How to Start Cross Stitching — A Complete Beginner's Guide
You've seen those beautiful framed cross stitch pieces — maybe at a market, on someone's wall, or scrolling through Instagram — and thought, I'd love to try that. Good news: cross stitching is one of the easiest crafts to pick up, and you don't need any experience to get started.
Whether you're looking for a calming evening hobby, something to do while listening to a podcast, or a creative outlet that actually produces something you can hang on your wall, cross stitch ticks every box.
Here's everything you need to know to start.
What Is Cross Stitch?
Cross stitch is a form of counted embroidery where you create pictures by sewing small X-shaped stitches onto fabric. Each stitch fills one square of the fabric's grid, and together they form a pattern — like pixels making up an image.
Unlike freehand embroidery, cross stitch follows a chart (pattern), so you always know exactly what to do next. That's what makes it so beginner-friendly — and so relaxing.
What You Need to Get Started
- Fabric (Aida Cloth) — 14-count Aida is the standard for beginners. The squares are large enough to see easily.
- Thread (Stranded Cotton) — DMC thread is the gold standard. 6 strands you separate — most patterns use 2 at a time. Over 500 colours, all colourfast.
- Needle — Blunt-tip tapestry needle, size 24 or 26.
- Embroidery Hoop — 6" or 8" hoop keeps your fabric taut.
- Kit — Easiest way to start. Everything included — fabric, threads, needle, chart, instructions. Zero guesswork.
How to Do Your First Cross Stitch
- Find the Centre — Fold fabric in half both ways. Mark the centre. Most patterns start from the middle.
- Thread Your Needle — Cut ~45cm of thread. Separate 2 strands from the 6-strand skein.
- Start Stitching — Needle up through bottom-left, down through top-right (first half of X). Then up bottom-right, down top-left to complete. Don't tie knots — leave a 3cm tail and catch it under your first few stitches.
- Follow the Chart — Each coloured square = one cross stitch. Work in rows of the same colour.
- Finish & Frame — Wash gently in cool water, press face-down with warm iron, then frame it.
Best Beginner Cross Stitch Kits
- Dimensions Learn a Craft – Donut — Designed specifically for first-timers
- Good Vibes Only — Modern text design, simple and quick
- Dolphin Delight Learn A Craft Kit — Charming design, easy instructions
- Unicorn Fun Counted Cross Stitch Kit — Colourful, great for kids or adult beginners
Why Cross Stitch Is the Perfect Calming Hobby
- Meditative — repetitive motion quiets a busy mind
- Screen-free — genuine break from phones
- Portable — take it anywhere
- Rewarding — you make something real
- Social — huge online communities
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Pulling too tight — stitches should lie flat
- Using too much thread — 40–45cm max
- Skipping the hoop — it makes a big difference
- Starting too big — keep your first project under 15cm
- Not separating strands — use 2, not all 6!
Ready to Start?
Shop beginner cross stitch kits →
Browse DMC threads →
All cross stitch supplies →
Crafty Hobbies is an Australian-owned craft store specialising in Diamond Dotz, cross stitch kits, DMC threads, and creative supplies. Free shipping on orders over $99.