What's included in a pattern?

To see exactly how the patterns are laid out try downloading one of our free cross stitch charts from the free cross stitch download page.
Epic Stitch patterns are not computer generated like others on the market. Instead we have started from scratch and developed a unique pattern creation system exclusive to our company. This means both the methods we use to create the charts and the charts themselves are not used by others on the market.

To make our charts easy to read they include the following features:

Large, clear, easy to read format

We have tried to strike a happy balance between an easy-to-see grid size and the overall number of pages in a pattern. If you would like the charts larger still, enlarge them further before printing.

Easily recognisable symbols

Most of the symbols you'll find in our charts are letters and digits. When creating a pattern we choose these first because most people find an 'a' easier to remember when reading a chart than the 'skinny arrow that points to the left'. We try to avoid using symbols that look too similar or symbols that mirror image each other.

Colour key on every page

Use the master colour key at the beginning of the pattern to sort out what floss you need to buy, but no need to keep flipping back and forward to it while you stitch. Just refer to the handy mini-colour key down the right-hand side of each pattern page instead. It cleverly lists just the symbols and corresponding floss colours that appear on that specific page.

Page locator on every page

Never lose track of where you are - Just refer to the page locator key at the bottom right-hand corner of every pattern page.

Typical Pattern Page

Mini Floss Key Handy mini-reference for matching the pattern symbols to the floss colours. For convenience the key only shows the colours used on this page, with the most frequent colour first. Page Locator Key The shaded box shows where this page fits into the overall pattern.

Full colour or black & white charts?

Choose according to your stitching preference. Black and white is more economical to print and best if you like to colour-in your charts as you stitch.

Pattern Stitching Instructions

What size? Which fabric?

Plan how large you'd like your finished cross stitch to be and select the fabric type (aida, linen, evenweave etc) and stitch count you want (the number of stitches per inch) If you are stitching with 2 strands of floss we recommend a stitch count of between 18-25 stitches per inch. These recommendations are for stitching that densly covers the fabric. If you prefer a more antique look, that is to see a bit of the fabric peeking out from under the stitches, make adjustments to suit. Our Redouté Roses series look wonderful stitched on a coloured background. Choose a hand-dyed fabric with subtle colour variation for maximum effect.

How much fabric?

When purchasing your fabric remember to add the standard 3" (7.5cm) of margin space all the way around the size of the finished design. For example, if the design measures 13" x 21" (32.5cm x 52.5cm), purchase a piece of fabric at least 19" x 27" (47.5cm x 67.5cm). Use whipping stitch (by hand) or zigzag stitch (by machine) to finish the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. Some hand-dyed fabrics already have this step done for you.

What's the best way to stitch a detailed pattern?

There are basically two ways you can stitch. What we refer to as `Hiking' and `Parking'. `Hiking' is the way most cross stitch is taught - you work in logical blocks of colour, one after the other, being careful not to carry floss threads too far across the back of the work. `Parking' is an alternative way of stitching developed for managing very detailed patterns. With this method you work the entire first row of the pattern, then the entire second row, entire third row and so on. When you need to change colours, you halt your stitching by `parking' the floss thread currently in use in the row below, unthreading the needle and rethreading it with the next colour in the particular row you are working. You then carry on with the `parked' thread only when you start on the row below the one you are currently working. Because you are working the pattern one entire row at a time, this method ensures you never miss a stitch and it does produce a nice even back to your work. However, this method requires a lot of needle rethreading - an act some stitchers aren't a big fan of! At Epic Stitch our preferred method of stitching is a combination of both Hiking and Parking - yours might be too.

Where do I start stitching?

In our personal experience we find it easiest to start at the top left of page 1 and complete this page before moving onto page 2 and so on. Where pages overlap, instead of ending off the floss thread, we leave it `parked' on the border and carry on stitching with it when we start on the next page.

Should I use a frame?

When working detailed cross stitch patterns we highly recommend working with your fabric in a tapestry frame. The frame will keep the fabric taut and help keep your stitching smooth and even.

Should I grid the fabric first?

Gridding is the act of basting temporary gridlines onto the fabric before you start stitching. If you stitch using the Hiking method gridding your work can be very useful. Choose a sewing machine thread in a colour that will provide enough contrast against the colour of your chosen fabric, although avoid bright and dark colours like red or black on light fabrics in case the thread sheds minute bits of impossible-to-remove fluff. The gridlines you will baste onto the fabric need to exactly match the grid on your pattern. For convenience sake, fold your fabric in half and along this centre-line hand stitch a line of running stitch from top to bottom. End the thread and repeat in the horizontal direction. Now fill in the rest of the vertical and horizontal lines, 10 stitches apart, until your grid is complete. When you start cross stitching, carefully work around the gridlines being careful not to catch them in your needle so you can remove them when your stitching is done. `Gridding-up' first can seem like a real chore when you're itching to get started on your pattern but it can prove be a lifesaver later on!

How do I care for my finished piece?

If you are going to have your piece framed or put in storage, washing any body oils transferred from your hands to the fabric is suggested. Apparently if these aren't removed they can cause staining in the longer term. The DMC company doesn't recommend dry cleaning their floss. Instead they suggest carefully hand-washing your work in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. After rinsing thoroughly lay the wet piece onto a colourfast towel and roll it up swiss-roll style to absorb the excess moisture. Unroll and lay flat on a dry towel until dry. If you're worried about the dyes in the floss bleeding while wet, test suspect colours before stitching. In our experience we have never had a problem with this happening.