Teaching Children to Cross Stitch
Recently my two daughters (ages 7 and 8 years) asked me to teach them to cross stitch. I was so pleased that they showed an interest in one of my favorite crafts. I have begun to teach them the basics and all of us have enjoyed the special times we've spent together stitching.Learning the actual stitches has come easy for them. Their main concern is keeping track of where they are on the chart. Also, at this age, their attention span is very short for stitching. Simple, small designs seem to work best.
It has been going very slowly, but spending the time together and having fun (making memories) is far more important to me than the actual stitching.
Tips for Teaching Kids
Before teaching your child to cross stitch, be sure it is something that THEY want to learn. If they are not interested, then don't force them. Cross stitch (even for kids) should be relaxing and fun! Also, you may find after a couple of stitching sessions that your child does not enjoy it. Don't despair!! Let them find another hobby that they will enjoy.
These are some suggestions I've come up with for helping your children learn cross stitch. Most of these I've learned by doing! Remember though, each child is unique in their learning styles, so do whatever works best for yours.
- Start with short sessions so your child does not get overly frustrated with the new skills. My daughters stitched only 2 short rows the first time we sat down with it. Again, do what is best for your child. Some children may finish in one day!
- Start with a small design with only 2 or 3 color changes. The more quickly they see results, the more excited your children will be about the craft.
- Make them wash their hands before beginning!
- Point out how the square in the Aida cloth matches up to the square in the pattern.
- Check out the symbols for each color of thread. If the chart is black & white, you may want to color in the pattern with appropriate colored pencils to make it easy to follow.
- Show them how to find the center of the fabric and place the hoop on the fabric.
- Demonstrate how to separate strands of thread and how to thread the needle. Make sure to use a tapestry needle with a blunt end. See Finding Materials below.
- Let them practice threading the needle several times.
- Before any stitching begins, show them pictures of the process (see Finding Basic Instructions below). Demonstrate a row of cross stitch using your own materials.
- When starting the first row, check that they are catching the "tail" of the thread under the first few stitches. This was a tricky area for my children.
- Demonstrate how to end a thread by running the needle under the backs of a few stitches.
- Most of all, have fun with your children!!
I purchased beginner's kits at my local JoAnn's store. I have also seen these kits at Michael's. The kit included 11 count Aida cloth, 3" hoop, needle, floss, and easy to follow instructions and chart. The cost was $2.99 (US). I purchased a design of a ladybug which was only 2 colors and a smiley face design which was 3 colors. Check your local stores for these handy kits. See below for places to purchase other kits online.
You could easily put together your own materials. It is probably easiest to start with 11 count Aida since the holes are easy to see and the "squares" of the fabric are well defined.
Use a tapestry needle. These have blunt ends, so your child will not be sticking themselves. A size 22 tapestry needle is recommended for 11-count Aida.
A small, simple pattern is best to start with. I found 2 or 3 color changes to be plenty for my 7 year old and 8 year old. The quicker they see results, the more excited they are about their new craft! See Freebie Designs for Beginners below.
Your child will probably want demonstrations of cross stitch, not written instructions. But, if you need some pictures of the stitches or even some tips for yourself, try the following links:
Yarn Tree - Learn Cross Stitch in 5 minutes
Needlework Index - includes animated diagrams of stitches
X's and Oh's Original Cross-stitch Designs
Counted Cross Stitch for Beginners - A Guide to Teaching Yourself Counted Cross Stitch
You can find some great beginner designs online. There's nothing better than a freebie! Remember to check out Sue's Freebie Finder for more fun freebies.
Carrie's Cross Stitch - the "Teeny-Tiny" charts are great for beginners
Borders for Beginners by Ellen Maurer-Stroh
Daisy Designs - new chart each month
Beginner Kits Online
Most online cross stitch shops have beginner kits. I've listed a few here.
Purple Heart Designs - Kiddies Corner
X's and Oh's Original Cross-stitch Designs - Beginner Kits
Pegasus Originals - Beginner Kits (a little more challenging)
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