The many years of experience of professional embroiderers have made it possible to identify a number of possible difficulties on the path of inexperienced embroiderers. They are quite easy to deal with even for beginners in cross stitch, since they fall into the category of ordinary work issues.

But for those who are just embarking on the path of embroidery, everything is still ahead. And if you do not improve your knowledge in this area, even when it is just a hobby, then at the first trouble you may lose all desire to engage in such an activity. That’s why you should first read a couple of tips from experienced craftswomen, and then go to the store for embroidery supplies. And, of course, start a difficult, but so tempting business with its prospects, like cross stitch.

Where to start?

If a person is just getting started with embroidery, he can follow one of two well-trodden paths:

• purchase a ready-made embroidery kit, to which you only need to add a hoop;
• buy everything necessary tools and the material yourself.

First way makes life much easier in the initial stages. There is no need to rack your brains about what and where to buy, what quality and what sample is best to start with. In the initial set, threads are usually immediately offered, the color range of which does not exceed 10 different tones. For beginners, such help is very useful, since it makes it possible to acquire primary skills without traveling through the “wilds of the Amazon”, when you want to immediately embrace the immensity, but do not yet have the skills for this.

Second way much more complicated, but has its advantages. For example, from the very first steps you can begin to understand the quality of threads, types of canvas and needles for embroidery. What does an embroiderer need if she intends to take up the art of cross stitch professionally:

• hoops - the most effective are considered to be wooden ones with a screw and a well-treated surface;
• canvas - for beginners it is better to purchase the so-called “Aida”, on the surface of which squares are clearly visible;
• thimble - made of stainless steel and always with a bottom (a useful item is selected according to the size of the middle finger on the hand with which you are embroidering);
• set of needles - main distinctive features a large ear and a rounded, blunt end should serve;
• threads - floss, wool and acrylic will be just right;
• scissors and tape meter;
• embroidery patterns.

Having determined by eye the center of the pattern, choosing a place near the center to start embroidering, cutting off a thread no more than 30 cm long, you can safely begin your first picture.

Cross stitch technique

Craftswomen have different opinions about where it is best to start embroidery. Some believe that it is best to go from the center to the corners, others choose one of the corners as a starting point and go towards the center in a circular arc. Therefore, it is better to focus on your own preferences here. The center is usually more attractive because it is the most interesting place in the overall pattern.

The most important rule, which must be remembered: in this embroidery model, knots are not allowed! The thread is attached under the stitches, as if “hiding”, but is not tied in knots. You can hide the thread under the cross, but this is only with sufficient work experience.

Cross stitch has several types

It could be:

• using the whole cross;
• one fourth of a given figure;
• three sides of the cross;
• use of edging.

On the wrong side, clear and even rows, either horizontal or vertical, should be formed. However, there is another technique with which you can achieve a double-sided cross image, on the front and back sides of the canvas. It is usually used to embroider a blanket or double-sided scarf.

In order for the work to proceed quickly, you should learn to embroider with both hands from the very first steps. When the main working hand passes the needle from top to bottom, then the other hand picks it up and brings it out of the fabric from bottom to top. If you also add a double-sided needle, the embroidery process will always happen quickly and without any delay. Unless you want to take a break to admire the work.

Ready-made patterns for cross stitch

Any embroidery is based on a pattern or several elements of a pattern assembled into a single picture. It is not difficult for artists to create their own image, which is applied to paper or directly to the base fabric. For those who, unfortunately, are deprived of this gift, there will always be ready-made diagrams for embroidery. There are already so many of them that choosing the right one will not be difficult. They are usually divided into sections:

• flora and fauna;
• paintings and icons;
• urban and rural landscapes;
• ethnic patterns;
• portraits and figures of people;
• mythical images and zodiac signs;
• humorous and other stories.

Each section has its own categories so that anyone can choose a scheme that suits their hearts.

handportal.ru

Embroidering on a ready-made canvas with a pattern already applied is quite simple, so beginners will be able to create even the most complex paintings. And especially if they read this before work detailed description for this handicraft.

Here are some tips to help you better organize your workplace, correctly store patterns and floss, navigate among embroidery accessories, and so on.

Aida is evil! Long live the alternative!
Aida canvas is very convenient to use, because it clearly marks the places where the needle will puncture. That is why its popularity is not surprising. But don’t forget about other basics for embroidery! It may be more difficult to work with them, but the result will be much more interesting!

Safe ways to glue embroidery
If the embroidery must be glued, then use only special acid-free cardboard and glue. There are several ways to glue the work without further harm to it.

