Needlework Stitch Dictionary - Cross Stitch

The Cross-Stitch could be considered the square building block of needlework. The cross-stitch is not considered a specialty stitch because it is so basic, being comprised of only two stitches that cross over one another.

Cross-stitches can be worked over one thread or two threads, meaning each stitch crosses over one linen thread vertically and horizontally, or crosses over two threads horizontally and vertically. If the cross-stitch is worked over one thread, the size of the stitch is ¼ the size of the cross-stitch worked over two threads.

The shape of the cross-stitch is actually an X, which means that the background fabric color will always show through the stitched threads a small amount. For this reason the needleworker may wish to use a darker fabric when stitching a dark piece, or use a neutral cream when stitching other fabrics. White fabric is very stark and will make colors project more from the fabric, but will make the X shape of the cross-stitch more noticeable.

Cross-stitches can be stitched with between one and six strands of thread, depending on the thread count of the fabric. The strands of thread should be bloomed, or pulled individually from the skein, and then put back together in the desired amount before stitching. This separation of the thread allows the strands to provide better coverage on the fabric.

Suggestions for number of strands on thread count are provided below: