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Cross-stitch Embroidery Art
 It is feasible that techniques and
designs spread from China via India and Egypt to the great civilizations of
Greece and Rome and then to the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. An
alternative school of thought says that the spread of cross-stitched embroidery
may have gone in the opposite direction since the first important migration of
foreigners into China took place during the Tang Dynasty. Many Persians, Arabs
and travelers from Greece and India followed the silk routes into China and
eventually settled there. There is evidence that these immigrants influenced the
designs of Chinese arts and crafts, particularly textiles. The patterns found on
many Chinese textiles are very similar to those found on Persian fabrics.
The only certainty is that the techniques and designs of cross-stitching
spread from such countries throughout the European continent. Crusaders probably
brought home embroidered textiles from the Middle Eastern countries after the
great crusades. The well-traveled trade and spice caravan routes carried not
only merchants and their stock of articles for sale but also itinerant
craftsmen, who practiced their craft wherever they went. The spread of
cross-stitched designs from their place of origin to many different locations
makes it difficult to pinpoint the origin of any one design.
 Designs and stitching have been exchanged between so many different
cultures and geographical areas -- via travel, trade and the availability of
printed design books -- that many design elements are now common to a number of
cultures. Even today, it is fascinating to see the same motifs recur in
traditional peasant embroideries from countries as far apart as the Greek
Islands, Mexico and Thailand. There are many regional variations of similar
cross-stitched shapes, including the eight-pointed star, heart, and flower and
bird motifs, as each basic shape is made to fit the fabric grid in a slightly
different way.
 Looking after cross-stitched
works
Embroidered items, such as tablemats and napkins,  which are intended to be used rather than displayed,
must be laundered at regular intervals to remain in tiptop condition. If you
suspect that the threads may not be colorfast, have the piece dry-cleaned
instead of cleaning it yourself. The best way to clean cross-stitched works is
to wash them carefully by hand in hot water with a mild, detergent-free cleaning
agent. Most specialist fabric shampoos are ideal, but check that they do not
contain optical brighteners, which will cause the thread and fabric colors to
fade. Rinse thoroughly several times and then roll in a towel and press gently
to remove surplus water. Gently ease back into shape and dry away from direct
sunlight.
When using table linen, take immediate measures to correct spills and stains:
Mop up the excess liquid with paper
towels or tissues and rinse the fabric under running tepid water. Scrape off
spilled foods quickly and then blot with a paper towel before washing in the
usual way. For stubborn stains, use a solvent or brand-name stain remover, but
be sure to test a small area first; if unsure, seek professional advice. When
treating stains, remember that it is better to repeat a mild treatment several
times rather than using a harsh solvent that may damage both threads and
fabrics.
 Press the embroidery while it is still slightly damp: Pad an
ironing board with a couple of old, clean towels, then lay the embroidery on
with the wrong side up. Cover with a piece of clean white fabric (a cotton sheet
is ideal). Set your iron to a temperature that corresponds to the fabric's
composition, for example, the linen setting for linens, slightly cooler for Aida
and cotton fabrics, and even lower for even-woven fabrics made from
cotton/viscose mixtures. Press lightly, taking care not to flatten the stitches.
Old-fashioned laundry starch will give an attractive, crisp finish to table
linen. Make sure the iron is not too hot.
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