Getting started with counted cross stitch

Everything you need for your first counted cross stitch pattern – Aida fabric, DMC floss, needle, hoop and scissors – and how to set up before the first stitch.

Counted cross stitch is one of the most relaxing needle crafts there is: you follow a chart square by square and make small X-shaped stitches on an even-weave fabric. There is no drawing on the fabric and no special skill needed – if you can count to ten, you can stitch one of our patterns.

What you need

Aida fabric. A stiff cotton fabric woven in little squares with holes at each corner, so every stitch has a place to go. Beginners love 14 count (14 squares per inch): the holes are easy to see. White, ivory or antique white suit most of our patterns; some sets suggest a dark fabric on the cover page.
Embroidery floss. Six-strand cotton floss. All our charts use real DMC color numbers, so you can buy exactly the right shades in any craft store or online. The floss key in your PDF tells you how many skeins of each color you need.
A tapestry needle. Blunt-tipped, size 24 for 14 ct Aida (size 26 for 16–18 ct). The blunt point slips through the holes without splitting the threads.
An embroidery hoop (optional but helpful). A 5–6 inch wooden or plastic hoop keeps the fabric taut. Take the fabric out of the hoop when you stop for the day so it doesn't leave a ring.
Small sharp scissors, and a needle minder or a pincushion if you like.

Each cross is two diagonal stitches. Work a row of “/” first, then come back with “\”.

Prepare the fabric

Look at the finished size on the cover of your PDF and add 3 inches (7.5 cm) on every side for framing. A 4 × 4 inch design needs a piece of about 10 × 10 inches.
Stop the edges from fraying: a quick zig-zag on a sewing machine, masking tape or a little fray-stop liquid all work.
Fold the fabric in half both ways to find the center and mark it with a pin or a water-soluble pen. Our charts have small arrows on the edges that point to the center row and column.

Start in the middle – it keeps the design centered on your fabric.

Prepare the floss

Cut a length of about 18 inches (45 cm) – longer threads tangle and wear out. Floss comes as six strands twisted together; separate them one at a time and put two strands back together for 14–16 ct Aida. On 18 ct, two strands give full coverage; one strand gives a lighter look.

TipDrop your needle every few minutes and let it hang free: the floss untwists itself and your stitches lie flatter.

Your first stitches

Start at the center of the chart and the center of the fabric. Bring the needle up from the back at the lower-left corner of a square and down at the upper-right corner – that's a half stitch. Cross it back from lower-right to upper-left and you have a full cross. Make all your crosses lean the same way (top stitch “\”) and your work will look neat and even.

Ready for more? Read how to read our charts next, or pick an easy first project from our free patterns.