Cross-stitching is technically a form of embroidery that’s a lot easier than more complicated techniques. Cross-stitch patterns tell you how many stitches you’ll need in each row. You will then use x-shaped stitches of the same size to fill out the pattern until you complete the full image.

This type of craft can be very relaxing and, after enough practice, produce gorgeous results. If your interest in this craft has been piqued, read on. This article will teach you five cross-stitch techniques that you can use as you begin or continue your cross-stitching journey.

1. Carefully Calculate Your Fabric Size

Researching which AIDA fabric will suit all your needs is important. However, even the best AIDA fabric can’t help you when you’ve cut too little for your project. It can be heartbreaking to realize that you’ve spent so much time working only to end up getting stopped too soon by a short edge.

For this reason, you need to make sure that you measure your fabric appropriately before you cut it. There are plenty of online calculators out there that can assist you with this. If you can’t do that, measure the dimensions of your counting stitches and use that to estimate a line length.

2. Try Fractional Stitches

If you’re a beginner, it’s better to stick to full stitches for some time. When you feel you’re ready, though, you can move on to fractional stitches. These are stitches where you sew only a part of the full stitch in your counted needlework.

For example, you may only sew one line or half of a line rather than the full x. Doing so can add a lot more detail to the final design.

3. Draw a Grid on Your Fabric

Most cross-stitch patterns are grid-shaped. However, it can be hard to imitate the exact grid pattern by merely looking between the pattern and your fabric.

You may want to try a gridding technique, which means you need to draw or sew a grid on your fabric. If you’re drawing, make sure to use a water-soluble pen.

4. Sew Slowly

Rushing through cross-stitch patterns when you’re starting is a great way to end up with sloppy work. Take things slow and aim for neatness. Once you can sew perfect stitches, you can start to speed up.

5. Make Custom Patterns

Learning how to make custom cross-stitching patterns can truly free up your creativity. However, you should only do this after you’ve learned the basics. Sewing custom patterns at the start while you’re learning is guaranteed to frustrate you.

Get Supplies for Cross-Stitch Techniques and Other Crafts From Our Store

As a final tip, remember that all cross-stitch techniques will be tricky at the beginning. Giving yourself the time and space to learn is the best way to eventually advance. You’ll be creating more complicated designs before you know it.

Also, if you need supplies for cross-stitching or multiple other types of sewing crafts, check out our stock. We offer threads, needles, and even new and used sewing machines. If you don’t see what you need, subscribe to our newsletter and you should know when it’s in stock.