In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about cross-stitch and what to do with cross-stitch. Cross stitch is such a popular form of needlework because it is relatively easy to learn, inexpensive, and a great way to relax and unwind.
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What is Cross Stitch?
Cross-stitch is a type of counted embroidery in which x-shaped stitches are used to create a tiled pattern or form a picture.
As the name suggests, most of the stitches used in cross-stitch are created as tiny cross shapes on fabric like even-weave linen (Aida or linen blends), or for more experienced stitchers, on plain-weave linen.
If you are new to cross-stitch, you might want to read my articles on how to cross-stitch and the basic stitches for cross-stitch.
Is Cross-Stitch Easier Than Embroidery?
The short answer is, yes! Cross-stitch is considered the easiest form of hand embroidery to learn. Why is that, you may ask?
Well, first of all, when comparing cross-stitch with other types of surface embroidery, you’ll quickly learn there are only a few stitches to learn when cross-stitching.
The five main stitches for cross-stitch are cross stitch, half stitch, quarter stitch, three-quarter stitch, and back stitch. We will go into more detail and explore these stitches later in this article.
Another plus, that makes cross-stitching so easy to learn, is that most cross-stitchers tend to follow a chart when stitching a new project. These charts are like a colored grid map of the final project, really easy to follow and applicable to any fabric count.
To make it even easier, as a beginner, you can find patterns that are printed directly onto the cross-stitch fabric. This means you don’t even have to count your stitches – very similar to the paint-by-numbers projects.
What are the Benefits of Cross Stitch?
In this digital age where we’re bombarded from all sides with information, turning to cross-stitching can really help quiet the mind and bring us a sense of serenity.
Due to its repetitive nature, cross-stitching, like any other form of meditation, has therapeutic benefits, improving mental health while creating something beautiful.
“Embroidery is brilliant for depression because it allows you to have something to show for your time. So even though it could be small, when you hold something in your hand that you have made it is a symbol of value. It says ‘you have value’. The thing about depression is that motivation is the enemy. In a western world when we don’t often see the fruits of our labor unless we’ve got a big house, for example, creating something is a momentary miracle, enough to start motivating you.“
– Psychologist Emma Kenny
You can read the entire interview with Emma Kenny on crewelwork.com, where she talks about the beneficial impact of embroidery on our mental health.
What is the Purpose of Cross Stitch
History of Cross Stitch
Cross-stitch is the oldest form of embroidery dating back to the Middle Ages, with deep meanings for the spirituality of each country.
As a place of origin, it is said that it was first practiced by Eastern people, especially in China, India, and the ancient Peruvian space. Widely spread in Europe and later in America, cross-stitch was traditionally used to embellish items like household linens, tablecloths, and dishcloths.
Folk art and cross-stitch patterns were used to decorate clothing items, cross-stitch being still part of Southeastern European culture today.
In different periods, cross-stitch also had a special significance to women, who in the absence of education, used it to document their lives.
Cross-stitch has an extremely rich history behind it, developing almost simultaneously with the local customs, beliefs, and traditions of each country.
What to Do with Cross Stitch?
You might think of cross-stitch as an old-forgotten craft, but that’s far from true. Cross-stitch has made a comeback, and it’s actually booming!
Nowadays, stitchers all over the world turn to cross-stitching as a hobby for its relaxation benefits. In addition to all its past uses, it’s now increasingly popular to cross-stitch wall art decorations, greeting cards, pillow tops, coasters, and anything you can think of really.
In other parts of the world, cross-stitch is still used to adorn authentic national clothes. The first example I can think of is my home country – Romania, where the traditional folk costume is defined by gorgeous complex cross-stitch motifs with a long tradition and history behind them.
Once you learn the basic cross-stitch stitches, you can put them together to embellish almost any fabric, be it a clothing item or a decoration for your home.
What do You Need to Start Cross Stitching?
The great thing about cross-stitch is that it doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment. You can get started with just a needle, embroidery floss, and a piece of Aida fabric. Of course, as you progress and the cross-stitch “bug” gets you, you can add in more cross-stitch tools and materials.
Beginners cross-stitch tools:
- Cross-stitch needles
- Embroidery thread
- Cross-stitch fabric
- Scissors
- Cross-stitch pattern
Best Needles for Cross-Stitch
Choosing the right needles for cross-stitching is essential. Cross-stitch needles are a bit different than the standard sharp embroidery needles.