How to embroider several projects at once and deal with unfinished ones
Embroidering one piece takes a lot of time. Often, already during work, the needlewoman finds more interesting schemes and gets to work on them, postponing current work until later. This is how Non-Embroidered Projects accumulate. And one day they will have to be dismantled...

How to insert embroidery into a card
An embroidered card is an excellent and original gift, and on New Year it is simply necessary. The translation article will tell you how to insert embroidery into a workpiece and decorate a gift beautifully.

Which embroideries should not be put off?
When starting several projects at the same time, it is important to clearly understand which embroideries have the highest priority, and which ones can be embroidered someday... later...

Embroidery kits. How to choose so as not to be disappointed
Looking at a set in a store, an experienced embroiderer decides at the subconscious level whether it is worth buying or not. It's often difficult to explain in words, but we'll try.

Mistakes we are not afraid of
Cross stitch, like embroidery in general, is impossible without mistakes. This is a fact. It is important to treat them correctly, because most flaws are completely correctable. But is it worth spending precious time ripping out stitches? Very often not.

Gift for an embroiderer on March 8
This material is intended primarily for you, our dear men. Give your loved one a gift that she has been dreaming of for a long time, but does not dare to buy.

Half cross. Tricks of execution
A half-cross stitch is not the most difficult stitch even for a beginning embroiderer. But to make it look neat and professional, you need to follow a few simple rules.

The easiest cross stitch
To make your first embroidery, a simple pattern and a couple of rules are enough. Let's consider how you can turn even simplest work into a full-fledged decoration or card.

Ways to get rid of unnecessary schemes
Used patterns can be donated, sold or exchanged for a profit. At unique “flea markets”, embroiderers organize entire sales. Here we will talk about where to go to plunge headlong into other people's rubble.

Ways to place decorated embroidery
Now the embroidery has been decorated and is about to be hung. How to choose the right place and environment so that your work looks most advantageous? We'll give you some ideas and tips.

French knot. Two replacement methods
Every cross stitcher comes across the French knot. This is a beautiful decorative seam that causes a lot of difficulties for both beginners and experienced craftswomen. A master class on how to do it will help you figure it out or find ways to replace it.

Storing patterns and floss
Over time, a large number of patterns and floss are collected in the embroiderer's storerooms. We will tell you how to organize them so that finding what you need is simple and as fast as possible.

Losing weight by embroidering
Every woman wants to lose weight, even if she is an embroiderer. But doing handicrafts does not imply much physical activity...However, there are tricks and tricks that allow you to, if you do not reset overweight, then at least not to gain even more.

Express Tips
These tips are too short to be given individually, and too important to forget.

Welcome everyone to my blog “All about embroidery”! Often girls come to me who just want to learn how to embroider, they say, tell me how to do it. Therefore, today I am publishing basic tips for beginners in cross stitch - the hot twenty, so to speak. Because in fact, there can be a lot of these tips - my entire blog talks about what news is in. 😉 But today my article is dedicated to those who have never embroidered before, but want to try their hand at this relaxing form of creativity.

Cross stitch for those who have not yet gotten to know it should not seem like something very difficult. I suggest you study these tips - despite the abundance of information below, I assure you that embroidery is not difficult! 🙂

Buy a ready-made embroidery kit rather than downloading a pattern. The fact is that the ready-made kit already contains everything you need - canvas, threads, diagram, needle. And, or using from a magazine, you will have to independently calculate the required amount of floss and canvas and select a needle. This may turn you off from the process.

Don't immediately buy a large set with many colors and different types of stitches.

Firstly, than larger size embroidery, the higher the price of the finished set, and if you don’t complete the process, you will be sorry for the money spent. Secondly, the result of a small job will be obtained faster, which will give motivation for the next embroidery feats. Thirdly, you will be able to practice the correct execution of crosses, both on the face and on the face.

I don’t advise beginners to take on sets with dark canvas - this is quite a difficult job. I previously talked about all the subtleties and tricks when doing this.

In embroidery kits, the canvas is quite dense due to special staff, which gives it rigidity, but the edges of the canvas, as a rule, are not processed, therefore, so that the canvas does not crumble during embroidery, .

If you still decide to take a larger embroidery kit, purchase one. With which you can draw the fabric into squares so that it doesn’t get lost while working on the pattern. Rules for working with markers are usually indicated on the packaging, and in my article I talked about different types markers and rules for their use.

Traditionally, beginners are advised to start embroidery from the middle of the pattern. But in reality, start from where you feel most comfortable.

