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Victorian Cross Stitch Instructions

Whether you’re trying out the art of needlepoint for the very first time or have been enjoying our kits for years, Elizabeth Bradley offers step-by-step instructions for precisely stitching your needlepoint kit.

Right Handed
Left Handed
Right Handed Reverse
Left Handed Reverse

Right Handed Instructions

All Elizabeth Bradley kits are designed to be worked in Victorian
Cross Stitch. This stitch covers the canvas well and produces thick, hard-wearing pieces of needlework with no distortion in shape. The inset arrows show the direction of the stitch. The needle moves horizontally at all times. It is not necessary to work on a frame when using this stitch.

We recommend starting at the bottom right hand corner of the piece and gradually working your way up through the design. Starting at the bottom helps to protect the design printed on the canvas, as it will remain untouched until you begin stitching that area. The canvas may be rolled up and held in your hands while you work. Roll inwards so
that the finished portion remains clean.
All Elizabeth Bradley kits are designed to be worked in Victorian
Cross Stitch. This stitch covers the canvas well and produces thick, hard-wearing pieces of needlework with no distortion in shape. The inset arrows show the direction of the stitch. The needle moves horizontally at all times. It is not necessary to work on a frame when using this stitch.

We recommend starting at the bottom right hand corner of the piece and gradually working your way up through the design. Starting at the bottom helps to protect the design printed on the canvas, as it will remain untouched until you begin stitching that area. The canvas may be rolled up and held in your hands while you work. Roll inwards so
that the finished portion remains clean.
Read More
1
Pass the needle under one thread of canvas. Leave the knot on the surface, and stitch over the canvas thread. You can cut it off later.
2
Complete the stitch and pass the needle under two canvas threads.
3
Pass the needle under one canvas thread.
4
Pass the needle under two canvas threads. Carry on along the row moving towards the left.

Left Handed Instructions

All Elizabeth Bradley kits are designed to be worked in Victorian Cross Stitch. This stitch covers the canvas well and produces thick, hard-wearing pieces of needlework with no distortion in shape. The inset arrows show the direction of the stitch. The needle moves horizontally at all times. It is not necessary to work on a frame when using this stitch.

We recommend starting at the bottom left hand corner of the piece and gradually working your way up through the design. Starting at the bottom helps to protect the design printed on the canvas, as it will remain untouched until you begin stitching that area. The canvas may be rolled up and held in your hands while you work. Roll inwards so that the finished portion remains clean.
All Elizabeth Bradley kits are designed to be worked in Victorian Cross Stitch. This stitch covers the canvas well and produces thick, hard-wearing pieces of needlework with no distortion in shape. The inset arrows show the direction of the stitch. The needle moves horizontally at all times. It is not necessary to work on a frame when using this stitch.

We recommend starting at the bottom left hand corner of the piece and gradually working your way up through the design. Starting at the bottom helps to protect the design printed on the canvas, as it will remain untouched until you begin stitching that area. The canvas may be rolled up and held in your hands while you work. Roll inwards so that the finished portion remains clean.
Read More
1
Pass the needle under one thread of canvas. Leave the knot on the surface, and stitch over the canvas thread. You can cut it off later.
2
Complete the stitch and then pass the needle under two threads.
3
Pass the needle under one thread.
4
Pass the needle under two threads. Carry on along the row.

Reverse Stitch Right Handed Instructions

Reverse Stitch is particularly useful when sewing long vertical sections, such as the stem of a flower. The canvas should be turned 90° so that the top of the canvas is facing left. Doing this ensures that the needle continues to move horizontally. Unlike the normal stitch, the reverse stitch begins at the top of the stitch. When you turn the canvas back to resume your normal stitching, make sure that the tops of your reverse stitches are laying in the same direction as your other stitches.
Reverse Stitch is particularly useful when sewing long vertical sections, such as the stem of a flower. The canvas should be turned 90° so that the top of the canvas is facing left. Doing this ensures that the needle continues to move horizontally. Unlike the normal stitch, the reverse stitch begins at the top of the stitch. When you turn the canvas back to resume your normal stitching, make sure that the tops of your reverse stitches are laying in the same direction as your other stitches.
Read More
1
Pass the needle under one thread of canvas. Leave the knot on the surface, and stitch over the canvas thread. You can cut it off later.
2
Complete the stitch and then pass the needle under two threads.
3
Pass the needle under one thread.
4
Pass the needle under two threads. Carry on along the row.

