Please talk to me about cross stitching!

[wibblyjelly]

I'd like to start a new hobby, and while trawling the internet, came across some geeky inspired cross stitch patterns. (star wars, Dr who etc)
I'd love to start doing this as a hobby, and create some pieces for ds's bedroom.
Do I need patterns, or can I just attempt to stitch the images I've seeen from the internet? What equipment do I need? And is it hard to do?!

[wibblyjelly]

Sorry, wrong section! I'll ask for it to be moved.

[WestieMamma]

I'd start off with a counted cross stitch kit. It will come with pretty much everything you need and simple instructions. The only additional thing you'd need is a frame of some description to keep the fabric tight while you stitch.

It's very simple and you can get some really lovely kits.

[ArtemisKinderSurprise]

You can also get software that converts pictures into patterns, I stitched one of our wedding pictures and it looks great.

It's really easy to do and I find it really relaxing.

[JenFreggle]

I agree about starting with a kit. How about looking at cross stitch magazines as a lot of them have a small, free kit with them. It would be a little taster for you to see if you get on with it. Make sure that you do all your stitches the same way to keep it neat.

[Wolfiefan]

You need a frame, aida fabric, pattern, thread and needle. Perhaps try a small bookmark or card first.

[KitchenandJumble]

It's a great hobby. I find it very soothing of an evening.

[wibblyjelly]

Will have a look at a magazine next time I'm out. Will need to buy 2, as DH wants to try it as well! (we live a very rock n roll life!)

[Primrose123]

I agree with Jenfreggle. I started by buying a magazine and trying the free kit. Then buy a kit, or buy the material and threads and use one of the patterns in the magazine. Don't start with anything too big or complicated!

Hobbycraft do very small kits too for a few pounds, they're good for starting off. Something like this.

[FrankellyMyDearIDontGiveADamn]

I've recently taken up cross-stitch. I've bought some starter kits from Hobbycraft and am really enjoying it so far!

[WorriedMummy73]

Hobbycraft are so expensive though! Try www.sewandso.co.uk. Much cheaper and a fantastic selection.

I've done a few Forever Friends kits, but I'm pretty rubbish at it and always end up with a hedgehog with a squashed face...

[WestieMamma]

I started small but then got ideas above my station. I'm currently working on a tablecloth with sunflowers and vines and stuff. It's beautiful but I'm sick of the sight of it. I've been working on it for 4 years now. It's like the bayeux tapestry, just goes on and on and on.

[timidviper]

I would agree that you should start small.

I have done tapestry, cross-stitch and embroidery where you use a mixture of stitches and have enjoyed them all but have almost lost the will to live sometimes on bigger things and still have a couple of things unfinished.

[wibblyjelly]

Thank you all, I can feel a trip to Hobby craft coming on....

[wibblyjelly]

Thank you all, I can feel a trip to Hobby craft coming on....

[Smize]

I've just taken up cross stitch as a new hobby this week too (mainly to try to fill my evenings with something other than mumsnet ). Have started with a cheap bookmark kit from eBay, progress is painfully slow but finding it quite soothing. Hope you enjoy it!

[wibblyjelly]

Any magazine recommendations for me, please?

[sensesworkingovertime]

Hi, you could try:-
The World of Cross stitching
Cross sticher
Cross Stitch Crazy

They all usually have little cards/gifts to make aswell so apart from having something to read you get something small to try out, which is a good start. I wouldn't recommend you start with a big project, they can take longer than you think. They usually have a beginners/basic skill section in each mag so that's a handy thing to keep hold of, it tells you about the jargon for the material and threads etc.

I find it very relaxing, esp late in evening. Enjoy!

[NumTumMum]

I love Cross Stitching. I've been doing it for years. I second the advice to start small. Some kits have better instructions than others. The american kits I find have slightly more confusing ones. My tip is to get small bookmarked shaped bits of stiff cardboard and punch holes in it all along the edge - as many as there are colours/symbols. Mark each symbol in the pattern above it and loop the embroidery silks through the correct hole. If you have a lot of one colour but various shades, make sure that you have the right one for the right one in daylight (trying to do this with a lamp in the evening is difficult). You'll find it much easier than trying to sort the silks as you go. I hope you like it, once you've got the hang of it there are so many books and magazines that you are bound to find designs that you like and if you get really confident design your own. My local library has a huge collection of books on the subject.

[NumTumMum]

Just had another thought! Avoid plastic embroidery hoops, they slide off constantly and are annoying. Go for the wooden ones.To increase grip you can wind the inner circle with ribbon. If you go for a bigger piece then the tapestry frames or static frames are brilliant.

[wibblyjelly]

My lovely mil bought me some mini kits for my birthday, so I can get started. Just need to find the time and the energy to get started

[PipkinsPal]

I would recommend Jo Verso books. Her patterns are very simple but effective. If you have the Range near you they may be a bit cheaper than Hobbycraft.

[EverythingIsTicketyBoo]

Hiya Jen and Sparks :) I'm not stalking you really!

I agree with the suggestions of a magazine with a small kit to try to start with. It is such a lovely peaceful way to spend your spare time

[wibblyjelly]

Right, I'm determined that once ds is in bed tonight, I am at least giving to get one of the small ones out of the packet

[Imnotaslimjim]

I love to cross stitch, currently working on a birth sampler for my SIL. Its country companions (hedhehogs and rabbits) and has lots of blended colours. I keep losing my way with it :( I'm determined to master it though! Good luck with your new venture OP