Cross Stitch for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
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Want to learn how to cross stitch? Cross stitch is one of the easiest forms of counted needlework to get started with. Once you understand the basics – how to read a pattern, choose your fabric and thread, and make a simple cross stitch – you can start creating everything from small decorations and greetings cards to detailed pictures and gifts.
If you're completely new to cross stitch, don't worry. This beginner's guide explains how to cross stitch, what equipment you need, which fabric and thread to choose, how to read a cross stitch pattern, and some simple tips to help you get started.
What is cross stitch?
Cross stitch is a form of counted embroidery in which you create small X-shaped stitches on an evenly woven fabric.
The most common fabric for beginners is Aida, which has a clearly defined grid of holes that makes it easy to count and position your stitches accurately.
Most cross stitch designs use stranded cotton embroidery thread, such as DMC Stranded Cotton, which is made up of six individual strands that can be separated and used in different combinations.
The beauty of cross stitch is its simplicity: the basic design is created using just one stitch – the cross stitch. Some designs also use stitches such as backstitch to add outlines and fine details.
Is cross stitch difficult for beginners?
No. Cross stitch is generally considered one of the more accessible forms of embroidery for beginners.
You don't need to know lots of different stitches to get started, and Aida fabric makes it relatively easy to see where each stitch should go. Once you've mastered the basic cross stitch, you can gradually move on to more detailed patterns and techniques.
The most challenging part for many beginners isn't making the stitch itself – it's counting accurately and following the pattern.
That's why it's worth starting with a relatively small, simple design.
What do you need to start cross stitching?
You don't need a huge collection of equipment. For a basic cross stitch project, you'll need:
- Aida fabric
- Stranded cotton embroidery thread
- A cross stitch needle
- An embroidery hoop
- A pair of sharp embroidery scissors
- A cross stitch pattern
You'll also need somewhere comfortable to work and, ideally, good lighting.
1. Aida fabric
Aida is probably the easiest fabric for a beginner to use. Its square weave creates clearly defined holes, making it much easier to count your stitches.
Aida comes in different counts. The count tells you how many stitches fit into one inch of fabric.
For example:
- 11-count Aida – larger stitches
- 14-count Aida – a popular beginner-friendly choice
- 16-count Aida – smaller, more detailed stitches
- 18-count Aida – smaller again
The higher the count, the smaller your finished stitches will be.
14-count Aida is a particularly good place to start, and is the count recommended by DMC for beginners.
2. DMC Stranded Cotton
Most cross stitch patterns use stranded cotton embroidery thread. DMC Stranded Cotton is one of the most widely used choices and is available in a huge range of colours.
Each skein contains six individual strands. You don't necessarily use all six strands at once: the number you use depends on your fabric, pattern and the effect you want to achieve.
For many cross stitch projects on Aida, two strands are a good starting point.
Don't cut a huge length of thread when you begin. A shorter length is easier to control and less likely to become tangled.
3. Cross stitch needles
Cross stitch needles are different from ordinary sewing needles.
They usually have:
- a blunt or rounded tip, so they pass through the holes in Aida rather than piercing the fabric;
- a larger, elongated eye, making it easier to thread stranded cotton.
The size of needle you need depends partly on your fabric count and the number of strands you're using.
Shop cross stitch needles and accessories
4. An embroidery hoop
A hoop holds your fabric while you stitch and can make it easier to maintain consistent tension.
Place the fabric between the two parts of the hoop and tighten it so that the fabric is held securely without stretching it excessively.
You don't have to use a hoop for every project, but many beginners find one helpful.
5. Scissors
A small pair of sharp embroidery scissors makes it much easier to cut your thread neatly.
Avoid using blunt scissors, which can make it harder to cut close to your work.
6. A cross stitch pattern
Finally, you'll need something to stitch.
A beginner-friendly pattern will usually tell you:
- which colours you need;
- which DMC thread numbers correspond to those colours;
- what fabric count to use;
- how many stitches the design contains;
- and sometimes which stitches or techniques are required.
