Full instructions and tips are included in all kits but here's a quick stitch guide to give you an idea about the basic stitches used in my kits. If you're a beginner, don't be afraid! The repetition of each method means that once you've grasped it, it's as easy as a walk in the park!
How to cross stitch...
Cross stitch is very self explanatory. As you stitch, this method creates an X in the fabric. With the needle at the back of the fabric, thread the needle up through to the front and down the next hole-diagonally and up. Working horizontally from left to right, follow the diagram below creating an X. Alternatively you can work in half cross stitch one way and go back the other way to finish a row of full cross stitch.
How to do Continental Tent Stitch...
This stitch looks like half of a cross stitch with all the diagonal stitches going in the same direction. With the needle at the back of the fabric, thread the needle up through to the front and down the next hole-diagonally and up. Working right to left, follow the diagram below, creating slanted diagonal stitches.
How to do Basketweave Stitch...
Basket weave stitch is worked a little differently but looks the same at the front as tent stitch. Using this stitch is a good way to cover a large amount of area in one colour. Instead of stitching horizontally, the stitch direction is in diagonal lines across the fabric. Working diagonally and down, left to right, follow the numbers in the diagram below.
Basket weave doesn't distort the canvas as much as tent stitch might do but using a tapestry frame is still recommended. Using both basket weave and continental tent stitch make the tapestry more durable, because of the stitching technique it adds and extra layer of to the back of the work.
Basic Tent Stitch...
This is probably the easiest stitch to get started with. It's great for small projects or using with plastic canvas but it's harder to get the tension right, which means it's more prone to distorting if stitching onto a large fabric canvas.