Cross Stitch

go to someplace like Micheals or A C Moores - they have kits that you can start with. Granted, the quality of the kit varies, but there are small and large pieces, and you can get an idea of how cross-stitch works. Don't be afraid to ask questions - we've all been there, and can give you boatloads of advice.

If you decide you like it, we can send you all sorts of l>Hello all! I'm new to this group and was wondering if anyone could

Do a search on Google for 'tutorial cross stitch'. There are a number there.

If you have any questions after you start, come back and ask here and I'm sure some one will help you.

Mavia

Buy yourself a good book with illustrations mirjam

Are you in the USA? If so, you can do an internet search for the Embroiderers' Guild of America to see if there is a local chapter you could join. You are allowed to attend a couple of meetings before they expect you to join so take advantage of that and, even if you decide not to join, you may make some new friends who will be happy to tutor you as you learn. :-)

Liz from Humbug

Ditto on the EGA recommendation. Plus, check their website for info on stitching. There is a great website from a woman named Carole Leather in the UK with diagrams, instructions for stitching, technique, and IIRC, she does some on-line classes.

Beyond that, look in your area to see if there are any local needlework shops. Most shops offer a beginning stitcher's class. Plus, an independent shop will have materials in a variety beyond the kits at Michaels or similar box craft stores. You can check the TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) site - they're a trade group for all kinds of Needlework, including designers, shops, suppliers - and their site has links to learning to stitch and shop locations.

They also put out some excellent learn to Cross-stitch, learn to Needlepoint books that are quite inexpensive, and often shops will have them.

In addition to EGA, you can check out the American Needlepoint Guild,

They have sections with information on all kinds of stitching, and local chapters. Not restricted to working on canvas, but also on various other fabrics, and many of us are members in EGA & ANG.

With any of the guilds, visitors are generally welcome to attend a meeting, check it out - without paying or being forced to join. We want you to enjoy the art, make friends, and learn! If there are no local chapters near you, both EGA & ANG have membership at large, as well as cyber chapters that you can join - well, for sure ANG has one - I always forget if EGA does.

But, finally, as Mirjam said - get a good book. Having some diagrams on hand, with explanations is worth a lot, and less frustrating than running to the web to see if you're doing something right, wrong or anywhere in between. As a basic - I really like the Donna Kooler Encyclopedia of Needlework - it has sections on all kinds of stitching - XS, various stitches typical beyond XS used on linen or aida cloth, Needlepoint, Surface Embroidery (including crewel stitches), along with a good amount of information on all the materials and using them, as well as stitch diagrams that also include photos of the stitch actually having been done.

Regardless - have fun.

Ellice in NoVA

Do you have any suggestions for books? Especially the illustrations part?

needlepoint.org

Thanks so much for the recommendation! I have ben looking at Amazon to see if I can get that book for Xmas! Thanks!

Working on Canvas By Margaret Rivers , B.T. Batsford, Ltd, 1990

50 Needlepoint Stitches, Coats Sewing group1975. are my best companions to this , but there are more mirjam