Skip to main content
Added example of classic cross stitch sampler
Source Link
Erica
  • 4.4k
  • 5
  • 26
  • 58

All of the cross stich projects I've done did not fill in the background with a solid color. From what I've seen, thisThis is typical in embroidery -- the design itself is stitched in, and the backgroundbase fabric is leftused as the color/texture of the base fabricbackground. Not only is this faster and simpler for the crafter, it helps the design stand out from the background both texturally and visually.

1805 sampler by Catharine Ann Speel

Sampler by Catharine Ann Speel, photo from the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The only exception I can imagine to this is a pillow or other item that might be handled; if you want to have a smoother feel to the finished project, fill in every square (particularly since cross stich canvas is often quite stiff). Again, though, this isn't necessary -- the two pillows I made that included a cross stitch pattern were much more for display than cuddling, and therefore the background was left unstitched.

All of the cross stich projects I've done did not fill in the background with a solid color. From what I've seen, this is typical in embroidery -- the design itself is stitched in, the background is left as the color/texture of the base fabric. Not only is this faster and simpler for the crafter, it helps the design stand out from the background both texturally and visually.

The only exception I can imagine to this is a pillow or other item that might be handled; if you want to have a smoother feel to the finished project, fill in every square (particularly since cross stich canvas is often quite stiff). Again, though, this isn't necessary -- the two pillows I made that included a cross stitch pattern were much more for display than cuddling, and therefore the background was left unstitched.

All of the cross stich projects I've done did not fill in the background with a solid color. This is typical in embroidery -- the design itself is stitched in, and the base fabric is used as the background. Not only is this faster and simpler for the crafter, it helps the design stand out from the background both texturally and visually.

1805 sampler by Catharine Ann Speel

Sampler by Catharine Ann Speel, photo from the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The only exception I can imagine to this is a pillow or other item that might be handled; if you want to have a smoother feel to the finished project, fill in every square (particularly since cross stich canvas is often quite stiff). Again, though, this isn't necessary -- the two pillows I made that included a cross stitch pattern were much more for display than cuddling, and therefore the background was left unstitched.

Source Link
Erica
  • 4.4k
  • 5
  • 26
  • 58

All of the cross stich projects I've done did not fill in the background with a solid color. From what I've seen, this is typical in embroidery -- the design itself is stitched in, the background is left as the color/texture of the base fabric. Not only is this faster and simpler for the crafter, it helps the design stand out from the background both texturally and visually.

The only exception I can imagine to this is a pillow or other item that might be handled; if you want to have a smoother feel to the finished project, fill in every square (particularly since cross stich canvas is often quite stiff). Again, though, this isn't necessary -- the two pillows I made that included a cross stitch pattern were much more for display than cuddling, and therefore the background was left unstitched.