How to cross stitch: A complete beginner's guide
New to cross stitch? Our handy beginner’s guide is here to help you feel confident from the very first stitch. We’ll walk you step by step through the essential materials you’ll need, from fabric to threads.
You’ll also learn key stitches every beginner should know, get simple tips for reading patterns, and how to start and finish threads. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to begin your first cross stitch project with ease and enjoy this wonderful hobby!
What is cross stitch?
Cross stitch is a popular form of counted needlework. Cross stitch uses X-shaped stitches, created by overlapping two diagonal lines, to create pictures, typography and patterns.
Benefits of cross stitch
Those moments where you can give your mind a break are so important - and crafting is proven to promote calm and reduce stress!
One of the many reasons to love cross stitch is how it helps your mind to relax and unwind. The repetitive rhythm of each stitch promotes mindfulness, lowers stress and encourages your mind to focus on the stitching. Cross stitch is a treasured form of therapy for many stitchers, as it provides an escape from the busyness of everyday life.
There’s an incredible community of stitchers out there. It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of seeing your finished creation!
The essential cross stitch supplies you’ll need to start stitching
Fabrics
Aida is the ideal choice for cross stitch beginners. It's a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares with a grid of holes. Each cross stitch is worked over one square.
Aida comes in a range of sizes which are called counts. So, 14-count means that there are 14 squares to the inch and this will make 14 cross stitches. Aida also comes in 16, 18 and 20-count. The larger the number, the more stitches to the inch and so the smaller the design will stitch up.
Order your perfect base material for your cross stitch in white or cream with our Trimits 100% Cotton Pre-Cut 14-Count Aida.
Evenweave is a woven grid of threads in a finer count. People usually work each stitch over two threads. A 28-count evenweave uses stitches over two threads. This makes your stitching the same size as on 14-count aida.
Fractional stitches are easier on evenweave. It has a central hole. So you don't need to split the block, like on aida.
Once you are confident, try using linen. Linen is produced in some even finer counts like 32, 36, 40 and 56-count.
Needles
For cross stitch you will need a tapestry needle that has a blunt tip and a large eye. Use size 24 for 14-count or 28-count evenweave, and a 26 for 16-count aida or-32 count evenweave. Use a sharp embroidery needle for finer details such as backstitching and French knots. A thin beading needle is also very useful.
Stranded Cotton
Embroidery thread is also called stranded cotton, or floss in the USA. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key tells you how many strands you’ll need to stitch with. Stranded cotton comes in skeins of 8m, and in three main brands – DMC, Anchor and Madeira – all are divisible and colourfast to 95 degrees.
Browse 500 beautiful and vibrant shades of DMC Stranded Cotton Thread and save even more when you buy more than six.
Embroidery Scissors
Embroidery scissors with small sharp points are important for cutting stranded cotton and unpicking. Use these scissors just for cross stitch, and do not use them to cut fabric. A separate, larger pair should be used to cut aida and evenweave. Protect the tips from getting damaged between uses, and do not use for paper.
Order your pair of our beautiful floral CrossStitcher embroidery scissors!
Hoops & Frames
We recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame to keep an even stitching tension when you are working on a large project. For cards or small projects, it may be easier to hand hold the fabric.
How to read a cross stitch chart
A cross stitch chart consists of a grid of coloured squares. Each colour will have a unique symbol that tells you which colour to use. Each square on your chart represents one cross stitch on your chosen fabric.
Each cross stitch chart will include a corresponding key which lists the colours used in the chart and the corresponding thread codes. The key will also tell you if any different types of stitches are required i.e. backstitch, half stitch.
How to find the centre of your fabric
To find the centre of your fabric, fold your fabric in half, and then in half again. Open your fabric and mark the centre with a stitch, pin or washable marker
How to use an embroidery hoop
- Loosen the screw at the top of your hoop so the inner hoop slides out.
- Position your fabric over the inner hoop.
- Take the outer hoop and press it down over your fabric and the inner hoop.
- Gently pull the edges of your fabric to ensure it is taught (it should sound like a drum when you tap it).
- Once you’re happy the fabric is taught enough, tighten the screw on your hoop to lock your fabric in place.
Not sure where to find your first pattern? CrossStitcher magazine is your go-to for fresh inspiration, new and exclusive patterns every issue, step-by-step guides and more.
How to thread your needle
There's multiple methods to threading a needle - we recommend trying them out to see which works best for you! Here we've shared two of the most popular ways to thread your needle.
Pinch & Poke Method
- Cut a 40cm length of thread using sharp embroidery scissors at a 45-degree angle
- Separate the required number of strands
- Pinch the end of your thread tightly, leaving only a tiny amount exposed
- Bring the needle to the tip of your fingers and poke the thread through
Using a Needle Threader
If you find that you're struggling to thread your needle, a needle threader can be a game changer!
- Insert the wire loop of the threader through the eye of your needle
- Place your thread into the wire loop that is sticking out
- Pull the needle threader and your thread back out through the eye of the needle
How to start a cross stitch thread
There's a few different ways to begin your thread - choose the one that suits you best! These are two of the most common and secure ways to start your thread.
Option One: Waste Knot
- Knot one end of your thread and take it down through the front of your fabric, 2cm from your starting point
- Bring it back up to the front of the fabric to make your first stitch
- Begin stitching your design, making sure you stitch over your starting thread with each stitch
- Once you’re happy that your starting thread is secure, snip off the knot
- To secure your thread when you’ve finished stitching, weave it through the back of your stitches
Option Two: Loop Knot
- Working in two strands makes a loop knot the neatest method
- Cut a single length of thread, twice as long as normal
- Fold in half to create a loop at one end
- Thread your needle with the two tail ends
- Bring your needle up to the front of your fabric, leaving a small loop of thread on the reverse
- Make a half cross stitch, passing your needle through the loop on the reverse, as shown
- Pull all the way to secure the thread then continue with your stitching
How to cross stitch on aida
Now you've started your thread, it's time to make your first cross stitch! Each basic cross stitch consists of two overlapped diagonal stitches:
- Bottom-left to top-right (/)
- Top-left to bottom-right (\)
Begin your first cross stitch
Step One
- Cut a 40cm thread length and thread your needle with two of the six strands
- Knot one end and start with a waste knot
- Make a diagonal half cross stitch across a single aida block
Step Two
- Make a second diagonal stitch to make the cross
- You can work a row of half cross stitches first, then work back on yourself to complete the stitches
- All the top stitches should face the same way
How to cross stitch on evenweave
- Stitching on evenweave differs slightly to aida, where you would take your needle diagonally across a single aida block
- In this instance, take your needle diagonally across two evenweave threads, creating a half cross stitch as before
