Cross-stitch for beginners: where to start

Ever stared at a cross-stitch picture thinking "I could never do that"? Here's a little haberdashery secret: it's much easier than it looks. You just need to start the right way.

What you need to begin

• Aida fabric: the one with little squares, perfect for beginners because the holes are easy to see.
• DMC embroidery threads: start with 4 or 5 colours, you don't need more at first.
• A blunt tapestry needle: it doesn't prick and slides right into the hole.
• A hoop: keeps the fabric taut so stitching is far more comfortable.
• A simple pattern: pick a small one with few stitches for your first project.

Your first stitches

Cross-stitch is exactly that: a cross. Bring the needle up through one hole, down diagonally, then cross back the other way. An X. Repeat it, colour by colour, following the pattern.

The haberdashery trick: first make all the half-crosses of one colour in the same direction, then come back crossing them over. It looks more even and you go faster.

Take your time

Embroidery is one of those rare things that get better the slower you go. Put on some music, a cup of tea beside you, and let the afternoons feel different. If you make a mistake, just unpick it. Nobody is born knowing, and we're here to help you with the materials.

Ready for your first project? Visit the online haberdashery and pick your threads.