How to Cross Stitch a Row for Beginners

Cross-stitch needlework is both a fun and relaxing activity, especially if you understand the method.

This tutorial will show you how to cross-stitch a line, which will start the project. This method will keep the back of your work tidy!

All you need to do this is embroidery floss, Aida cloth, an embroidery needle, and an embroidery hoop to begin to create a beautiful cross stitch masterpiece!

Watch our video to learn more about cross-stitching a line, or continue reading this post, which includes a written tutorial and photos.

WHAT YOU NEED to cross stitch

• Embroidery floss (Purchase at Michaels, DMC)
• Aida cloth (Michaels, DMC)
• Embroidery needle (Michaels, DMC)
• Embroidery hoop (Michaels, DMC)

INSTRUCTIONS for making a row of cross stitches

STEP 1: Secure the Aida cloth in the embroidery hoop

In order to keep the fabric taut and prevent any distortions due to stitching, the fabric needs to be in an embroidery hoop. Make sure the stitching area is in the middle of the embroidery hoop.

Step 2: Make the first half stitch

Right-handed stitchers will usually stitch from left to right, and left-handed crafters will most often stitch from right to left.

This tutorial will show how to stitch a row of cross stitch for right-handed cross stitching.

Begin by bringing the threaded needle from the back of the fabric through a hole to the front of the project where you want to begin. Do not pull the embroidery floss all of the way through to the front. Leave about an inch or two of floss at the back.

Now, insert the needle into the front of the Aida cloth one hole over and one hole up from where the needle came up through the fabric to make a slanted half cross stitch. Be sure to hold onto the tail at the back of the fabric so it doesn't slip through.

STEP 3: SECURE THE FLOSS tail

If an even number of floss strands is used, the loop method can secure the floss at the back. For this method, when threading the needle, fold the floss in half so the ends meet and thread both ends through the eye of your needle.  The other end will form a loop.

After making the first slanted stitch, turn the hoop so the back faces up. There should be a loop of thread on the back of the fabric. Pass the needle and floss through the loop of floss and pull gently to tighten.The floss is now secure and should lie flat against the back of the fabric.

If you have an uneven number of strands of embroidery floss, you will cover the tail with your stitches to secure it.

Step 4: Continue making the first half of the stitches along the row

The next stitch is going to be made next to the previous stitch. Bring the needle to the front in the hole directly under the last hole the needle went down in.

Pull the floss gently to the top, then push the needle back down in the hole next to the top of the first stitch. The stitches should be on an angle.

Now come up from the back directly under the stitch that was just made.Next, go down towards the back of the fabric in the hole that is one over and one up. This should be right next to the top of the previous stitch.

Keep repeating the stitching along the row to make a series of half-cross stitches until you reach the desired length or until there is a color change.

The stitching on the back should be vertical stitches.

Step 5: Cross the stitches

Now, work your way back across the row in the opposite direction. This will finish creating the Xs. The needle should be in the back.

Push the needle up from the back to the front of the project by placing it in the hole directly below the hole in which the needle just went down.

Pull gently the floss all the way to the top. Take the needle and floss to the back by going down in the hole at the top of the stitching directly to the left in the top row of stitching. This will be a diagonal stitch and should form an X.

Continue making the cross stitches until the end of the row.

Step 6: Make a second row of stitches

If you want to continue and make a second row, count down two holes from the final stitch and bring the needle and floss to the front.

Like before, go down towards the back of the fabric by counting one hole to the right and one hole up. The stitches should look like the first row of stitches before the crosses were made.

When making a cross-stitch project, all the stitches should be formed the same way, with every stitch starting in the same direction.

Make the crosses in the second row just like in the first row.

Two rows of cross stitching have been completed.

You are well on your way to making a complete cross-stitch project! 

When you are ready to end your floss, check out our tutorial to keep the back of your work neat.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make a row of cross stitches. It's so fun and simple! I hope you give it a try.

More cross stitch resources

• Cross Stitch Basics
• Cross Stitch Patterns and Projects
• Cross Stitch Alphabet Patterns and Text Generators
• Free Christmas Cross Stitch Projects and Patterns
• Easter and Spring Cross Stitch Patterns and Projects