.
• Plastic wallets are also a great option and can be easily stored.
• I also make use of those free Love Crafts Organza bags that come with thread orders for this!

Do check out the episode for more tips and let me know your storage solutions in the comments below or over on Instagram!

​Fancy making one of your cross stitch projects into a wall hanging? I made this cross stitch wall hanging with only items I already had at home. No need to order any new or hard to sources kit!

So here’s how to do it:
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1. Cut your cross stitch design down to size. Start of by measuring around the edge of you pattern to the size that you want your finished wall hanging to be. Add 1 cm to this as a seam allowance.

2. Use your cross stitch design as a guide to cut one piece of wadding (not essential but nice if you have it) or felt and a piece of fabric down to the same size.
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3. Cut 1cm from around the edge of your wadding/felt piece.

4. Lay the cross stitch design and fabric right sides together. Insert the string/ribbon for your hanging in between the two pieces facing downwards (see image below)
5. Stitch around the two layers of fabric on three sides of your piece, leaving the bottom edge of the hanging open and unstitched. Use a 1cm seam allowance for this.​6. Trim across the corners where you have stitched and then turn the pattern and fabric right side out. Give it a good press.

7. Insert the wadding/felt inside the wall hanging.

8. Cut a piece of stiff cardboard (I used an packaging box) to the length of your hanging minus 2cm. Insert this into the very top of your hanging. This will keep the top edge stiff so that it hangs straight.

​9. Fold the bottom edges under by 1cm and pin.

10. Stitch around the whole of the hanging using a 5mm seam allowance. Try not the catch the cardboard with your needle, it really won’t like that!
11. Give it a final press and voila! You have yourself a brand new cross stitch wall hanging!

If you are anything like me, as your love of cross stitch grows so will your pile of finished pieces! Very quickly you can run out of wall space and wonder what to do with all these beautiful things you are creating. To give you a helping us hand I have pulled together this list of ‘Cross Stitch Items to Make’.

If you are part of my Design Your Own Cross Stitch Pattern course then you might also think about designing specifically for the design to be made into an object. I don’t see that many of these kinds of patterns around so it could also be a unique way of setting a new cross stitch business apart.

Cross Stitch Items also make fantastic gifts so if you are being very diligent and thinking about your Christmas gifting then some of these ideas may be a great place to start.

Do check out my Pinterest board on Cross Stitch Items as I have pinned some tutorials there for how to make some of these items. I’ll keep updating that as I come across new ones.

• Cushion
• Lampshades
• Baby Gro (using wate soluble canvas)
• Phone Case - Plastic (You can buy plastic stitchable phone cases)
• Phone Case – Cloth
• Bunting
• Gift Tags
• Cards
• Christmas Decorations
• Napkins
• Jute Bags (you can stitch directly onto the fabric of a Jute bag because it has a grid design)
• Pin Cushion
• Make Up Bag
• Clutch Bag
• Panel on a Tote Bag
• Knitting needle case
• Purse
• Pencil Case
• Glasses Case
• Mini Motifs as Badges for Bags/Jackets
• Lavender Hearts
• Notebook Cover
• Placemat
• Tea Pouch
• Needle Case
• Pot Holders
• Project bag
• Seat Cover
• Patches on a Patchwork Blanket
• Hanging Sign
• Storage Basket
• Bookmark
• Curtain Panel
• Christmas Stocking/Sack
• T shirt (using soluble canvas)
• Duvet cover panel

Enjoy! And do share you makes by tagging me over on Instagram!

I had in my mind that I wasn’t going to write another blog post for a couple of weeks but after writing my post on Tuesday about tips for sketching and receiving the responses that I have I just had to get these thoughts out and share them with you all.

Because one of the main responses I have had to my last post is a resounding ‘yes’. Yes to feeling fearful about creating original sketches. Yes to being afraid to get those patterns of our imagination out there. Yes to the fear of not being good enough and so not creating anything to begin with. For every person that has contacted me to tell me about the designs that have just never come to be because of this fear I have felt the frustration grow inside of me as I have heard about each uncreated dream.
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For every person I have spoken too I have urged them to squelch those fears in whatever way they can because the world needs our creativity. The stitching community really does want those beautiful designs. Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and thought ‘ugh, no! Not another lovely cross stitch pattern, who needs one of those?!’ No! Of course not! Because every design that every designer bravely puts out into the world brings us such joy. We just want more of it. And if you have designs inside of you then you are part of that. We need your creativity. We need your imagination. We really, really want to see it.

After all, only you can create what you have inside your mind. That is your idea, that has been given to you and no one else has it. If you don’t create it, it will never exist. It is as simple as that. So, lovely friends and stitchers, please put pencil to paper, please create whatever it is you have within you to create.
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Of course there is my pattern design course, and that is where all this thinking came from, but it doesn’t have to be that. Whatever you want to create and whatever means you have to do it, just get it out there. We’ve had a really rough ride of it the last few months and the world needs more beauty, more creativity and more joy so please bring it if you have it within you. We can’t wait to see it.

