Common cross stitch mistakes and how to fix them
Miscounts, mixed-up top stitches, thick backs and colours that run.
- Miscounting: start at the centre, count in blocks of ten and check against nearby stitches often.
- Top stitches leaning different ways: work the same order every time; unpick and redo any that face the wrong way.
- Too thick or too thin coverage: check strands. The Cross Stitch Guild suggests comparing a strand with a thread pulled from the fabric's edge; they should be a similar weight.
- Lumpy back: avoid knots, and finish threads by sliding under existing stitches.
- Colours running: test by pressing a damp white tissue on the back; if colour shows, do not wash. Take extra care with reds.
- Crushed stitches after ironing: press face down on a towel with a warm iron.
Watch
Top Cross Stitch Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them!) | Caterpillar Cross Stitch (13:13)
By Caterpillar Cross Stitch · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 13-minute video from Caterpillar Cross Stitch on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
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All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.