Counted Cross Stitch 101

Welcome to the wonderful world of cross-stitch! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hobby, a way to create heartfelt gifts, or a connection to an age-old tradition, cross-stitch has something for everyone. It’s simple, meditative, and incredibly rewarding! 

So what is counted cross stitch?

Counted cross-stitch is a form of embroidery where you follow a grid-based pattern to stitch tiny “X”s onto fabric. Unlike stamped cross-stitch, which has the design pre-printed on the fabric, counted cross-stitch requires you to count the fabric squares and match them to the pattern. This might sound tricky, but it’s easier than you think and you can pick it up pretty quick!

What Do You Need to Start?

One of the best things about cross-stitch is how little it requires to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Fabric: Cross-stitch is typically done on Aida, an evenweave fabric with small, evenly spaced holes. There are a range of sizes - 14, 16, and 18 are the most common. The number signifies the amount of squares in an inch. 14 being the easiest to stitch on, all of my patterns are formatted for this size.

2. Embroidery Floss: This colorful thread brings your design to life. It often comes in strands of 6 that can be split into thinner threads for detailed work. The most commonly used brand is DMC, which is known for its high quality fibers and little to no dye-lot issues. 

3. Needles: You’ll want to use tapestry needles. I recommend size 24. 

4. Pattern: Whatever kind of pattern you choose, they all have the same structure. A pattern is a grid-based design showing where each stitch goes. Patterns can range from beginner-friendly to highly detailed, depending on amount of colors, stitch types, size etc. We have a wide range of options, from minis to large stockings. Whether you’re the type to dive into a big project or start small, we have you covered!

5. Hoop or Frame: This keeps your fabric taut while you work, ensuring clean and consistent stitches. I prefer to use a plastic snap frame over the traditional hoop, but either will get the job done!

6. Scissors: You will want to use small sharp embroidery scissors for cutting your thread.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a Pattern: If you want to build confidence, start with a simple design to practice your technique, such as small motifs or beginner-friendly kits.

2. Prepare Your Fabric:

- Choose a size slightly larger than your project by a few inches for framing or sewing. 

- Find the center of your fabric by folding it in half twice, and carefully mark the very point where each fourth shares a corner. When you unfold, you will see that your mark is in the center!

- (Optional) Some like to mark out the grid on their fabric. You can do this with colored fishing line by weaving it through, or by using a fabric marker. Though this isn’t necessary, it can help you keep count!

- Secure your fabric in a hoop or frame to keep it flat, tight and manageable.

3. Read the Pattern: Patterns are grids where each square represents a stitch, and symbols or colors indicate the thread to use. Most patterns are broken up into pages so you can read it easily. Familiarize yourself with the key before starting. To begin stitching your pattern, first locate the X in the center of it. That is the stitch you’ll want to place in the very center of your fabric and work your way around.

4. Thread Your Needle and secure your first stitch: DMC Embroidery floss comes with 6 strands. Check your pattern to see how many strands to use for stitching. My patterns are either 2 or 4 strands per stitch. 

- Pull your floss to the length of your arm from finger to either forearm or shoulder. Double that length and cut from your skein. 

- When stitching with 2 strands, pull one strand from your bunch and fold it in half. Thread your needle and pull the thread through, leaving a few inches from the end hanging. Stick your needle into the hole and pull through leaving a small loop. Then from behind your fabric, stick your needle through the next top right hole, and carry your needle through the loop you just made. Pull tight. Finally, insert your needle in the same hole you just came from to secure your loop. Your stitch should look like this / 

- This is called a loop start, an easy way to secure your thread! To do the same thing with 4 strands per stitch, start with two strands of thread and fold in half. Every step after that is the same!

I have a reel on my Instagram highlight “tutorials” on how to do this if you need a visual.

5. Stitching

Continue in the direction you started your first stitch and follow your pattern. There are two main methods of stitching, you can do one or the other, and even interchange depending on your pattern!

These methods are called English and Danish. 

Let’s say your pattern has 5 pink squares in a row. 

Danish

This method you are stitching the whole row of color in one direction, then turning back around and ending where you began. This is a great option if you have another row of the same color directly above or below the initial one. 

Stitch bottom left to top right 5 times creating 5 half stitches 

/ / / / /

Then on your fifth stitch, go backwards, stitching bottom right to top left 5 times, finishing your stitches

\ \ \ \ \ 

Creating 5 Xs 

(start and end)XXXXX

 

English

This method you are stitching one square at a time. Bottom left to top right, but instead of going to the next square, continue in the same square and stitch bottom right to top left creating a single X. Do this 5 times to get 5 Xs

(start)XXXXX(end)

Some patterns may call for a back stitch, half stitch or 3/4 stitch. These stitches are usually in more complex patterns and not something you’d normally see in a beginner design.

The backstitch is very simple. Take your needle through one hole into the other, skip a hole, go through the next and back into the hole you skipped to create a continuous line of stitches, and repeat.

When nearing the end of your thread, secure it in the back by weaving it through a few stitches to anchor it. Cut off the excess thread. 

Repeat these steps to complete your pattern! 

 

Tips for Success

- Start Small: Pick a design with fewer colors and stitches to build your confidence.

 - Use a Highlighter: Mark off completed sections of your pattern to avoid getting lost.

- Don’t Pull Too Tight: Keep your stitches snug but not overly tight to avoid puckering the fabric.

- Don’t let your thread twist too much: Keep your thread from twisting too much or it will create knots.

- Be Patient: Cross-stitch is a slow craft, but that’s part of the charm. Take it one stitch at a time and enjoy the process.

I hope this gives you some insight and confidence to pick up cross stitch! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and happy stitching!