Hey everyone! Hope you are all staying safe in these difficult times. I’ve been busy working on several projects – well, actually, I’m tackling a whole bunch of projects which I started a while back and never completed. Today, I will feature a cross-stitch sampler , which I started last year (and this isn’t the oldest incomplete project I have!!).

Historically, samplers were created by young girls learning how to stitch and years later one could look back and see the advancement in skill. I’ve seen quite a few antique ones available for sale, and not only are they very beautiful, but can be quite valuable. They are wonderful pieces to decorate any room in your home – and hey – why not make one and hand it down as an heirloom?!

If you have not done cross-stitch, I think the easiest way to prepare is to buy a counted cross-stitch kit. This normally includes everything you need – the aida cloth (this is an even weave cotton fabric and usually quite stiff) , thread, needle and of course the pattern. Some people also like to use a embroidery ring / hoop – this keeps the fabric taut. I don’t use a hoop, as I think the stiffness of the fabric allows for neat work, but some people say that their work is neater when using it – so I suggest you try both and see what works for you.

The below sampler is from a part-work collection called “The Art of Cross-stitch” – which also covers embroidery and it includes tips, numerous patterns and project ideas.  I think, the biggest revelation to me (and I really don’t know why I never thought of this myself before), is that you can create a really clean definition of objects and make them pop in your work by outlining the object with backstitch using a single strand! So simple, right?

Anyway, I hope you find this simple tip useful and I would love to hear from you and see your projects!  P.S. once my sampler is ready, I will wash and iron it and then share a photo of the end result 🙂

On that note, I wish you happy crafting!