Craftuary Academy · cross stitch guide

How to cross stitch: a beginner's tutorial

To cross stitch, you follow a chart where each square is one X on Aida fabric: separate two strands of floss, start without a knot, stitch a row of half stitches one way, then come back crossing them, keeping every top stitch facing the same direction.

What you need

14-count Aida (14 squares per inch), easiest for beginners.
Six-strand floss (DMC or Anchor numbers are listed on the chart key).
A size 24 tapestry needle (blunt tip), a hoop and small scissors.
A chart: start with the free Heart Vine bookmark.

Step by step

Separate the floss. Pull single strands from six-strand floss and recombine two, for full crosses on 14-count Aida.
Start from the centre. Fold the fabric in quarters to find the middle; start the chart's centre stitch there so the design is centred.
Loop start. With an even number of strands, fold one long strand in half, come up, go down for the first half stitch and pass the needle through the loop on the back. No knot.
Half stitches, then cross back. Work a row of half stitches in one direction (/ / /), then come back crossing them (\ \ \). Keep every top stitch going the same way.
Finish under the stitches. Run the tail under 4 or 5 stitches on the back and trim. Knots make lumps when the piece is framed.

Reading a cross stitch chart

Each square is one stitch and each symbol or colour is one floss in the key. Bold lines every 10 squares help you count, and arrows on the edges mark the centre. Lines drawn over the squares are backstitch, done last in one strand.

Common beginner mistakes

Pulling too tight, which puckers the fabric; let the stitches sit flat.
Carrying thread across big gaps on the back; it shows through light fabric. End and restart instead.
Mixing the direction of the top stitch.

Want to chart your own design? Read how a cross stitch pattern maker works. More: free cross stitch patterns · embroidery and cross stitch patterns.

Your first chart is freeThe Heart Vine bookmark is a free 28 x 84 stitch chart on 14-count Aida with three DMC colours and full crosses only, and the free 3D lesson shows the stitch from every angle.

Get the free chart Watch the 3D lesson

Questions

What do I need to start cross stitch?

14-count Aida fabric, six-strand embroidery floss, a size 24 tapestry needle, small scissors, a hoop and a chart.

What is the loop start in cross stitch?

A knotless start for an even number of strands: fold one long strand in half, thread the two cut ends, come up from the back, take the first half stitch down and pass the needle through the loop waiting on the back.

How many strands do I use?

Two strands for full crosses on 14-count Aida, and one for backstitch. Use two or three on 11-count and one or two on 18-count.

Which way should the top stitch go?

Either way, but the same way every time; that's what makes cross stitch look even.