Author Archives: MagicHour

Gridding – Pen or Thread?

A close up on a needle with yellow floss being inserted into white, gridded aida fabric

Tips on Gridding your Fabric Hello, stitchers!  Donna here with a few tips, do’s and don’t on Gridding. Gridding is a subject that gets a lot of attention in cross stitching Facebook groups, workshops and anywhere else that stitchers gather. There are good reasons to grid.  It certainly helps with keeping counts, especially for “cross […]

Waste Canvas – What is it?

A clos-up on gridded white embroidery fabric

Waste Canvas gives you the structure needed for stitching on ordinary fabrics.  Just baste your waste canvas in place, then stitch as you would on any 14 count Aida.  When you are finished your stitching, simply wet the waste canvas thoroughly, and the threads can pull out and leave just your stitching on your garment, […]

General Benefits of Cross Stitch

A close up on a stitched honey comb pattern with cross stitch bees on a blue-grey aida background

            There are many benefits to cross stitch, and when stitchers are asked, their responses usually fall into one of these categories: Focus:  Stitching allows the mind to concentrate on one thing, instead of being distracted or scattered over everything else that is going on.  It provides a distraction from worry, and the creative process is often associated […]

How to Cross Stitch in 10 Simple Steps

A close up on a needle with yellow floss being inserted into white, gridded aida fabric

By Donna Murphy 1.  Assemble your gear Pattern Fabric Floss Needle Scissors (these are the essentials) Pink and Yellow Highlighters Hoop or Qsnap Needleminder (these are helpful but not essential) 1    2. Find the center stitch on your pattern. Look for the little triangle arrows at the top and the left side. Whether the arrow is pointing to […]

Visit Us At 109C Welland St. Catharines ON -CALL US: 289-407-4379