What Is Full Coverage Cross Stitch?
For many cross stitchers, full coverage cross stitch is a mystery. It shouldn’t be, nor should it be something to fear! Let’s talk about what it is and how you can do it!
So full coverage cross stitch simply means that you will stitch every little bit of the pattern on the fabric. It’s like a painting only in cross-stitch. Does that make sense?
If you haven’t heard of full coverage cross stitch or not seen anyone stitch one, you’re not alone. Many people comment upon that fact when they first come to my YouTube page.
Why Do A Full Coverage Cross Stitch?
Full coverage patterns certainly don’t speak to everyone. They generally require a lot more time. You’re likely to spend months, if not years, on a project. That’s just too much for some people who prefer to stitch smaller projects and have finishes more than that.
I love the challenge, though. Typically, full coverage cross stitch patterns involve subjects that are quite beautiful and intricate. There are so many more choices now compared to a decade ago. The advent of online cross stitching pattern sites have made full coverage cross stitch more available to everyone.
They’re Cheaper In The Long Run
Full coverage cross stitch patterns are cheaper than other projects in the long run. A pattern can run you anywhere from $8 to $30 or more. Fabric may cost another $20 – $50 depending on what type you choose. Floss will cost more, too. You’ll need roughly anywhere from $10 – $40 just in floss for some projects.
However, consider the cost per time stitched. If you divide the cost of a full coverage cross stitch (let’s say $50 as an example) by the time it takes to complete the project (hours stitched can be 500 hours although it could be a lot longer). So that’s $.10 per hour stitched.
Now let’s look at a project like Prayer Of St. Francis by Lizzie Kate. This is a project that I have done myself. It costs $10 for the pattern on Everything Cross Stitch. Floss is $18 (roughly). Fabric from 123Stitch.com will cost about $11. That’s a total of $39 for the project. It took me roughly 30 hours to stitch this project. So let’s do the math $39 divided by 30 stitching hours is $1.30 per hour stitched.
It’s a great project but clearly more expensive. I’m not trying to dissuade you from doing other cross stitch projects. I’m simply trying to highlight the positives when it comes to full coverage patterns.
They’re A Work Of Art
Depending on which full coverage cross stitch pattern you choose, the end result could be a work of art. It will make those who see it not believe that it’s cross stitch.
The above picture is a pattern from Cross Stitch Collectibles and it took me 3 years to complete. I believe time worth spending and something of which I’m very proud.
There’s really no reason to not try a full coverage piece. Every project is done one stitch at a time. Some projects just have more stitches!
Hi Jules! I recently discovered your You Tube channel and have really enjoyed following you. I recently started a cross stitch that is “full coverage”. The strange thing about it is the design is focused in the center (it’s a map of Disneyland), and the outside edges of the pattern instruct you to fill in the surroundings of the “round-ish” map with white stitches, roughly 30,000 white stitches. This seems strange to me. I’ve never seen a pattern that does that. Do you think that is just the result of someone who is unfamiliar with actually doing cross stitch creating the digital pattern, or is it legimate and I should do those 30,000 white stitches around the map? I respect your expertise, and would really appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks so much in advance for taking the time to share your opinion!