Cross stitch is one of the oldest embroidery stitches. It can be worked on canvas or even-weave fabrics so that the stitches are of the same size. If you cross a row of diagonal stitches in one direction with a second row of diagonal stitches in the opposite slanting direction, you get a cross stitch. All cross stitch patterns are by nature counted thread in nature. This is because if you need to get the correct embroidery design, the stitches should be correctly spread across the fabric. This is possible only by giving a count to each colour and direction. To take a simple example, if one wants to embroider the letter “A”, the number of cross stitches in the left leg of the letter should definitely match the right leg number.

Check out the Mona Lisa all done in cross stitch. Craft Conn has used 63 DMC colors for an accurate rendering of the famous Leonardi Da Vinci painting. Isn’t it a beauty?

Then you have various versions of the cross stitch like the alternating cross stitch where a row is skipped to give the cross an elongated look, the back stitch which ensures that the pattern can be used from both sides of the fabric, the rugged Brazilian cross stitch where two rows intersect to make the embroidery design more stable. The knitting stitch bears an unique resemblance to the regular knitting. Here the stitches are crossed in such a manner that the whole design looks well knit. This type of stitch is also called tapestry stitch. The Mexican cross stitch (also called the plaited stitch) consists of multiple diagonal rows that move parallelly to each other. These are complemented with multiple rows in the opposite direction. They meet at their respective centers to form diamond designs which also ensures the stability of the pattern.

If you want to learn cross stitch, check out Big Book of Cross-Stitch Design: Over 900 Simple-to-Sew Decorative Motifs by Readers Digest authors. If you need an encyclopedia on cross stitch that would adorn your library like a jewel, you must go in for 2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book (“Better Homes & Gardens”). This book has 2001 cross stitch designs for every occasion and category of stitching—holidays, alphabets, florals, nature, sports, children, babies, Christmas, animals, and numerous others. Each motif collection is accompanied by a clear and accurate color chart and color key and includes 50 specialty stitch diagrams with instructions.

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What exactly is bead embroidery? This is an ancient hand embroidery technique which originated in Germany in the 12th century. The pattern was first drawn onto the parchment and then attached to the fabric. The beads were strung onto one single thread, laid on the design in the desired manner and then couched into place with a thread and second needle. So there was a juxtaposition between the beads and the embroidery and this unique technque came to be known as bead embroidery.

In today’s scenario, one generally takes 5 – 6 beeds on the needle at a time. The needle goes into the fabric and these beads are then couched with a second needle and thread into place. The backstitch technique is used in order to run through several of the couched beads. A final thread is run through to ensure stability of the embroidery design.

Check out the dragonfly which caught my eye in one of the beaded embroidery resources – Giuliana’s Beaded Embroidery – This embroidery is done with linen lined with muslin. The dragonfly body is done in clear silver-lined bugle beads, and the wings are solid silver metal Delica beads. The opaque purple beads are size 11/0 Japanese glass beads. Aren’t they a beauty!

There is an informative book on beaded embroidery by Sherry Serafini and you could read it -  The Art of Bead Embroidery: Techniques, Designs & Inspirations

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