Cross-Stitching is a fairly simple craft anyone can learn. Regardless, many people are scared off by it, because they view it to be complex and intricate. True, this can be the case with certain designs, but as you begin your cross-stitch journey, there’s no reason why you can’t start slowly and work your way up. Here are 5 steps you should follow to learn how to cross-stitch in minutes.
1. Choose your fabric. When you start cross-stitching, you have to decide on your fabric. This includes a host of options, such as white or ivory, as well as the number of stitches per inch. The most common count of fabric is 14. It’s up to you what size you want to work with in terms of numbers of stitches per inch. A design that is 28 stitches wide stitched on Aida 14 (14 stitches per inch fabric) will be 2” wide.
2. Choose your cross stitch patterns. Your design will depend on the type of creative cross stitch patterns you choose. We recommend starting with a simple and small pattern for your first few attempts. As you improve, you can increase the size and difficulty. Avoid patterns that feature faces or detailed flowers, for now.
3. To begin. To begin cross-stitching, find the center of the graphs, often demonstrated with arrows or a bold line. Then, find the center of your fabric, which you can do by folding the fabric in half (first one way, and then the other) and pinching the crease to mark the center. Open the fabric to see where X marks the spot. Bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric, leaving about 1” of a tail of thread behind the fabric. Stich the next 6 stiches over the tail, then clip off the extra thread.
4. Stitching. There are two methods of stitching. The first is to work a row of half stitches, then work back to complete the X’s. This is the most common use. The second method is to complete each X as you go. This is used for vertical rows of stitches. Backstitching is a running stitch (rather than an X) used to outline an area or to make letters.
As you begin to cross-stich, remember to relax your shoulders. This should be fun, and if you tense up, then you’re more likely to make mistakes and become uncomfortable quickly. Learn more about cross-stitching, as well as finding unique cross-stitch patterns ideal for all experience levels, by visiting Threaded Needle.
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My niece does this . She makes the coolest things.
I love to cross stitch and have been meaning to get back to it. Thank you so much for sharing these tips!
These are great tips for anyone interested in picking up this hobby. I’ve never done any cross stitching, but I’m fairly certain that I could do it using these instructions. Thank you for sharing this post.
Interesting that so many of your commenters say they used to cross-stitch but haven’t done it lately. Same here! I loved all the colors of the beautiful thread, and my favorite projects were the ones I designed myself. I much preferred making my own designs to using kits. Now you’ve got me thinking about it–maybe it’s time to take it up again. 🙂
I used to cross stitch quite a bit but havent done it much lately. I have project after project I could do, and got many unopened kits from an Aunt. I normally do crafts mostly in the winter.
I haven’t cross-stitched since I was a child. My grandma taught me. Your directions armory lee and ring back many fond memories.
I used to love cross stitching but haven’t done it in years. This makes me want to start again.
thanks for the tips! I forgot that I love cross-stitch
I love to cross stitch and to do needlepoint. I usually take a project along when we are on a cruise and have lots of relaxed time to enjoy doing it.
I have not done this in a million years I really need to get back into this I find it really relaxing.
You make it sound easy, maybe practice makes perfect. I have a nice and small cross stitch kit I started and gave up. I need to dig it out, as I really want to finish it – this gives me some encouragement!
I haven’t cross-stitched in a long time. All my embroidery thread is nicely stored so I’ll have to get back to it with a short project for motivation.