This set of instructions will help guide an individual through the process of cross-stitching a flower piece. The process of cross-stitching can take from hours to days, depending on the amount of time a person is willing to dedicate to their piece in one sitting and the size of their piece. A piece the size of the flower pictured in this specific instruction set should not take more than a couple of hours to complete. The results are always worth it!

Supplies

To begin cross-stitching, it is essential to gather the necessary materials and ensure that everything is available. To complete the specific flower pattern pictured in the cross-stitch chart, the materials that would be needed include the following:

Thread of two different shades of green
Pink thread
Blue thread
The chart with the picture that an individual is interested in creating
Needles
Cloth or fabric

Step 1: Reading the Cross-stitching Chart

The first step to cross-stitching starts with learning to read one of the charts pictured above. To begin reading this chart, start by locating the middle of the piece of fabric and count from there each square that is pictured with its corresponding color on the chart. For example, the chart above shows a pink square in the third column, followed by three blank spots, leading to another pink square. Each square signifies that a cross-stitch should be created there (a cross-stitch is when the thread makes an X shape between four of the holes in the fabric).

Step 2: Threading the Needle

The next step would be to thread the needle with the first color that will be used (at the dealer's discretion). Grab the desired needle and begin by putting that color through the hole in the needle. Pull the thread until its length goes from the wrist to the crease of the elbow.

Step 3: Starting the Stitch

This step involves the very first step to creating the beautiful, anticipated flower. Go back to the center of the piece of fabric and begin from the left to the right, and start by going through the back of the fabric. Once the needle is inserted through the back of the fabric, put the needle back through the front, making sure to go through the hole directly diagonal from the original insertion. Do this until the chart says not to anymore. This can be distinguished by counting the squares pictured in the chart. Create diagonal lines with the intended thread color as shown in the photo above.

Step 4: Creating the X Shape in the Fabric

Once the above step is complete, repeat it by going the opposite way this time and creating X shapes through every four holes in the fabric. After completing the row with the first color, proceed to the row below it until the rows pictured in the cross-stitch chart are complete.

Step 5: Switching Colors

To switch colors, it is essential to secure the thread before proceeding to the next one. To do this, insert the needle through the fabric until it is located at the back, and then thread the needle through the thread that is created from making the piece. Do this twice to ensure that it is secure. Then cut the remaining thread and thread the needle with the next desired color.

Step 6: Ending the Piece

To end the project, it is important that it is tightly secured; to achieve this, thread the needle as pictured above. Put it through the thread attached to the fabric twice and pull to ensure it is tight. Lastly, cut the remaining thread that dangles from the back of the fabric, and the piece is complete!

Introduction: How to Cross-stitch Flowers