How to cross stitch step-by-step?

Thirty-plus years ago, my best friend taught me to cross stitch. She told me to choose a pattern and one that I liked. I picked out a Paula Vaughan which was far too hard for a beginner but she didn't tell me that part. It was more important to stitch what I liked! She taught a few basics and at a time when there were not alot of helpful videos either. With that first pattern, I was hooked and this video is a great way for you to begin in case you do not have a stitching friend by your side.

1. Prepare Your Fabric: Find the center of your fabric by folding it in half both ways, and mark it lightly with a water-soluble pen or a small stitch.

2. Thread Your Needle: Cut a piece of thread about 18 inches long. Separate it into individual strands—most cross stitch patterns use 2 or 3 strands at a time.

3. Start Stitching: Begin in the center of your pattern and fabric. Pull the needle through the back of the fabric to the front, leaving a small tail at the back.

4. Make Your Stitches: Follow these steps for each cross stitch:

   • Bring your needle up at the bottom-left corner of the square.

   • Pull it down through the top-right corner to make a diagonal stitch.

   • Bring it up through the bottom-right corner.

   • Pull it down through the top-left corner to complete the “X”.

5. Continue Stitching: Work your way along each row, stitching all the way across in one direction, and then back in the opposite direction to complete the crosses.

6. Secure Your Thread: When you need to change colors or you’ve finished a section, secure the thread by running your needle under a few stitches on the back side.

7. Finishing Up: Once your pattern is complete, secure all loose threads and trim any excess.

8. Final Touches: Rinse your project with cold water to remove any markings and gently pat it dry. You can iron it on the back side with a towel over it to keep it flat.