And Then: There Was Cake...: Cross-stitch

I recently just got back into cross-stitching, after making a large scale pillow. Once I made a bookmark, I realised that it was a lot easier than I'd remembered, so I decided to try to design my own cross-stitch pattern. This was pretty difficult, actually, as I had to colour all the squares individually, and also try and design the piece at the same time.
I then chose the colours to match my scheme as closely as possible(though maybe you'll want to do it the other way around, if you have a limited amount of coloured threads).

Yes, this isn't finished...

You will need:
-Blank cross-stitch design grid
-Coloured pencils
-Coloured embroidery threads and embroidery needle
-Adia fabric

1.Firstly, sketch a design roughly then transfer over to the design board. I actually did this 'blind', so I had no idea where I was going with it, which probably isn't advisable.

2. Try and use colours that are as close as you can get to what you have available, as it will allow you to see what the cross-stitch will probably look like.

3.You could even try picking the colour scheme before hand and creating a design around that.

General tips for cross-stitching:

You might want to use an embroidery loop, which will make sewing easier and keep the tension even.
Always stitch in half-stitches and come back the other way to complete the cross, to save thread. Make sure that the crosses are always going the same way.
Don't knot the thread: when starting, leave a short length at the back and stitch over it, and at the end pass the needle through the last 4 or so stitches. This stops the final piece looking lumpy.
Use about 2-3 strands when sewing (each thread usually has 6)
Cross of your design as you go
To find where to start, you could the adia in half and half the other way, to find the centre. Mark the centre on your design as well and sew out from this point.
Don't cut thread longer than the reach of your arm or you'll find it difficult to sew with.

OK, so back to your design...

4. I recommend that you use a 14-count aida piece - that is, 14 holes in an inch. This is the standard size for most cross-stitching, though you can get it as large as 6-count or smaller like 16-count. If you use this size, stitch with 2 threads.

5. Cut out the fabric so it is larger than what you need, to compensate for fraying and to limit the possibility that your design will go off the edge (opps!) Iron out any creases.

6. Find the middle and stitch in one loose stitch. Find the middle of your design as well.

7. Start from this point when you begin to stitch. Once you've established a few stitches, you can remove the loose marker stitch. Cross off as you complete stitches.

8. Following the general tips above, sew your design.

9. Iron out any creases, but don't iron directly on to the top of the worked piece - iron with the back upwards on a towel to avoid squashing the stitches.