Reverse Stitch Left Handed Instructions

Reverse Stitch is particularly useful when sewing long vertical sections, such as the stem of a flower. The canvas should be turned 90° so that the top of the canvas is facing left. Doing this ensures that the needle continues to move horizontally. Unlike the normal stitch, the reverse stitch begins at the top of the stitch. When you turn the canvas back to resume your normal stitching, make sure that the tops of your reverse stitches are laying in the same direction as your other stitches.
Reverse Stitch is particularly useful when sewing long vertical sections, such as the stem of a flower. The canvas should be turned 90° so that the top of the canvas is facing left. Doing this ensures that the needle continues to move horizontally. Unlike the normal stitch, the reverse stitch begins at the top of the stitch. When you turn the canvas back to resume your normal stitching, make sure that the tops of your reverse stitches are laying in the same direction as your other stitches.
Read More
1
Pass the needle under one thread of canvas. Leave the knot on the surface, and stitch over the canvas thread. You can cut it off later.
2
Complete the stitch and then pass the needle under two threads.
3
Pass the needle under one thread.
4
Pass the needle under two threads. Carry on along the row.

Beginner Kit Collection
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Viola Starter Kit
    Viola Starter Kit
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Primula Starter Kit
    Primula Starter Kit
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Fir Cone Starter Kit
    Fir Cone Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Holly Starter Kit
    Holly Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Poinsettia Starter Kit
    Poinsettia Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Iris Starter Kit
    Iris Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Poppy Starter Kit
    Poppy Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Bluebell Starter Kit
    Bluebell Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Dahlia Starter Kit
    Dahlia Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Tulip Starter Kit
    Tulip Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Lily Starter Kit
    Lily Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Anemone Starter Kit
    Anemone Starter Kit Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 3" x 5"
    $45.00
    $45.00

Basketweave Stitch Instructions

Instructions

All Kirk & Bradley for Elizabeth Bradley and Needlepoint To Go kits are designed to be used with the Basketweave Stitch. The Basketweave Stitch is done on mono canvas and it is made up of tent stitches. It moves diagonally across the needlepoint canvas, keeping the tension even as you work.
All Kirk & Bradley for Elizabeth Bradley and Needlepoint To Go kits are designed to be used with the Basketweave Stitch. The Basketweave Stitch is done on mono canvas and it is made up of tent stitches. It moves diagonally across the needlepoint canvas, keeping the tension even as you work.
Read More
1
Start in the upper right hand corner of your stitching area and work outwards.
2
Tie a knot at the end of your thread and place it 1-2" from where you begin stitching.
3
Work down in a diagonal line on the intersections of the canvas, and work up a diagonal line.
4
To start a new thread, slide your needle through the back of the area you have already stitched.

