Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is a very traditional craft. You've probably seen beautiful cross stitched samplers hanging in museums. Samplers of this type are said to have originated at least 500 years ago, so it's no wonder they form an important part of our history.

Origins of Cross Stitch

Cross stitch seems to have evolved from older needlework and embroidery styles. Embroidery involves freehand stitching on a fabric without squares, while both needlework and cross stitch use fabric with holes in it. The difference is that needlework fills up the whole fabric with stitching, while cross stitch often only uses part of the fabric to highlight a design.

Cross Stitch Samplers

Children, especially girls, have long been proficient in cross stitch. Young women were taught to stitch a variety of motifs, alphabet letters and bible verses. These designs were incorporated into a wall hanging known as a sampler. The earliest dated sampler known is from 1598.

The sampler literally served as a sample, showing off the different techniques a woman was proficient at. They showed that a girl knew how to use a needle and thread, which was very important in the days before electric sewing machines and clothing stores. A beautiful sampler meant that a woman was a good catch.

Stitching the alphabet was also important because it was a method of record keeping. Stitching a monogram on shirts and linens would mark them as belonging to a particular household. Letters could also be used to sign a completed piece of embroidery or to tell when it was created.

Modern Cross Stitch

Of course, patterns for old-time samplers are still available and popular. However, there are also patterns for just about anything you'd like to draw in thread, from butterflies to motorcycles, cartoon characters to feminist statements.

The patterns can be quite simple, as with a single flower or a small bookmark design, or they can be quite intricate, encompassing whole scenes of gardens, seascapes or other earthly and otherworldly delights suitable for hanging on the wall in any home where fine art is valued.

There's really no end to the fun you can have with cross stitch. Take a look at our articles for ideas and lots of great resources.

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• Cross Stitch Freebies