How To, +70 Inspirations and Gorgeous Graphics

Did you know that the cross stitch embroidery technique is one of the oldest that exists? It consists of making points in X to form beautiful designs and phrases on tea towels, towels, napkins and even decorative pillows.

The possibilities for cross stitch designs and letters are endless and super easy to make. You just need to follow the cross stitch chart and finish off the stitches well. There’s no secret!

If you want to learn step by step how to make a cross stitch, here is the right place! We have selected the best tips to get you started and still get the best cross stitch chart. Check out!

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How to cross stitch: choose the chart!

The first step in learning how to make a cross stitch is to choose the cross stitch chart. If you already have skill with the technique, then all designs are free, even the most complex and colorful.

But, if this is your first cross stitch embroidery, choose simple designs with few colors. This way, you’ll be able to train and get the hang of the technique faster. Then, you can start making a more elaborate cross stitch chart, like the cat one below:

Here are some of the cross stitch chart options to make:

• Cross stitch alphabet;
• Cross stitch flowers;
• Children’s cross stitch;
• Heart in cross stitch.

Cross stitch alphabet

There are different types of graph for alphabet in cross stitch. Some simpler, others elaborate, with details of flowers between the letters in cross stitch.

You can join the letters of the alphabet in a cross stitch to form fun phrases or just make a big letter, the initial of the child’s name or even yours, to decorate bath towels, for example.

Cross stitch flowers

The advantage of making cross stitch flowers is versatility. You add the flowers in other designs, as a complement, or make beautiful tablecloths to decorate the dining room.

However, to make a cross stitch flowers you need to have patience and care for the details of the flowers, which are meticulous.

Cross stitch baby

To choose the best children’s cross stitch chart, you need to analyze your children’s room and the characters they like best. Kids who love superheroes, for example, will be super happy with heroes’ children’s cross-stitch towels and pillows.

In addition, if you want to add your baby’s name to mouth towels and blankets, take advantage of the cross stitch letters matching the designs to add this detail.

Cross stitch heart

The cross stitch heart is one of the easiest graphics to make. It doesn’t have many colors and is a simple format, which you can use in different sizes to compose beautiful cross stitch embroidery.

The cross stitch heart can even be a great gift for Valentine’s Day.

List of materials for cross stitch embroidery

It is essential to have in hand the materials to make beautiful cross stitch embroidery pieces.

Etamine Fabric

There are other types of fabric and materials for cross stitch embroidery, but etamine is the most practical. Also known as canvas aida, quadrilé and talagarça, the fabric has small squares that help count the embroidery and ensures that your piece is centered and beautiful.

Thick point needle

We recommend the needle with a thick point, so that you do not run the risk of pricking your fingers while embroidering in cross stitch. Have more than one in your kit, so if you lose one, you have another to continue embroidering.

Colorful cotton threads

The variety of tones and colors is what makes cross stitch embroidery even more beautiful. So it is worth having a good stock of thread colors. But don’t worry because the line yields a lot!

Backstage

The embroidery frame is indispensable for making a cross stitch. It holds and stretches your fabric so you can embroider more easily. The options are super varied, it has plastic, metal or wood models.

Scissors (large and small)

The small scissors will help you cut the cross stitch lines more accurately. The big one is to be used when cutting the fabric.

How to make simple cross stitch step by step

1. Pass the needle in the first space of the fabric from back to front;
2. Thread the thread diagonally and pull the needle;
3. Count how many squares in the graph are in the same row, and fill diagonally to the end.
4. Then, go back in the other direction to complete the X;
5. Make the next row, counting the squares to form your drawing;
6. Every time you need to change the color, tie the thread inside out and make a knot.

I took that heart for you to understand better. Start at the bottom of the heart and work your way up. First, just make an X, go up the line and do the first / up, repeat the point (/) two more times, then turn the three points backwards (), to form the X. Easy, right? Repeat the process counting the boxes that have no error!

Where to use the cross stitch?

Usually the cross stitch is used in bath and table towels, but you can also use it for different decorative ornaments, such as:

• Bedside lamp;
• Frames;
• Bedding;
• Decorative Pillows;
• Table runner;

Check out our cross stitch embroidery gallery to get inspired!