So, you've taken the first step in wanting to find out more about getting started with cross stitch, and you've certainly come to the right place. Cross stitch is a fun and relaxing hobby, enjoyable for those of all ages and abilities. With its calming benefits, many people are turning to this craft to help improve their mental wellbeing and reduce screen time.
If you are a cross stitch beginner, this guide will offer you all the steps you need to get going. We've combined everything from choosing supplies to completing your first stitch, with a video tutorial included. Most beginners complete their first bookmark in 2-3 hours.
What is Cross Stitching?
Cross stitching is a form of embroidery that uses X-shaped stitches to create designs on fabric. It's one of the easiest types of needlework to learn. The process involves following a pattern in a grid format, placing stitches in specific spots on fabric.
This is also called "counted cross stitch" where you count the squares on your pattern and match them to squares on your fabric. With just a few basic supplies and patience, you'll soon find yourself crafting detailed patterns. The craft has been practised for centuries, and today there's an abundance of online resources and communities ready to support you.
Why Choose Cross Stitch as a Hobby?
Cross stitching offers numerous benefits for people of all ages:
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Stress relief and mindfulness
The repetitive nature helps calm and distract the mind. Many of our Facebook community members report feeling calmer after just 30 minutes of stitching. -
Reduces screen time
Cross stitch keeps your hands busy and stops endless phone scrolling. Perfect for while watching television or listening to podcasts. -
Allows creative expression
Make patterns your own by choosing alternative colours and adding personal touches. -
It’s affordable
A beginner cross stitch kit typically costs £8-£15, which includes everything you need. -
It’s suitable for all ages
Whether you're 7 or 87, cross stitching is easily accessible. Great for developing fine motor skills in children and cognitive benefits for older adults. -
It’s portable
Small supplies mean you can take your project anywhere. -
There’s a strong community
Our Facebook community has over 10,000 stitchers who love to share progress pictures and offer encouragement. -
Improves skill development
Your abilities will improve naturally, developing patience and attention to detail.
Cross stitch provides real accomplishment as designs come to life. It's also wonderful for creating meaningful, handmade gifts. From bookmarks and ornaments to framed art, your creations can be cherished for years.
Essential Cross Stitch Supplies for Beginners
Fabric: Choosing Your Foundation
Aida fabric is the most popular choice for beginners. It has an easy-to-count grid pattern with visible holes at each corner of the squares.
We recommend 14-count Aida, meaning 14 stitches fit into one inch of fabric. This size is clear to see but creates nice detail.
When calculating fabric size, add 3 inches (7.5cm) to each side of your finished design. For a 5-inch square pattern, you'll need 11 inches (28cm) square of fabric.
White or cream Aida is best for beginners because the contrast makes counting easier.
Embroidery Thread (Floss)
Embroidery floss contains six individual strands twisted together. You'll separate these and use only 2 or 3 at a time.
DMC is the most recommended brand worldwide, offering over 500 colours. For 14-count Aida, use 2 strands. Cut thread from elbow to fingertips (about 45cm) – long enough to be efficient but short enough to prevent tangling.
Needles
Tapestry needles have a blunt tip and large eye. The blunt tip slips through fabric holes without splitting threads or pricking fingers.
For 14-count Aida, use size 24 or 26. All of our beginner kits include the right needle for the fabric count selected.
Embroidery Hoop
An embroidery hoop has two rings that sandwich fabric between them. For first projects, a 4-6 inch (10-15cm) hoop is ideal.
Fabric should be taut like a drum. Remove fabric from the hoop when not stitching to prevent permanent creases.
Other Supplies
- Small, sharp scissors for trimming threads
- Pattern or chart as your roadmap
- Good lighting – natural daylight or a daylight lamp to reduce eye strain
- Optional: needle threader, thread organiser, needle minder
We have a full range of quality cross stitch accessories to help you get started,
Cross Stitch Kits vs Individual Supplies
We strongly recommend beginners start with a pre-made cross stitch kit.
Our standard kits include everything you need to complete your project: pre-cut Aida fabric, pre-sorted threads, needle, pattern, and instructions. This removes all guesswork. The organised threads are particularly helpful so there’s no need to match multiple DMC colour codes.
Once you've completed a few projects, you can buy individual supplies for more flexibility.
