Glossary
of Stitching Terms
Fabric count -- refer to 'Count' for more details.
Flexi-hoop -- a flexi-hoop is very similar to an embroidery hoop, the main difference being that it is plastic and not wooden (as most embroidery hoops are). Flexi-hoops can be round, oval and square, and are suitable for being left around the design as a hanging frame.
Floss -- floss is the common name for a type of cotton thread that comes in skeins of six strands loosely twisted together however often only two or three strands are used at one time. Every individual floss has its own color-code number which is used to identify it on a chart and when purchasing it from a supplier. In addition to cotton floss, you can also buy metallic, nylon, silk and rayon floss.
Fractional stitches -- fractional stitches give a design more natural shapes and contours. Sharp corners produced by full cross stitches often look 'boxy' in a circular or curvy design and so special fractional stitches are incorporated to round off the corners. Refer to 'half stitch' and 'quarter stitch' for an explanation.
French knot -- a French knot is a type of stitch which produces a tiny knot on the upper side of the fabric. They are often used to emphasise the centre of eyes and the middle part of flowers. French knots are a great way to add depth and texture to a piece of work.
G
Graph paper -- while graph paper is not technically needed to be able to cross stitch it does come in handy should you wish to design your own charts. One square on the graph paper converts to one stitch on the design, thus you just draw whatever you want to cross stitch.
H
Half cross stitch -- the half cross stitch is exactly what it says it is; half of a cross stitch. A single stitch is sewn, the direction of which should be depicted on the chart.
Holbein stitch -- this stitch is more commonly known as the double running stitch. You simply stitch a row of running stitch in one direction and then come back in the opposite direction filling in the gaps as you go.
Hoop -- refer to 'Embroidery hoop' for an explanation.
HPI -- this is standard abbreviation for Holes Per Inch when referring to fabric counts.
I
Instructions -- cross stitch kits will always come with instructions explaining how to create the design. Often patterns that are bought separately i.e. not as part of a kit, will not have detailed instructions as it is assumed the stitcher is advanced with regards to the craft.
In-the-hand -- this phrase refers to an alternative method to cross stitch for those of you who don't like to use an embroidery hoop. You literally hold the fabric in your hand, taught between the fingers. One thing to beware of when stitching in the hand is that you maintain a suitable tension; loose stitches look messy while tight stitches can warp the fabric.
Iron on Vilene -- this is a special material used to back finished cross stitch designs. It stops the edges from fraying which makes it much easier to mount and frame them.
J
Jobelan -- jobelan is an evenweave fabric with regularly spaced, easy to see holes. It is ideal for newbies and children who are attempting their first evenweave project. Jobelan is available from most stockists in a wide range of colors.
K
Kits -- cross stitch kits contain everything you will need to complete the specified design. For example most kits will contain the fabric, floss, needle, color key and instructions so that you can start stitching straight away. occasionally kits don't include the floss however this will be clearly labelled on the packaging.
Knots -- knots are a common problem in cross stitch, even for stitchers with years of experience. Knots occur when the threads twist together and so care should be taken to keep the threads from becoming tangled. If you allow your needle to dangle on the end of the thread occasionally the threads will untwist themselves. If you do find yourself with a knot don't panic. Try to untangle it with your needle but if this fails snip the knot off and sew in the loose ends of the thread.