Although the basics of cross stitch are fairly simple to learn, it’s always helpful to have cross stitch tips and hints that make the needle art even easier and give the finished work a very professional look.
Whether a beginner or a seasoned cross stitcher, you are sure to find helpful cross stitch tips that will make the piece look fantastic.
What is cross stitch?
Cross stitch is a timeless form of counted thread embroidery. Most find that it is the simplest form of hand embroidery to learn. With cross stitch, X-shaped stitches are done on open weave fabric, usually aida cloth or linen.
Cross stitch designs range from very traditional to modern designs. Check out our page on cross stitch patterns for inspiration!
Complete cross stitch kits are available to purchase, but it is also possible to purchase basic supplies separately like thread or floss, and fabric to make a one of a kind project.
To learn more about the basics of cross stitch, we have a page devoted especially to that.
The most helpful cross stitch tips below have been gathered together on one page. Some have been learned from other needle workers and some we have just figured out along the way.
Found below are cross stitch tips that are specific to creating neat stitches and some are general tips to make cross stitch easier.
Types of cross stitch tips on this page:
- Floss & Thread Tips
- Needle Tips
- Storage Ideas
- WIP Tips
- Fabric & Canvas
So if you want to learn to cross stitch like a pro, scroll down the list on this page to see the many cross stitch tips and tricks that experienced cross stitchers live by.
The finished product will not only look nicer, but the experience of cross stitching will be enjoyed even more!
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When stitching with two-ply floss, cut the floss double the usual length. Thread both loose ends through the needle. Push needle from the back to front leaving a loop, then front to back inserting the needle through the loop and draw closed.
CuznLuci, thank you for your helpful hint.
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Learn how to use the loop method to secure embroidery floss.
Needlepointers.com
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Needle craft tip - Keep your needlework or sewing projects handy and easily accessible by keeping them in a basket next to your chair. Then when relaxing or watching TV you can work on them.
Needlepointers.com
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Always use a good light. A light positioned over the shoulder of the arm you do not use is best. Also, putting something white under your project should allow you to see the holes better.
Magazine Name, Date & Page here
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To carry floss, weave it under previously worked stitches on the back. Never carry floss across fabric that is not or will not be stitched. Carried threads, especially dark ones, will show through open fabric.
Alma Lynne's Country Cross-Stitch copyright 1990 by Oxmoor House, Inc.
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Do not wring.While the stitching is still dripping roll it in a dry towel to get all the excess water out and gently pull back into shape.
Isle of Skye Crafts
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If you are using a black and white cross stitch design, color the chart using colored pencils. By coloring the chart to match the floss color, it will be easier to follow.
Needlepointers.com
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Make a photocopy to work from. This will keep your chart in good condition so you can use it again.
cross-stitching.com
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For complicated designs, I use a red pencil to keep track of the completed stitches. If you think you may work the design again, copy the design first.
Needlepointers.com
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If you have a kit with floss, follow the instructions for organizing the floss carefully.
Salt & Pepper
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A cross stitch needle should be blunt, with a long narrow eye. It should slip easily between the threads of the fabric, but should not pierce the fabric.
Bonnie's Cross Stitch Zone
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Try to store your cross stitch rolled rather than folded, this prevents crease marks that are hard to iron out. Try rolling your cross stitch and storing in the centre of a kitchen roll.
Netstitch
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Keep all your cross stitch works-in-progress supplies together in a project bag.
Needlepointers.com
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In my cross stitch WIP bag, I have a small bobbin box with all the floss for the project, cross-stitch needles in a plastic tube and a small scissor along with the pattern
and cross stitch material in a plastic zip-close bag.
Needlepointers.com
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If you are using a dark colored fabric place a light colored piece of fabric, such as a towel or sheet, over your lap. The holes are more visible as the light color shows through.
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Be super-organised and use a ring binder file to keep a track of those must stitch designs when you've cut them out of a magazine.
cross-stitching.com
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As part of the separating step, dampen the floss and pull it straight to get rid of any kinks or twists. As you separate the strands, lay them out flat and by the time you begin to reassemble them they will be dry.
Bountiful Heirlooms
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Floss covers best when lying flat against fabric. If floss becomes twisted, drop your needle and allow floss to unwind itself.
Alma Lynne's Country Cross-Stitch Copyright 1990 by Oxmoor House, Inc.
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For smooth stitches maintain an even tension. Only 'pulled thread' stitches should be pulled tightly. Cross stitches should not distort the fabric threads.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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The majority of cross stitching is done with two strands, unless the instructions are to the contrary.
Salt & Pepper
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As I am stitching and I notice the floss twisting, I hold my work upside down and let the needle hand free. The floss will spin and untwist.
Needlepointers.com Staff
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Fractional stitches will be made a lot easier if you use a sharp pointed needle. This will enable you to pierce the aida block in the centre.
Netsitch
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Fray Stop is a helpful product which can be used to seal fabric edges prior to cross stitching. It is a type of glue that dries clear. By using Fray Stop, you do not have to tape the edges while cross stitching or sew the edges to prevent them from fraying.
Needlepointers.com Staff
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To keep my fabric clean while I am stitching, I make grime guards. Grime guards go around the edge of your Q-Snap or hoop to protect your fabric from, well, grime.
Public Relations Matters
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Always remove Cross Stitch fabric from hoops when you are not stitching. If you do this, then the creases in the fabric will not be as pronounced.
About.com Cross Stitch
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To clean your work soak in cool water with a mild soap for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Roll work in a towel to remove excess water; do not wring. Place face down on a dry towel and iron on warm setting until dry.
