I like to create counted cross stitch baby gift for family and close friends, I’ve made many and the hardest part is counting out the spaces!
I start by writing it on paper and decide how tall and wide I want each letter (go with odd numbers to keep letters like E, H, T, and M centered). I count up each row (don’t forget to include the spaces between each letter and word) and divide by two to find the center of each line. I fold the fabric in quarters, determine about the center of the prayer, and pen the letters from the center to the left and then to the right (more about pens later). Once I have one line, I repeat the process above and below until I have the whole thing penned.
Taking the extra time to get the project all planned out on paper first, makes it easy to stitch.
You can see the blue ink for the clouds. Also, these are what the pens look like.
About the pens…craft and/or sewing stores have “vanishing” fabric pens. They come in blue and purple. The purple usually disappear within 24 hours (not good for this project). The blue stays until it gets wet. I literally write all the letters and outline the design in blue, do all of my cross stitch, then wet it down to get rid of the marks.
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For boys I usually make a train at the bottom with their last name in the engine. For girls I like to make flowers. The picture here has orange flowers because I knew the room was also going to have orange. I have done other flowers and sometimes butterflies. Mix it up and add something personal to the family or friend.
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Check out our comprehensive article all about counted cross stitch.