Cross-stitching Objects
School/Teacher/Classroom or Arts Organization/Mentor: Melodee Strong, Franklin Middle School
Grade Level or Age of Participants: 6th grade
MCAD Teaching Artist: Eli deVries
Number of Students: 27
Visual Arts Content or Standards
Grades 6-8
2. Artistic Process: Create or Make
1. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations. Visual Arts 6.2.1.5.1 1. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks in a variety of artistic contexts.
Overview of Project
Students will create a 3” cross-stitch using cross-stitch fabric, embroidery DMC floss, and design their own pattern. They will start by choosing an image of their object and translating that to graphing paper, and then transferring the pattern to the fabric. The project will allow for both an introduction and a focus to embroidery and the importance of creating small, intimate work.
“Big Ideas”/ Essential QUESTION(s)
Is craft art?
Student Outcome Objectives
Students will:
1. Learn how to pixelate an object using graph paper
2. Learn how to transfer and cross-stitch their design onto fabric
3. Finish their piece and discuss the importance of small works
-focusing on detail/persistence
Prior Knowledge
No prior knowledge is necessary.
Examples of Artwork
Wone and Youa Vang, Mo Money Mo Problems, cross-stitch, 2018
Wone and Youa Vang, (Not) Your Grandmother’s Cross-stitch, mixed-media installation, 2018 – Minnesota Museum of American Art
Rebecca Ballinger, embroidery including cross-stitch, linen and silk, 1830
Additional Resources
https://www.waterproofpaper.com/graph-paper/graph-paper-eighth-inch.pdf
Assessment *
Quality work will be finished with even stitching (top stitch facing same direction).
Materials
- 14 ct. AIDA cross-stitch cloth, 5 x 5 pieces (9 pieces/packages)
- DMC embroidery floss
- 3 in. embroidery hoops
- embroidery needles
- colored pencils
- 1/8-inch graph paper
- scissors
- paper bobbins
Learning Activities and Timing
Day 1
Introduce project via powerpoint – 5 min.
Show examplers (with both graph and finished cross-stitch) - 5 min.
Begin and finish creating design for pattern (search for images on ipads if need be) - 40 min.
Day 2
Brief reintroduction, overview – 3 min.
Students will pick colors and cut their string. - 5 min.
Show students how to thread their needle and how to begin their cross-stitch – 5 min.
Address questions as they arise during work time – 35 min.
Day 3
Continue working on project – 50 min.
Day 4
Finish cross-stitch – 30 min.
Discussion – 20 min.
Prepare cross-stitches and install – about an hour
Teaching Artist Reflection
Problems anticipated:
- Students may not finish on time
- Some students may not be engaged because of embroidery/stitching
Melodee wanted to include an embroidery project.
Students work will be installed and on view in the school.
Feedback when having discussion about the work.
