Learning how to read a cross stitch pattern might seem daunting, but it's more simple than it appears when broken down into easy steps. We’ve put together this handy step-by-step guide to help. Whether you're a complete cross stitch beginner looking to get started or are wanting to refine your skills, we're here to help give you the confidence to tackle any project.
What is a Cross Stitch Pattern and Why is It Important?
A cross stitch pattern is a grid and that basically works as a blueprint for your project. Each of the grid's squares should be one stitch on your fabric, while the symbols or colours in each square indicate the shade of thread you should use. Patterns can be digital PDFs normally available for instant download or sometimes come printed. Very occasionally (for much larger patterns) these will be printed on many pages of A4 or one gigantic sheet of paper!
Patterns can range from simple monochromatic designs to intricate and colourful full coverage landscapes. Knowing how to read your pattern and, more importantly, knowing how to follow it, ensures that your project will come together as it should, saving you time, frustration and helping you avoid mistakes that might mean having to restart your project!
What Does a Cross Stitch Pattern Look Like?
Cross stitch patterns in general have a pretty similar appearance. You'll find a grid which represents the stitched area. Think of the white background as your fabric and the symbols or colour blocks as your cross stitches. Each pattern should come with the stitch count and the dimensions of your finished piece.
They typically also have a key that matches the symbols to the corresponding threads, and many patterns come with optional instructions for things like specialty stitches, French knots or backstitching.
Most beginner-friendly patterns are generally straightforward, though some details like confetti stitches might best be saved for a few months until you've got to grips with the basics.
Cross Stitch Symbols and What They Mean
Symbols are the fundamental building blocks of cross stitch patterns. At a basic level, every pattern (or 'chart' if you're in the USA!) is just a grid with something on it. When you cross stitch a design you are filling in the "something" with your chosen colours of thread, or those specified by the designer.
If you’re new to cross stitching, understanding what these symbols mean can be a little confusing, so it’s always a good idea to take time to familiarise yourself with these before you start completing your kits.
How to Read the Symbols
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Locate the key or legend included with your pattern. This will list each symbol and its corresponding thread number. For example, symbols could be circles, squares, dashes, stars or hearts. There should also be the codes so for example, with DMC, colour code 310 is black.
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Look at the grid. Find a symbol and match it to the key to determine the correct thread. If you have a full cross stitch kit, you will correspond the number to the thread holder you've been provided with.
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If colours are grouped closely together, use a highlighter to mark completed sections on your paper chart or zoom in if using a digital one.
Special Stitch Indicators
Some symbols might represent specialty stitches or backstitching. These are usually explained in the pattern’s instructions. For example:
- Dashed lines often indicate backstitching.
- Other unique symbols generally show French knots, beading or embellishments.
Before You Start Your Cross Stitch Pattern
It’s always important to have everything you need and get yourself prepared before you start your cross stitch pattern, so we’ve included our quick guide below on how to prepare:
Find the Centre of Your Fabric and Pattern
To find the centre of your fabric, you should fold it in half vertically and then horizontally. The intersection of this fold is your centre. Correspond this with the centre of your pattern. The middle of the pattern is normally indicated by black arrows on either axis and sometimes, in addition, by red lines on the pattern itself that cross to mark the centre.
Doing this ensures that your design is positioned perfectly and that everything will be aligned and symmetrical. If you don't start in the middle of the pattern and fabric, the stitched area may be too far to one side and you might run out of fabric!
Check You Have All The Supplies You Need
Before you start, you should have all the supplies you’ll need in front of you. This includes:
- Threads
- Needle
- Scissors
- Needle minder
- Magnifying glass if needed
- Something to drink!
- Fabric
- Floss organiser or bobbins
Set Up Your Workspace
It's also a good idea to set up your workspace or comfy stitchy zone ahead of time so that everything is tidy and organised just where you need it. Tips for the optimal workspace, include:
- Ensure the space is well lit - you may also want to get a magnifier to help with visibility, stand or extra lighting
- Comfortable chair - this is really important if you're going to be stitching for hours on end!
- Get rid of all unnecessary clutter and keep distractions to a minimum
- Organise your supplies either by category or in the order you’ll be needing them
- Pop on a podcast you love, audiobook. TV show or simply enjoy your craft in peaceful silence!
Now you have everything you need ready to go, it’s time to start your first stitch - good luck!
Get Ready for Your First Stitch
Now that you have everything you need ready to go, it’s time to start your first stitch, and we’ve included a checklist below to help get your project off to the best start:
Thread your needle
Follow the directions in your pattern to make sure you use the correct amount and colour of thread. Cut a piece of thread that's approximately the same length as your fingers to your elbow! If you’re using floss, divide it into strands and only use the amount required - normally this is 2 strands for cross stitch and 1 strand for backstitch.
Anchor the thread
To secure your thread correctly, it’s recommended to use the loop method to begin where possible. Get one strand of thread, loop it over in half, push both ends through your needle and when on the back of the fabric, push the needle through the loop to start.
Start in the middle
From the centre of your fabric, begin by working outwards either making each stitch one at a time or in rows if your pattern calls for blocks of one colour. It's just like paint by numbers, but with cotton!
Keep things consistent
Keep your stitches uniform by ensuring that the top thread of every stitch lies in the same direction (e.g. always bottom-left to top-right) and that the tension of your fabric remains the same so no stitches are pulled too tight or left too loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to start following a cross stitch chart?
The easiest way to do this is to start by finding the centre of your pattern and the fabric and then working your way outward. To avoid feeling overwhelmed or making a mistake, you should focus on one small section at a time and try not to 'carry' your thread too far behind the fabric.
How do I interpret the symbols and codes on a cross stitch chart?
As you become more familiar with reading the symbols, you’ll see that each one corresponds to a thread colour as listed in the key and you should refer to this as you work through your pattern until you feel confident in reading the cross stitch patterns. After a while you'll likely remember which is which or you can write the symbol onto your thread holder or use a small sticker to ease.
Can I modify a cross stitch chart if I want to change colours or design elements?
Yes, definitely! With PDF patterns you can used the 'called for' colours or you can stitch from your stash and use up any colours that are similar enough to still effectively represent the design. Each project is different and there will be times you may prefer to follow the key perfectly! If you choose a full kit, this will come with all threads you need and often generally allowances! Switching out and choosing your own colour palette is a great way to build experience and gain confidence when working with cross stitch patterns, and is great for experimenting with adding your own personal touch and customising your projects. For example, if stitching a design for a child's bedroom you may wish to match the DMC or Anchor floss shades with their bedroom wallpaper or paint colour for a seamless finish!
How do I stay organised while working on a large cross stitch project?
Our advice is to use floss organisers often made from acrylic and in fun shapes, a magnetic board for your chart to keep it in one place, a ruler to easily see where you're up to on the pattern, pens and highlighters, and a good light source to keep everything easily visible and avoid eye strain.
There are so many innovative tools to help you stay organised and manage your cross stitch projects, especially when working on larger patterns. We like the adjustable neck lights and magnifying glasses which have somewhat of a cult following on TikTok! Hinged craft rings can house all of your bobbins, small stickers with DMC codes on help easily see which colour you need next, the Caterpillar Cross Stitch planner to keep track and an essential - the double pocket project bag!
Let Us Help You Master Cross Stitching
Whether you’re just starting with cross stitching or you're looking to improve your stitchy technique, learning to read a cross stitch pattern is key to enjoying the mindfulness and creativity cross stitch brings! At Caterpillar Cross Stitch, we’re dedicated to helping cross stitchers around the world discover the joy of stitching through our YouTube Tutorials, blog posts, and cross stitch kits that are suitable for all levels.