I find that one of the biggest hurdles that people face when approaching my cross stitch pattern design course is the fear of drawing. I often wonder  where this fear comes from, someone looming over our shoulder and judging our efforts when we were at school perhaps? Or just the feeling that in some fundamental way we aren’t artistic or good enough to create the things we have in our imaginations?

The belief that we cannot draw can make picking up that pencil and paper feel like a overwhelming task and so can block all of that creativity that is waiting there to flow. For me, drawing is a bit like singing. A singing teacher once told me that there are very few people who truly cannot sing in tune but there are many, many people who believe they can’t and so struggle to even open their mouth and try.

Drawing, like singing, is a skill that takes practice and you really can do it! The ideas of our imaginations are ours and ours alone, only we can create them so don’t let that critical voice in your mind stop you from setting those ideas free.

So here are my top tips for improving your drawing skills and bringing those patterns of your imagination to life!

1. Grab a Sketchbook – I talk about this in the Sketching Lesson of my pattern design course because I think it is the first and most important step for any budding designer! Find a sketchbook you love, with quality pages, and a set of beautiful pencils. Perhaps pick up two sketchbooks, one for home and a smaller one to carry around with you. Capture those things that you see in passing - the river boats on the canal or the dog lolling around on the grass in the park. Make collecting images into a habit and a joy.
2. Stop Worrying and be Playful– One of the biggest hurdles to improving your drawing is quieting that inner critic inside your mind long enough to simply have a go. It is only by drawing that we will improve in our drawing. Release yourself from the need for this image to be perfect. Think about how a child approaches their drawing, it is all for fun! Try and take on this attitude too and try to enjoy drawing without putting too much pressure on yourself.
3. Sketch Often - My next tip is to simply put pencil to paper as often as you can! Even if it is just a two minute sketch, every time you have a go your drawing abilities will improve.
4. Start Simple  - Can you find five objects in your house that are simple shapes and line them up somewhere you will see them often? You could choose an apple, a toy, a mug, a lamp – the possibilities are endless. Have a go this week at sketching these simple shapes. This will both improve your technique and build your confidence. It’s also worth remembering that simple designs often work really well for cross stitch. Have a look at some of your favourite patterns, they are often made up of simple shapes and images.
5. Draw from Objects and Images – if you are trying to create a particular image then do yourself a big favour and work from an image or object. It is very hard to draw from memory and I certainly never really do it unless it is a very simple object. Again, start simple and work up to more complicated images. Why not try a simple landscape? Can you break the image down into the shapes it contains?  
6. Make a plan – Can you commit ten minutes a day to improving your drawing? Making a plan for how you want to move forward can really help and can keep you on the path of practice which really will see you creating those patterns of your dreams in no time!

Good luck and get sketching!

Down time is something that we all need and we, as stitchers have a head start on this. We know how important it is to make time for things that matter to us. We know how enjoyable the rhythmic motion of thread through fabric feels. We know the joy of creating something beautiful and we make time for all of this. Stitching is, I believe, naturally relaxing but how can we maximize on its benefits to calm our minds? How can we make the most of our stitching time and really leave it feeling revived and more energized than before?

Here’s a few tips from Mindful Stitching HQ, where relaxing stitching is always the order of the day!

Great surroundings

This week we enjoyed some rare sunshine in the UK and it was warm enough to sit out in the evening and enjoy some stitching. Stitching in nature gives double benefits I believe. The stitching relaxes you but so do the sounds of nature around you. Can you escape off for n hour or two a stitch somewhere extra beautiful? Or can you make the view from your favourite stitching place and inspirational one? Where I stitch I surround myself with projects I have completed. I find it inspiring and joy making. Where I stitch truly transforms my experience.

The Perfect Drink

Whether it is a special tea, your favourite flavoured coffee or perhaps even a chilled glass of wine, there is something so special about sitting down with something delicious to accompany your stitching. While you are savouring that drink you will also wind down and savour your stitching time.

A Relaxing Pattern

Some patterns lend themselves to truly relaxing and mindful stitching more than others. Sometimes it is great to take on a challenge but other times you might simply want to sink into your stitching, to enjoy the rhythm of it and the feel of the needle in your hand. If this is your goal then you might consider patterns that focus on a few key colours and shapes. Perhaps even go for a scene that makes you feel serene and relaxed. That is what we aim to do with all our patterns at the Mindful Stitching Company. We focus on blocks of beautiful colour in our patterns and designs that evoke peaceful and happy times to bring you that sense of calm you are looking for in your stitching.

Slow Right Down

​Sometimes we are all chasing that elusive finish. When I’m feeling this way I can suddenly find that my shoulders are all tense and I’m hunched up in my chair. I’m not relaxing at all! I leave those sessions feeling more anxious than I began, the opposite of the goal of my stitching time. Instead I try to remind myself to breath deep, stitch slow and enjoy the process.
 
Follow these tips and you’ll be blissfully stitching in no time and that, after all, is what we are all seeking and what you very much deserve.