Does anyone know how to count cross stitch without a stamped pattern?

Question

I'm new at this. I bought this really cute cross stitch to make for my niece on-the-way but there's no pattern printed on the fabric. There is a pattern to follow and directions but this seems really difficult.

Answer 1

if you go to you tube they show u alot of different ways to do and count cross stitch. you tube helps me out alot :) Dont worry u will get use to everything soon enough. Everything looked like jibberish the first time i started! hope that helps!

Answer 2

It is not that difficult.  

I use water-base color to grid 10x10 squares.

Before stitching, I also use the marker, mark the similar color (sign) on the fabric, this way you need not to worry about the pattern all the time.

Be sure the marker is water-base which can be rinsed after finishing.

Answer 3

the instructions should tell you how to do this, but i'll do a quick version.

to start, find the middle of the graph they provided you (sometimes they tell you where to start). then find the middle of your fabric by folding it in half, then in half again (use the hole closest to this point) and mark this point with a pin. your graph will either be in color (which is really nice) or have symbols and a key (if it's the latter, you can use a highlighter to differentiate symbols that look too much alike). get the color floss that coordinates to the middle square, come up through the hole you marked and make your first x stitch. the graph will tell you how many x's to count over before you make a stitch in that color again. it's pretty much basic counting and following the graph.

there are tools to help. i know that they make straight magnets, so that if you have a metal board, it holds your pattern down and keeps you on the right row. also a magnifying glass helps. also marking off squares you have done with a highlighter/pen helps (though i would make a copy of the pattern and use that so that you can stitch it again if you want).

hope this helps!

Answer 4

Those kind of cross stitch are called counted cross stitch, first thing you have to do is fold the fabric that came in the kit, in half and then half again and that marks your center point,,thats where you will be putting the first stitch indicated by the arrows on your pattern,,,,and from there, you must count the stitches that are different colors on the grid,,,say for instance the first stitch calls for red, then you will count all the red connected and go from there,, then you will change to the next color and start again,, it will make a fine picture, but you should start with a small one first to get the hang of it....relax and enjoy!!! ju

Answer 5

I do many counted cross stitch kits and they're pretty big so I always grid my fabric before starting.  It helps me line up the stitches and not lose count.  If I make a mistake, I can catch it quickly and will have less to frog.  I use thin fishing line to grid in squares of 10x10.  When you're completely done, you can pull the line from one end and it will come right out without snagging your stitches.

It's really not hard at all.  they do recommend that you start from the middle, but I prefer to start from the top corner.  The grid allows me to do that with accuracy.  Just count the squares from the middle and you're set.

I also make a copy of the pattern so I can use a pencil to shade out areas I've done.  I also like to start with a darker color that stands out on my pattern.  Do all of that color on that page, and then move onto the next darkest.  Making sure to never cross the floss behind the work for more than 3 stitches.  

In this picture you can see if you look closely how I make my grid http://photos-371.ll.facebook.com/photos...

This is another one where you can see the grid in the other direction http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-a...  

If the finished product is wider than tall, I grid by horizontally.

If the finished product is taller than wide, I grid vertically.  That way the ends of the fishing line are rolled into the frame and not dangling and in my way.

Answer 6

it really easy, use the graph provided, the code on there will indicate the color and where to use it, mark the center point, and work your way out.