Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch is a basic hand embroidery technique in which two straight stitches are crossed to shape an X sign.

This antique hand embroidery technique is known worldwide; many traditional textiles are made with this embroidery technique.

Cross Stitch has various embroidery methods. The choice of method will depend on the purpose of the stitching and the durability of the embroidered piece. If the piece is made to endure more friction and wear, the stitches are made individually. For decorative pieces, a row of diagonal stitches is made, and then – on the reverse way – the other half of the stitch is added.

Other names of the stitch

This widespread embroidery stitch has many alternative names, such as Point de Croix Stitch, Gros Point, Cushion Stitch, Point de Marque Stitch, Sampler Stitch, Simple Cross Stitch, and Berlin Stitch.

Cross Stitch embroidery with pearl cotton thread

Cross Stitch embroidery reverse side — Reverse side of the sampler

Applications of the Stitch

Traditionally, Point de Croix Stitch is a counted thread technique. Besides that, you can also use it as a detached decorative stitch, embroider the rows of Sampler Stitches on curved lines or make a filling on even weave fabric.

Some folk hand embroidery techniques use Point de Croix Stitch embroidery with red thread to embroider traditional motives.

Along with that, Cross Stitch is used in crazy quilting, mending projects, and other textile and mixed media arts, like embroidery on paper or applique.

More stitches from the Cross Stitch family

Ermine Stitch
Star Stitch
Smyrna Stitch

Learn how to embroider Cross Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the embroidery technique quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.

How to embroider Cross Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Make the first stitch
If you are using even weave fabric, mark two parallel lines to position the line of X stitches. Push the needle up to the surface on the lower line mark on the right. Make a diagonal stitch to the left on the upper line. The length of the stitch should be equal to the distance between the marked lines. This way, the stitches will be perfectly square.
Make a Cross
Take the needle to the surface on the lower marked line, right below the first stitch, and make a diagonal stitch to the upper right corner.
Repeat the sequence
Push the needle to the surface on the lower marked line at the same spot as the previous stitch and make a diagonal stitch. Then, cross it with the second diagonal stitch.
The second method to make Cross Stitch
First, embroider a row of diagonal stitches. The method is the same as making a Whip Stitch.
Adding the cross
When the entire row is filled with diagonal stitches, make one more row of diagonal stitches inclined in another direction above the first one. This way, the stitches of the second row will cross the stitches from the first one and form an X.

Video tutorial

How to Embroider Cross Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Tools and materials I used for this sampler

Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy — Embroidery fabric

What’s next?

If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!