Cross StitchingLearn How to Cross Stitch Simple and Easy Pictures, Patterns, and Shapes Cross stitch is a method of embroidery in which stitches are sewn in a tiled pattern to form letters or images. It is comparable to modern digital images created using pixels. The earliest American example of this work is from the 1600's, but there are likely European examples which are much older. Cross stitch embroidery was often used to personalize and embellish useful household items such as napkins and dish cloths. However, it evolved into use for more decorative purposes, as well. It is now more frequently used to create images and sayings on pillow covers and wall hangings. Because of the way the thread is precariously anchored, it is generally not used on clothing. There are several methods for threading the needle, for beginning the piece, for working the actual stitches and also for finishing the piece. There is not so much a right and wrong way so much as there are "ways that will look the best" and "ways which may be easier, but do not look as good." The best way to start cross stitch is the old-fashioned way. Make your own pattern on a piece of graph paper, practice each style of stitching and create a "sampler" for reference. A sampler is a piece of cross stitch embroidery that was often made by young girls who were first learning the craft in order to practice their stitching while simultaneously creating a reference card for all the stitches they had learned. It was often decorative, as well, showcasing the alphabet, numbers 0-9, their name or perhaps a simple picture. Cross StitchingHere Is A Preview Of What You'll Learn...Cross Stitch HistoryThread BasicsFabricNeedle BasicsCommon StitchesHow to Get StartedTips and TricksBasic Patterns to Get You StartedMuch, much more Thank You for Choosing This Book