When cross-stitching you’ll need blunt tapestry needles, with a round end and a large eye for embroidery floss. Tapestry needles come in different sizes ranging from size 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, to size 28.
The most commonly used tapestry needles for cross-stitching are sizes 24 and 26.
- Tapestry Needle Size 24: for 14-count Aida fabric
- Tapestry Needle Size 26: for 16-count Aida fabric
Refer to the cross-stitch needle size guide article to find all the cross-stitch needle sizes you might need.
Best Cross-Stitch Fabric for Beginners
Choosing the right fabric for cross-stitch is very important, especially if you’re just starting out.
The size of a cross-stitch design depends on the cross-stitch fabric you choose. The higher the fabric’s “count” (number of cross stitches per inch), the smaller the stitches and your design.
The most common type of fabric among beginners is 14-count Aida.
Once you feel comfortable, you can stitch on almost any type of fabric. The most common ones are:
- Aida: an even-weave cotton fabric. The most used fabric for counted cross-stitch comes in different size counts (10 to 32) and colors. Ideal for cross-stitching, since it’s made up of nice square blocks to stitch on.
- Hardanger: a 100% cotton fabric, very similar to Aida. Not as used as in the past and it only comes in 22 count.
- Evenweave Linen blends: These linen blend fabrics have even spacing, higher count, and are easier to cross-stitch than pure linen.
- Linen: the traditional plain-weave linen fabric made up of flax. This is a fabric you can try once you get more experience. Linen doesn’t have equal spacing, meaning it’ll be tricky to stitch those perfect squares. Using waste canvas is recommended when cross-stitching on pure linen.
As a beginner, your first cross-stitch projects will be most likely be on Aida fabric. But you can pretty much cross-stitch on any fabric. Check out my article on How To Cross Stitch On Any Fabric to learn more.
Cross Stitch Techniques
Starting a Cross Stitch
Same as with freehand embroidery, when cross-stitching you’ll have to secure your first stitch. The easiest way you’ll probably think of is to tie a knot. This works well if your finished piece doesn’t have to lay flat against a backing. Since most of the finished cross-stitch projects will be mounted and framed, a knot is not the best option as it will show as a bump in the finished design.
Starting cross-stitch without a knot is not complicated at all. Here’s how to do it:
- Loop Method – This method works well if you cross-stitch using two strands of thread. Most cross-stitch projects require two strands of thread, so this is the go-to method and the easiest. The method requires you to pull a strand of thread from the skein and thread two ends together through the needle.
- Trap As You Go Method – This method works well for any cross-stitch project, regardless of the number of strands you’ll be using. This method requires leaving a long tail on the back of your fabric, starting stitching, and trapping the thread end as you continue stitching.
Both methods are really easy and explained in much more detail in the How To Start Cross Stitch Without a Knot article.
Ending Your Thread
Finishing off a cross-stitch project is very similar to starting off.
- Take the needle under a few stitches in a row close to where is exiting the fabric.
- Pull the needle and thread through and trim off any excess thread.
Reading 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.
Each color used in the design is assigned a symbol and you can find the reference to each symbol in a chart legend or table that usually sits at the bottom of the chart page.
Each project has 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.
Learn how to read a cross-stitch pattern and everything you need to know about cross-stitch charts.
Basic Stitches for Cross Stitch
Cross-stitch is the easiest form of hand embroidery to learn. You can create gorgeous works with just a few basic stitches. Once you mastered them you can take on more complex projects and try more intermediate stitches.
Here are five of the basic stitches used in cross-stitch.
Cross Stitch
Cross-stitch is the main stitch used in this type of embroidery. As the name suggests, a cross-stitch is stitching in the shape of a cross. Stitches can be worked one cross at a time, or one way diagonally in rows – known also as the Danish method.
Half Stitch
The Half Stitch is a diagonal stitch (half of the cross-stitch) and is usually worked in horizontal rows. When a design calls for a half stitch you’ll find it indicated on the chart by a diagonal colored line.
Quarter Stitch
The Quarter Stitch is another fractional stitch, which is half of a Half Stitch. It can be worked from any side of the square and ends up touching one point of the square.