Understanding Cross Stitch Patterns and Charts
How to Read a Cross Stitch Pattern
A cross stitch chart is a grid of coloured squares, each containing a symbol. Each square represents one cross stitch on your fabric.
Symbols tell you which thread colour to use. A colour key matches each symbol to a DMC thread code. For example, ♥ = DMC 321 (red).
The centre of the pattern is marked with arrows or bold lines, which is important because you'll start stitching from the centre outwards.
Patterns include finished size, recommended fabric count, and thread colours needed. Most specify 2 strands for 14-count Aida.
Choosing Your First Pattern
Your first pattern should be no larger than 8cm square or fit in a 10-15cm hoop. Look for 3-10 colours (5-7 is ideal). Choose designs using whole stitches only and avoid fractional stitches, French knots, or backstitch initially.
Pick a design you genuinely like for motivation. Our beginner kits include patterns specifically designed for new stitchers.
Preparing Your Fabric and Materials
Preventing Fabric Fraying
Aida frays easily. For small beginner projects, trimming loose threads as they appear can be sufficient. But you may want to zigzag stitch your edges using a sewing machine, fold masking tape over edges, or use fabric glue to prevent fraying as you move on to larger projects.
Finding the Centre of Your Fabric
Always start stitching in the centre. Fold fabric in half lengthways, then widthways. Where the creases intersect is your centre. Mark with a pin, basting stitch, or washable marker. Match this mark to your pattern's centre.
Setting Up Your Embroidery Hoop
Loosen screw and separate rings. Place the inner ring under fabric with a centre point in the middle. Place the outer ring on top and push down while smoothing fabric outwards. Tighten until fabric is taut like a drum.
Preparing Your Thread
Cut thread elbow to fingertips (45cm). If using separate strands, hold the skein, pinch one strand, and pull gently upward. The remaining strands will bunch but will drop back. Repeat for the second strand. Place them together and thread through the needle.
Separation is crucial – separated and recombined thread sits flatter and creates better coverage.
Creating Your First Cross Stitch: Step-by-Step Guide
For visual learners, watch our complete video tutorial alongside these instructions.
Threading Your Needle
Thread both strands through the needle eye. Pull about 10cm through. Don't tie a knot; cross stitch uses knotless starts and finishes.
Starting Your Thread (Securing Without Knots)
Loop Start Method (for even strands)
Separate one strand and fold it in half, creating a loop at one end and two cut ends. Thread both cut ends through a needle. Bring the needle up from back at the starting position, leaving the loop at the back. Make the first diagonal stitch. Flip the fabric over, pass the needle through the loop, and pull gently to secure it.
Waste Tail Method (for any strands)
Leave a 10cm tail at the back when starting. Stitch over this tail with first 3-4 stitches to secure. Trim the excess thread.
Making Your First Cross Stitch
Each cross stitch has two diagonal stitches crossing each other.
The Basic X:
First diagonal (/): bottom-left to top-right
Second diagonal (): top-left to bottom-right
Consistency Rule: All top stitches must slant the same way throughout your entire piece.
Two Methods to choose from
English Method
Complete one entire X before moving to the next. Good for scattered stitches.
Danish Method (most efficient)
Work row of half stitches (///) left to right
Return right to left completing Xs (\)
Creates vertical/horizontal lines on back, not diagonal
Detailed steps:
- Up at bottom-left, down at top-right (/)
- Continue across row making ///
- At row end, up at top-left, down at bottom-right ()
- Continue back completing all Xs
Continuing Your Stitching
Follow your pattern square by square. Count carefully; count squares, count holes, count again. Work in colour blocks. Don't carry thread more than 2cm across gaps – dark threads show through light fabric.
Keep tension even; stitches should lie flat without puckering. Let the needle dangle occasionally to untwist thread.
Finishing Off Your Thread
Finish when 10-15cm remains or when changing colours. Flip to back, weave needle under 3-4 completed stitches, pull through, and trim close (leave 2-3mm).
Top Tips for Beginner Cross Stitchers
- Maintain Even Tension – Flat stitches, not too tight or loose
- Keep Consistent Stitch Direction – All top stitches the same way
- Don't Carry Thread Across Gaps – More than 2cm apart, finish and restart
- Work in Good Lighting – Natural daylight or daylight lamp
- Take Regular Breaks – Every 30-45 minutes
- Let Thread Untwist – Dangle needle freely regularly
- Count Multiple Times – Before each new section
- Use Half-Stitch Method – Work all /// first, then complete
- Keep Fabric Taut – Re-tighten hoop regularly
- Clean Hands – Wash before stitching
- Don't Stress About the Back – Focus on front looking good
- Press Finished Piece – Iron face-down between damp tea towels
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Starting Too Close to Edge → Always start in centre
- Inconsistent Stitch Direction → Check each X before moving on
- Thread Too Long → Stick to elbow-to-fingertips
- Pulling Stitches Too Tight → Pull until flat, then stop
- Carrying Thread Too Far → Finish and restart if more than 2cm
- Not Separating Strands → Always separate and recombine
- Losing Your Place → Use magnetic board or highlight pattern
Improving Your Cross Stitch Skills
Practice regularly to build muscle memory. Complete one small project before starting another. Gradually increase difficulty.
Use our YouTube channel and Pinterest for inspiration. Join our Facebook group where thousands share work and support each other.
Experiment with techniques and try backstitching, French knots, colour blending. Add signatures or dates to pieces.
Organise supplies as your collection grows. Keep threads sorted by colour number.
Seek feedback from friends, family, and online communities.
Explore our accessories, join our Stitch-a-Longs, or try our subscription boxes.
Fun Cross Stitch Project Ideas for Beginners
- Seasonal patterns – Christmas ornaments, Halloween and Easter decorations (2-3 hours)
- Personalised gifts – Add initials, names, or messages to designs (5-10 hours)
- Home decor – Wall hangings, cushion covers, table runners
- Mini projects – Bookmarks (2-3 hours), keychains, or coasters for quick results
Browse our range of cross stitch kits to find your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start my first cross stitch?
Follow the guide above: gather supplies, find fabric centre, secure in hoop, thread needle with 2 separated strands, use loop start or waste tail method, and stitch from centre outwards.
Is cross stitch harder than crochet?
No, it's generally easier for beginners. One basic stitch to learn with a structured pattern.
Is cross stitching easier than embroidery?
Yes, due to gridded fabric and simple X-shaped stitches. Embroidery involves many stitches and freehand work.
Does it matter which way you start your cross stitch?
Start at the fabric centre to ensure proper fit. Top stitch direction doesn't matter, but all stitches must go the same way.
Is cross stitch good for mental health?
Absolutely. The repetitive nature is calming and mindful, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
What is the easiest fabric to cross stitch on?
Aida fabric with clear grid structure. 14-count white Aida is standard for beginners.
How many strands of thread should I use?
For 14-count Aida, use 2 strands. Always check the recommendations on your specific pattern.
Do I need an embroidery hoop?
Highly recommended for beginners. Keeps fabric taut for even tension.
How long does it take to learn cross stitch?
Most learn the basic technique within 30-60 minutes. The first small project might take 2-3 hours.
Can children learn cross stitching?
Yes, our junior kits are suitable from age 7-8 upwards with supervision. Stitching is great for fine motor skills.
What's the difference between cross stitch and embroidery?
Cross stitch is a type of embroidery using X-shaped stitches on gridded fabric. Embroidery includes many different stitches and techniques.
Should I wash my cross stitch when finished?
Generally not if you've stitched with clean hands. If needed, hand wash gently in cool water, rinse, and iron face-down while damp.
Which cross stitch kit is best for beginners?
Look for "beginner" kits with 14-count Aida, pre-sorted threads, simple patterns with 3-10 colours, needle, and instructions. Our beginner kits are designed specifically for new stitchers.
How do I fix a mistake?
Unpick incorrect stitches carefully by reversing your needle path. Work slowly to avoid damaging fabric.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know how to start cross stitching for beginners, it's time to begin your first project.
Browse our beginner kits for everything you need. Each kit includes pre-cut fabric, pre-sorted threads, the right needle, and a beginner-friendly pattern.
Join our Facebook community where thousands of stitchers offer support. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hundreds of video tutorials.
Whether you're stitching for relaxation, creativity, or community, cross stitch is a rewarding hobby for anyone. Start small, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process.
So gather your supplies, find a comfortable spot with good light, and make that first stitch. Welcome to the wonderful world of cross stitch.
Happy stitching!
