Counted Cross stitch is fun for everyone

Have you tried counted cross stitch? If not, you have a treat in store. Watching neat little stitches form into a picture on a blank piece of fabric is magical. And you don't need to know how to draw.

But be warned!

Your family will no longer believe you when you state "I'll just finish this petal". Hours later you will still be stitching. One petal looked lonely, so you did the one next to it, and then the next. Before you know it you have finished the first flower and your intention to go to bed early failed.

Want in on this addictive craft? Read on.

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Cross Stitch Beginner?

I couldn't possibly get all the details about cross stitch I want to share with you on a single page. Therefore, the links below will guide you around the site so you can find the information you need and get the most out of your new hobby. We begin with the basics and move on to more advanced techniques.

First a question...

Cross stitch vs embroidery - which is the best technique for you?

How to...

How to find the right beginners kit for you

How to select the right fabric for your project?

How to save money by framing your own cross stitch pictures

Learn to...

Learn to cross stitch

Learn to stitch on your clothing using waste canvas

Learn to embellish your work with beads

Would you like...

Would you like to make your work reversible?

Would you like to wash your finished cross stitch?

Would you like free patterns to get you started?

I found the craft one lazy summer afternoon many years ago. I bought fabric, cottons, and a pattern for a little angel on the shop owner's recommendation. She gave me a five minute lesson and after getting my baby daughter to bed that evening, I made a start on my first cross stitch project. The next day I was back for new patterns. Little did I know at the time about the creative world that simple angel would allow me to enter...

Ready to learn more?

Having trained your family to understand and respect that 5 minutes really means 2 hours, you will have made lots of progress. This should encourage you to take your cross stitch projects further. It's time for the next stage!

Are you...

Are you ready to try evenweave and linen?

Are you having trouble seeing your stitches?

Are you ready to chart your own designs on paper?

Want to progress to using computer software to design patterns?

Want to sell your own designs?

Have you...

Have you mastered fractional stitches?

Have you stitched with rayon?

Have you used a laying tool?

Have you got a stain on your finished piece?

Would you like to...

Would you like to try Assisi work?

Would you like to change the size of your project?

Would you like to ask a question?

For your Book Shelf

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Grandmothers Tablecloth
I have a tablecloth with a design I cannot find. I know nothing about needlepoint. It appears she made this from one piece of linen, but also that canvas …

Backing a cross stitched baby quilt
Hi Carol, I have just discovered your website and find it very useful! Much easier to understand than kit instructions. Currently, I am stitching a stamped …

What is a hank of embroidery thread
I am a beginner at this cross stitch. I am stumped at the very first pass. What is a hank? There are colors on in the Hank 1 and Hank 2 chart. The …

how to fix a cross stitch when I have miscounted
I am doing this counted cross stitch. it is of muted green colours which represent soft foilage. I have counted and counted, I think I have old eyes. …

single cross stitch
How do I start and finish a single cross stitch, without running the floss over an empty area to start another x? That is a great question, Kim. …

How do you finish a cross-stitch afghan
I'm half-way through making an afghan for my new grand-daughter (using Q snaps for a hoop) and I'm wondering how to finish it when it's done. Should you …

The back of a cross stitch piece
I love working on the picture, and this is my 5th picture using 50+ colors. My question is what does everyone else's backside look like? I read that …

cross stitch baby quilt
I am cross stitching a stamped baby quilt. How do I finish my threads and not show at the back of the quilt?

embellished cross stitch
I've been seeing some cross stitch kits online that say they are embellished. What exactly does that mean?

Complex cross stitch patterns
I have cross stitched for over 20 years. Most of the things i have done have big areas of one color. I am now doing a very complex pattern where there …

How many hours stitching per day? Not rated yet
How many hours a day is it alright to embroider? To cross stitch in particular? I get quite carried away sometimes and I know it's not good for back …