FAQs

What is “counted cross stitch”?

          Counted cross stitch is where you follow a printed pattern and the fabric you are stitching on is blank. You have to count your stitches as you go along, that’s why it’s called counted cross stitch. You follow the pattern by counting where you are at on both the fabric and pattern.        

What supplies do I need?

• Pattern for what you plan to stitch.
• Floss colors recommended on the pattern.
• Aida cloth
• Scissors
• Needle
• Things that aren’t needed, but are helpful: needle minder/pin cushion, floss organizer, peace and quiet.

What type of thread is best?

          There isn’t necessarily a best thread to use. You just want to make sure that whatever thread you do use is colorfast. All HugSandwich patterns use DMC embroidery floss. DMC is colorfast.

What’s the difference between floss and thread?

          Floss and thread are just names for the same thing. But don’t confuse embroidery thread and sewing thread. Embroidery thread comes in a small skein of 6 strands loosely woven together.

How do I estimate how much floss I need?

          Stitching with 2 strands at 18” long, one full skein of floss will get you about 5,500 stitches stitched on 14 count.

What can I do with my embroidery when I’m finished?

          What can’t you do? Hang it on your wall to display your masterpiece. Sew it into a pillow so you can admire it while you lounge on the couch. Gift it to a friend or loved one. Make whatever you want with it!

Can I embroider on something other than fabric?

          Sure! There are plenty of things you can embroider on. Experiment, try something new. Embroider on paper, wood, clothing, plastic, anything you want!

How long will it take to finish stitching?

          That’s a difficult question to answer. Each pattern will take a different amount of time based on how many characters you’re stitching up. It also depends on how quickly you stitch.

How can I stitch faster?

          Practice. Practice. Practice.

I’ve never embroidered before, is this something that a beginner can do?

          Yes! Embroidery kits come with everything you need to get you started. If you chose to purchase just an embroidery pattern, it comes with simple instructions to walk you though it each step of the way.

What if I get a knot in my thread?

          First of all, don’t panic. Using patience, try to get the knot out. If it is not possible, you still don’t need to panic. You can just cut the knot out. If the thread is too short to continue stitching, you can just tie off the thread. If it’s still long, continue stitching as normal.

How do I start?

          If you are cross stitching, the first step is to find the center of your fabric and the center of your pattern. Thread the needle with the color used for the center stitch. Start with the center stitch. Count your stitches, following along with the pattern.

How do I end a thread?

          On the backside of your project, thread the needle through several stitches. Trim the thread.

What if I run out of thread?

          You finish off the thread you are using by running the needle through several stitches on the backside of your project. Trim the thread. Get another length of thread and continue stitching.

Do I need to wash my thread or fabric before I start?

          If you are using Aida cloth, there is no need to wash the fabric beforehand. If you are using a hand dyed fabric, you might want to wash it before using it.

          There is no need to wash thread before using. You can test the thread for colorfastness, but washing isn’t necessary.

What if my project gets wet?

          Don’t panic! Let the project dry and it should be just fine.

What is the best way to hold your project?

          There is no right or wrong way to hold your project. Hold it however is the most comfortable for you.

Do I need to use a hoop?

          Hoops aren’t necessary for cross stitch. Use them if you’re more comfortable with it. Hoops are important for embroidery, though. You need to make sure that your fabric it taut. Hoops help you achieve that tautness.

What is the best needle to use?

          This all depends on what you plan on stitching. If you are stitching on 14 count Aida, you will need a larger needle, (which is actually a smaller number) a size 24 embroidery needle works well. If you are stitching on a smaller weave Aida, like 16 or 18, (larger numbers mean smaller stitches) then a size 26 embroidery needle will work better. But don’t stress about making sure you have the “perfect” needle. Use what you have, whatever works for you.

How many threads do I stitch with?

          Each skein is 6 strands loosely wound together. You can pull apart the strands to stitch with them. You can use 1, 2, 3, etc. Whatever you like. However, each HugSandwich cross stitch pattern is designed to use 2 strands for basic cross stitches and 1 strand for backstitches. You can visit my blog post here for more information on stitching with different numbers of strands.

What brands are best to use?

          The best brand to use is one that you know is colorfast. Each HugSandwich pattern is designed with DMC brand floss. It also has recommendations for JP Coats and Anchor floss.

What is Aida cloth?

          Aida cloth is an evenweave fabric. Evenweave means there are an even number of weft and warp threads. It’s the ideal stitching medium for beginning stitchers and experienced stitchers alike.

What does 14 count mean?

          14 count is the standard size that HugSandwich cross stitch patterns are designed in. 14 count means there are 14 stitches per inch. You can get Aida cloth in in 6, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 28 count. The number is how many stitches per inch. So, 6 count means there are 6 stitches per inch. The larger the number, the smaller the stitches. The smaller the number, the larger the stitches. You can read more about it here on my blog with some examples of different sizes.

What comes in a complete cross stitch kit?

          HugSandwich cross stitch pattern with instructions, a full color floss card with all the DMC floss you will need to stitch up the pattern, a needle to do all the stitching, a piece of Aida cloth to stitch on, tips for cross stitching, and lots of love.

What comes in a complete embroidery kit?

          Fabric stamped with your chosen design, hoop, stitch guide for stitching up the design, basic embroidery stitches guide, needle for stitching up your design, floss card with DMC floss for your design, backing paper to finish off your project in the hoop, instructions, and lots of love.

Do I need any other supplies to use my kit?

          You will need a pair of scissors.

What does thread count mean?

          Thread count is how many stitches there are per inch. The larger the number, the smaller the stitches. The smaller the number, the larger the stitches. You can read more about it here on my blog with some examples of different sizes.

Is cross stitch easy?

          It is as easy or as difficult as you would like it to be. You can stitch up a simple pattern, or something more complicated. The basics of cross stitch itself are simple enough for anyone to do.

Where can I get cross stitching supplies?

          Local craft stores generally carry the supplies you’ll need – Aida, floss, needles. You can also order supplies online. My favorite supplier is EverythingCrossStitch.com. You can also order directly from DMC.com.

Are cross stitch and embroidery the same?

          Cross stitch and embroidery are the same in that they are both needlepoint. Cross stitch is a series of X stitches to create a pattern. Embroidery uses many different types of stitches.

Do I need to worry about the back of my project?

          You might have heard that the back of your project should look at clean as the front. However, if you’re just starting out, just worry about what the front looks like. The back is not what you’ll be looking. Once you are a more experienced stitcher, you can worry about the back.

What are “call outs”?

          If you see “call outs” on a HugSandwich cross stitch pattern, you might be wondering what that means. It is just the DMC light effects/metallic colors. Nothing special about it.

What is a skein?

          A skein is just the embroidery floss loosely coiled together. Floss is sold in skeins.

What is DMC?

          DMC is a brand of embroidery floss.

I made a mistake; how do I fix it?

          First of all, you need to determine how bad the mistake is. If it is only a few stitches, you can simply pull the threads back through. If it’s a lot more than a few stitches, you’re probably going to need to use a seam ripper. Carefully cut out the mistake stitches. You don’t want to cut the fabric by mistake.