Glossary of Stitching Terms
Quarter stitch -- a quarter stitch is technically half of a half stitch. It starts in a hole and ends by poking the needle through the fabric halfway to the next hole. Quarter stitches can go in any diagonal direction however the direction required will be shown on the chart.
Questions -- every stitcher comes across something they don't know about at some point and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. The best way to learn is to ask a question when you don't know something so don't be shy -- ask away! You can do this by popping into one of our Stitcher's Forums.
R
Running stitch -- many people use running stitches to divide large cross stitch pieces up into easy to manage sections. They are large stitches that can be snipped and taken out as you finish a particular area. By running stitches vertically and horizontally through the centre of the design you can effectively divide the design into four separate sections i.e. you can treat each section as an individual cross stitch piece.
S
Sampler -- a sampler is a specific type of cross stitch design which more often than not includes the letters of the alphabet. Samplers usually have a theme, are much larger than normal designs and take many months or even years to complete. Samplers make great heirlooms for the future.
Seam allowance -- the seam allowance is the distance between the outside line of stitching and the cut edge of the fabric.
Selvage -- the selvage is the thin band of different textured fabric found at the edge of a piece of cross stitch fabric. It is very helpful to most as it doesn't fray and it provides a slightly tougher texture to hold on to.
Skein -- a skein is a package of six-strand embroidery floss held together by a small paper tube. This tube has information regarding brand and color on it and should be kept until a design is finished (just in case you accidentally run out and need to get new supplies).
Stamped cross stitch -- this type of cross stitch has the design printed onto the fabric, usually as Xs. The complete design is sewn over and so the printing can not be seen on the end result. The legend shows which color is to be used which each X and as the crosses are bigger than in counted cross stitch, this technique is great for beginners or those with poor eyesight.
Stranded
cotton -- stranded cotton
is the term used to describe the normal thread used for most cross stitch
designs.
It is bought as a skein and is available in hundreds of different colors,
each of which has a unique color-code.
T
Tapestry needle -- tapestry needles are great for cross stitch as they have a blunt tip that slides between the threads of the fabric rather than parting them. Most kits are supplied with a tapestry needle.
Tension -- the term tension refers to the tightness of a stitch. A stitch on Aida fabric should lay flat on the fabric however it should not be so tight that it warps the weave. Similarly, the word tension is used when employing an embroidery hoop. The fabric should be tight enough that it doesn't sag in the middle but it shouldn't be so tight that it stretches the weave of the material.
Thread organizer -- refer to 'Organizer' for an explanation.
U
Unbleached threads -- unbleached threads are un-dyed threads and are great if you want to experiment with your own colors.
Unpick -- unpicking occurs when you loose your place in a design or you simply loose concentration and end up stitching too many stitches or using the wrong color. It happens to the best of us however unpicking stitches takes time and so you should take care to check your chart regularly.
V
Variegated threads -- if you look at a skein of variegated thread you will notice the color changing from light to dark and back again along the length of the thread. This gives a subtle but unique effect when used in a block of cross stitches.
W
Wadding -- wadding is a packing material used to stuff cushions and other such items. It can also be used however to pad behind cross stitch designs and give them a subtle 3D appearance. This is especially effective when making gift cards and the centre piece of the card stands proud. Wadding is also known as Batting.
Warp Threads -- the Warp threads of a fabric are those which run parallel to the Selvage. They are the threads that were applied tightly to the loom before weaving with the weft threads. Warp threads, when pulled from the fabric, are almost flat.
Waste canvas -- waste canvas is a special canvas that can be tacked onto a fabric not normally suitable for stitching, such as a t-shirt or a baseball cap. You can then stitch through the holes of the waste canvas onto the fabric beneath and when you are done, you simply cut the threads of the waste canvas, pull them out and you are left with the design underneath.
Waste knot -- this is the most common technique used to start stitching when there is nowhere to anchor the end of the thread. You tie a small knot in the thread and make a stitch from front to back a short way from where you will actually start stitching, so that the waste knot is on the front of the design. As you continue with the design the thread at the back will become secured meaning that you can carefully snip off the waste knot from the front.
Weft Threads -- the Weft threads of a fabric are those which run perpendicular to the Selvage. They are the threads which were woven by the shuttle of the loom across the warp threads. Weft threads, when pulled from the fabric, are naturally wavy.
White work -- white work incorporates white stitching on white fabric, often linen. This is a wonderful way to stitch subtle and delicate designs.
X
X -- this is the symbol used to depict a single cross stitch.
XS, X-stitch -- cross stitch; your favourite hobby by far and understandably so!
Y
Yarn -- yarn or wool can be used in cross stitch as an alternative to floss. You will need a large count fabric such as 6 count binca. However, this technique is brilliant for introducing children to the delights of cross stitch.
Z
Zweigart -- this is a major manufacturer of cross stitch fabrics (and other forms of embroidery as well). They produce a fantastic range of fabrics in a number of counts and colors.