Thinking of ways you can spice up your cross stitch? If you’ve been stitching for a while, you may have noticed the most common background online is white Aida fabric 14 count stitched with two strands of cotton floss.
Like everything else, new techniques and material pop up to turn cross stitch into something more modern and fashionable.
You may be familiar with some of the techniques below but haven’t tried them yet. Remember the smallest change can revitalize your interest in stitching by getting different results.
Make your cross stitch stand out with these easy ideas.
1. Use a different colored fabric
White Aida fabric is probably the most commonly bought and used type of fabric, but different fabrics give interesting results.
You can play with fabric color the same way you do with floss color. You can even change the color yourself by dyeing or painting your fabric.
Look at the design of your pattern. Now imagine it on a pink, blue or a black fabric. The contrast of colors can make a big difference.
Also, your white stitches will finally stand out.
Most of your brand providers have various colors of fabric. Here’s an example from Minerva Crafts.
This Charlescraft 14 Counts fabric is available in 19 different colors.
2. Change the number of strands used for added effect
You can play around with effects not only by using color changes but also the number of strands. We usually choose two strands when stitching, but going for one or three can have a shade effect.
3. Give metallic threads a try
We’re all used to cotton floss when stitching but metallic threads are slowly gaining popularity. They add color, texture and light to your stitching, making the overall design more vibrant.
Metallic threads are not as lenient as cotton so you have to be more careful. Take it slow at first until you get used to it as it won’t feel the same way.
Unlike regular cotton threads, metallic threads have a different measurement type and are more adapted to larger fabric count.
Kreinik threads are the most popular brand of metallic threads recommended by online stitchers. You can find them in various colors and sizes on Amazon.
Be careful not to separate the strands like you do for regular threads!
4. Accessorize your stitching with beads or buttons
We all have beads and buttons laying around in sewing boxes. Why not make use of them and incorporate them in your stitching for a 3D effect.
5. Take it crazier with Glow-in-the-Dark threads
Turn off the lights and see your stitching take on a whole different dimension.
You can buy your own glow in the dark threads and create your own designs for family and friends to admire when the lights are out.
There you are. Five ideas to try right now to change the way you cross stitch.
