Your Project...Start to FinishThis page will help you along your journey with your project. Whether
you are a beginner, or advanced, these tips and techniques can help
you.
The project I'll be working on is our pattern "Winter Cardinal".
Winter Cardinal-Found on our Nature Patterns page
I made this pattern up on 18 Count Antique White Aida. You can use any count fabric or color that you prefer. I hope this step by step guide
will help you.
First things first... What you'll need: Pattern, hoop, floss, #26 Tapestry Needle, scissors, fabric and masking tape.
1. Cut your fabric to the desired size. Make sure to have about 2 1/2 inches on all outer sections of what will be your completed pattern. You will definitely need it later when we frame it!
2. Cover all sides of your fabric with masking tape. This will help prevent your edges from fraying. Another way to do this is to take some regular thread and do a simple basting stitch over the folded ends.
3. Where to start your thread: For smaller patterns and most medium sized ones, it's best to start in the center and work your way out. This way, your pattern will be centered with the same amount of fabric left on all edges for framing. For larger patterns that come on several pages, start with the first page which will be you upper left hand corner. Do one 10 x 10 at a time to help prevent losing your place. You could also highlight an area after you complete it. The following page may have the first two rows shaded, so you know where to start next. You can do this for smaller patterns as well if you prefer. (NOTE): Not all companies will have shaded rows to keep you in the right track for larger patterns, so pay special attention!
(NOTE: We will be using two stands of each color for all cross, fractional stitches and French knots. We will use only 1 strand for the back stitch)
Start your thread by leaving a small tail in the back of the fabric. During your first few stitches, work them over the tail to keep it into place. Trim any excess off. 
4. Ending your thread: weave the end of your thread through the stitch of the same color. This will help prevent them from being seen either through the fabric, or other colors.
(NOTE:) When working on a pattern, if you ever come across a square that is blank, this usually means that there is no stitches in that square. Some companies may have a note stating to fill in a particular area with a color, even though it is not marked on the pattern. All patterns from New England Classic Stitch show all the symbols with the colors. If you see a blank, white block, rest assured that there is nothing there!
5. Blending colors: In some patterns, the legend will state to blend two colors. This means you must take only one strand from each color (unless otherwise noted) and use them together. In our pattern Winter Cardinal, we have a blended color.
I have this picture enlarged so you can see the two
different strands of white. Adding metallic or "light effects" flosses
can give your pattern more depth and the colors can seem more true to
life. These whites are blended to give the snow a sparkle effect as it
does naturally in the sun.
(Note: To help prevent your thread from twisting and knotting on you
constantly, occasionally let go of the needle and turn your project
upside down. It will unwind for you!)
Complete all cross stitch and fractional stitches first
| Next, complete all back stitches
| Finally, add the French Knots
|
6. Once completed, remove the fabric from the hoop. Iron the fabric pattern side facing down, to remove hoop wrinkles. This will also make your project look better once it's framed.
Now it's time to frame your project! 
You'll need: Your completed project, pins, thin foam board (comes in different colors),
a frame (I prefer to remove the glass) and matting.
| 
Cut your foam board to the appropriate size to fit in the frame.
|
Some people prefer to keep the glass in the frame. Keeping the glass in is optional, but the foam board and the matting may take up all of the space inside your frame's lip. If you decide you want the glass, make sure to find a frame that has a deep lip, otherwise, you may not be able to put the back side of the frame on!
1. Lay the fabric over the foam board. Make sure your pattern is in the middle and you have an adequate amount of overhang.
2. Take a pin
and push it into the foam at the top and bottom as shown. Pull the fabric so it is snug on the board. Repeat on either side of the foam as well. This will keep the fabric in place.
3. Next, fold over the remaining fabric and insert the pins all the way down. Place them at 1/2 inch intervals.
4. Fold over the corns and stitch into place.
5. Now, place everything into the frame and attach the frame back.Here is your completed project!