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Learn the basics of cross-stitch with the step by step guide

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Cross-stitch is a type of embroidery that has been around for centuries and is still popular today.

It involves using a needle and thread to create a pattern by making small X-shaped stitches on fabric. Cross-stitch can be used to decorate clothing, home decor, or even create intricate works of art.

While it may seem daunting to those new to the craft, cross-stitch is actually a relatively simple and easy-to-learn technique that can be done by anyone with some patience and practice.

Craftbits.com has a new article, where they explore the basics of cross-stitch, including the materials needed, how to read a pattern, and how to create the stitches themselves.

Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, this guide will help you get started on your cross-stitching journey.

Get the article on the basics of cross-stitch here.

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Super Fun Colorwork Socks to Knit

When I knit socks (which sadly I have not done in a while; need to get a new pair on the needles soon!) I generally stick to pretty simple designs and colorwork that isn’t all that detailed. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love a fancy sock, I’m also just pretty lazy and I figure a project worked on size 0 or 1 US needles is going to take a long time even without the added work of intricate colorwork, so why make it more complicated?

But there are definitely socks out there I’d be willing to make an exception for, and I think Tangled Bliss by Annette Schleicher may just be one of them. 

If you can’t tell from looking, this is decidedly an advanced knitting pattern. There’s brioche for the cuffs, complex looking colorwork done with the ladderback jacquard technique, multiple charts, and colors changing everywhere. 

There are links to tutorials for all the special skills in the pattern, but still it would help to have a handle on these concepts before you get started. 

The pattern uses three colors of light fingering weight yarn at a whopping 31 stitches per 4 inches/10 cm (that’s 7.75 stitches per inch/2.5 cm). 

Would you believe me if I told you that this pattern was designed for a speed knitting contest? Speed would be the last thing on my mind. 

But again, I think all the work for these fancy socks would be worth it. I love hoe the colorwork looks like an old tile floor, and think of the bragging rights when you tell people you made them yourself. (Though of course you did; have you ever seen store-bought socks that look anything like this?)

Best of all, this pattern is available for free on Ravelry, so there’s no reason not to give it a try if you’ve got the skills. If you do, I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Annette Schleicher]

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