The Cross-Stitch Step by Step Guide

The cross-stitch is one of the simplest stitches in counted thread embroidery. And the actual form of Cross-stitch embroidery uses this one stitch to create the wonderful patterns and pictures. Although it is widely used in other forms of embroidery very efficiently.

I have created this little guide using 14 count Aida fabric and a thick cotton, to hopefully make the images a little clearer to see. When you are using this stitch normally you can use any fabric and a normal embroidery thread.

Step One

Here I have done a small row first as an example.

You will need to start your first stitch by securing the tread on the reverse side of the fabric, then bringing the needle through to the top side of the fabric (note the direction of the arrow).

How you actually complete the stitch is open for discussion, some people prefer to do each whole cross, where as others prefer to work the bottom part of the cross and then then top. It's your choice. This example only shows the bottom row completed before the top. Make sure all bottom stitches face the same way.

Step Two

The next stage is to complete the first straight diagonal stitch. Here I am diagonally stitching to the right (if you prefer working to the left, that is fine).

You need to put the needle back through the fabric in the next hole directly diagonal to the one through which you brought the first stitch though. This will create, the one diagonal straight stitch, over the crossing axis of the fabrics threads.

 

Step Three

You then need to continue with steps one and two until you reach the end of the row, or until the pattern tells you to change direction, color, or stitch type.

 

 

 

 

Step Four

After you have reached the end of the row, you will need to start the diagonal stitches over the top in the opposite direction.

Directly underneath the last entry point (or above if you did your stitches in the opposite direction), you need to bring the needle back through the fabric.

At this point, take care not to pull the tread too tight or the holes in the fabric will become enlarged where the thread enters and exits the fabric at the end of the row.

Step Five

You then need to make sure that you put the needle back through the fabric to complete the stitch.

Be careful when doing this, as if you accidentally puncture the threads or fabric around the hole that you are passing the needle through it will look unsightly.

Make sure the thread passes over the top of the bottom thread, with the diagonal stitch being in the opposite direction.

Step Six

All that is then left is for you to complete the row in the opposite direction.

Here I have used a thick cotton, and you can see through to the white of the fabric behind the stitching. However, you can use normal stranded embroidery thread to cover these gaps. The more threads you hold together the thicker the stitches will be.