How to Cross Stitch

If you are new to cross stitch or need a refresher, here are some basics you should know. Note: These instructions apply if you are stitching on Aida cloth. If you are stitching on linen or evenweave, you will cross over two threads, or as directed on pa

Get Ready …

It is helpful to begin a project in the center of the design. Here are the two steps: 1 Thread a needle with a strand of floss. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, then fold crosswise to find the center of the fabric. Pierce the point created by the folds with the threaded needle and pull through one Aida square. Unfold the fabric, then complete the cross stitch that you started by piercing the fold. This will be your “marking thread.” 2 Look at the chart and find the arrows in the middle of the vertical and horizontal sides. Follow both arrows with your fingers and you will find the center of the design. Begin stitching next to the cross stitch that you used to mark the center. Remove the marking cross stitch and continue. If the center of your design is in an area that does not have symbols, find the closest area of the design and count over from your marking thread to begin.

Get Set …

There are two ways you may thread your needle and secure your floss. Most cross-stitch designs recommend using two strands of floss, and these two options apply in this case. 1 Thread your needle with two strands of floss. ( This is easiest if you use a needle threader.) When you make your first stitch, leave about an inch of thread beneath your fabric as a small “tail.” Hold the tail under your first few stitches to secure the end of your floss. Clip the end of the tail. 2 Another way to begin stitching is with the “loop” method. Fold one strand of floss in half. Thread the folded piece of floss through the eye of your needle. Leave the loop below your fabric when you begin Part 1 of your stitch. After you do Part 2, insert the needle in the loop and pull gently. Your floss is now secure beneath your fabric.

Go!

A cross stitch is executed in two steps. 1 Pull the thread up in the lower left corner of an Aida square. Insert the needle in the upper right corner and pull down. 2 Pull the thread up in the lower right corner. Pull the thread down through the upper left corner. You have now created one cross stitch. Note: You can begin from right to left or top to bottom if you prefer. If you are stitching several crosses in a row, you may stitch step 1 across the adjacent threads, then return with step 2. (See diagram below.)

Crossing the Finish Line

When you have completed an area with one color of floss, pull the needle gently under four or five stitches on the back side of your stitching. Clip the end of the thread.