Alma Lynne's Country Cross-Stitch Copyright 1990 by Oxmoor House
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When not stitching remove your work from the hoop or release the tension on a scroll frame. This will help prevent hoop marks and allow the fabric to relax.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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Fraying can cause your threads to catch on the edges as you stitch, use a commercial seam fray block solution. It sticks the edges of the fabric together, giving you a stiff edge to your fabric.
Needlepointers.com
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Make a copy of the cross stitch pattern. As you complete the stitches use a highlighter or colored pencil to mark the finished areas on the paper.
Needlepointers.com
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If your favorite place for cross stitching lacks natural light, invest in a good daytime desk or floor lamp.
Needlepointers.com
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When using Metallic Threads, use a needle with a larger eye than you would normal use, as this opens the hole in the aida, allowing the thread to glide through.
Netstitch
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When using metallic threads use a shorter thread, use a slightly larger needle and thread several needles at a time.
Discount Needlework
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Metallic Thread - when stitching with metallics thread or metallics mixed with floss: fold the thread to make a loop, then insert the looped end into the needle; pull the ends through the loop and tighten, pulling the thread snug up against the eye of the needle.
Cross Stitch Pals
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Cut cardboard or foam core board to desired size. Center stitched Aida on top of cardboard or foam core board with right side facing out. Trim Aida edges to 1 1/2" larger than cardboard or foam core board; fold edges back and secure.
Free Patterns
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Always work blocks of color in rows, working half the stitches all the way across the row, and then come back adding the other half. The more methodical you are with your cross stitch, the neater the finished product will be.
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Keep all your needles organized and off the floor with needle tubes. Divide your needles by size or purpose, and label the tube. Then set them in your storage box, ready to go!
Lord Libidan
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If you put bees wax on the end of your thread it will make threading your needle easier and the ends will not fray.
About.com Cross Stitch
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If you have trouble threading a needle with floss or yarn, this method makes it easy.
Needlepointers.com Associate
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If you have dropped your needle and you can't find it, use a small magnet to help you find the needle.
Ezine Articles
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Sizes 24 and 26 blunt-end tapestry needles are used for stitching on evenweave fabric and Aida cloth. The ideal needle size is just small enough to slip easily through your fabric. When stitching on waste canvas, use a sharp needle.
Annie's Attic
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To prevent your French knots from pulling through the back, DO NOT go through the same hole you went up.
CameoRoze's Stitcher's Studio
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Iron out any creases before stitching to make it easier to stitch evenly and ensure that you won’t end up with wrinkles that you can’t get out afterwards.
Emboider's Guild
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When cross stitching, avoid knots when starting and finishing a thread. Why? It is possible that lumps and bumps on the back of your work can make it look uneven from the front when you finish the piece for display.
Catkin and Lillie
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Store fabric in large see-through plastic boxes available from DIY stores, or roll it up inside long cardboard tubes.
Cross-Stitching.com
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Do you cut cross stitch patterns from magazines, print online patterns or have finished patterns you may make again? The simplest way to store your cross stitch patterns is with ring binders and plastic protective sleeves.
Needlepointers.com Associate
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When cross stitching and working on perforated paper, the smooth side is the right side.
Mill Hill
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Prepare cloth for cross stitching by placing masking tape or painter's tape around the edge of the fabric. This will stop fabric from fraying.
Needlepointers.com
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You do not need special scissors for cross stitch, but it’s a good idea to have small, sharp-pointed scissors for accurate snipping.
Scarlet Quince
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To separate the six-strands of floss for stitching, hold the entire strand near the top with one hand allowing the bottom to hang freely. Slowly pull each individual ply upward with the other hand, one at a time. Recombine the necessary number of strands to thread you needle and save the remaining strands for the next threading.
Annie's Attic
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Separating strands of embroidery floss can be very frustrating. Here is a quick and easy way to separate strands of embroidery floss without them tangling.
Needlepointers.com
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Always sign and date your work to enrich its meaning for future generations. Using neutral floss color, back-stitch or cross stitch your name or initials and year.
Alma Lynnes Country Cross-Stitch
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Carry a baggie in your stitching bag for snippets.
Needlework Guild of Minnesota
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Don't be in a hurry! Cross stitch is a project that takes time and a lot of patience. The more you try and hurry a project, the more chances of making mistakes. So take it slow and enjoy the whole process.
Pinoy Stitch
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When not stitching remove your work from the hoop or release the tension on a scroll frame. This will help prevent hoop marks and allow the fabric to relax.
Joanna's Needlework Stitches
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Using too long a piece of thread often leads to snarls and knots. Cut your threads in lengths of 18”. If using metallic thread, use 12” lengths.
Stitches and Stuff
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If your thimble isn't a perfect fit, put strips of narrow tape inside the thimble and make it perfect.
Needlework Guild of Minnesota
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Keep a soft toothbrush with your stitching supplies to brush away pieces of thread or fuzz left after removing unwanted threads. Sticky tape may work as well but may leave a residue.
Needlework Guild of Minnesota
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If you are using especially flimsy cardboard bobbins, glue or tape two together to make them stronger.
Scarlet Quince
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If you have a hard time threading a needle from one side, try turning the needle around and thread the other side - every needle has a front and back side - sometimes this helps.
Block Central
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Even if you think your hands are clean, you should wash them before you touch your cross-stitch fabric or your floss.
Felt Magnet
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Want to cross stitch a design on a sweatshirt, t-shirt, denim or other fabric item? Waste canvas is a canvas that pulls apart when you’re finished with it.
Needlepointers.com
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The starch or glue in the canvas is water soluble so it needs wetting to help you to remove it. Also, a tweezer may be helpful.
Needlework Tips and Techniques
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Keep a travel size package of baby wipes in your cross stitch bag. That way, if you are stuck in the doctor's office or somewhere that you might not have access to a sink, you can just "swipe" my hands well and your off and stitching. Tip by Dawn Propp
Wonderful Things
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