This article is about the embroidery style
called cross-stitch or counted cross-stitch. For specific crossed stitches used
in needlework, see cross stitches.
Cross-stitch sampler, Germany, 1735.
Cross-stitch is
a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which
X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern
are used to form a picture. Cross-stitch is often executed on easily countable
evenweave fabric called aida cloth.
The stitcher counts the threads in each direction so that the stitches are of
uniform size and appearance. This form of cross-stitch is also called counted
cross-stitch in order to distinguish it from other forms of
cross-stitch. Sometimes cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric (stamped
cross-stitch); the stitcher simply stitches over the printed pattern.
Fabrics used in cross-stitch include aida, linen
and evenweave. Projects are categorized by stitches per inch, which can range
from 14 to 40 count, and the appropriate fabric is then chosen.
Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of
embroidery and can be found all over the world.[1] Many
folk museums show examples of clothing decorated with cross-stitch, especially
from continental Europe and Asia.
Two-dimensional (unshaded) cross-stitch in floral
and geometric patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen,
is characteristic of folk embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe.
In the United States, the earliest known
cross-stitch sampler is currently housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth,
Massachusetts. The
sampler was created by Loara Standish, daughter of Captain Myles Standish and
pioneer of the Leviathan stitch, circa 1653.
Multicoloured, shaded, painting-like patterns as we
know them today are a recent development, deriving from similar shaded patterns
of Berlin wool work of
the mid-nineteenth century.
Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to embellish
items like dishcloths, household linens, and doilies (only a small
portion of which would actually be embroidered, such as a border). Although
there are many cross-stitchers who still employ it in this fashion, especially
in Europe, it is now increasingly popular to simply embroider pieces of fabric
and hang them on the wall for decoration.
There are many cross-stitching "guilds" across the
United States and Europe which offer classes, collaborate on large projects,
stitch for charity, and provide other ways for local cross-stitchers to get to
know one another.
Today cotton floss is the most common embroidery
thread. It is a thread made of mercerized cotton,
composed of six strands that are only loosely twisted together and easily
separable. Other materials used are pearl cotton, Danish flower thread, silk and Rayon. Sometimes different
wool threads, metallic threads or other specialty threads are used, sometimes
for the whole work, sometimes for accents and embellishments. Hand dyed cross
stitch floss is created just as the name implies - it is dyed by hand. Because
of this, there are variations in the amount of color throughout the thread.
Some variations can be subtle, while some can be a huge contrast. Some also
have more than one color per thread, which in the right project, creates
amazing results.
Cross stitch is widely used in traditional
Palestinian dress making.
Related stitches and forms of embroidery
Ukrainian girls in traditional embroidered costumes
Main article: cross stitches
Other stitches are also often used in cross-stitch,
among them ¼, ½, and ¾ stitches and backstitches.
Cross-stitch is often used together with other
stitches. A cross stitch can come in a variety of prostational forms. It is
sometimes used increwel
embroidery, especially in its more modern derivatives. It is also
often used in needlepoint.
A specialized historical form of embroidery using
cross-stitch is Assisi
embroidery.
There are many stitches which are related to
cross-stitch and were used in similar ways in earlier times. The best known are
Italian cross-stitch, Celtic Cross Stitch, Irish Cross
Stitch, long-armed cross-stitch, Ukrainian cross-stitch and
Montenegrin stitch. Italian cross-stitch and Montenegrin stitch are reversible,
meaning the work looks the same on both sides. These styles have a slightly
different look than ordinary cross-stitch. These more difficult stitches are
rarely used in mainstream embroidery, but they are still used to recreate
historical pieces of embroidery or by the creative and adventurous stitcher.
The double cross-stitch, also known as a Leviathan
stitch or Smyrna cross stitch, combines a cross-stitch with an upright
cross-stitch.
Berlin wool work and
similar petit point stitchery
resembles the heavily shaded, opulent styles of cross-stitch, and sometimes
also used charted patterns on paper.
Cross-stitch is often combined with other popular
forms of embroidery, such as Hardanger embroidery or blackwork
embroidery. Cross-stitch may also be combined with other work, such
as canvaswork or drawn thread work. Beadwork and other
embellishments such as paillettes, charms, small buttons and speciality threads
of various kinds may also be used.
Recent trends in the UK
Cross-stitch has become increasingly popular with
the younger generation of the United Kingdom in
recent years. The recession of post-2008 has
also seen renewal of interest in home crafts. Retailers such as John Lewis experienced
a 17% rise in sales of haberdashery products between 2009 and 2010. Hobbycraft, a chain of
stores selling craft supplies, also enjoyed an 11% increase in sales over the
past year. The
chain is said to
have benefited from the "make do and mend" mentality of the credit
crisis, which has driven people to make their own cards and gifts.
Knitting and
cross stitching have become more popular hobbies for a younger market, in
contrast to its traditional reputation as a hobby for retirees. Sewing
and craft groups such as Stitch and Bitch
London have resurrected the idea of the traditional craft club. At Clothes Show Live 2010
there was a new area called "Sknitch" promoting modern sewing,
knitting and embroidery.
In a departure from the traditional designs
associated with cross stitch, there is a current trend for more postmodern or
tongue-in-cheek designs featuring retro images or contemporary sayings. It
is linked to a concept known as 'subversive cross stitch', which involves more
risque designs, often fusing the traditional sampler style with sayings
designed to shock or be incongruous with the old-fashioned image of cross
stitch.
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