Aida is the fabric of choice for all beginners, regardless of age. Children 10 years of age or younger will probably be more comfortable with 6 to 11-count fabric using at least a size 22 needle. A 4" inch hoop is best for small hands. The obvious alternative to Aida would be plastic canvas that a child could easily handle without the use of a hoop. Older children and adults should be able to stitch on 14 count Aida using a size 24 or 26 needle with a 4" to 6" hoop. However, when a student appears to be frustrated, do not hesitate to suggest a lower count fabric or larger needle. The goal is for the new stitcher to feel a sense of accomplishment while learning a craft that will give them years of enjoyment.
Generally speaking, the best designs for new stitchers should have no more than five colors. If the student is very young, it might be best to limit the design to two or three colors. The first designs should be simple enough to be completed and finished in a short time, preferably one or two sessions. New stitchers should be introduced to backstitching on the very first project in order to personalize their project with the date and their initials. Avoid fostering a distaste for backstitching that is so useful in providing definition to designs.
When working with new stitchers, you will find that they are eager to "run before they can walk." For this reason it is a good idea to prepare the fabric for each student in advance using your sewing machine to zigzag the edges. It is then possible to cover fabric preparation during the first few minutes of the first session showing the use of masking tape to prevent fraying.
New stitchers should be taught how to locate the center of the fabric but, when dealing with very young children, it may be preferable to mark the center with a washable marker. More mature or experienced stitchers should be shown how to mark the center of the fabric by running a basting thread in a contrasting color through both the horizontal and vertical centers.
One project that adult newbies seem to enjoy is making a needle holder. This involves cutting a piece of perforated paper or plastic canvas to the size and shape of a candy tin. The entire piece is stitched with his/her favorite floss color and personalized by backstitching their initials and the date in a contrasting color. The edges may be overcast or the piece may be glued to the top of the tin and trimmed with ribbon or lace. Adding magnaflex to the inside bottom keeps the needles from spilling when the tin is opened.
Completion of the needle holder provides practice making the stitches without the need to learn to read and use a chart. After the basic stitches have been mastered, the newbie is free to concentrate on reading the chart for a design of their choice.
Many beginning stitchers seem to grasp the concept of anchoring their floss more easily after they have been shown how to end it. It is important to show new stitchers the loop and waste knot methods, (using a minimum of 3 inches), for anchoring floss. Some will have trouble remembering how to thread the needle for the loop start after class even when provided with a graphic image. However, most will remember to use two strands of floss for the waste knot method.
Finally, new stitchers should be encouraged to keep their work neat on the back as well as the front from the very beginning. Using shorter lengths of floss, (no more than 12 inches), will reduce the twisting that results in knotting. Eliminating the difficulty and frustration will make the first stitching experiences enjoyable and encourage newbies to become lifelong stitchers.
