4 Steps to Learning How to Cross-Stitch in Minutes

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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