If you're completely new to cross stitch, starting with a small kit can be easier because the materials have already been selected for you.
Alternatively, you can choose a free pattern and buy the materials yourself.
Browse our free cross stitch patterns
How does a cross stitch pattern work?
This is one of the things that can look confusing when you're starting.
A counted cross stitch pattern normally consists of a grid of squares. Each square represents one cross stitch.
The symbols or colours in the squares tell you which colour of thread to use.
For example, your pattern might have:
● = DMC 310
▲ = DMC 321
■ = DMC 3347
The pattern's colour key tells you which DMC thread corresponds to each symbol.
You then count the squares on the chart and reproduce them on your Aida fabric.
The important thing to remember
One square on the chart generally represents one cross stitch.
So if your chart shows five red squares in a row, you'll make five red cross stitches in the corresponding position on your fabric.
How to start cross stitching
Once you've got your materials, you're ready to make your first stitches.
Step 1: Prepare your fabric
Cut your Aida slightly larger than the finished design.
It's a good idea to leave a border around your design so that you have enough fabric for finishing or framing later.
If you're following a kit, the fabric will normally already be cut to an appropriate size.
Step 2: Find the centre
Most cross stitch designs are easiest to position by starting from the centre of both the pattern and the fabric.
Fold the fabric gently in half in both directions to find the centre point.
You can then find the corresponding centre of the chart.
Starting from the centre helps you avoid accidentally placing the entire design too far to one side. DMC also recommends beginning in the middle as a useful way to keep a design centred.
Step 3: Separate your thread
DMC Stranded Cotton consists of six individual strands.
Separate the number of strands recommended by your pattern.
For example, if your pattern calls for two strands:
- Cut a manageable length of thread.
- Separate the strands carefully.
- Pull out the two strands you need.
- Thread them through your needle.
Don't worry if this feels awkward at first. Separating embroidery thread is one of those skills that becomes much easier with practice.
Step 4: Make your first cross stitch
A cross stitch consists of two diagonal stitches crossing one another.
You can think of it as:
/ + \ = X
Bring your needle up through one hole in the Aida.
Take it down through the diagonally opposite hole.
Then bring it back up through the next hole and complete the second diagonal.
The important thing is to keep your stitches consistent.
Keep all your top stitches going in the same direction
This is one of the simplest ways to make your finished work look neat.
For example, always make the bottom half of your cross stitches in the same direction, followed by the top half in the opposite direction.
Once you get into a rhythm, cross stitching becomes surprisingly relaxing.
Should you stitch one cross at a time?
You can, but many stitchers work in rows.
A common method is to make a row of the first diagonal stitches, then work back along the row to complete the crosses.
This can make it easier to maintain consistent stitches and spot counting mistakes.
DMC recommends working in rows as one useful approach, although the order in which you work a design ultimately comes down to personal preference.
How many strands of thread should you use?
This is one of the most common questions asked by people learning cross stitch.
The answer depends on the fabric count, the pattern and the coverage you want.
DMC Stranded Cotton contains six separable strands, so you can adjust the thickness of your stitching by changing how many strands you use.
As a general starting point:
| Aida | Common starting point |
|---|---|
| 11 count | 2–3 strands |
| 14 count | 2 strands |
| 16 count | 2 strands |
| 18 count | 1–2 strands |
However, always check your pattern's instructions first. Designers may specify a particular number of strands to achieve the intended appearance.
If you're unsure, two strands on 14-count Aida is a straightforward place to start.
How do you stop cross stitch thread tangling?
Thread tangling is probably one of the first frustrations most beginners encounter.
There are several things you can do to reduce it:
Use a manageable length of thread
Longer isn't necessarily better. A shorter length is easier to control and less likely to twist.
Let your needle hang occasionally
If your thread starts twisting, let the needle hang freely for a moment. The thread can unwind naturally.
