Cross-stitch charts tell you everything you need to know about a cross-stitch pattern. Today you’ll learn how to read a cross-stitch chart and understand all the key basics.
If some terms used in this article are unfamiliar to you, I suggest you take a look at the 100 Cross-stitch terms made easy article so you can feel more confident when tackling new cross-stitch projects.
Disclaimer: This post might contain some affiliate links, you can find my full Disclosure Policy here.
Symbols are Not Stitches
Before we jump into the real stuff, let me tell you a short funny story. The first time when I saw a cross-stitch chart, I thought all those symbols were types of stitches (lol!). There was no chance I was set up to learn such a large number of “stitches” at that point.
Months after, when I was ready to give cross-stitch a chance, after a speedy Google search, I had my AHA moment and realized how simple to learn cross-stitch is.
And, so are the cross-stitch charts. Let’s explore them together and see what they actually mean.
Grids in a Cross-Stitch Chart
A cross-stitch chart is like a colored map that tells you where to stitch and what color to use. The grid of the chart simulates the weave of the fabric, each square on the chart representing a cross-stitch.
The grid lines mark squares of 10×10 stitches to help the stitcher with counting and sizing. Line numbers along the top and side are also used to help keep your place.
When working on a cross-stitch design, it can be good practice to start stitching in the middle of the pattern. Arrows at the top and sides of the chart tell you where the center of the design is.
To locate the center of your fabric, the simplest method is to fold it in half both horizontally and vertically, then mark the center with a pen or pencil. Alternatively, you can also use a ruler and pen or pencil.
Legend and symbols
Each color used in the design is assigned a symbol. So, all those symbols in a chart are actually colors (not type of stitches!). You can find the reference to each symbol in a chart legend or table that usually sits at the bottom of the chart page.
The legend contains information about the name of the color used, the color code, the number of stitches for each color, and the number of strands used for completing the design.
How to know what color thread to use? Just match the color block or symbol from to chart with the ones in the legend.
Each project usually comes with two pattern charts:
- A black and white symbol chart – where the symbols represent the colors used in the design.
- A color symbol chart – displaying a colored square block for each stitch (they include the color symbol in the squares too).
Some people find the symbol chart easier to use, and others find it easier to use the color chart. As a personal preference, I find the color chart a better visual reference.
The full cross-stitches are indicated as blocks and symbols that take up a full grid square.
Back stitches are indicated by lines on the chart, and French knots are often depicted by round dots.
Chart Notes
Most of the patterns also include a notes section. Of course, this depends a lot on the creator of that particular pattern.
In all my patterns I include a section where I give more information about the fabric’s count, design size, and other sizes in which the pattern can be stitched. I also might include a minimum fabric border suggestion, depending on how the finished pattern will be framed.
If you’d like to give cross-stitch a try, you can download the chart in this article from the Free Pattern Library. To access it just fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password.
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Good day, I am happy I found your website.
I have a Newbie question
You say in this article, “So, all those symbols in a chart are actually colors (not type of stitches!)”
So all the stitches are just the regular cross stitch?
Hey Dwight,
Thanks for stopping by.
Yep, that’s about right.
Those are just the regular cross-stitch stitch :)))
In my pattern example here I don’t have outlines or French knots in the design. But if you work on a chart that has them, they would be marked as follows: outlines appear as a straight line, French knots as a dot.
Hope this helps!