Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

Hello everyone! I'm hoping someone can help me! I just joined after doing some frantic google searches on how to do cross stitch because I've never really done it before, and the project I decided to start for myself has been a major struggle.

I am trying to make a cross stitch book cover! Here is where I am so far. I cut out my front, back, spine, and 2 pockets on a 10 point plastic canvas. I use embroidery floss.

Next, I really don't know what to do! I've watched some videos, and they all start in the center. Why?! It makes sense to me to go row by row. I am able to make my X, but how do I add a border to the canvas, and how do I go up a row when I'm at the end?

I'm frustrated, to be honest. I've been trying to have a few people make me one since December, and I decided to try myself but am struggling quite bad. Can anyone help me?!

Most start in the middle to make sure they are centered on their fabric.
I've never worked with plastic canvas so I can't help with the rest

As Maggie said most start in the middle to that they are sure that the design is centered properly but you can start anyplace you would like.

When you say how do you add a border are you taljking about a stitched boarder or are you talking about sewing a boarder on to the canvas?????

Again I am not sure what you mean by going up a row when you are at the end????

Actually, i was able to figure a lot out by just doing half-cross stitches. YouTube helped a lot

I do run in to occasional jams though (which I'm sure is common). Sometimes, the floss gets knotted and I have to cut it off and start with a new piece.

A tutorial I watched online said that when you're done cross-stitching the plastic canvas, glue a piece of felt to the back of it. Is there any special glue I might use?

Will this help? Perhaps you can add a border over the raw edge of the plastic with a buttonhole stitch. I've only done a little plastic. I did make a tissue box cover. As to changing rows, I would just move needle up and go on. Be careful not to try use floss that is too long. It will tangle and fray. 2nd thought. If you buttonhole around all your edges, that will give you something to stitch through when you are ready to attach the pieces. I might also consider using fabric for the pockets on the inside, because of bulk. Good Luck.