How to Cross Stitch a Circle Pattern
A cross stitch is one of the oldest and most popular stitches in sewing and embroidery. It takes us back to the old age when people were using it for decorating.
Now, this craft has evolved over the years. In recent years, we also see it in framed art.
What’s more, cross-stitching now follows a tiled pattern and comprises X-shaped stitches. Sewers do most cross-stitching projects using colored thread, referred to as floss.
Thus, it is possible to achieve a cross-stitch in a circle pattern. Though not easy for a beginner, it is an easy to learn and accessible craft.
This post will highlight how to cross-stitch in a circle pattern.
What Tools Will You Need to Cross Stitch a Circle Pattern?
Contents
1. Fabrics
Fabric is the first thing you need to cross stitch a circle pattern. The choice of fabric depends on the project. As such, it is up to you.
It is crucial to remember that there are different fabrics to use for cross stitching a circle pattern. Below are some of the fabrics to choose from for your project.
Aida Cloth
Aida cloth is the best fabric to use for cross stitching any pattern. Made from 100% cotton or a blend of Linen and cotton, it is the ideal choice for beginners.
It’s even weaving leaves into perfect squares to achieve perfect X cross stitches. In addition, because it is loosely woven, it is easy to see and count spaces where you want to make stitches.
Aida is available in different colors. Moreover, we can cut it into any size of one’s choice. Likewise, the fabric comes in different counts.
The counts stand for the number of squares per 1 inch of the fabric. The counts ranges are: 20, 18, 16, 14, 11, 8 and 6 count.
Linen
Linen is even and best used for making cushions and any other fabric that requires soft fabrics. What’s more, Linen has a crisp feel, and like Aida, it comes in styles, colors, and counts.
It comes in the same counts as Aida, but both feature different materials. However, Linen is challenging to work with due to its nature.
2. Needles and Embroidery Scissors
The best needles to use are tapestry needles. The needle should have a big eye and a blunt tip. Blunt needles help you avoid accidents. They do so by protecting your fingers since they are not sharp.
It is of utmost importance that you check if the needle is ideal to use on the fabric that you plan to use for your project. The reason is different fabric counts may need a different needle size to produce the best results.
Embroidery scissors are the best to use for cutting thread or floss. They are sharp and have short blades, which help to create a neat finish.
3. Stranded Cotton
Stranded cotton is another way of referring to threads, floss, or skeins. They come in numerous colors.
Moreover, each strand comprises at least six individual, separable strands. The fabric type and pattern will guide you on how many strands to use to achieve a standard cross-stitch.
However, most fabrics and patterns require using one or two strands, for example, circle patterns.
Most stranded cotton makers produce color chats where they list the color threads. That makes it easy to pick the right threads for your projects.
4. Hoops and Frames
Perfectly stretched fabric makes it easy to make perfect stitches. Hoops and frames keep the fabric in position and perfectly stretched while working your magic.
When selecting a hoop, make sure you select one bigger than the design on your project. It helps in avoiding continual reposition of the frame over stitched work.
Remove the hoops in between the stitching session. It will ensure that the fabric doesn’t stretch and lose shape.
How to Cross Stitch a Circle Pattern?
Step 1: Reading the Chart
The first step is to read the cross stitch chart. The chart tells you where to place the stitches. It also tells you what color to use.
Grids found on the cross stitch correspond to those created by the fabric weave. Besides, each color square on your chart will signify a cross-stitch.
The color combinations on the squares on the chart tell you what thread or floss to use on your fabric.
It is advisable to start cross-stitching all your projects from the middle. This way, you are guaranteed a well-centered design. All small arrows on the chart symbolize center points.
Always start with the part of the pattern that does not change color, then move to the part that changes colors frequently.
Step 2: Get Your Fabric Ready
Pick a fabric that suits your project and taste. It could be Aida or Linen or any other fabric of your choice.
If it is a large project, bind the edges before starting cross-stitching your circle pattern to minimize fraying.
One can use a zigzag stitch, a serger, or masking tape to bind the fabric.
Step 3: Identify the Center of the Fabric
The trick to finding the center of the fabric is folding it in half in the opposite way. So the next step here is to note the center.
To achieve this, pinch and crease the center, then mark it by sewing a small stitch or placing a pin on it.
Step 4: Using a Hoop and Frame
Using a hoop and frame is a matter of choice. But if you are a beginner, it may be easier to use the frame or hoop. Hoopes and frames are available in different styles.
The first step to using a hoop is loosening the screw and separating the two rounds on the hoop. Next, place the fabric on the hoop with no screw.
Ensure that the fabric center is on the hoop center. Next, place the remaining round with the screw over the fabric and press it down.
You can sandwich the fabric between two hoops. Tighten the fabric by gently pulling it while you tighten the screw. Make sure that you do not pull the fabric too tight because it may distort the fabric weave.
Step 4: Prepare the Thread
Pick the color thread color you will use for your project. Start by cutting it at least to a length of about 18 inches. If the thread is longer than this, it may end up forming knots as you make your stitches.
Your pattern will determine how many strands of the thread or floss to use for cross-stitching.
When separating the thread or floss strands, do gently and slowly. Pull one strand at a time because pulling multiple strands will cause the strands to form knots.
Step 5: Threading the Needle
Pick a tapestry needle that matches the fabric and thread it. Thread the needle in the same way you would thread a regular hand sewing needle.
But do not make a knot at the end of the thread or floss. The reason is that knots in cross-stitching leave a lump in the final piece. Instead, stitch over the tail of the thread to secure it instead of a knot.
Step 6: Making the Cross Stitches in a Circle Pattern
Before you start to make your circle pattern cross stitch, first draw circles on your fabric using a light pencil. The circles act as a guide to prevent you from making mistakes.
Begin your stitch from the backside of the fabric. After that, bring your needle up within a hole near the front. Make sure you keep about an inch of thread at the back. The tail you leave will get secured with the stitches you make.
The next step is to pass the needle diagonally across from where you started your stitch. It will make a diagonal half-cross stitch.
Start the second half of the cross stitch by bringing the needle back up through the hole directly below the last hole you used. Again, ensure that the thread tail remains trapped under the stitch.
Continue doing this throughout the circle. The next step is to return around the circle by making half-cross stitches in the other direction. In some instances, you can make whole cross stitches moving to the next stitch.
End your stitches by needle passing the needle to the backside of the fabric. Pass it under at least three stitches on the backside of the fabric. Trim the remaining thread and make sure you do not cut too close to the stitches.
Essential Tips to Cross Stitch a Circle Pattern
There are a few vital tips to keep in mind when cross-stitching a circle pattern, and here are a few of them.
- Do not make long jumps at the back of your fabric as you make the stitches. It may end up showing on the front.
- Purchase all materials needed before you start your project. This way, you do not end up pausing in the middle of your project.
- Let the needle and thread hang free to stop it from getting twisted.
- Make sure your stitches have a friendly and easy tension.
What Are Basic Stitches in Cross Stitch to Make a Circle?
There are at least five basic stitches in cross stitch. Sewers also use them to make circle patterns.
The stitches are X-shaped, half stitch, quarter stitch, three-quarter stitch, and backstitch. Each stitch has its function.
It is essential to learn the functions of each stitch to know how to use them in your projects.
Do You Double the Thread in Cross Stitch?
In a cross-stitch project, the number of thread strands you use is dependent on the type of fabric used.
Doubling thread is very common in cross-stitching. So, it is okay to double the thread if you wish to do so.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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