Back in my younger days, I stitched some pretty intricate cross stitch projects. These days, I prefer a simpler, primitive style and that is perfect because I find it hard to see well enough to sew the intricate designs! Here’s how you can make a simple cross stitch sampler on linen – no count style.
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Transferring the Cross Stitch Pattern:
This method of no-count cross stitch is definitely best for a small, simple, primitive pattern. I don’t think it would be practical for a large or intricate design.
To show you, I am going to use the “Basket of Memories” chart from A Heart Remembers book by Blackbird Designs.
For this process to work, the finished size indicated on the pattern needs to be the same as the actual dimensions of the cross stitch chart.
For this pattern, the two were the same size. This might not always be the case. If they aren’t, you can resize the chart to the correct size.
I took a photocopy of the cross stitch chart (so I didn’t bleed marker through onto the book) and taped it onto my light box.
I chose a linen based on the thread count as directed in the pattern. I then centered my piece of linen cross stitch fabric over the pattern and taped it down also.
I then used a fine point marker to make a dot on the fabric over the center of each box where there is a stitch indicated on the pattern. For this pattern, it is super easy because it is all stitched in the same color and all of the marks are dots.
But you can also do this with multi colored patterns. Still, just put a dot in each spot. Then, you will just need to reference the pattern for the correct color to stitch.
The fabric I chose was a little hard to see through. It would be easier to do this with a lighter linen and harder with a darker fabric.
Using the photocopy also helped when making the dots because I was able to reference the original pattern when I wasn’t sure where to put my dots!
Stitching the No Count Cross Stitch:
As indicated in the cross stitch pattern instructions, I will stitch using 2 strands of embroidery floss over 2 threads, getting the dot right in the middle of the X.
If it looks like my dots are off a little, I will still stitch over the dot to cover it up. I like my craft projects to have a primitive look to them so it won’t bother me if it is a little “off”.
I haven’t finished this one yet, but I here’s a primitive sampler that my Mom did using this method. You will notice that some of the letters are not quite in line, but that is actually the way the original pattern was. It was designed to look like a child’s sampler! It is from Stitches from the Schoolhouse by Renee Plains.
Pin this Cross Stitch Tutorial:
