Cross stitch for beginners: where to start

Have you ever stared at a cross-stitch picture thinking, "I could never do that"? Well, let us tell you a haberdashery secret: it's much easier than it looks. You just need to start on the right foot.

What you need to get started

• Aida cloth: the one with squares, ideal for beginners because the holes are easy to see.
• DMC embroidery floss: start with 4 or 5 colors, you don't need more at first.
• Blunt-tip needle: it won't prick you and goes right through the hole.
• An embroidery hoop: keeps the fabric taut and makes embroidering much more comfortable.
• A simple pattern: look for a small one, with few stitches, for your first project.

Your first stitches

Cross-stitch is exactly that: a cross. You bring the needle up through one hole, go down diagonally, and then cross back the other way. An "X". You repeat that, color by color, following the pattern.

The haberdashery trick: First, make all the needlepointes of one color in one direction, and then come back crossing them. It looks more uniform and you advance faster.

Don't rush

Embroidery is one of the few things that are enjoyed more slowly. Put on some music, have a cup of tea nearby, and let the afternoons pass differently. If you make a mistake, just undo it. Nobody is born knowing everything, and we are here to lend a hand with materials.

Ready for your first project? Visit our online haberdashery and choose your threads.