Since the needle and thread were invented, man has made full use of them by not only sewing together things but

also creating pretty artwork by stitching on cloth. Needlework is this art of transforming some stitches into an art form

that brings a stunning effect and is sheer joy to look at. These ornamental stitches reveal our intrinsic desire to symbolize the divine and distinctive part of us into our daily work. Needlework has been an integral part of every country's culture from as early as 3000 BC. Each of variety of needlework is unique to the place's and era's culture. Some types of embroidery like that by ancient Egyptians or Chinese is so delicate and sophisticated that even the latest technology machines cant

duplicate them. With time, boundaries and cultures merged and gaps between the different styles followed by different people lessened. Nowadays everyone has access to all types of needlework. But over the time, there are two types of needlework that

have ruled the world i.e. the easy to learn cross stitch and well known canvas work. Perhaps the biggest reason for the popularity of cross-stitch is that it is the stitch for the novices. Even people with little or no knowledge of needlework can easily start off with cross stitch. In this form you use X-shaped stitches to bring a picture alive. It is amazingly easy

and all you have to do is count the number of these X-shaped stitches that are required in different parts of the picture. Generally cross stitch is done on evenweave fabric where the stitcher can count the number of stitches required by different

color threads in different directions. Since the stitches are uniform in size and dimension so it is ideal for beginners as

they the finished picture will look quite uniform. You can also include fractional stitches in it for adding more details to

create a better effect. Apart from beginners, generally people prefer to do cross stitch on woven fabric known as Aida cloth. And then there are some other special cloth that advanced stitchers use to create intricate and delicate designs by using a special type of backing in order to keep the stitches uniform. Whatever type of fabric you use, make sure it matches with your skills ands also with the design or motif you plan to make. Cross stitches can also be used to design greeting cards, plastic things and scrapbooks. The threads used in cross stitch come in a variety of hues and materials like cotton, silk, wool etc. Once you have decided that you want to do a cross stitch project then find yourself an easy design with limited

amount of colors and no complexity. This will prevent a whole amount of unnecessary beginner's frustration that people experience when they start with beautiful but complicated designs first.When you first sit down for starting your very first cross stitch task, then make sure that you have all the materials required like needles, threads etc in front of you. Start by reading out the project instructions first. Now look over the pattern and ensure that you understand all the terminology and markings present on the pattern. Use a color key so that you use the correct color in correct place and always keep a pencil in hand in case you need to mark anything. One very important thing to keep in mind while you sit for cross stitching and get engrossed is that you need to take care of your threads that they don't get knotted. Knotty threads will make your

work look uneven, lumpy and unskillful. Once you have done the stitching part, the next most important step is to get the correct frame for your design. Remember to take your picture with you when you go to buy the frame. It will help you choose the right style and size of frame. If you are using glass in the frame then better stick to plain glass than the non-reflecting variety. Also make sure that the glass does not touch the stitches. You can also use multiple mats for keeping the glass away from the stitches. They also lend a finish and professional look to the design. The color of the mat should be co -coordinated with the picture as well as the frame. Now after you mount the picture in the frame and hang it up on the wall, it is ready to be admired by one and all. Though cross stitch as a form of needlework has traditionally been a women's territory but you will be surprised to know that even men love to draw those needles and colorful threads and flosses to create cross-stitch projects. Though most men enjoy cross-stitch as a relaxation or hobby but for some it is like unleashing their hidden potential and creativity and expressing their inner imagination. Cross stitch is no more about little X-shaped

stitches but about creating art. While for others it is a great way to de-stress. Infact there have been raging issues on whether women are inherently better at cross stitching then men. The answer is that there can't be any hard and fast rule

about this just like you can't decide whether men are better or women are. It is a natural skill and creativity that you can

improve with practice and does not at all depend on your gender type. The universal rule for both men and women is that

practice, practice and some more practice will make them better if not perfect. But obviously the choices of designs differ

vastly for men and women. A woman will most likely choose a teddy or a rose for her bedroom pillow while men tend to go for

art forms. Men interested in sports can go kits representing his sports team. Some men even go for their favorite cartoon

character or video game character. The best thing about cross stitches is that you can take it up at any age. People after

retirement take up cross stitch just to pass away their time only to discover their hidden passion for creating these art

forms. Thus cross stitch is also a good hobby for the elderly to keep them engaged in some constructive work. Cross stitch is also introduced at school level in many schools since it is the only form of needlework that is simple enough to be done by children and teens. It also helps them to explore their creativity and imagination.It is quite inexpensive too as you don't need any fancy or pricey machinery. All you need is a complete kit for the design or buy separate threads and fabric. The beauty of the finished project won't depend on the price of the kit but your efforts. Regardless of the length and grandeur of your humble design, this work will always be with you and might be even passed as family heirlooms. And the best thing about this form of needlework is that it does not require any special expertise. Beginners can use starter kits to create stunning designs. Even if you have no knowledge about stitching, you can surprise your spouse by creating a personalized

Picture. You don't even have to take out much precious time from your busy schedule. This work can be done while watching TV, listening to radio or while traveling. There are times when the weather is so bad that you don't feel like stirring out of the house. On such days some threads and some needles will keep you busy for hours and boredom will be extinct from your

dictionary. Once you master this art form you can also earn a bit of pocket money by selling your creations. This may sound too far fetched for beginners but the fact is that a bit of patience and lots of practice will work wonders for you. Cross-

stitch has always been a popular hobby of people all over the world. It is something that people of all ages and gender can

master in no time. Once you start it, you are sure to get hooked to it in no time. It is sheer joy and pleasure to watch your

imagination come alive in front of you on canvas. It is like creating a whole new world out of a blank sheet. That is why

people find it so satisfying and relaxing. Before starting on this hobby it is advisable that you either learn it from some know-how book or otherwise go for the best option i.e. search on the internet. There are many websites dedicated to this form of needlework which will give you different types of designs depending on your skills level, basic tips and ideas and also help you choose the right material and threads for your designs. One of such popular website is http://www.needlework-

krif.com, Krif Goblen Cross Stitch and Needle Work. On this website you can also order no less than 1000 types of cross stitches designs in painted canvas type or counted needlepoint in color charts type. In this way you get a whole lot of options and ideas just by the click of mouse.