How Do I Start Embroidering?
Embroider Cross Stitch Beginner Advice!

Embroidery Fabrics 

Aida, counted linen and canvases for cross stitches, tent stitches etc are available in different densities. The fabric is counted in threads or holes/squares per centimeter. The higher the number, the finer/dense the weave. Keep in mind that fewer holes/squares or threads per centimeter result in larger stitches and a larger size of the motif. 
Usually you embroider over two threads at a time on finer linen fabric. Choose yarn according to the coarseness of the fabric! Rigid weaves are reinforced to be easier to work with. The stiffness disappears when washed.

To center the design: Take out the center of your design and mark with thread or pencil. Then start from the center of the fabric to center the design. It is important that you have fabric left on the sides to hem the edges.
To find the center: Fold the canvas or couned linen in two steps: full surface becomes half, half the surface becomes a quarter. Then the fabric gets a fold-cross in the middle when you unfold it. To avoid fraying of the edges: Hand cast with sewing thread, sew zig-zag stitch on sewing machine, glue or tape the edges.
Aida: Here you have to count the squares to find the middle. Here you will find needlepoint canvas  counted linen and aida

Stitches and Patterns

Insert the needle from the top to the left of where you want to start. Leave approx. one decimeter of thread on the right side. Attach it after you finish embroidering by pulling the thread down on the back and threading criss-cross through a few stitches. Attach each new thread at the beginning and end in this way. Be careful not to attach under the wrong color so that it shines through. Knots are not used. The needle has a rounded tip and is called a tapestrey needle. A needle threader makes it easier to thread the needle.

You should embroider cross stitches in the same direction throughout the entire embroidery like this:
/ / / /. Then turn over and embroider crosses in the other direction in the opposite direction so the light falls correctly.

Mark the pattern with a pencil continuously as you work, so you can find it easier. If you buy a ready-made pattern, you should read all the instructions first and see what order is recommended. Each symbol on the pattern corresponds to a color. Sort the yarn and match the color with the symbol. Usually a yarn organizer is included where you can see how to embroider. The mouliné yarn has six threads. Most often you divide the threads and use two or three threads - see the pattern! Red yarn made of wool is often embroidered with double thread.

Canvas: Start by embroidering small areas and straight lines to get a better overview. Keep in mind that the canvas moves easily, so sew it onto the fabric first. You can mark fields on the canvas with a waterproof pen or paint with fabric paint. When transferring embroidery on to fabric with canvas it is advisable to baste it on with a few stitches firts.

Embrodier on Wool and Linen Beginners Advice

Free embroidery: means you "paint with yarn" using different stitches usually on tightly woven, soft fabric such as cloth, twill or linen. A sewing hoop is needed for certain stitches such as the basting seam to get a better overview and to prevent the fabric from shrinking. There are a variety of ways to transfer designs. Thera are water soluble pens and markers to help you draw directly on to your fabric. You get to use your imagination and can also sew on appliqués, beads, mirrors and sequins.

Crewel Embroidery Technique

When embroidering a seat cushion that will withstand abrasion, I recommend using short stitches. two threaded twisted embroidery threads are durable. Apply twill applications in different colors using worsted threads or sewing silk. NOTE! Always use a needle that is at least as wide as the yarn. A tambour is needed for some stitches for a better overview and so the fabric will not crinkle. The thread should not be longer than an arm's length. If you want to add effects to your embroidery you can use threads of linen or metall and sew on pearls and sequins. Pens and markers

Crewel Embroidery Kits for Beginners Step by Step 

Here you will find a crewel kit for beginners (in Swedish! please let me know if you need an translation by contacting me in advance)

Threads

You choose yarn for free embroidery according to feel and function. By varying the stitches and the coarseness of the yarn, your embroidery becomes more alive.
Worsted embroidery yarn is a thin, soft and strong double stranded twisted woollen thread for fine details. Medium loosely twisted crewel yarn as Tuna is well suited for embroidering topstitching on knitwear or clothes.  ATTENTION! Always pull the wool yarn gently and use a pointed chenille needle or embroidery needle at least as wide as the yarn. The wire should be no longer than an arm's length.

Bockens flax seed thread 16/2   is a thin, twisted, strong linen thread that comes in brilliant colors. Taliors wax makes the treads smothe and even stroger. You can also embroider with silk and metallic threads made of viscose and metallised polyester. Mouliné yarn is made of cotton and has six strands that you can divide for a varity of thickness. Cotton Pearl is twisted cotton thread with a lot of luster that gives a relief effect. Available in three grades - No. 5 is medium coarse, No. 8 is thinner.

Here you find threads

To Sew Cuishons

Consider what measure you want for your pillow. The inner pillow should be a few centimeters larger around. If your embroidered pillow is 45 x 45 cm, you should have a 50 x 50 cm inner cushion. Padding with feathers goes very well together with wool. You can also fill smaller pillows with fluffy wool.

Finish the corners by cutting the corners before sewing them together from the outside. If you leave openings in the corners you can finish with tassels, pom poms or fabric strips. You can sew on a machine with a durable polyester thread or by hand with waxed linen thred of so-called twist thread 35/3.

Assembly and Finishing Work

Wet the embroidery, spread it out with pins on a flat surface to get the right measurements and to get it straight. If necessary, gently press with an iron from the back when you are finished.

On the wall: You can mount your embroidery on cardboard and maybe you want passepartout and a frame around it. You can also mount on another, more stable fabric such as linen or line the back with a simple cotton fabric. Ffitting is suitable for heavy wall hangings. Small works can be mounted  in an embroidery hoop as a frame!
You can sew smaller pieces onto a linen fabric or frieze for a pillow, bag, etc. Fasten it on with stitches and frame with ribbon or embroidered border. Alternatively, sew pieces together with a butted seam.
As table cloth: zig-zag, fold in double a few cm, press with iron and hem on machine or by hand. Alternatively, hand cast the edge if the fabric is thin or if you don't have enough fabric all around.

Care

Remember to choose high-quality yarn and fabric that won't fade or shed color. Colored linen fades over time, so avoid direct sunlight. Wool is cleaned by whipping and airing outdoors. You rarely need to wash wool.

How to wash your embroidery: Always follow the washing instructions. Wash with a mild olive soap in lukewarm water, roll in a terry towel, squeeze out water and leave to dry flat. Iron the embroidery from the back on low heat when it is slightly damp. Make sure it is straight and don't press too hard.