Thanks to Kristen Cairns of Kogarah, NSW, for her hints. Pattern books:Look out for the large range of cross-stitch books published by Merehurst. Here are just a few: Borders and Motifs, Woodlandsand Wild Flowers. All $10.75 each.


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Tip: Kits
A good place to start is with a kit. There are many kits on the market for beginners. Look for a bookmark, a very small framed picture, towel edging or something that requires not too many colours or complicated counting. In next to no time you'll be ready to advance.

Tip: To secure a starting stitch
For any needlework that requires a double strand of thread, cut the lengths twice as long as you would normally cut them.

1. Take a single strand and fold it in half forming a loop at one end with the two single ends meeting evenly. Thread the two single ends through the needle.

2. Sew up through your fabric, and back down, bringing the needle through the looped end of the thread.

This gives a secure starting stitch, as well as cutting down on the 'bulk' of thread on the back of your work. The usual method has the thread running under other stitches.

This is particularly good if you're stitching something with lots of small sections of different colours.

Tip: To secure your needle
Attach a small magnet to your needlework frame or stand for a handy place to secure your needle when it's not in use. This saves your work from getting holes and rust marks that a needle left in the fabric can leave behind. And it's always easy to find!

Thanks Kristen.
More pattern books:
Birds and Butterflies, Fairy Tales and Clowns.

More tips
Try decorating round a cake with a strip of embroidered Aida fabric and your favourite flowers or geometric design.

If cross-stitching straight onto towels choose non-stretch ones

When it is time to pack away your cross-stitch, roll it in a clean tea towel, as folding the work could result in hard-to-remove creases. Next time you work on your cross-stitch, lay the tea towel on your lap.

Find the charts too small? Photocopy them. This helps keep the original in good condition too.

Never hesitate to change a cross-stitch pattern to suit the size, colours or style you need. Once you get used to all the counting even design one from scratch.

Where an outline is called for it is usually in single strand thickness.

A cross-stitched bookmark makes a charming parting gift.

Using gold or metallic thread will give your stitching a completely different look - try is for the centre of flowers for instance.

Use up left-over fabric to make small framed pieces. To extend the fabric for stretching simply insert a panel of another fabric into the back as shown below. This piece is shown stretched over card as well.

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More pattern books:
Wild Animals, Cottages and Weddings and Anniversaries

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If you are looking for one of these great Merehurst cross-stitch books, please call our warehouse on (02) 4352 7000. They have even more titles in stock: Roses, Samplers, Teddy Bears, Alphabets, Village Scenes, Cuddly Cats and Kittens, Dogs and Puppies, Traditional Cottages, Favourite Farm Animals, Quick and Easy Gifts, Angels, Art Nouveau, Victorian Fans and Posies, Herb Gardens, Riverside and Christmas. All $10.75 each.