Beavercreek Adult Take-and-Make: Patriotic Cross Stitch

Click here to register for your kit: https://greenelibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6a4502d4541102b7fa89a718

Included in your kit:

Aida cross stitch fabric

1 skein embroidery floss

1 embroidery hoop

1 pattern

1 needle

Not included in your kit:

Felt for backing (optional)

Instructions:

If you're new to cross stitching, this instructional video may be helpful for learning the basics.

1.  Fold your Aida cloth in half and then in half again.  Unfold it and you should see the center point of the fabric.  I usually mark this center point with the needle. 
2. Next, put your fabric in the embroidery hoop trying to get the center point as close to the center of the hoop as possible.  If you don't, you may have to take it out and adjust it when you're finished stitching.
3. Find the center of the pattern (marked by the arrows on the sides of the pattern).  Count up to the area of the pattern you want to start.  I suggest just stitching top to bottom.
4. When you've finished stitching and are ready to finish it, first make sure the design is centered in the hoop.  Then cut the excess fabric around the outside in a circle leaving 1.5-2" all the way around.  Sew around the outside to gather the fabric and then I zigzag from side to side for added stability (see picture and video at the end).  This picture is from a previous project.                                          
5. Use this video for more detailed instructions on finishing your project with a felt backing (optional):  https://youtu.be/eJqp0gpja8gThat's it!  I hope you loved this fun summer project!