New to cross stitch? Start here!

Welcome to the wonderful world of cross stitch! It might look intimidating at first, but it’s actually one of the easiest (and most relaxing) crafts to learn. Once you know a few basic terms, you’ll be stitching in no time.

What do you need to start?

The great news is that you only need 5 things:

  • A pattern
  • Aida fabric
  • Embroidery floss
  • A tapestry needle
  • Scissors

Nice to have:

  • Embroidery hoop
  • Needle minder

That’s it! Once you’ve got those basics, you’re ready to start stitching.

If you’re looking for patterns, Etsy is one of the best places to browse thousands of modern cross stitch designs, from cute animals to cheeky quotes and everything in between.  

Cross stitch lingo

  • Floss Embroidery thread. Most cross stitch uses DMC stranded cotton, which is made up of six individual strands that can be separated. Most patterns on 14 count Aida use 2 strands.
  • Aida The most popular fabric for cross stitch. It has evenly spaced holes that make counting stitches easy, making it perfect for beginners.
  • Linen A natural fibre fabric with a softer, more traditional look. Unlike Aida, stitches are usually worked over two fabric threads, so it requires a little more counting.
  • Evenweave Similar to linen but woven with evenly sized threads, making it slightly easier to stitch on.
  • Frogging Pulling out stitches when you’ve made a mistake. It’s called frogging because you’ll be saying “rip it, rip it!”
  • Needle Minder A magnetic accessory that holds your needle when you take a break. Once you use one, you’ll wonder how you ever stitched without it!
  • Thread Chicken That nerve-racking moment when you’re hoping your thread will last for just a few more stitches before you have to start a new length. Every stitcher has played thread chicken at some point!
  • WIP Work In Progress.
  • FO Finished Object.

Understanding Aida counts

The “count” tells you how many stitches fit into one inch of fabric.

  • 11 count – Large holes, great for kids or anyone who prefers easier stitching.
  • 14 count – The most popular choice for beginners.
  • 16 count – Slightly smaller stitches and more detail.
  • 18 count – Tiny stitches for detailed designs.

The higher the count, the smaller the stitches and the smaller your finished project.

Aida, Linen or Evenweave?

If you’re just starting out, 14 count Aida is the perfect place to begin.

Once you’ve caught the cross stitch bug, you might like to try:

  • Evenweave for a smoother look.
  • Linen for a beautiful traditional finish.

There isn’t a “best” fabric - just whichever you enjoy stitching on most.

Choosing a hoop

Hoops help keep your fabric taut while you stitch.

Popular sizes include:

  • 4 inch (10 cm)
  • 5–6 inch (13–15 cm)
  • 7–8 inch (18–20 cm)

A 5 or 6 inch hoop is a great all-round size for beginners.

Choosing the right needle

Cross stitch uses tapestry needles, which have a blunt tip.

A simple guide:

  • Size 24 – 14 count Aida
  • Size 26 – 16–18 count Aida
  • Size 28 – 20 count and finer fabrics

Tips & tricks

  • Tape the edges Before you begin, tape around the edges of your Aida with masking tape or washi tape to stop it fraying while you stitch.
  • Stitch “in the well” Once your fabric is secured in the hoop, turn the hoop around and stitch on the back (in the recessed "well" of the hoop). This gives you a larger stitching area, makes it much easier to tuck in thread ends at the back, and helps keep your finished stitches protected from friction and flattening.
  • Keep your stitches the same direction Always make the top leg of every cross lean the same way. It makes your finished piece look much neater.
  • Don’t use thread that’s too long It might seem quicker, but long thread twists, knots and wears out more easily. Around 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) is a comfortable length.
  • Avoid knots Knots happen, especially when you’re learning! To reduce them, use shorter lengths of thread, let your needle dangle every now and then to untwist the floss, and stitch slowly rather than rushing.
  • Don’t pull too tight Your stitches should sit comfortably on the fabric without stretching or distorting it.
  • Mistakes happen! Every stitcher frogs - even those who’ve been stitching for years.
Lighting makes a huge difference

Good lighting makes cross stitch much more enjoyable.

A clip-on book light is one of the best accessories you can buy. It provides bright, focused light exactly where you’re stitching without taking up much space.

If you’re stitching on black fabric, place a white towel, pillowcase or piece of white fabric across your lap. The white background shines through the holes in the fabric, making them much easier to see.

Washing & ironing your finished cross stitch

When you’ve finished stitching:
  1. Wash your piece gently in cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap.
  2. Rinse thoroughly.
  3. Roll it inside a clean towel to remove excess water - don’t wring it out.
  4. Allow it to dry until it’s just slightly damp.
  5. Iron from the back of the fabric using a towel underneath. This helps protect your stitches and keeps them nice and fluffy.

Always test hand-dyed fabrics first, as some colours may bleed.

Need a little help?

Watching someone stitch is often the easiest way to learn.

This beginner-friendly YouTube tutorial is a great place to start:

Simple Cross Stitch Tutorial for Beginners (YouTube)

Once you’ve stitched your first few rows, you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes second nature.

Happy stitching! 🧵❤️

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