Ghost Pizza Cross Stitch Kit

What this kit is

This is a counted cross stitch kit for anyone who wants a small, lighthearted project. The design shows two ghosts with a slice of pizza, stitched in cotton thread on black Aida cloth. The dark fabric makes the pale ghosts stand out, so the pattern reads clearly as you work.

Counted cross stitch means you follow the pattern and count squares on the Aida cloth to place each stitch. There is no printed design on the fabric. The grid in the Aida makes it easy to line up your stitches, and the pattern tells you which thread color goes where.

What is in the box

Every kit includes:

• Aida cloth in black
• Thread colors for the design
• One needle
• The pattern

The fabric and the thread are both 100 percent cotton. The kit is a single pack, so you get one design and one set of supplies. No frame is included.

Fabric count options

You pick the fabric count before you order. Count refers to the number of squares per inch on the Aida cloth. A higher count means smaller stitches and a finer look.

Both options use black fabric. The design is the same on either count. Only the finished stitch size changes.

How to stitch it

Start by finding the center of the Aida cloth and the center of the pattern. Marking the center on both helps you keep the design in place as you work.

Sort your thread colors first. The pattern lists each color, and keeping them separated saves time once you begin. Cut lengths that feel comfortable in your hand, then stitch the areas one color at a time or one section at a time, whichever you prefer.

Counted cross stitch is worked in small X shapes. Bring the needle up through one hole and down through the opposite hole to make the first half of the X, then come back across to close it. Try to keep the tension even so the surface stays flat.

If you are new to cross stitch, the 14 count black fabric is the easier starting point because the squares are larger and simpler to see. The 18 count gives a denser finish for stitchers who are comfortable counting smaller squares.

Care and finishing

Once the stitching is done, hand wash the piece in cool water with a mild soap. Rinse gently and press it face down on a towel to remove extra water. Let it air dry flat, then iron it face down on a soft towel on low heat if needed.

Keep the finished piece out of direct sunlight for long periods so the thread colors hold. If you plan to frame it, leave a small border of black fabric around the design. The dark border frames the ghosts and the pizza neatly. Store extra thread and the pattern together in case you want to stitch the design again.