Are You A Cross Stitch Beginner? Then Start Here
By: Geordie Johnny

Can't wait to get started stitching a cross stitch project? Well, before you find yourself in over your head, take some time to learn the basics. If you are a cross stitch beginner, don't start out by taking on a project that's too complicated for you. Pick a pattern that's suitable for your skill level. Start out with something easy, and then work your way up to the more complicated patterns.

As a cross stitch beginner, you should take the time to learn the craft. Thankfully, it's easy to find the resources you need to learn this skill. A couple of great websites exist that can help you master the basics of cross stitch:

www(dot)yarntree(dot)com/007begin(dot)htm What a fun site this is. There's a cross stitch chart on this site that's free and comes with the directions you need to stitch the pattern. Moreover, the site lists what items you need to buy if you're new to cross stitch. As you explore, you'll discover information on lots of cross stitch topics. You can learn about such topics as fabric choices and how you make your first stitches. Even more advanced stitchers can find something of interest here.

www(dot)caron-net(dot)com/patguide(dot)html Even if you are no longer a cross stitch beginner, you'll find this second site helpful. The site contains a wealth of cross stitch information. You can find tips about specific stitches, suggestions when it comes to fabric choices, and ideas on the best way to use various flosses. Moreover, every few weeks more information is added, so this is a site you'll want to visit on a regular basis.

So, my lovely converts to the art of cross stitch, now you know what you are doing you need something to do and that means finding some basic but pretty little patterns. There are thousands of patterns everywhere you look on the internet however many are not suitable for your first time out -- trust me! So where do you go for some great beginners patterns?

A great place to find cross stitch patterns is www(dot)cross-stitch-academy(dot)com/beginners/beginners(dot)html. This site has eight cute patterns that are made for beginners. For each pattern, you're given a chart that shows you how to stitch the design, a nice illustration that shows you what your completed project will look like, and instructions on the floss you'll need to stitch the pattern. To make things even easier, the instructions lead you through the steps, explaining carefully what color floss you use for each stitch.

What's nice about this site is that you can find all sorts of patterns, including a pretty border, some holiday patterns, and lovely flowers. Even children who are just learning to stitch will be able to follow these patterns. If you're no longer a beginning stitcher, you'll find patterns for you on the site as well. These patterns, like the ones for beginners, include easy-to-follow instructions.

While you're exploring the internet for patterns, you'll want to look at several sites. One excellent site is www(dot)dltk-kids(dot)com/type/crossstitch(dot)htm where stitchers of all skill levels can find patterns they like. Although at first you may feel this site is for children, a quick look around will prove it has a lot to offer all stitchers, particularly a cross stitch beginner.

There are a number of animals to choose from including a dog, a cat, a chicken, a frog, a turtle and a little ladybug. There are also patterns for each of the seasons, a Christmas pattern, a mother's day pattern and a St Patrick's Day pattern. All of the patterns are printable as are the instructions and the floss charts.

Getting started with a new hobby can take some time, but if you start out slow, you'll soon find you're no longer a cross stitch beginner. Soon, you'll be stitching all sorts of patterns and learning what other cross stitch fans already know -- cross stitch really is a lot of fun!