Essential cross stitch techniques

Essential cross stitch techniques for beginners

Once you're confident with your regular stitches, these cross stitch techniques are the perfect way to add extra detail and texture to your projects.

 

How to backstitch

Step One 

  • Do your backstitch once you’ve finished the cross stitch
  • To secure your thread, weave it through the back of your stitches
  • Then bring your needle up to the surface

 

Demonstrating how to backstitch

Step Two 

  • Make each backstitch over one thread of fabric on aida and two threads if you work on evenweave
  • Follow the chart to see where to place each one

 

Demonstrating how to backstitch

 

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How to make a French knot 

Step One

  1. Bring your needle up at your starting point and wrap your thread once or twice around the needle
  2. Use one strand for a small knot and two for a chunkier knot
  3. Hold your thread end firmly and take your needle down, ever so slightly away from where you came up
  4. Slide the twisted thread down the needle, so it rests on the fabric’s surface 

 

Demonstrating how to make a French knot

 

Step Two

  1. Feed the needle gently through the fabric
  2. Try to keep your thread as taut as possible to prevent the knot becoming loose
  3. Gently pull your thread through to tighten the knot, so that it sits neatly on the surface 
  4. Keep practising your French knots until you are happy you have perfected the technique 

 

Demonstrating how to make a French knot

Fractional stitches: Quarter stitches & half stitches

Fractional stitches are any cross stitches which cover less than a full fabric square. They are great for adding a bit more detail to your work. 

Quarter Stitch 

  • To make a quarter stitch, work from one corner into the centre (with aida, you’ll need to pierce the fabric)
  • Make a quarter stitch in your second colour, coming up from the opposite corner and back down the centre
  • Finish with a half cross stitch 

 

Example of a quarter stitch on aida

 

Half Stitch

  • A half stitch is simply half of a full cross stitch
  • Instead of completing your full cross, stop after you’ve completed one diagonal line 

 

Fractional stitches can be shown on your chart in two ways:

  • As two symbols opposite one another in a square
  • As a symbol opposite an empty space

 

Ready for your first project? Cross stitch kits are a great place to start as they come with everything you need to start stitching straight away!


How to add beads to cross stitch

  • To attach beads, you’ll need a thin, flexible beading needle
  • Thread with one strand of cotton
  • Bring your needle to the front of your design, thread on a bead and make a diagonal stitch to secure the bead
  • If you like, stitch through again for added security 

 
What are waste and soluble canvas?

Waste and soluble canvases are used when stitching on plain fabrics and felts. Tack them onto your fabric and stitch as normal.  

  • Soluble canvas dissolves in waste
  • For waste canvas, soak in water, then remove each thread individually 

 

Examples of waste canvas and soluble canvas

 

Unsure what to do with your completed projects? Check out our top three finishing ideas!

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