How to Cross Stitch: A Beginner’s Guide to This Relaxing Craft
- Cherry Hill Stitchery
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Introduction
Want to learn how to cross stitch? It’s easier than you think—and a perfect way to unwind, get creative, and enjoy a little mindful me-time! If you’re a total beginner or are just looking to refresh your skills, this guide will walk you through the basics.
What Is Cross Stitch?
Cross stitch is a form of embroidery where X-shaped stitches are used to create patterns on fabric. Basic cross stitch is one of the simplest types of needlework, making it perfect for beginners. Cross stitch patterns can be small with only one stitch type and a simple color palette, like this design from the Prairie Schooler.
Other patterns are more advanced, and may incorporate a variety of stitch types and more thread colors to render a detailed image, like this complex pattern from Lavendar and Lace:
Tools You’ll Need to Start Cross Stitching
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to cross stitch, let’s talk about the essentials. You don’t need much to get started—just a few basic supplies!
Aida Fabric: This is the most common type of fabric for cross stitch and a great option to use if you are just starting out. It’s woven with an easy-to-see grid that helps guide your stitches. 14 or 16 count Aida are pretty safe fabric choices for beginners. (Count refers to the number of squares per inch). *There is an entire post on Aida fabric, here.
Embroidery Floss: This is the thread you’ll use. It comes in a rainbow of colors, and patterns should specify which brand and which shades to use. The most common variety of embroidery floss is DMC, and you'll want to look for the type that is made of six strands. (Pearl cotton is not great for cross stitch.)
Needles: Look for blunt-tipped tapestry needles, usually in sizes 24 or 26. Although you can use regular sharp tip sewing needles, they are not ideal for cross stitch. Sharp tip needles can split the fibers that form the weave in your cloth, which creates messier stitches and will slow you down. (Seriously... you may have to back the needle up hundreds of times through a single project.) Blunt tip tapestry needles are best.
Embroidery Hoop or Frame: This keeps your fabric taut while you stitch.
Scissors: Small, sharp embroidery scissors are perfect for snipping thread.
Pattern: You’ll need a design to follow, whether it’s a downloadable PDF or a printed leaflet.
Optional tools include a needle threader (if threading needles is tricky for you) and a project bag to keep your supplies together when you are not stitching,
How to Cross Stitch: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s where the magic begins! Working with freshly washed hands, follow these steps to create your first cross stitch project:
1. Prepare Your Fabric
Cut your Aida fabric to the size you need. To determine the correct size, look at the finished size of the design provided in the pattern. Add four to six inches to those numbers. This will provide 2-3 inches of extra fabric space around the edge of your project. Example: A pattern states that the stitched size is 3"h x 6"w on 16 count fabric. Add 4"-6" to both of those numbers. Cut your cross stitch cloth to be at least 7"h x 10"w. Cutting it to 9" x 12" will give you a little extra wiggle room.
Place the fabric in your embroidery hoop or frame, making sure the fabric is taut and that the weave is not distorted in any direction. To prevent distortions, work with the weave. Tighten side to side and top to bottom.
2. Thread Your Needle
Cut a piece of embroidery floss to a length of 18-24 inches.
Separate the strands; most floss has six strands, but you’ll typically only use two each time you thread your needle for cross stitching on 14 ct. or 16ct. Aida. Pull one strand at a time out of the cut piece of floss until you have the ply your pattern suggests. Set the remaining strands aside to use later. (What is ply? Ply refers to how many strands of thread you are using to make your stitches. For example, if the pattern suggests 2-ply floss, you will use two strands each time you thread your needle.)
Thread the needle, leaving a tail that is a few inches long near the eye of the needle to prevent the thread from coming out as you stitch.
3. Read Your Pattern
Cross stitch patterns are made up of grids with symbols that represent different floss colors. You will be stitching one x on the fabric for every symbol on the page.
Identify the center of your pattern (usually marked) and line it up with the center of your fabric. The center stitch of your pattern is where your first stitch will be on your cross stitch cloth.
4. Start Stitching
Bring your needle up through the back of the fabric through a hole in the corner of an Aida square. You'll want to start every stitch the same way so that they all go the same direction. For this tutorial, we'll use the top right corner as our starting place.
Pull the thread almost all the way through the hole, leaving a small 1" tail at the back. Hold this tail down to keep the thread from coming all the way through to the front. *You'll loop the tail under the next few stitches on the back to secure it, but for now you just need to hold it in place.
Push the needle down through the bottom left corner of the square...
...and continue to pull the thread through until there is no more slack on the front. This creates the first half of the stitch.
To complete the X, bring the needle up through the top-left corner of the same square.
...and then pull the thread to the front of the fabric until there is no slack on the back.
Push your needle back through the fabric using the lower right hole...
...and continue to pull the thread through until there is no more slack on the front. This completes your stitch.
Repeat this process, following the pattern. One square on the pattern = one stitch.
5. Change Colors as Needed
When it’s time to switch to a new color, tie off your floss at the back of the fabric by weaving it under the backs of a few stitches. Then, snip off the excess.
6. Wash and Iron Your Project*
Wash your finished piece gently in cool water with a mild detergent to remove any oils or dirt. Simply fill a large kitchen bowl with cool water and a drop of dish soap, submerge the finished project, give it a gentle swirl a few times, rinse very well, and lay flat on a clean white towel to air dry. *Do not wash the piece if your floss or fabric is not colorfast.
Iron the piece face down into a white towel. Finish or frame as desired!
Tips for Cross Stitch Success
Start Small: Choose a simple pattern with only a few colors for your first project.
Keep It Tidy: Try to keep your stitches uniform. Fix tangles as they happen.
Take Breaks: Cross stitch is supposed to be relaxing. Most designs take days or weeks to complete. Get cozy for a stitching session and then tuck it away to work on another time.
Use a Highlighter: Mark off completed sections of your pattern to keep track of your progress.
Experiment: Once you’re comfortable, try stitching on different fabrics or using specialty overdyed threads.
FAQs About How to Cross Stitch
Q: Is cross stitch hard to learn? Not at all! It’s one of the easiest forms of embroidery. With a little practice, you’ll be creating beautiful designs in no time.
Q: How long does it take to finish a cross stitch project?It depends on the size and complexity of the pattern. A simple design might take a few hours, while larger pieces can take weeks or even months.
Q: Can I cross stitch without a hoop?Yes, but a hoop helps keep the fabric taut, making it easier to stitch evenly.
Q: What’s the difference between counted cross stitch and stamped cross stitch? Counted cross stitch involves following a pattern on blank fabric, while stamped cross stitch has the design pre-printed on the fabric.
Conclusion
Cross stitch is more than just a craft—it’s a therapeutic activity that lets you slow down and create something beautiful. With just a few supplies and a bit of patience, you can transform a blank piece of fabric into a work of art.
Ready to try this relaxing hobby? Cherry Hill Stitchery has beginner-friendly patterns you can download and start stitching today!