Cross-stitch

History

The craft of cross stitch has been practiced for thousands of years, but it has been especially prevalent during the last few centuries. Ancient examples of cross stitch have been found in Egypt and Peru, and the craft was also practiced in China during the Tang Dynasty. It is thought that cross stitch was introduced to the Western Hemisphere by traders.

Cross stitch became popular in Spain during the Middle Ages, when a type of cross stitch called blackwork (which involves stitching black thread onto white fabric) was popular. In the fifteenth century, cross stitch was introduced in England, where it soon became integrated into clerical wear. Embroidery and cross stitch were originally done by men, who became master craftsmen and took on apprentices. Eventually, the craft was adopted by women.

The invention of the printing press in the early seventeenth century encouraged the popularity of cross stitch, as pattern books were published and amateur stitchers were able to create their own works at home. At the same time, samplers became quite popular. Samplers were often used to teach young children to stitch, and often incorporated the alphabet or numbers into their design. Biblical verses, prayers, famous quotations, family histories, and even short poems were also common subjects for samplers. Samplers completed by young women were often used to illustrate their talents, as well as their suitability for marriage.

Samplers became extremely popular among American pioneer families, and stitched wall hangings with the traditional saying "Home Sweet Home" are considered examples of folk art.

The popularity of hand embroidering and cross stitching declined during the Industrial Revolution, when fabrics could be sewn faster and more consistently in factories. The two world wars contributed to the decline of these crafts, as the war effort meant that women had less leisure time to create stitched pieces.

In the late 1960s, cross stitch began to reappear as a hobby, and by the 1980s it had peaked in terms of its modern popularity. A wide variety of patterns, kits, and other materials became available for hobbyists, and cross stitch remains a popular craft today.

Techniques

The success of a cross stitch project is often determined by the neatness of its stitches. Loose threads or damaged fabric make a piece less desirable. Many stitchers do not use embroidery hoops, in order to prevent the hoop from damaging any completed areas. Some also feel that the back of the piece should be as neat as the front, meaning that knots or flyaway threads are not seen.

The primary stitch used in cross stitch is shaped like an "x"; this stitch gives the craft its name. Additional stitches are simply variations of the standard cross stitch, and include:

• Half stitch (forms half of the "x," or a diagonal line)
• Quarter stitch (forms a line equal to half of the half stitch, or one leg of the "x")
• Three-quarter stitch (made up of a half stitch and a quarter stitch. Forms three sides of the "x")
• Back stitch (straight stitch)

Trends

Though cross stitch is a very traditional craft, modern elements can be added to specific projects. Metallic threads offer visual interest and unusual textures to a stitched piece. Embellishments such as charms, beads, and buttons can also be added for additional decoration.

Cross stitch kits can save time normally spent on planning a project, and are available in most major craft stores. Kits contain materials for bookmarks, towels, baby accessories, pillow cases, wall hangings and more. Kit projects are often popular as they provide most, if not all, of the materials necessary to complete a piece.

In addition, there is a variety of software allowing people to create their own cross-stitch patterns, whether from scratch or by converting an existing image. Websites that perform this function also exist. While the software requires an up-front purchase or a subscription, pattern-making websites usually charge per pattern, providing a range of options depending on how often a cross-stitcher expects to need or want to create patterns.

Cross Stitch for Fun vs. Profit

The craft of cross stitch is easy to learn independently, at one's own pace. For hobbyists searching for more guidance, classes are often offered at various craft stores.

Because cross stitch projects often require so much time to complete, it is difficult for a stitcher to sell a piece at a profit. For this reason, smaller projects, such as embellished towels or bookmarks, are more often available for purchase. It may also be more profitable for stitchers to teach classes on their craft, or sell unique cross stitch patterns for others to use on their own.

Learning More

Organizations

The Cross Stitch Guild <http://www.thecrossstitchguild.com>

Books

Forlini, Victoria, ed. "2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book by Better Homes & Gardens." Des Moines: Meredith Books, 2004.

Greenoff, Jane. "The Cross Stitcher's Bible." Devon: David & Charles Publishers, 2003.