How to Do Cross Stitch (Step-by-Step)
Cross stitch is a simple, X-shaped embroidery stitch that is perfect for beginners. You can work it as a single decorative stitch on any type of fabric, or repeat it in neat rows and patterns. It is a lovely way to add crosses to borders, lettering, small motifs and other hand embroidery designs. Cross stitches can also be used to make up parts of flowers or stars.
How to do cross stitch (step-by-step)
- Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at the bottom right corner of the square where you want your first stitch to sit.
- Take the needle down at the top left corner to make the first diagonal half of the cross stitch.
- Bring the needle back up at the bottom left corner and take it down at the top right corner to complete the X shape.
- Repeat these steps in a regular pattern, keeping each cross the same size and spacing so your rows of cross stitch look neat and even.
More about cross stitch
In hand embroidery, cross stitch is simply an X-shaped stitch that you can drop into all sorts of designs. You might use just a few crosses to decorate a flower centre, add a little border or mark a dot on a pattern. Because it is so regular and easy to count, it is also the stitch used in traditional counted cross stitch charts.
On fabrics like aida, the weave forms a clear grid that makes it easy to repeat cross stitches in rows and build up pictures or lettering. On plain fabrics, you can still use cross stitch decoratively by keeping your stitch length and spacing as even as you can. If you would like a simple counted project to try, my cross stitch kits are designed with beginners in mind and include clear charts and instructions. I also have plans for a full guide to counted cross stitch if you would like to explore that in more detail later on.
Ready to practise cross stitches?
If you would like some projects to try cross stitch on, I have a range of beginner friendly cross stitch and embroidery kits, plus patterns that use this stitch and other simple favourites.
Tips for cross stitches
- Keep all your top stitches slanting in the same direction so your cross stitch looks tidy and consistent.
- Use an embroidery hoop and do not pull the thread too tight to avoid puckering the fabric.
- Work with shorter lengths of thread to reduce tangles, especially if you are stitching over a larger area.
- If you are working from a chart, mark the centre of your fabric and chart so it is easier to line up your design before you start.
- For freehand embroidery, try stitching a small motif or border first to get used to keeping the cross stitches an even size.
