I just received my kit and need some help. I did cross stitch when I was in college (I’m 50 now) but I was taught to start in the middle. I like the idea of starting at the left upper corner but I can’t find how far in to start. The videos say that most of the pattern start two inches in from the top and 2 inches in from the side but I can’t find that on the pattern. Also, I think I see little symbols in the pattern but it is so small I’m not sure and I don’t know what they mean.
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Here is where your calculator can be your friend. I usually start in the upper left corner as well. I take the number of stitches (Krista includes that in the chart) lengthwise and divide that by the stitches per inch. So, if you're using 26 ct fabric, the stitches per inch will be 13. Then, you'll have the length of the design. Do the same thing for the height, and you'll have the design size. Then measure your fabric, subtract the length of the design (in inches) from the length of the fabric. Divide that by two, and you'll have the distance from the edge. Do the same for the height, and you'll have the distance from the other edge. I don't count the threads for this, I just use my handy-dandy tape measure and mark with a pin. Then you can stitch away! One more thing - I always mark the top left of my piece with a little bit of brightly colored floss so that, when I take it out of my hoop, I know how to orient my work next time.
This is just my way and there are lots of ways to approach this, so feel free to do whatever works best for you!