Stitches

Stitch the X so that it fills the check in the fabric, each X being the same size.

The snowflake is simply a cross stitched on top of an X.

The lace stitch is a running stitch done on each side of the white squares. These stitches become the "anchors" as you take your needle and go under each stitch to encircle the white square.

Rows of the lace stitch, with snowflakes in adjacent squares, create the striking look of lace.

To make rows of the lace stitch, work the running stitch first, stitching rows of vertical stitches and then the horizontal rows. Then encircle each of the white squares bringing your needle up at the base of one on the white stitches, going under the other stitches and back down where you brought the needle up. Do this around each white square. Be careful not to snag the fabric; you just want to weave your needle under the stitches.


Fabric

Gingham fabric is inexpensive and available in many colors, some varying with the season. The checks range from 1/16" to ½". I start beginners with ¼" checks like the samples above. I use 1/8" checks when I want to create hearts and other shapes in smaller projects.

Gingham checks are often not square, but rectangular. This is especially true on ¼" fabric. Look at your fabric closely and decide which way you want your design to run. I usually work with the long sides of the rectangles running vertically. If you stitch with them running horizontally, your design will come out wider and shorter. That is usually not a problem, but plan ahead.

You'll find many other fabrics that lend themselves to this type of embroidery. I've found some lovely checked homespun that is 100% cotton. The colors are not as bright as gingham, but they can be lovely and add a whole new palette of colors for your work.

Some flannel has small squares and this would be especially nice for baby blankets and other soft projects. Waffle cotton or waffle muslin has raised squares that can be embroidered.

Use your imagination and create your own beautiful treasures!


Thread

In the pictures above, I have used #5 pearl cotton. This non-divisible thread is lustrous and easier to work with than embroidery floss, especially for beginners. You can find it at most fabric stores and some craft stores. Needlework shops will have an even greater variety.

The #5 pearl cotton works best on 1/4" gingham. For 1/8" gingham, I use 2 strands of embroidery floss. If you want to use floss on the 1/4" gingham, try 3 strands. I find that when I am teaching beginners, the floss is more likely to tangle, so I start them with pearl cotton.

Pearl cotton also comes in different sizes and the #8 pearl cotton is finer than #5 and could be used on the 1/8" gingham. It's just harder to find. Most needlework stores would carry it.


Needles & Hoops

Use an embroidery needle with a sharp point and a long eye. You will need to use a needle threader when using pearl cotton, and even with floss, a threader is helpful.

I use a 5" or 6" embroidery hoop for small projects such as the bookmarks. Plastic hoops with a metal hoop underneath hold the fabric tighter than wooden hoops. They are sold with cross-stitch supplies.


Marking Pens

The simple designs in our bookmark projects require little, if any counting. Start with a 9" square of fabric (or a piece big enough to fit your hoop) and mark out a 2" x 6" section in the center for your bookmark. Notice if the design begins in a row with (or without) white checks and follow the pattern on the bookmark.

It is helpful, especially for beginners, to first mark the squares you will stitch in with a dot or little x. Use a fabric pen with disappearing ink. There are two types: water erasable, or ink that is air erasable (it disappears in a few hours). Either one works well, but if you want your marks to last for another stitching session, use a water erasable pen. When you are finished, rub the fabric gently with a clean wet cloth and the marks disappear. These pens are inexpensive and can be found in the quilting and notions section of Wal-Mart and fabric stores.

Use the erasable marking pen to trace or draw your own designs! I always buy extra fabric to experiment on. Cut a small piece and draw right on it. If you don't like it, rub it off with a wet cloth and start again.

I do not recommend using pencil because it does not always come out of the fabric.