Jermys- cross-stitch patterns

[Bernadine]

@jermys  I'm thinking of taking up cross stitching.  Where do you find your awesome patterns?  And how easy is it to do?

[janiejones]

start here
www.subversivecrossstitch.com/‎

[Bernadine]

Awesome, thanks. Where's the best place to buy supplies?

[janiejones]

Anywhere- Michael's, dollar stores, craft stores. It's very low-tech. Get a hoop, some aida cloth (the grid fabric), a few needles and embroidery floss.
You can download and print PDF patterns from subversive (the sugar tits one I used to have in my sig was a freebie on her blog years ago, I can probably find it for you). There are pattern generators you can upload to, and when you get the hang of it you can draw your own on graph paper.

It's fun.

Tips for framing- press your piece and mount them on a padded surface, or use twin mount (like a giant piece of double sided tape) to hold it taught.

Always stitch in one direction then the other.
Dont tie knots in your floss.

[janiejones]

Also, etsy has tons of fun patterns. I DL'd the thrift store song one and haven't even begun to think about doing it, but I will someday!

[aprilsails]

The subversive cross stitch patterns are a great place to start as they are fairly quick and simple.

As far as collecting supplies, I would suggest you go to Michaels or a local crafts store. For your first project I would suggest 14 count Aida cloth as it is easier to see the holes than linen. They will also have all of the embroidery floss for you to use.

I do a lot of patterns from this online company (pdf patterns). They are not subversive, but moreso super cute.
Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery

[panicked]

Warning- It will take you longer than you ever think it could. I have done quite a few big ones (11x13+) and they take months!

[Jermys]

I find a lot of ideas on Pinterest and then create my own pattern, but definitely Etsy for awesome patterns and Michaels or Amazon for supplies. I like DMC floss and Aida cloth, and I agree with whomever said to start with a kit. All of the supplies are provided, the cloth is the right size, etc. And you'll know if you like it before you buy a shitton of supplies.

[laceylaplante]

Dec 18, 2013 9:35:24 GMT -5 panicked said:

Warning- It will take you longer than you ever think it could. I have done quite a few big ones (11x13+) and they take months!

This is very true. My grandmother does a huge, beautiful cross-stitch quilt whenever a there is a new baby. She starts it as soon as she finds out to have it done for the shower. They are beautiful, and well worth all the effort.

[Deleted]

Joann's Fabrics have some great cross stitching supplies, and they give great coupons.