Crossword Cross Stitch

This started some years ago when my friend and associate Cherryl Greene designed and made a counted cross stitch wall hanging containing the names of 33 great grandchildren! After completing the needlework, she placed it in an embroidery hoop and added ruffles around the outside edge.

Today's project is much easier. We included just seven names--husband, wife and five children. You can add as many generations as you wish. Or, you can forget the family tree and make a simple greeting card with the greeting and the recipient's name combined.

Aida cloth or perforated paper (ecru)
embroidery floss
scissors
#24 or #26 blunt needle
graph paper: one sheet 5 squares to the inch
graph paper: one sheet 10 squares to the inch
embroidery hoop
cross stitch alphabet booklet (optional)

Note: Our directions are for the crossword names only. If you wish to add other patterns or designs, be sure to include them in the square count. (Step 4)

Steps:

1. Make a list of all the family names you wish to include with the family name at the top.

2. On the 5 squares to the inch graph paper, chart out the names in crossword puzzle fashion (figure A). You might find it easier to write the family name in a different color from the others, and when doing the actual cross stitch, also use a different colored thread for the family name. A darker color shows up better. Chart out the names several different ways and select the one you like the best.

3. Select the alphabet you prefer, or chart out your own (figure B). If you do your own, it is easy to graph out letters making them 5 squares high and 5 squares wide.

4. Determine how large a piece of Aida cloth or perforated paper you will need. Our cloth had 14 squares to the inch. This is the same number that all perforated paper has. Count out the spaces needed for your names. When counting, count both horizontally and vertically. Be sure to count the spaces between the letters as well as the spaces for the letters. Count or measure out the same number of spaces on the Aida cloth or the paper; then add more for a border on all sides. How you plan to frame the work will determine how much larger you need to cut your work surface.

5. Protect cut edges of Aida cloth with masking tape to prevent fraying. This is not usually necessary with perforated paper.

6. Begin your work by finding the center of the pattern. If working with Aida cloth, simply fold the fabric into fourths and mark the center with a pin or needle. If using the perforated paper, count out the squares and lightly mark the center on the back using a pencil.

7. Cut 18 inches of six-strand embroidery floss. Separate each strand and put two strands (for Aida cloth) or three strands (for perforated paper) back together. This makes the stitching much smoother.

8. Now it's time to cross stitch. If you have not attempted this before, complete instructions can be found in many of the pattern books and magazines.

9. When completed, frame as desired.

You can also graph out your own added designs (figure C).

More involved designs, which include shading, can be found in needlework books (figures E & E).

Any kind of a greeting card can be made in surprisingly little time. You may get so good at it, you might make personalized Christmas cards! In this case, make or buy the basic card and then cut a card stock frame. Before you do anything, however, chart out the message (figure F). We did "Happy Birthday Pam," which fit nicely onto a standard 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" card.