How to get started in embroidery thanks to cross stitch?

The easiest way to start embroidering is by learning the cross stitch technique . Also called “counted point”, it is, as its name suggests, a point that is formed by small successive crosses. Therefore, the end result will be made up of a multitude of crosses.

Do you want to learn from home? Discover our online sewing course .

Cross stitch is a type of needlework, but it is also one of the many stitches used in embroidery. Although this stitch is often associated with beginners, some people are passionate about this technique and continue to create embroidered patterns using only cross stitch.

To use this cross stitch, you should know that there are two techniques:

• The traditional technique.
• The Danish technique.

The first technique, the traditional technique, consists of making small crosses, one after another . This technique is also used for isolated points.

Looking for sewing classes ?

For its part, the second technique (the Danish technique) is much more common. This Danish technique consists of drawing a complete line of diagonals with the embroidery thread and then once the line is finished, you will have to go back to the other side to make the second diagonal of each cross. On a round trip, you will have made a full line of crossings. This technique is advantageous because it allows you to go faster. It is mainly used when there are many lines of the same color.

The cross stitch can be done on various fabrics. If you are just starting out, you will surely opt for Aida fabric , as it offers a regular grid-canvas with small holes for regular stitches. This fabric is easier to start with than linen fabric. In fact, what happens with linen is that the thread moves easily, which complicates the task.

If you want to embroider your clothes, there is a special fabric to achieve a perfect cross stitch: Panama fabric .

Finally, if you need extra help, you can make a grid , printed or not, to track the number of stitches that you will have to do to achieve the shape you want. These grids are sold with embroidery kits or cross stitch kits, or even in haberdashery stores. You will also find patterns on the internet.

Once you have mastered embroidery, what you have to do is learn new stitches!