I start every time new project from different places. 🙂 I can do it from the center, I can do it from the bottom left edge, I can do it from the top right edge...

Study the diagram and key carefully. , I have already told you in detail. Pay attention to what types of stitches are used, the number of folds of thread for the work (that is, how many threads to embroider).

Try to monitor the quality of lighting while embroidering. If you are not embroidering during the day, use various additional light sources or floor lamps.

It has been experimentally established that on average the working length of the thread should be about 30 cm, but not longer than 50 .

If you use a floss of shorter length, the consumption will be too high, but if you use a floss longer than 50 cm, the floss will tangle and fray.

Correct cross stitch is when all the top stitches are made in one direction (either \ or /). To ensure that all the crosses are exactly the same, try to insert the needle strictly into the same holes on the canvas.

Before you start embroidering, read the instructions to understand how to “place” a cross. I also advise you to read about techniques, methods, etc. Remember that the presence of knots in cross stitch is unacceptable (unless it is, of course).

If you are afraid of getting confused and losing where you left off on the pattern, you can use a text highlighter that can be used to mark already embroidered icons. This is especially true for black and white diagrams, in which it is difficult to distinguish characters.

Why is a highlighter better? So that if you suddenly find an error in an already embroidered fragment, you can then read the symbols and correct it. Some embroiderers generally take care of the original pattern and make a photocopy of it, on which they mark the stitched fragments with a felt-tip pen or marker.

If you use a hoop in your work, then remove the canvas from it when you are not embroidering. Also, try not to over-tighten the fabric with the hoop.

The marks left by the hoop can damage already sewn crosses.

Remember that around the embroidered design there should be at least 5-7 centimeters of free canvas on each side. This is necessary so that you can properly thread the fabric into the hoop and then tuck it into the baguette.

Despite the fact that a needle with a blunt end is used for embroidery, still take care of the place where it is stored. Use a pincushion or.

Firstly, this way the needle will not get lost, and secondly, if you leave it in the canvas, you will get a hole that is too large, which will be too noticeable against the general background.

Try not to make long broaches on the wrong side, especially in those places where there are no crosses. Three reasons to avoid broaches:

1. high consumption of floss;
2. broaches, as a rule, are very noticeable on the front side;
3. pulling the thread too far creates excessive tension in the fabric, which can lead to deformation of the entire work.

If you mixed up one or two crosses when embroidering the background, then you don’t have to unpick the threads when you start re-stitching. Errors in minor fragments are not noticeable in the overall picture. But if you mixed up the colors or deviated from the scheme when creating a face or outline, you will certainly have to. You can find out more about what errors there are.

As a rule, ready-made embroidery kits for beginners usually include light or white canvas. During embroidery, the fabric collects dust and sometimes gets dirty, so after finishing the embroidery, do not forget to wash it . All rules for washing embroidery. After the embroidery is finished and washed, it needs to be ironed properly. I haven’t talked about this in detail yet, but I promise to improve in the future. 😉

Pay attention to the design of the pattern you choose. Often designers who develop a story forget about the big picture. And in the end, we end up with incidents that are not critical, but still unpleasant... I discussed in detail the issue of “formatting a picture,” that is, creating the correct visual concept, in a separate article.

It is advisable to think about the design before starting embroidery. finished work. Will it be, or will it be, decorated with embroidery, or, or, or?

Actually, in my opinion, these are the main tips for beginners in cross stitch. After studying the information in this article and following the links that I provided, you will have the necessary minimum information to be armed and prepared for the process. Although, honestly, sometimes it’s more interesting to learn everything as you work, making small mistakes (well, big ones too 😉), because it’s from mistakes that you learn!

I wish all cross stitch lovers inspiration and easy, enjoyable processes!

IN recent years V different countries There has been a surge of interest in handicrafts.

Nature takes its toll, and women again want to feel like women - weak and defenseless. They cross-stitch, weave beadwork, felt beads and clothes from wool, do patchwork and quilting. Perhaps this is a kind of “subconscious psychotherapy”

In the bustle of city life, women activate their rational left hemisphere logical thinking, leaving virtually no room for creativity. When doing needlework, a right-hemisphere process is launched, illogical, spontaneous - creative.

And needlework can also be called the most real psychotechnics, thanks to which we restore the ancestral connection, and therefore it is very correct to teach embroidery and sewing skills to girls from the very beginning. early age. Often women's psychotherapy contains a return to origins; it is an attempt to reconstruct the family line, the energy flow that was given to us from our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers.