Don't pull your stitches too tightly
Pull the thread until the stitch sits neatly against the fabric, but don't yank it tight.
Avoid carrying thread long distances across the back
If you're moving a long way across the design to use the same colour, it's often better to secure the thread and start again elsewhere.
Long stretches of thread on the back can create tangles, distort the fabric and sometimes show through the front of the work.
Do you knot cross stitch thread?
Generally, you don't need to use knots to secure your thread.
Knots can create bumps on the back of your work and can interfere with subsequent stitches.
Instead, there are several ways of securing the thread neatly, including working the beginning and end of the thread underneath existing stitches.
If you're following a kit, check its instructions because it may recommend a particular method.
What if I make a mistake?
Don't panic!
Making mistakes is completely normal when you're learning cross stitch.
The best thing you can do is spot mistakes early. That's another reason not to rush through your pattern.
If you've placed a stitch in the wrong position:
- Check the pattern carefully.
- Work out where the mistake is.
- Gently unpick the incorrect stitches.
- Reposition your thread.
- Continue stitching.
It can be tempting to try to work around a mistake, but this can cause problems later if the rest of the design depends on accurate counting.
What is backstitch in cross stitch?
Some cross stitch designs include backstitch in addition to the basic X-shaped stitches.
Backstitch creates a continuous line and is often used to add:
- outlines;
- lettering;
- facial features;
- small details;
- definition around shapes.
It's usually added after the main cross stitches have been completed.
You don't need to master backstitch before starting your first project, but it's a useful technique to learn as you progress.
How do I choose my first cross stitch project?
If you're completely new to cross stitch, I'd recommend looking for a design that is:
- relatively small;
- worked on 11- or 14-count Aida;
- limited to a manageable number of colours;
- clearly charted;
- labelled as beginner-friendly or easy.
A small project gives you the chance to learn how to count, handle your thread and keep your stitches even without committing to a huge design.
A cross stitch kit can be particularly useful for your first project because the fabric, thread and other materials have already been chosen for you.
If you'd rather choose your own design and colours, try one of our free cross stitch patterns and select your own DMC threads.
Explore free cross stitch patterns
7 tips for cross stitch beginners
1. Start small
Your first project doesn't need to be a masterpiece. Finishing a small project is much more satisfying than abandoning a huge one halfway through.
2. Don't rush your counting
A few seconds spent checking your position can save a lot of unpicking later.
3. Keep your stitches consistent
Try to make your stitches roughly the same size and keep the top diagonal going in the same direction throughout your project.
4. Don't pull too tightly
Your stitches should sit neatly on the fabric without puckering it.
5. Use good lighting
Good lighting makes counting the Aida squares much easier, particularly when working with darker fabric or smaller counts.
6. Take breaks
Cross stitch is supposed to be enjoyable. If your eyes are getting tired or you're repeatedly losing your place, put the project down for a while.
7. Don't worry about perfection
Your first project is how you learn. Small imperfections are part of the process – and they're much less noticeable once you've stepped back from your work.
What should I cross stitch first?
If you're wondering what to make as a beginner, there are lots of possibilities.
You could start with:
- a small floral design;
- a simple animal;
- a decorative motif;
- a greeting card;
- a small Christmas design;
- a name or initial;
- a simple geometric pattern.
The important thing is to choose something you actually want to finish.
That's one of the great things about cross stitch: the basic technique is simple, but you can use it to create almost anything.
Ready to start cross stitching?
You don't need much to get started.
Choose a simple pattern, pick some Aida, select your DMC colours, thread your needle and make your first X.
If you'd rather have everything selected for you, a cross stitch kit is an easy way to start. If you'd prefer to choose your own design and colours, browse our DMC Stranded Cotton collection and explore our free cross stitch patterns.
Most importantly, don't worry about getting everything perfect straight away.
The first few stitches are the hardest. After that, you'll be cross stitching before you know it.