How to Cross Stitch - A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to try cross stitch but weren’t sure where to begin, this one’s for you. Whether you’ve seen a gorgeous stitched hoop pop up on your feed or just fancy a new hobby that helps you slow down and unwind, cross stitching is one of the easiest (and most satisfying) crafts to get started with.

At The Crafts Collective, we believe creativity should be joyful, stress-free and full of personality. That’s exactly why we created this beginner-friendly guide: to walk you through everything you need to know to start stitching with confidence.

From reading your first pattern and mastering that all-important first stitch, this step-by-step guide will take you from total newbie to stitching star in no time.

Ready to thread your needle? Let’s get started.

What Is Cross Stitch?

Detailing on our Be Still My Heart Kit 

Cross stitch is a type of counted embroidery that involves creating X-shaped stitches on a piece of even-weave fabric. It’s typically worked on Aida cloth, which has an easy-to-see grid that makes it perfect for beginners. Each “X” corresponds to a square on a pattern, making it almost like painting by numbers, but with thread.

It’s a mindful and methodical craft that builds up stitch by stitch to create bold and textured designs. Whether you’re into graphic prints, sweet slogans or quirky fruit portraits, there’s a cross stitch kit for you.

What You Need to Get Started

Most cross stitch kits (including ours) come with everything you need to dive straight in:

• Aida Fabric (we use 11 count — great for beginner and intermediate cross-stitchers)

• Embroidery Floss (that’s the colourful thread)

• Tapestry Needle (blunt-tipped for safety and ease)

• Wooden Embroidery Hoop (for holding your fabric taut)

• Printed Pattern (think of this like a map for your stitches)

Preparing To Start Your Cross Stitch Project 

SIt's important to separate the strands 

Before diving into your cross stitch project, taking a few simple steps will make a big difference in your comfort and the quality of your stitches. Here’s how to set up and get ready:

• Pre-Cut Strands: Cut threads into manageable lengths (around 45-60cm) before starting. This prevents tangling and keeps the thread smooth while you work.

• Get Familiar with the Pattern - Look over the pattern symbols and legend to understand the colours and stitches involved. 

• Start at the Centre: Most cross stitch patterns begin in the centre to help keep your design well-positioned. Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half horizontally and vertically, marking the point where the folds intersect.

Separate Your Strands

You should also separate the strands in order to match the number of strands you will be cross stitching with as laid out in the table in the previous section. 

For example, if your kit uses 11ct aida, you should use 4 strands of the thread for your stitches. To separate strands from your floss, gently pull one strand at a time from the main bundle, holding the remaining strands loosely between your fingers. 

Pulling one strand at a time reduces tangling and allows the floss to lie flatter on your fabric, creating neater stitches.

Prepare Your Fabric

• (Optional) Secure the edges: you may want to secure the edges of your fabric with masking tape or using zig zag stitch to stop them from fraying. 

• Prepare the Hoop: Partially untwist the screw at the top of the outer hoop. Separate the two hoops. Place the Aida fabric on your inner hoop, centering it so the design will fit well within the frame. Place the outer hoop on top, and pull the fabric edges to ensure it’s taut. Keep pulling it until it’s as taut as possible and tighten the screw to prevent it from moving.  

How to Cross Stitch: Step by Step 

Each square on the pattern corresponds with one cross stitch on your design. Locate the middle of your pattern (this is where you start stitching), thread the correct thread colour and get started. 

Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric 

Bring the Needle Up: From the back of the fabric, push your needle up through one hole to bring it to the front, pull your thread through, leaving a loose end of approx 3cm. 

Form the First Diagonal

Form the First Diagonal: Move diagonally across to the next hole, pulling the needle back through to create a diagonal line (bottom left to top right).

Complete the Cross

Complete the Cross: For the second half of the stitch, bring your needle up through the hole directly below your last stitch (bottom right to top left) to form an “X.”

One Direction at a Time: You can work in rows by making one half of each stitch first. This means stitching a line of diagonals in one direction, then going back along the row to complete the cross by stitching in the opposite direction.

End Your Thread: When your thread is nearly used up (around 5cm remaining), secure it by running the needle under a few completed stitches on the back of the fabric, then trim the end off.

Finishing Up 

And you’re done! Now let’s get your piece finished and prepared to dazzle! 

Secure any remaining loose threads by threading them under nearby stitches on the back. Avoid knots for a clean, flat finish, and trim any excess.

Place your cross stitch face down on a clean cloth or towel, and press gently with a low-heat iron. This helps flatten your stitches and smooth out any creases.

To display it in the hoop, tighten the fabric, trim excess, and (optional) secure the back with felt or a glue gun for a tidy finish.

Ready to Get Started?

We’ve designed our cross stitch kits to be as fun and easy as possible. Whether you’re crafting solo, with mates, or gifting a kit to someone who deserves a moment of mindful joy, we’ve got everything you need to get stitching.

Explore our full collection of Cross Stitch Kits and stitch your next masterpiece.