Three-Quarter Stitch
The Three-Quarter Stitch is a combination of a Quarter Stitch and a Half Stitch. As you can see, this stitch takes up half the square. Usually, you’ll be stitching first the Quarter Stitch, then the Half Stitch.
Back Stitch
A Back Stitch is used to define a motif or add details to a cross-stitch project. Great to stitch letters and wording in both cross-stitch and freehand embroidery.
French Knot
The French Knot Stitch is used in counted cross-stitch designs to add small details and dimension to your work. French Knots are less common in counted cross-stitch embroidery than other types of surface embroidery.
How to Learn Cross-Stitch Online
With the cross-stitch community steadily growing in the last few years, so is the number of articles and video tutorials you can access online. This is a great thing but can be overwhelming at times.
A good starting point is always to familiarize yourself with the cross-stitch terms, learn the basic stitches for cross-stitch, and how to read a cross-stitch chart.
Here is the Makenstitch cross-stitch start guide including everything you need to know about cross-stitch.
Free Cross-Stitch Pattern Resources
When it comes to free cross-stitch patterns we are blessed with endless online resources. You’ll find that big brands like DMC, Anchor, and Lovecrafts along with smaller blogs and publications, all have generous offerings of free patterns.
Here is my complete list of 900+ Best free cross-stitch pattern ideas in 2022.
DMC
DMC has been developing award-winning fine threads and specialist yarns for makers since 1746. They offer a 200+ selection of free cross-stitch patterns.
Anchor
Anchor is another high-quality thread manufacturer with 250 years of tradition. They offer 88+ free cross-stitch patterns at the time of writing this article.
Lovecrafts
Lovecrafts is every crafter’s dream platform. You can find 200+ free cross-stitch patterns and shop for all the materials you need to start your next project.
Makenstitch
Here on Makenstitch, you can find a growing selection of free cross-stitch and freehand embroidery patterns, each accompanied by a free step-by-step tutorial.
What is Cross Stitch FAQ’s
The main purpose of cross-stitch is to decorate and embellish different fabric items while bringing joy and relaxation benefits to the stitcher.
The main difference between cross-stitch and regular embroidery is the visual outcome. In cross-stitch, the design looks tiled and less fluid than in other types of embroidery. Embroidery is an umbrella term for all types of embroidery. Cross-stitch is a form of counted embroidery that uses x-shaped stitches to create a design, making it the easiest form of embroidery to learn.
The main difference between these two forms of needlework is the complexity. Cross-stitch is the easiest form of embroidery that uses just a few basic stitches to create a design, whilst needlepoint is a much more complicated art form, using more than 50 stitches.
Cross-stitch, the same as other types of hand embroidery, has huge benefits for our mental health, making it a great hobby to pick up.
The disadvantage to this art form is the time factor. Hand embroidery is time-consuming, and although stitchers are creating something that is truly valuable, customers are not always willing to pay a fair price for these items.
Cross-stitch is a great hobby with multiple benefits for our well-being. Cross-stitch is inexpensive and portable. You can stitch while commuting, flying, or watching TV. Doesn’t require fancy equipment and is the easiest form of embroidery to learn. You can cross-stitch on almost any fabric item, create great handmade gifts, or even start a small pattern business.
The internet is an endless resource of free and paid cross-stitch charts. You can find great patterns online in specialized needlework shops, magazines, or even on Etsy. Or, you can find everything you need at your local craft store, from cross-stitch patterns to kits, and all the supplies needed.
Download Free Patterns
Cross-stitch is one of the most beautiful and relaxing crafts you could turn to. It has definitely passed the test of time and developed almost simultaneously with the local beliefs and traditions of each country.
For some of you, it might be a creative hobby, others might use it to make bold statements, or even start a small business, regardless of how you practice the craft, cross-stitch is here to stay!
If you want to give cross-stitch a chance, remember that you can download free patterns from the Free Pattern Library. To access it just fill out the form below and I will send you an email with your password.
More Cross-Stitch Articles You’ll Love
- 100 Cross Stitch Terms Made Easy
- Cross Stitch Needles Size Guide
- How to Read a Cross Stitch Chart
- Hand Embroidery Supplies Essential for Beginners
Do you enjoy cross-stitch projects? Come over to our Facebook Group and tell us all about it!
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