Cross stitch looks complicated. It isn’t. If you can make an X, you can cross stitch.
This guide covers everything a complete beginner needs: supplies, how to start, basic technique, and finishing your first piece.
What You Need
Essential Supplies
Aida fabric — The gridded fabric used for cross stitch. Beginners should use 14-count (14 stitches per inch). The holes are clearly visible and easy to count.
Embroidery floss — DMC is the standard brand. Each colour has a number. You’ll use 2 strands at a time (the thread comes as 6 strands twisted together — separate 2).
Tapestry needle — Size 24 for 14-count Aida. Blunt tip so you don’t split the fabric threads.
Embroidery hoop — Optional but highly recommended. Keeps fabric taut and makes stitching easier. 6” is a good starting size.
Scissors — Small, sharp embroidery scissors for cutting thread.
Pattern — A chart showing where each stitch goes. Generate one free at xstitchify.com/text or xstitchify.com/upload.
What About Kits?
Beginner kits include everything: fabric, thread, needle, pattern, sometimes a hoop. Good for your first project. After that, buying supplies separately is cheaper and lets you choose your own projects.
How to Start Cross Stitch
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
- Cut to size — Leave 3 inches of margin on all sides of your pattern area for framing later
- Find the centre — Fold fabric in half both ways, mark the centre point with a pin
- Prevent fraying — Either zigzag the edges with a sewing machine or apply masking tape
- Mount in hoop — Place fabric over the inner hoop, push outer hoop over, tighten the screw
Step 2: Prepare Your Thread
- Cut a length — About 18 inches (arm’s length). Longer tangles, shorter wastes time re-threading
- Separate strands — Gently pull apart 2 strands from the 6-strand bundle
- Thread the needle — If it’s tricky, use a needle threader or fold the thread over the needle
Step 3: Start Stitching
Where to begin: Start near the centre of your design. This ensures it ends up centred on your fabric.
How to anchor (no knots!): 1. Leave a 1-inch tail of thread at the back 2. Make your first few stitches, catching the tail under them 3. The tail is now secured and won’t pull through
How to end: 1. Turn fabric over 2. Weave needle under 4-5 existing stitches on the back 3. Clip the thread close
How to Make a Cross Stitch
Each X covers one square on the fabric.
The Basic Stitch
- Come up at bottom-left corner of the square (push needle from back to front)
- Go down at top-right corner (front to back)
- Come up at bottom-right corner
- Go down at top-left corner
That’s one stitch: ⧵ then ⧸ = X
The Row Method (Faster)
When stitching multiple squares in a row:
- Stitch all the bottom-left to top-right diagonals: ⧵⧵⧵⧵
- Come back, stitching all the top-left to bottom-right: ⧸⧸⧸⧸
This is faster and creates neater backs.
Direction Matters
Always make your top stitch go the same direction. Either all ⧸ on top, or all ⧵ on top — pick one and stick with it throughout the entire project. This makes the finished piece look consistent.
Reading a Cross Stitch Pattern
Patterns are grid charts where each square = one stitch.
Symbols: Different symbols represent different thread colours. A key tells you which DMC number each symbol means.
Colours: Some patterns show actual colours instead of symbols. Easier to read, harder to print in black and white.
Centre marks: Lines or arrows indicating the centre of the design. Match these to your fabric centre.
Grid lines: Every 10 squares gets a heavier line for easier counting.
Our patterns at xstitchify.com include: - Colour-coded grid - Symbol grid for printing - DMC colour key - Stitch count - Finished size
Counting Tips
Miscounting is the most common mistake. These help:
Use a ruler or sticky note — Move it down the pattern as you progress, covering completed rows.
Count stitches, not holes — The number of stitches = number of Xs, not the holes in the fabric.
Work from the centre — Always count outward from a known reference point.
Grid your fabric — Use a water-soluble pen to draw a grid every 10 squares matching the pattern’s grid lines. Wash out when done.
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Knots
Don’t use them. They create bumps and can show through the fabric. Use the loop start or tuck-under method.
2. Thread Too Long
Long thread tangles, frays, and knots. Arm’s length maximum.
3. Tension Too Tight
Don’t pull stitches so tight they pucker the fabric. The X should lie flat.
4. Tension Too Loose
Don’t leave loops either. Consistent, gentle tension throughout.
5. Skipping Around
Finish one area before jumping to another across the fabric. This keeps your back neater and uses less thread.
6. Wrong Count Fabric
14-count is beginner-friendly. Higher counts (18, 28) have smaller holes and require better eyesight. Don’t start with linen.
Finishing Your First Piece
Washing
If you handled the fabric a lot (you did), wash it: 1. Lukewarm water, drop of washing up liquid 2. Gently swish, no rubbing 3. Rinse thoroughly 4. Roll in clean towel to remove water 5. Lay flat to dry
Ironing
- Place face-down on a clean towel
- Cover with a thin cloth
- Iron on medium heat
- The towel prevents flattening the stitches
Framing
Options: - Embroidery hoop — Clean, simple, modern - Picture frame — Professional look - Pillow or ornament — Functional finish
For hoop framing: 1. Centre your work in the hoop 2. Tighten firmly 3. Trim excess fabric to 1” 4. Glue or stitch the fabric to itself at the back
Your First Project Ideas
Keep It Simple
Good first projects: - A single letter or word - Small heart or star - Simple geometric pattern - 3-inch square design
Too ambitious for first project: - Full-size sampler - Portrait from photo - Anything over 50 stitches in any direction
Free Starter Pattern
Generate your first pattern: 1. Go to xstitchify.com/text 2. Type “HI” or your initial 3. Select Block font (simplest) 4. Choose one colour 5. Download PDF
This creates a tiny pattern perfect for learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a cross stitch pattern?
Find the centre of your fabric and the centre of your pattern. Start stitching there, working outward. This ensures your design ends up centred.
How do I count a cross stitch pattern?
Each square on the pattern = one X stitch on your fabric. Count squares on the pattern, make the same number of stitches. Use grid lines every 10 squares to keep track.
What size needle for 14-count Aida?
Size 24 tapestry needle. It passes through the holes without splitting the fabric threads.
How many strands of floss should I use?
2 strands for standard cross stitch on 14-count Aida. This gives good coverage without being bulky.
Why is my cross stitch puckering?
Thread tension is too tight. Pull stitches gently until the X lies flat against the fabric, no tighter.
Can I create my own cross stitch pattern?
Yes. Use a pattern generator — upload any image at xstitchify.com/upload or create text at xstitchify.com/text. The pattern downloads as a PDF with everything you need.
Next Steps
Once you’ve completed a simple first project:
- Try a longer quote — Use the text generator
- Try an image — Convert a photo with our pattern maker
- Experiment with colours — Try rainbow mode
- Increase complexity — More colours, larger designs
Ready to Start?
Create a Simple Text Pattern →
Type a word, download the pattern, and start stitching today.