Cross Stitch Beginner Guide to Basic Embroidery Stitches

Any cross stitch beginner can quickly master the basic stitches in counted cross stitch instructions. The simple x stitch forms the base of the entire design. Other stitches form accents.

Basic X Stitch

Make two diagonal lines to form an X. Be consistent about which diagonal is on the bottom and which is on top. If you do one backwards, your finished work won't have a smooth finish.

You can do a whole row of bottom diagonals then come back and cross the tops. That's it! You know know how to cross stitch.

Other Stitches

Half Cross Stitch

Just do the bottom diagonal. This effect is sometimes used for shading because it allows more of the fabric to show.

3/4 Cross Stitch

Make the bottom diagonal. Make half of the top diagonal, ending where it crosses the bottom diagonal. This three quarter stitch is sometimes used to round corners.

Backstitch or Outline Stitch

Make a straight stitch. Move a square ahead then stitch back to continue making a straight line. This stitch is used for outlining.

Notice that the opposite side is showing than what you might call the right side in crewelwork. In the diagram below, it's up at 1, down 2, up 3, and down 4.

French Knot

This is a crewelwork stitch sometimes used to add detail in cross stitch patterns.

Materials to Get Started

There are only a few cross stitch supplies required to get started. Aida cloth is easiest for cross stitch beginners because it's slightly stiff and has the squares clearly visible. On other evenweave fabrics and linens, cross stitches are usually worked over two threads. If the fabric is flimsy, you might need a cross stitch frame to hold it smooth as you work.