Many cases are conventionally divided into male and female


There is a stereotypical idea that a real man should be able to handle a hammer, and also plan, saw and repair all sorts of problems around the house. In turn, we a priori endow representatives of the fairer sex with the ability to cook, sew, knit...

The only thing is that modern people less and less are engaged in purely male and purely female affairs. Many people in offices press computer keys in the same way, and at home they also press, only on buttons washing machine, microwave oven, TV remote control. Does such universality of occupations affect the human essence? Scientists are sure that it affects, and how!

And already using the example of the weaker sex, they have proven that refusal of manual labor makes women less feminine, and this process occurs at the hormonal level.

Until recently, the following fact appeared as a hypothesis: sex hormones have a strong influence on the choice of profession in women.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania decided to test this version and organized a study that examined the professional preferences of women with different levels of hormones. Thus, girls with congenital hyperplasia, in which the normal production of “female” cortisol in the adrenal glands is disrupted and excessive release of androgens (male sex hormones) occurs, had more “masculine” interests.

They chose professions in the field of technology, engineering, and mathematics.


Scientists believe that there is feedback: Just as hormones influence women’s choice of occupation, activities can affect hormone levels.

If a woman is forced to engage in heavy physical labor, she may lose her femininity over time, acquiring rough physical features.

Accordingly, representatives of the fairer sex who are interested in purely feminine activities - knitting, sewing, cross-stitching, for example - are more feminine and have a balanced character.

This is how it is regulated at the hormonal level. By making small movements with their hands, for example, during embroidery, women thereby involuntarily improve the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which controls the production of luteinizing hormone (it stimulates the secretion of estrogen by the ovaries), follicle-stimulating hormone (the functioning of the reproductive system depends on it), prolactin (affects the functioning of the mammary glands) and other important hormones.


“Crafts that involve movements that activate fine motor skills align hormonal background in the body,” explains the chief physician of one of the capital’s medical centers, Irina Kratynskaya. - Why, for example, do children need to develop fine motor skills so that they speak better? This is how brain connections are established. About the same thing happens with needlework. In general, the hypothalamic-pituitary system regulates itself - a decrease in the level of some hormones leads to an increase in others.

However, you can help this process with your own hands - take a needle and thread, and stitch by stitch...”

When we do this or that type of needlework, we affect the nerve endings of our hands and this, of course, cannot but affect us. So what happens to us when we sew, knit, embroider?

Hand embroidery

Treats headaches and tinnitus, mental fatigue, nervous tension, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, sprains, occupational diseases of the hands and feet, eating disorders, diseases of the urinary system, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Removes damage and the evil eye, protects from external negative influences.

Machine embroidery
Treats hearing diseases, skull injuries and consequences of concussions. Helps restore intuition.





Macrame

Treats heart and kidney diseases, nervous headaches, stomach pains, relieves spasmodic muscle pain, bone pain due to old injuries, relieves irritation, anxiety, hunger cramps, drowsiness, hormonal disorders. It is not recommended to practice macrame for people with sensitive skin and poor blood clotting.

Beading

Treats insomnia, absent-mindedness, headaches and toothaches, metabolic disorders, chronic diseases respiratory tract, convulsions. Is one of the most effective means to remove damage, the evil eye, slander, curses, hypno-suggestion and other targeted negative influences.

Wood burning.

Relieves tension, nervous tics, helps in the treatment of chronic colds, ulcers, diseases of the stomach, duodenum and pancreas, accelerates treatment for sprains, reduces painful sensations during convulsions, normalizes blood pressure. You can't breathe smoke. If you have allergies or are particularly sensitive to odors, burning is not recommended. You should also not bring home burning work done elsewhere.




Wood carving and painting.

Treats myopia, helps with allergic dermatitis, injuries, bruises, hematomas, promotes the healing of duodenal ulcers, treats gastritis, bronchitis, shortness of breath, vestibular disorders, liver injuries, wandering kidney, drowsiness, hypotension, nervous cough, various phobias

wicker weaving

Treats polyarthritis, nervous tics, depression, hypotension, mental fatigue, loss of strength, headaches due to overload, aggressiveness, strengthens memory.

Sewing

The strongest effect is on the eyes, hands and indirectly on the brain. Heart diseases associated with rhythm disturbances are treated, blood pressure is reduced, intracranial pressure is normalized, prevented or alleviated nervous breakdowns, shocks, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, the tendency to constipation and bloating decreases, and blood composition improves.

