I was so happy when I conceived my first child, Riya. But I was feeling weaker in the third trimester. My doctor suggested resting. So, I had to take a break from all major activities, including sewing. Soon, I started to feel lonely without it♥️.
One day, I was speaking with mom about it. She asked me, ”Why don’t you try embroidery?” I learned it at 16. However, it was left behind in all those years.
I tried easy stitches and one-line patterns. And one of them was ‘Cross-stitch.’ It was basic and could be used in intricate designs. It was totally worth it!
If you are also curious about cross-stitch, I can help you. In this guide, I have explained the two easiest methods to do this stitch quickly!- Danish and Traditional. So, if you want to learn embroidery, this cross-stitch guide is perfect to start!
Keep reading ahead!
How to Cross Stitch?
As the name says, this stitch looks like a ‘cross’. It’s a counter-thread embroidery showing a row of stitches in an X shape.
Such stitches give a tile-like effect.
They look uniform and equally aligned. Let us learn how to do cross-stitch in:
- Traditional way
- Danish way
6 Supplies You Will Need To Sew Cross Stitches:
1. Embroidery hoop: Any hoop of suitable size (5, 6, 8, etc. inches)
2. Thread/ Embroidery floss: a good quality thread between 5 and 12. I prefer size 8 thread because of its ideal thickness.
3. Fabric: Choose Aida, canvas, or any plain fabric you want to practice on.
4. Needle: They come in sizes from 1 (biggest) to 12 (smallest).
5. Scissors: Use them to cut threads.
6. Screwdriver: Use it to tighten the hoop.
1. Using the Traditional Method:
This is an easier and more secure method than the Danish method.
In this method, you have to do one cross at a time. So, these stitches remain isolated. It is useful for making horizontal, vertical, angled, and curved cross-stitches.
When viewed from a distance, these stitches look like pixel art!
So, here is how to cross-stitch using the traditional method:
Step 1:
Set the fabric in the embroidery hoop. Thread the suitable needle with a thick floss.
If you are a beginner, I suggest using thick threads for smooth stitches.
Position the needle at point A. This is our starting point.
Pass it through A and move it diagonally across to point B.
Bring it back again, pass it through point C. Here, this point is horizontally parallel to point A.
Step 2:
After point C, pass the needle diagonally through point D. You will find this point vertically below A.
This is how you do a single cross-stitch.
Step 3:
Now, we have to repeat the same process.
After point D, pass the needle from B to bring it upwards.
From B, pass the needle through point E.
Bring it outwards through point D in the reverse direction.
Step 4:
From D, pass the needle in through F. This completes our second cross.
Now, pass the needle out through point E.
Repeat the same process, and sew the next stitches.
2. Using the Danish Method:
In the Danish method, we have to sew the first row of diagonal stitches.
Then, we have to stitch crosses in the reverse direction.
I believe this method is faster because it allows bulk stitches in less time.
Let’s say you are making embroidery on a Christmas hoodie or sweater. Follow this method to make horizontal rows using Danish cross-stitches.
Step 1:
Mark a starting point and an ending point on the fabric.
Pass the needle from C to D to make the first diagonal stitch.
Bring the needle from back to front at point B. And pass it to the next D to make a second diagonal stitch.
Step 2:
Now we have to reverse the process from the endpoint to the starting point.
Again, make diagonal stitches, but in reverse to complete the loop.
That’s it! Done! You have successfully stitched cross-stitches using the Danish method!
My Top 3 Tips To Sew Perfect Cross Stitches:
1. Equal Stitches:
Yes, aesthetics matter a lot here!
I always tell my students to keep all stitch lengths the same for cross-stitching patterns. It gives a surreal and good look.
2. Right-Sized Needles:
Beginners may use long and thick needles initially.
I use size 24 or 26 tapestry needles (I really love their blunt ends). These needles penetrate the fabric without breaking the stitch threads. So, your stitch design remains the same.
But How To Choose A Tapestry Needle?
In these needles, a higher number means a smaller size and vice versa.
Size 24 Tapestry Needle:
This needle is perfect for 14-count Aida cloth. You can pass 2 to 3 strands of standard embroidery threads through this needle.
This needle has a thicker shaft and larger eye. So, it is easier to handle than a size 26 needle.
Size 26 Tapestry Needle:
This needle is best suited for 18-count Aida cloth or 32-count linen/evenweave cloth.
It has a thinner shaft and smaller eye. So, it passes smoothly through the cloth. It is perfect for fine fabrics.
Here is a quick needle guide to choose a Tapestry needle for making cross stitches:
3. Practice & Patience:
Yes. This is a very important part.
It took me many days to master this skill. As a beginner, you may not get well-aligned or equal cross stitches.
To overcome this, first mark the areas where you want to add cross-stitches. Use chalk or a fabric pencil for marking. Mark A, B, C, D, E, F, etc., points at equal distances and try to sew cross-stitches.
With continuous practice, you may not even need marking later.
Key Takeaways:
Cross-stitching is easy. All you need is PRACTICE!
Initially, you may face challenges in getting equal stitches or using the right threads. You will get there slowly and steadily, as I did!
If you are a beginner, use printed stitch patterns for ease. Follow the simple steps given above in the two methods: Danish and traditional. Both ways are useful for making horizontal and vertical cross-stitches.
Try different thread strands with different-sized needles. Experiment and analyse! If you need more help with cross-stitch, I am happy to guide you! Just send me an email with your query!
Till then, keep practicing!
FAQs:
1. What Is A Stamped Cross-stitch?
In this method, a cross-stitch pattern with symbols for suitable thread colors is pre-printed directly onto the fabric. It is beginner-friendly and easy to follow. This method is very suitable for beginners.
2. What Is A Counted Cross-stitch?
In this method, plain linen or Aida fabric is used. The stitcher counts the threads or holes to make each cross stitch. It offers more freedom for choosing fabric types, hole counts, thread colors, and design positions.
