Getting Started with Cross-Stitch: What You Need to Know

Cross stitch is one of the easiest and most rewarding crafts to pick up, but knowing what you actually need can feel overwhelming at first. Kit or pattern? Which fabric count? Do you really need gold-plated scissors? Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to getting started.

Step 1: Choose Your Design

First, pick a pattern you'll genuinely enjoy stitching. Some stitchers love cute, simple motifs or funny sayings; others prefer museum-worthy masterpieces adapted into thread. You have two options:

• Charts (patterns only): if you already have fabric, threads and needles, this is the flexible, affordable route.
• Kits: everything included (fabric, threads, needle and instructions), so you can start stitching straight away. Browse our cross stitch kits.

Both give you a beautiful finished piece; it simply depends on whether you prefer convenience or flexibility. For a first project, something small like a mini design is a great confidence booster.

Step 2: Pick the Right Fabric

Every chart lists a recommended fabric count, such as 14, 18, 25 or 32. The count is simply how many stitches fit into one inch.

• 14- or 18-count Aida: great for beginners or anyone who prefers larger, easier-to-see squares.
• 25- or 32-count evenweave: smaller squares for a finer finish. You can stitch "over two" threads to make it more manageable.

After more than a decade of stitching, I still reach for 18-count fabric most often. It strikes the perfect balance between detail and ease. Learn more in Aida vs evenweave and linen.

Step 3: Don't Forget the Needle

A cross stitch needle isn't just any sewing needle. Tapestry needles have a blunt tip that won't pierce your fabric, and they come in sizes to match your fabric count:

• Size 18: 6-count Aida
• Size 20: 8-count Aida
• Size 22: 11-count Aida, 22–27 evenweave
• Size 24: 14-count Aida, 28-count evenweave
• Size 26: 16-count Aida, 32-count evenweave, 22-count Hardanger
• Size 28: 18-count Aida, 36–55 evenweave

The right size prevents fraying and stretched holes. More in choosing the best needles. While you're at it, consider stitching a biscornu (a quirky decorative pincushion) to store your needles. Trust me, finding a lost one with your foot is not how you want to start your day.

Step 4: Choose Your Threads (Floss)

Most stitchers use DMC or Anchor cotton floss, which comes in six strands you separate to suit your design. There are fun speciality threads to try too:

• Kreinik metallics for shimmer
• DMC Variations for subtle, gradient colour changes
• Light Effects metallics, some of which even glow in the dark

Pro tip: keep thread lengths manageable. Overly long strands twist, tangle and knot. To separate strands easily, pinch the top couple of inches and wiggle gently before pulling apart. See how many strands to use and preventing twists and knots.

Step 5: The Right Scissors

Any pair of scissors can cut thread, but embroidery scissors are designed for precision. They make trimming easier and help when unpicking mistakes. Many are beautifully made, with intricate designs or gold plating: a luxury, but they make stitching smoother and look gorgeous in your toolkit.

Step 6: To Hoop or Not to Hoop?

Embroidery hoops are completely optional. They keep fabric taut for even stitches, but can leave creases or marks, especially wooden ones. Personally, I stitch without one. It's faster, and I like working row by row, completing all my half stitches first before going back to finish them, much like the Danish method. Try both and see what feels natural. Weigh up the pros and cons in do you really need an embroidery hoop?

Ready to Stitch?

That's all you need to start your cross stitch journey. It's a simple, soothing craft with beautiful results, whether you're making a gift, home décor or just something relaxing after a long day. Before your first stitch, take a look at our top 10 tips for beginners.

Find a design you'll love. Thousands of stitchers started with one of ours.