Sewing interior items

Treats headaches associated with weather conditions, diseases of the liver, spleen, kidneys, relieves nervous stress, eye fatigue, tinnitus, swelling of the eyelids and fingers, stimulates the activity of the stomach and metabolic processes in the body.

Sewing soft toys, dumok

Treats allergies, depression, aggressiveness, mania, diseases of the digestive tract, lethargy, drowsiness, hand diseases, helps with physical and mental fatigue, poor coordination, disturbances in the functioning of the vestibular system, non-hereditary blood diseases, brain dysfunction, loss of orientation in time , reduces blood pressure.



Patchwork, quilt (patchwork technique)

Treats headaches, various tumors in the body, chills, allergies to wool, leg pain and cramps, colds and inflammation of the respiratory tract, diseases of the vocal cords, nosebleeds, poor blood clotting, poor circulation in the legs, lethargy.



Knitting

Treats cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, toothaches and headaches, kidney inflammation, diseases of the nervous system, helps with spinal injuries, concussions, promotes a speedy recovery from depression and helps withstand severe shocks.


Crochet

Helps get rid of headaches, toothaches and earaches, treats colds and cardiac diseases, sclerosis, and inhibition of nervous processes.

Handicrafts, Especially embroidery, in different countries, was practiced by both simple peasant women and monastery elders, as well as some queens, princesses, boyars, and merchant wives.


Sewing monuments as valuable objects were presented to representatives of the clergy of other Orthodox countries.Such embroidery was done on expensive fabrics with silk threads, often with the finest threads of pure silver and gold, using natural gems and pearls.




Since ancient times, the Slavs and other peoples of the world have made most household items with their own hands. Women sowed, harvested and processed flax and hemp. They spun, wove and sewed clothes from canvas and decorated them. Children also took part in the work. From an early age, girls began to prepare a dowry for themselves: things were put in a box, which is why the dowry was also called “boxes.”


Nowadays, satin stitch and cross-stitch embroidered paintings and handmade interior items are very highly valued: furniture, carved figurines, tablecloths, napkins, potholders, towels, etc. Embroidered clothes occupy a special place; embroidery on clothes is always unique and will not leave the owner of such a thing unnoticed.


Embroidered paintings and tapestries are extremely popular today. This is an excellent decoration for the home, which keeps the warmth of the embroiderer’s hands and is a unique work of art.



Today needlework- this is a fascinating, creative process that allows you not only to escape from pressing problems, but also to create with your own hands beautiful paintings, panels, clothes, household items and interior decor that will delight you and your loved ones for many years.

Listen to the word “embroiderer”... There is something tender, soft, folk embedded in it. This is a person whose hands move quickly and perform extraordinary miracles. This is a person, as a rule, very diligent with a sweet, kind face, neat appearance and, don’t be surprised, with a developed intellect!

Gives peace of mind, balances the psyche, has a beneficial effect on nervous system generally. Along with this Patience is cultivated in character , hard work, dedication. The ability to withstand stress gradually develops: often through trial and error the final result is achieved. Improves attention and memory.

This is a creative activity develops artistic taste person. By creating a multi-colored image, you learn to perceive colors, shades, and think spatially, and this becomes even more important when creating original paintings. It should be noted that working on embroidery often helps in choosing future profession: fashion designer, fashion designer, embroiderer, etc. A person with a highly developed aesthetic taste, the ability to see beauty even in a small element of a large work cannot be found so often.

Development fine motor skills especially important for children. Not everyone can perform precise, coordinated movements with their hands and fingers. Teachers and psychologists have long established a direct connection between the level mental development with the level of development of fine motor skills. It’s not for nothing that they say: “A child’s mind is at his fingertips.”

Adults' and children's hands are massaged during embroidery; at the same time, certain points on the fingers are activated, through which the functioning of many internal organs, including the brain, is stimulated and improved.

Embroidery broadens one's horizons . Many people create copies of works of art, and at the same time learn a lot about them, about the style, the authors, etc. Social communication skills are formed . This is especially important for the younger generation: searching for like-minded people on social networks, necessary information, sharing experiences and ideas. This is real creative food for the brain.

As you can see, a simple embroidery activity quietly does a huge job!

The modern world is a world of rapidly developing technologies: the Internet, television, an endless flow of information that constantly has to be processed, learning something new. It would seem, what else is needed for human development? But the return in our time to the origins of needlework is not at all accidental. To anyone uninitiated it may seem that embroidery is a useless activity. It is done by those who have nothing to do. But today we will dispel all your doubts and talk about what embroidery can develop.