How to Cross Stitch: beginner’s guide and things to know before you get started @craftwithmay
How to Cross Stitch: beginner’s guide and things to know before you get started  @craftwithmay
Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Cross stitch is really just making “X” of thread with a needle hundreds or thousands of times to make a pattern. It’s simple, inexpensive, and a very easy learning curve.

I recommend (some affiliate links used):

DMC (or higher quality) thread
dmc.com

Embroidery scissors
amzn.to/4gPOaTt

Embroidery hoop (I prefer plastic)
amzn.to/4175qxK

Aida or other fabric/material
amzn.to/4371EqO

Link to “paper”: amzn.to/3XbxLlp

Needle

Optional: beeswax
amzn.to/3Qs7U52

That’s all you need!! Note that everything you need should be available at Michael’s, and some craft and fabric stores as well.

The steps are simple:
- select pattern
- select fabric/material
- wax thread (optional) and string into needle
- begin!

Some start top, some bottom, some middle or side. Everyone has their own ways to tie off thread - the thing I try to remember is simply that you want to stay out of the way of future thread since each hole will have up to 4x the thread going through. So I don’t want knots or clumps on the back of my piece.

Some projects take years, some can be done in a few hours. How long and how complex is up to you! The shops I love best are:


Satsuma Street: etsy.com/shop/SatsumaStreet

Witchy Stitcher etsy.com/shop/WitchyStitcher

Stitchrovia etsy.com/shop/Stitchrovia
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How to Cross Stitch: beginner’s guide and things to know before you get started

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