Cross Stitch: How to Stitch Step-by-Step
Learn how to cross stitch and start your new project with our step-by-step stitch guide.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED
Below are some of the basic essentials needed to get started with your project.
Aida, Evenweave,
and Linen are
popular selections
and are available in various fabric counts and sizes.
Tapestry needles
in sizes
#24, #26, or #28
are popular choices
and are selected
based on your fabric.
Embroidery thread/floss
is used. Separated into stands, two stands or one strand is often used
based on your fabric count and needle size.
Many options for
scissors are available
from rounded tip crafting scissors to precise pointed tip
scissors.
The items listed above are just some staple cross stitch tools and supplies.
Additional supplies and accessories include threaders, magnifiers, lamps, stands, needle minders,
stretcher bars, pens, highlighters, project bags, organisers, and more.
BASIC STITCHES
Cross stitch is quick and easy to learn.
Below are the basic stitches used in most cross stitch patterns.
STARTING YOUR THREAD
STEP 1
Start by holding the thread end
at the back of the fabric
leaving enough thread to hold
securely.
STEP 2
Begin stitching remembering
to work over the thread end
on the back of the fabric.
ENDING YOUR THREAD
STEP 1
End the thread
by running the needle under the
worked stitches on the back
the the fabric.
STEP 2
Carefully trim thread
ensuring not to cut worked
stitches.
FULL CROSS STITCH
STEP 1
Starting at A,
take the thread up through A
and down through B.
STEP 2
Take thread up through C
and down through D.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to continue stitch.
HALF STITCH
Starting at A,
take the thread up through A
and down through B.
Repeat to continue stitch.
QUARTER STITCH
Starting at A,
take the thread up through A
and down through B.
THREE-QUARTER STITCH
STEP 1
Starting at A,
take the thread up through A
and down through B.
STEP 2
Take thread up through C
and down through D.
BACKSTITCH
STEP 1
Starting at A,
take the thread up through A
and down through B.
STEP 2
Take thread up through C
and down through B.
STEP 3
Take thread up through D
and down through C.
Repeat to continue stitch.
FRENCH KNOT
STEP 1
Starting at A,
take the thread up through A
and wrap the thread around
the needle twice.
STEP 2
Take thread down through B
and pull thread gently down
through the fabric to create
a neat knot shown as C.
