Cross stitch: a beginner's guide

Cross stitch uses one X-shaped stitch on a grid fabric, following a chart. It is one of the easiest needlecrafts to start.

Cross stitch is counted-thread embroidery: X-shaped stitches are placed on a grid to build a picture, a bit like pixels.

• You stitch on Aida, a fabric woven in clear blocks with holes at the corners, so every stitch is the same size.
• Each square on the chart is one cross stitch; the symbol tells you the colour.
• Aida comes in 'counts': the number of stitches per inch. DMC recommends 14-count for beginners.
• Backstitch is used for outlines and lettering.
• Charts usually mark the centre with arrows; start there so the design sits in the middle of the fabric.
• Kits include fabric, pre-sorted thread, a needle and the chart, which makes a kit the easiest start.

Pinny's tip
Highlight each block of stitches on a printed chart as you finish it so you do not lose your place.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Wikipedia: Cross-stitch
2. DMC: Explore cross stitch
3. DMC: What fabric should you use for cross stitch?
4. The Cross Stitch Guild: FAQs