Celtic Counted Cross Stitch Vs Traditional Celtic Cross Stitch

Simple Concepts, Intructions and Suppliers For Your Celtic Counted Cross Stitch

Celtic counted cross stitch is no different from the Celtic cross stitch. It got this name because of its method of embroidery. Cross stitch is a very simple and easy to learn modus operandi. In this procedure a specific cross stitch fabric is required which is required to have equal sized boxes in which the cross is stitched. The patterns are made according to these boxes and hence they are counted while doing the embroidery; to make an unambiguous pattern.

For Celtic counted cross stitch you’ll need some particular supplies or kits. I know these materials are eminent and effortlessly obtainable but for those who have no knowledge of the supplies I’ll guide you about all the available items for cross stitch.

1.      FABRIC:

In a cross stitch the pattern is made with countable squares or part of squares. Once the pattern or the design is transferred to the fabric by counting the boxes or squares. All the cross stitch fabrics hence have the squares. These squares are counted per 2.5cms. For example if the fabric number is 14, it means that in every 2.5cms there are 14 squares in both horizontal and vertical directions. Here is the brief detail of the fabrics:

a.       AIDA:

Aida is an ideal fabric for the beginners. Used over ages, this fabric is easily available everywhere. It’s a standard cotton fabric that comes in variety of shades and can even be dyed into any color you want. Aida is available in 8, 11, 14, 16 and 18 blocks to 2.5cm (1in). It has obvious holes in it, which makes it preferable for all age groups.

b.      EVENWEAVE LINEN:

Linen is yet another good choice for cross stitch embroideries. It comes in variety of colors and linen variations. It is a little more expensive than Aida but it gives more classic look to the embroidery.

It comes in 28 to 32 holes per 2.5cms. Linen has natural irregularities and to avoid irregular crosses generally two threads are used to cross over in both the directions. Linen is far easier for few stitches like quarter and three quarter cross stitches. There are further varieties of linen available depending upon the basic material. These are Jobelan, Zweigart Linda,  Belfast and Cashel linens.

2.      THREADS:

Any type of embroidery thread can be used for the cross stitch. It is a little difficult for me to guide you about all the thread varieties to you. But hey! Don’t worry I’ll tell you about the easily available and mostly used threads.

a.       COTTON THREADS:

Cotton threads can be standard cotton thread which comes as six-strand mercerized cotton. This is available in Anchor, DMC and Madeira brands. They are available in whole wide range of colors. Cotton threads are also available in Perle cotton and soft DMC cotton.

b.      SILK THREADS:

Silk threads are also easily available. They are dyed in many colors so you can get what you want. Their sheen is variable and also comes in a wide range. Silk threads do give a very fine and lush look but they are little more difficult to manage as they tangle easily.

c.       WOOL YARNS:

These are generally used for celtic cross stitch tapestries. Twisted pure wool is used for this.

d.      METALLIC AND BLENDID THREADS:

Kreinik, DMC and Anchor are the general suppliers of these threads. They come in variable thicknesses, colors and textures. They are used in combination of threads.

3.       NEEDLES AND SCISSORS:
You need a blunt tapestry needle of size 24 or 26. This can be nickel plated or gold plated. And off course you’ll need fine tip scissors to cut the thread.

Now that you know what else you need than pattern, it’s time to rush to the nearest super market to get all your supplies and getting started. Good luck!!!!