Hello Summer Cross Stitch Pattern

Hello!✋

I hope this post finds everyone well! I recently added a new cross stitch pattern to my shop, Hello Summer. I thought I would do a little behind the scenes post and show how I design and make my cross stitch patterns!

When designing a pattern I'll sometimes make a few sketches or draw it out on graph paper so I can figure out how to turn squares into a design. After I've sketched out a few ideas I use a design program and start designing. I use Winstitch from Ursa Software. I love this program. It's easy to use and easy to print out my patterns. 

Once I have my pattern figured out I order the floss colors and fabric I need. For this pattern I used 16 count Aida fabric and wonderful summery colors. Once my fabric and floss arrive I begin stitching. This pattern was easy and took about 2 weeks of off and on stitching.

Once finished, I washed my finished piece in cold water with a dab of dish soap. I let it air dry and then iron the back of the piece on a towel so as not to smush the stitches. Last I place it in a 9 inch hoop and finish the back.

I'm not really a finish the back type of person. There are lots of ideas for putting backing on a hoop on the internet. I prefer to cut the fabric close to the hoop and then sometimes I'll run a little fray glue along where I cut the fabric to keep the finished piece from fraying. I think it's easier and hangs flat on the wall with no backing. Also, I'm a neat stitcher and the back looks almost as good as the front. 😁

Creating and cross stitching this pattern was a lot of fun. I love the sun with his adorable sun glasses and roasting marshmallows is always exciting. This is the second pattern in the Hello Season Series. My first pattern is Hello Spring which you can find in my Etsy shop Milly Bean Handiworks along with Hello Summer. I've designed Hello Fall and will begin stitching it later this month. 

 

My next post will be about a video I recently made while carving a sign. It's my first video and I'm excited to share. If you have any cross stitching questions I have a basic cross stitching guide at the top of my blog and of course you can message me in the comments. If you want to see what I'm up to you can always follow my Instagram @millybeanhandiworks to see the latest happenings at Milly Bean Handiworks!

Happy Crafting 😃

~ Jennifer

Milly Bean Handiworks

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Also my shop Millybeanhandiworks.com

This post is my own opinion, I didn't receive compensation for this post.