How to cross stitch a constellation

Tell me a story about cross stitching

Cross stitch can be found in the earliest history, as far back as the sixth century BC. Needlework has existed as long as there has been cloth to work it on. Pieces of embroidery and needlework have been found preserved in ancient Egyptian tombs and in Medieval churches all over the world.

You can find a pattern of just about any subject today. You can even design your own patterns with computer software!

Cross stitch is the most popular form of needlework today. It is very easy to do and to teach. Most people who stitch, consider it to be relaxing and enjoyable to do.

Below you can find some examples from our collections

Have you ever cross-stitched?

Following this activity you will learn how!

What you will need

Scissors (ask a parent or guardian for help)
A plastic or metal sewing needle
A piece of fabric (aida works best for cross stitch)
Embroidery thread (whatever colours you would like)
Square paper to draw out your pattern (not essential)

Step 1

Get your thread ready. Each embroidery thread has six strands. You only need two strands, so separate two strands. Tie a knot at one end of the strands to stop the threads pulling through the holes in the aida.

Step 2

Thread your needle by pulling the embroidery strands through the eye of the needle.

Step 3

To cross stitch - bring the needle from the backside of the fabric to the front, as shown below. Work in horizontal rows, embroidering from left to right. Then, working from right to left, repeat the process. Make sure each stitch crosses in the same direction.

Step 4

To long stitch – use only one embroidery thread and stitch across two or more blocks.

Step 5

Secure your threads once almost at the end of the strand(s) by tying another knot or two on the backside of the pattern.

You can now draw out a pattern that you want to cross stitch before beginning, so you know how many stitches you need to make and where. This is called a counted cross stitch. An example constellation pattern is shown here.

Well done!

Make as many patterns as you like, and share them with us!