Basketweave Kits Collection
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    The Chelsea Artist's Garden
    The Chelsea Artist's Garden Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 20" x 15"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Chelsea Yorkshire Garden
    Chelsea Yorkshire Garden Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 20" x 15"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Chelsea Garden Sanctuary
    Chelsea Garden Sanctuary Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 20" x 15"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Chelsea Courtyard Garden
    Chelsea Courtyard Garden Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 20" x 15"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Chelsea Eccentric Garden
    Chelsea Eccentric Garden Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 14" x 18"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    London Pillow
    London Pillow Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 12" x 18"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Chelsea Autumn Garden
    The Chelsea Autumn Garden Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 20" x 15"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Chelsea Cutting Garden
    Chelsea Cutting Garden Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 20" x 15"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Blue Greek Key Pillow
    Blue Greek Key Pillow Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 12"
    $125.00
    $125.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Beehive Trellis - Gold
    Beehive Trellis - Gold Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 17" x 17"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Beehive Trellis - Blue
    Beehive Trellis - Blue Needlepoint Kit Elizabeth Bradley Design
    Kit Size 17" x 17"
    $240.00
    $240.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Green Greek Key Pillow
    Green Greek Key Pillow Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 12"
    $125.00
    $125.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    St. Thomas
    St. Thomas Kit Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 17.25" x 13.5"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Morocco Blue
    Morocco Blue Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 16"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    St. Kitts
    St. Kitts Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 17.25" x 13.5"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    El Perro
    El Perro Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 6"
    $70.00
    $70.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    St. Barths
    St. Barths Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 17.25" x 13.5"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Maravilla
    Maravilla Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 6"
    $70.00
    $70.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    St. Croix
    St. Croix Kit Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 17.25" x 13.5"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    La Cisne
    La Cisne Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 6"
    $70.00
    $70.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Margarita
    Margarita Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 6"
    $70.00
    $70.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Pink Banana Palm Leaf Pillow
    Pink Banana Palm Leaf Pillow
    Kit Size 12"
    $125.00
    $125.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    Morocco Yellow
    Morocco Yellow Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 16"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    El Pato
    El Pato Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 18" x 12.25"
    $150.00
    $150.00
  • Needlepoint To Go
    La Cierva
    La Cierva Needlepoint Kit Needlepoint To Go
    Kit Size 14" x 14.5"
    $150.00
    $150.00

Video Tutorials

Watch our Videos

Stitch Sample Request

If you would like to try out your stitching before you purchase one of our kits, you can request a stitching sample. We will send you a piece of our needlepoint canvas, a needle, and a strand of wool. Your sample arrives with a few completed stitches to provide an immediate sense of the beauty and simplicity of the Victorian Cross Stitch or Basketweave Stitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I begin stitching?

Most Elizabeth Bradley canvases utilise Victorian Cross Stitch. Right-handed stitchers should begin at the bottom right hand corner and work towards the left. Left-handed stitchers should begin at the bottom left hand corner and work towards the right. For Elizabeth Bradley kits that utilise Basketweave Stitch, begin stitching at the upper right hand corner of your canvas and work outwards.

What is the binding stitch?

The Binding Stitch is used to secure the canvas all the way around your rug or wall hanging so it lies completely flat. The needle will always work towards you with this stitch. To start, fold the canvas so two canvas threads are on the edge. These are the two threads over which you will be stitching. View the Binding Stitch diagram & instructions here.

How should I start my second row?

When you begin the second row, your needle and thread will “share a hole.” Simply follow these steps: First, secure the thread at the end of the first row by running it under an inch of stitches towards the starting point, then cut the excess. Next, take the remaining thread and secure it to the right-hand side of the canvas, just below the start of the second row. Then, begin the first stitch of the second row by bringing the thread up from the back through the “shared” hole of the previous row.

How do I end my row?

To create a neat finish, thread the needle under 6 or 7 stitches on the back of the canvas, under some of your existing work. Do not pull the wool too tightly. Cut the remaining thread close to the canvas, making sure you do not leave a “tail.” Be mindful not to cut any stitches or the canvas itself. Click here for more information.

Do I need stretcher bars?

Due to the strength of our canvas and the stitches Elizabeth Bradley kits utilise, bars aren’t necessary. However, if you prefer to have bars, please contact customer service at 919-828-5568 or sales@elizabethbradley.us before placing your order.

How can I exchange the background wool in my Elizabeth Bradley kit?

To exchange the background wool, please print and fill out our background wool exchange form. Send your background wool in its original packaging with the seal intact, along with the background wool exchange form to:

Attn: Elizabeth Bradley Design
3811 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27607

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