To me cross stitching is very closely related to melting beads just that the mediums, materials and method is different. However, the main idea of counting pixels is the same!
Cross stitch projects can be framed and displayed as a piece of art, sewn onto other things like pillows and clothing for that added POW POW or kept in the original stitching hoop as decoration.
There are many counted cross stitch kits that can be purchased in local craft stores and online.
However, I enjoy making what my little heart desires and you should too! So instead of purchasing kits I purchase the contents of the kits on their own.
Materials required for cross stitching.
Fabric - the fabric used for cross stitching have little holes in them and are not like regular clothing fabric. The main brand is called Aida, which can be purchased from Michaels (remember to print off their 40% off coupon!). There are different counts of Aida fabric. The higher the number the smaller the stitching the more detailed the project will be ... meaning time consuming.
Cross stitch hoop - these hoops are to help you keep the the fabric taught and in place while you stitch and can also act as a frame for the finished goods. The come in different sizes and can be made out of wood or plastic. The cheapest place around town for them is Dressew. Below are two examples of the ones I purchased from Dressew for 99 cents each.
Needle - a dull small one will do, using a sharp one just means pain and anguish for yourself.
Thread - the main brand of embroidery thread out there is DMC cotton embroidery thread. There are different brands of threads but in my opinion DMC is the best type of thread available on the market. Instead of calling them spools of thread they are called 'skeins'. These are also the same type of threads used to make friendship bracelets. The cheapest place to purchase DMC thread would be eBay, however you do have to purchase a ginormous amount compared to about 40 cents per skein from craft stores.
What to make now?!?!?!?!
Now that you have all the materials what the heck can you make? ANYTHING!!!! Counted cross stitch books can be purchased from craft stores or borrowed from your local public library. Trust me there are TONS of books on cross stitch patterns at libraries. If you are new school you can always type in Google image search "cross stitch __________" just like with the Perler beads search. Perler patterns can also be used as cross stitch patterns and vice versa!
Recently Dolce and Gabbanna used tons and tons of cross stitchness for their Fall/ Winter 2012 collection. SWOOOON!
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