Get Started In Cross Stitch

Embroidery Hoop: This is optional, but recommended. It needs to be slightly bigger than your finished design as it keeps the fabric taut as you stitch.

Aida or Plastic Canvas: We recommend 14 count Aida for your first project.

Tapestry Needles: The higher the number, the smaller the needle. We recommend size 24 needle for 14 count Aida.

Scissors: You will need fabric scissors to cut Aida and smaller, embroidery scissors for cutting your floss.

Embroidery Floss: This is made up of six strands. The pattern you're following will tell you how many strands to use.

Cross Stitch Chart: This is a gridded guide to help you create the design. Each square represents one cross.

Cross Stitch: Forms an X on the fabric.

Half Stitch: A diagonal line across a square.

Quarter Stitch: Come out from a corner and push your needle into the centre of the square.

Three-Quarter Stitch: This is a combination of half stitch and a quarter stitch.

Backstitch: This is used to create detail and outline your designs.

When deciding on a canvas for your project, you can choose between Aida or plastic canvas.

Aida is a woven fabric which tends to fray when cut - it's a good idea to bind the edges with a sewing machine or masking tape before you start your project. Aida is the main fabric choice for cross stitch as it provides an easy-to-use canvas for perfectly-spaced stitching. Aida comes in various colours and counts. The count refers to the number of holes per inch so the higher the count the finer the stitching will be.

Plastic canvas offers a durable base for a range of different cross stitch projects. This sturdy material holds its shape, meaning it's great for 3D cross stitch makes, and the edges don't fray like Aida does. The lack of fibres in this material means projects that use quarter stitches or three-quarter stitches can't be created on plastic canvas. The count refers to the number of holes per inch, so the higher the count the finer the stitching will be.

A cross stitch pattern tells you what stitch needs to be added where and what colour to use. The pattern grid/chart relates to the grid created on your canvas. Each coloured square on the pattern represents a cross stitch.

Alongside the chart of the motif, a list of colours and symbols will indicate which stitches need to go where on your canvas and what colour embroidery floss to use.

When starting a new cross stitch project, it's important to mark the central point on your canvas. It's easiest to start stitching in the centre and then work your way outwards. We suggest leaving backstitches until the end as this acts as a frame for your finished work.

We offer a lot of free patterns as well as some project inspiration! Why not get started by searching 'Free Cross Stitch Pattern' on the Hobbycraft website.

Looking for step by step instructions? Discover how your cross stitch can be made into a lovely card here >

Be careful not to pull your stitches too tight otherwise they will warp the canvas. Equally, make sure they're not too loose where they gape. Stitches should lie flat against the canvas.

When moving to another section of the pattern that's more than a few stitches away, end your thread and begin again in the new area. Not only does this save wasting floss, but long threads on the back of your work may show through the front.

As you work on your cross stitch, the thread will become twisted. Occasionally, let your needle and thread hang freely to let it unwind.