Can you give me any hints on how to add lettering to a personalized sampler?

I have found that many stitchers look at the alphabet to be used, count the number of blocks each letter takes, and then run into problems.

The only good way to get the lettering correct is to chart it all out on a separate piece of graph paper. It may seem like more work, but it is a lot quicker than having to rip out and re-do stitches!

By charting out the words, you will see the spacing exactly and can make minor adjustments, as needed, before stitching.

Once you have charted out each line, count the number of blocks for each line. Basting a center line will help you get your words centered when you begin to stitch them. If the area is not too large, you can also do some additional math to calculate the margins on either side of the letters, as an additional check.

Information from Cross Country Stitching Magazine columns "Ask Judie" - Judie Solomon, Thistle Needleworks & "Carol’s Crafty Corner" - Carol Rice, The Craft Menagerie

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