Although most cross stitchers use Aida and linen fabrics for their cross stitching, others have discovered you don’t have to limit your stitching
backgrounds to the traditional cross stitch fabrics sold in craft stores. Any material that forms a regular grid can be used for cross-stitching.
*Crocheting—
*single crochet—-The simple single crochet stitch forms an even-weave pattern, suitable for stitching. Simply crochet a sizeable piece in the single crochet stitch, large enough for your pattern. It’s stitched just as it’s done on regular Aida fabric as you’re stitching within a square, using the holes at a square’s corners to make your “x”.
*Tunisian crochet—Also known as the afghan stitch, Tunisian crochet makes an excellent background for stitching. With a little practice you easily learn to do the afghan stitch from studying such website such as….. http://www.heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/tunisian.html
Or, if you need hands-on help, sign up for a crochet class at your local craft store. In fact the afghan stitch is my all-time favorite crochet stitch. First, I crochet, using the afthan stitch, until I have a piece large enough to stitch my design. (I usually use light-colored yarn to be used as a background.) Then, I cross stitch my pattern on top of the surface. I once crocheted (in egg-shell white yarn) a piece that was the size of a child’s blanket. About four years ago, I stitched a Winnie the Pooh cross stitch design on top of a Tunisian crocheted piece ( to be used as a blanket for my first grandchild.) I used yarn for my cross stitching, but you can also use cotton embroidery floss. Just make sure to use all six strands. Even then, it doesn’t completely cover the squares, so it’s best to use yarn if you want complete coverage.
*Knitting-
Stockinette stitch—Knit in a plain stockinette (also known as stocking) stitch for a cross stitch ground. Keep in mind that the stitches are not perfect squares, but are a bit wider than they are long, somewhat distorting the crosses. To obtain a more precise look, chart your design on a grid of rectangles (rather than squares) to match your knitting. If you have cross stitch computer software, such as Pattern Maker, you can easily convert the squares into rectangles. To form crosses on your stockinette knitting bring your needle up and down through the middles of your knitted stitches.
*Wire mesh—Wire mesh also forms a square grid suitable for cross-stitching. Just be sure to cover the edges of the wire with masking tape before stitching to protect not only your fabric but yourself. You also need to plan your stitching so you won’t carry threads across the backside of bare mesh. Stitching on wire is rare, but still makes for an unusual cross stitch design.
*Grid patterned fabric—-Any grid patterned fabric, such as gingham, can serve as a background for cross stitching your design. Because gingham is a lightweight fabric you need to back it with a stabilizer and be sure to stitch in a taunt hoop or frame. Stitching on gingham would be a good idea for decorating an apron or a child’s garment. Besides the cross stitch, the Herringbone stitch is also a workable stitch for gingham.
Perhaps you’ve stitched on a background material not mentioned here. As long as your material forms squares, or a regular grid, it can probably serve as a background for cross stitching. With a little creativity you can stitch unique gifts for your friends and loved ones for the holidays. Better start them now—-the holidays will be here before we know it.
