Knitting & Cross-Stitch 101

Whenever I've written posts about switching off without a screen or unwinding. I always mention my love for cross stitch and more recently knitting. They're two things that I find so cathartic and I'm excited to share a super simple guide with you today in case it's something that you're interested in giving a try. 

KNITTING

For my first attempt at knitting I'm currently working my way through a basic scarf and for this simple piece you will need; 

1. Medium yarn.
2. Bamboo needles that are 6mm. 

And this video: 

How to knit if you're an absolute beginner! In this video, I teach you how to: 1. Work a slip knot 2. Cast on 3. Work the knit stitch 4. Bind off I also include instructions for what to do if you drop a stitch. YIKES! Don't panic!

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND

1. It's ok if your first attempt isn't it perfect.
2. Take your time and practice as it takes a little while to get used to the motion. 
3. Don't hold your stitches too tightly as it will make it incredibly difficult to move around. 
4. Bamboo needles are easier to use for your first attempt as they offer more stability. 
5. Charity shops are great places to find yarn and patterns. 

Between the two I find cross stitch is a little more simple than knitting.  It's much easier to go back and fix your mistakes. But it's something that takes a lot more time and patience and even the smallest of pieces take hours. 

CROSS STITCH

For your first cross stitch project you will need;

1. A wooden  hoop to keep your fabric tight and taut. 
2. 14 count aida (fabric).
3. A blunt tapestry needle. 
4. 6 strand embroidery cotton that is split off into two threads for stitching. 
5. A pencil and sharp scissors. 

The stitch pattern looks a little something like this; 

SOURCE & CREDIT

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND

1. Work from the centre of the fabric.
2. Don't worry too much about what the back looks like. 
3. Make sure you keep track of how many stitches you've done and mark it off on your pattern with a pencil (so it can be used again). 
4. Be careful not to pull your stitches too tightly as the thread can snap.
5. Don't use a piece of thread that is too long as it's easy to get tangled. 
6. When going onto a new piece of thread make sure to secure the end tightly. 

WHERE TO FIND SUPPLIES FOR KNITTING & CROSS STITCH

1. Amazon.
2. eBay.
3. Hobbycraft (their small cross stitch kits are perfect for beginners). 
4. Local craft stores.
5. Charity shops. 

Do you have any knitting or cross stitch tips?

R x

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