5 Internet-inspired cross stitch patterns to meme your home
Internet memes shall never truly die, especially when they are immortalized in thread.
Finding craft and home decor inspiration is easy, because you can find it literally anywhere. Just think about the thing that makes you happy -- and what makes us happier than the Internet?
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There are a ton of things you can do to pay homage to your favorite medium, but there's nothing more wholesome and satisfying than finishing a nice cross stitch.
Here are some basic materials you will need to get started:
Embroidery hoop
Embroidery thread
Mesh canvas cloth
Embroidery or tapestry needle
Scissors (not pictured)
And, of course, you'll need a pattern. We've designed a few based on our favorite memes to help you get started.
Each pattern can be downloaded by right-clicking and saving the image. The designs are created based on a 10-count cloth, and most will need at least a nine-inch hoop.
If you choose a cloth with a higher count, it will effect the size of your finished product -- so feel free to modify as you see fit.
We chose to honor Dat Boi, Damn, Daniel, a Kanye tweet, Beyoncé's Lemonade and the meme "LOL nothing matters."
Getting Started
There are a few techniques out there for getting started in cross stitching. While you can try out several different stitches, all of the above patterns use a basic "X" shaped stitch.
While some stitchers like to simply read the pattern and stitch away, one other alternative is marking out the pattern, or the pattern outline, with a pencil or erasable fabric marker. This entails carefully counting out stitches to make the shapes.
However, once you've drawn your pattern onto the fabric, stitching is basically like painting-by-numbers -- and can be quite relaxing.
Technique and Tips
A few things to keep in mind while you're stitching:
1. Stitch in a logical pattern. In other words, think about where your needle needs to go next and think about that when you're making your X's. This way, the back of your work stays as neat as the front.
2. When it comes to stitching letters, start in the top left. Or, think about how you would write the letter by hand, and use that as your guide on where to begin a letter. For example, I have found a great place to start the lower-case "e," without having to work backwards, is by starting at the bottom of the loop -- which is, coincidentally, how I would write the letter as well.
3. When it comes to big blocks of stitches to make a shape, work in sections. For example, for the "Dat Boi" pattern, I started with the head, then did the arms, then the body, then the legs.
4. Use a manageable amount of thread at a time -- about 18-24 inches is good. You don't want to be overwhelmed with thread and get it tied in knots.
Finishing Up
When you're done with the piece, section or even if you've just run low on thread, finish your stitch so the needle is on the back. Then, tie a knot close to the surface of the canvas. Double knot, if you require it.
When the piece is totally finished, you can either pull it out of the hoop to sew it onto a pillow or a piece of clothing, or you can frame the whole piece of fabric.
You can also cut the excess around the hoop and use that as your finished product. Use hot glue to secure the fabric around the inside edge of the hoop for extra security.
Then, hang and enjoy.
BONUS: Marnie the dog as Doug
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Andrea Romano -- comedy writer, craft enthusiast, lady -- was a Watercooler Reporter. She worked as an intern at Mashable beginning in January 2014. Andrea recently completed her Masters degree in Media Studies and Film from The New School and writes sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade and The People's Improv Theatre. She once watched three Paul Rudd movies in a row on a bicoastal flight and didn't realize it until she landed. She does things like that a lot. Twitter: @theandrearomano
