How to Cross Stitch: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to CrossWithMe! If you're curious about how to start cross stitching, you're in the right place. This beginner’s guide will walk you through every step — from gathering materials to creating your first finished piece. Whether you want to make handmade gifts, decorate your home, or simply relax, cross stitching is a beautiful and rewarding hobby for all skill levels.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To get started, you'll need a few essentials:

• Aida cloth (14 count is perfect for beginners)
• Embroidery floss (6-strand cotton thread)
• Cross stitch needle (size 24 or 26)
• Sharp scissors
• A cross stitch pattern
• (Optional) An embroidery hoop to keep your fabric taut
  

👉 Tip: We offer beginner-friendly PDF cross stitch patterns that are easy to follow and available for instant download.

Step 2: Understand the Pattern

Cross stitch patterns use a grid system, where each square represents a single stitch. Each symbol or color block corresponds to a specific thread color, which is explained in the color key (legend).

Step 3: Prepare the Fabric in the Hoop

Before you start stitching, it's important to secure your fabric properly.

• Place your Aida cloth over the inner ring of the hoop
• Gently press the outer ring on top
• Tighten the screw and pull the fabric evenly so it’s taut, like a drum
  
• Make sure the center of your pattern matches the center of the hoop (or your chosen starting point)

📌 Tip: Avoid stretching the fabric too much — it should be firm but not distorted.

Step 4: Thread the Needle

For most beginner patterns, use two strands of embroidery floss.
Gently separate them and thread your needle carefully.

🎥 Watch how to thread the needle easily

Step 5: Start Stitching

Begin stitching from the center of your fabric (or, if you prefer, from the top center of the pattern — just be sure to leave enough space at the top for framing).
Make each cross stitch by forming an ‘X’ — go diagonally from bottom left to top right, then cross from bottom right to top left.

To make the back of your project neat and flat, use the loop start method instead of tying a knot. It’s easy and secure — perfect for beginners!

🎥 Watch how to start stitching with the loop method (no knots!)

Step 6: Keep Your Stitches Neat

Stay consistent with your tension and direction. It’s totally okay if your first few rows aren’t perfect — that’s part of the process! You’ll get better with each stitch.

Step 7: Finish Without a Knot

When you’re done with a color or reach the end of your floss, don’t tie a knot.
Instead, weave your thread gently under a few stitches on the back to secure it.

🎥 Watch how to finish stitching without a knot

Step 9: Wash and Frame

Once your design is finished, hand wash your embroidery gently in lukewarm water and let it dry flat.
Iron the back side carefully with a pressing cloth on top. Then frame your work or turn it into a lovely decor piece!

🌟 You Did It!

Cross stitching is not just fun — it’s also incredibly calming.
And guess what? Now you know how to do it like a pro ✨

💡 The pattern used in the video example is "Mini flower Pattern" and it’s just $1.99 — perfect for your first project!

Ready for the next one?
Explore our collection of modern and beginner-friendly PDF patterns right here on CrossWithMe 💛

P.S. The full video tutorial is already on my YouTube channel.