In this post, I’m going to share 15 cross stitch hints and tips for beginners.
Although the basics of cross stitch are pretty easy to get the hang of, these hints and tips should help make it even easier (yes, it’s possible) and give your finished work a more professional look.
15 cross stitch hints and tips
1. Snipping Your Thread
If you have one of my kits your thread will already be pre-cut for you, but if you have a full skein of floss then the usual length of thread used is measuring from the tips of your finger to your elbow.
You can also snip all the loops at the bottom of your skein, which should leave you with 24 equal strands of thread. You can pop over to this video to watch how it is done.
Some people do find the strands too small using this method, but I personally always cut my thread this way now. And especially if you are a beginner to cross stitch, this length will be better for you as the shorter your thread the less it tangles.
2. Don’t pull your needle tight
When you are making your cross stitches or back stitches, don’t pull your needle too tight when coming back down. This can make your stitches look flat and ruin the aida underneath.
3. Cut your thread as you go
Snip the loose thread at the back as you go to stop them getting caught in your new stitches and have a little pot handy to put them in.
If you save them all there are some pretty cool things you can make with them on Pinterest such as a phone case and little decorative cards.
Or you can put them in an old glass jar for a decorative paperweight like I have done!
4. Use thread conditioner on light effects thread
If you are using light effects thread (the metallic one) you will need to stitch a little more slowly and carefully as it tangles quite easily. Thread your needle as far to the end as you can, and then you can move your needle down and snip the end off if it does start to tangle.
For my kits, I also soak the thread in thread conditioner which makes it a little easier to work with, but if you have bought your own I recommend buying conditioner too (like this Milward beeswax that I stock).
You can read more about stitching with light effects thread here; I love it so much that I felt it needed a whole blog post dedicated to it.
5. Stitch in natural light
Try and stitch your design in natural light if you can. This makes it much easier to see your stitches and puts less strain on your eyes. Or if (like me) you like cosy, late-night stitching, sit next to a lamp or try popping a reading light on your hoop.
6. Remove your hoop
Take the aida out of the hoop when you are not using/stitching on it to reduce the creases from the hoop.
7. Putting your felt on
When you are ready to stitch the felt on the back, put the side with the pencil marks on against your hoop to hide them. I have a video and post about how to back your hoop with felt.
8. Ironing your finished piece
If you are going to iron your finished piece, put a towel on your ironing board and put your aida right side down so you are ironing the back. This will stop your stitches going flat. Or try and iron around your stitches if you can.
9. Use a needle minder
If you are prone to losing your needle, why not get a needle minder? We sell a lovely one from Koru Clay Studio (formerly Korutumi) in the shape oh a heart. They are so handy and look pretty too!
Update: These minders are currently out of stock, but you can get these cute Little Llama needle minders, which are a minder and cross stitch pattern in one!
10. Use a bag for your supplies
Most kits will come in a plastic bag or cardboard box (I use the latter) but if you would like something a little colourful and reusable, these drawstring bags are the perfect solution. You can even stitch on them and personalise them (which I have a tutorial for)!
11. Wash your hands
Wash your hands before stitching. This is a pretty simple tip but could save you needing to wash your finished piece (unless, like me, you have kids who like to draw on your aida).
12. Untwist your needle
Your needle will probably twist as you are stitching. Just drop it every now and then between your stitches to untwist it.
Sometimes a knot may form as you are stitching too. To undo it, thread your needle back through it and it should pull out.
13. Plan before your start
Plan your pattern before you start stitching and make sure you have all the materials you need. There is nothing more annoying than running out of thread halfway through your design.
If you sign up to my newsletter, you can download some pattern planning printables to make it easier for you.
14. Stitch contrasting colours on high counts
Stitch contrasting colours of aida and thread on 16 count or higher aida.
For example, I had a Halloween kit that was black aida and glow in the dark thread, which was basically white. When I stitched this hoop, I used 14 count aida and you could see lots of the black aida through the white stitches. If stitched on a higher count aida (16 count is fine) it eliminates this problem. This is because the stitches are more compact and closer together on higher counts, so less aida shows through.
15. Making your pattern smaller/bigger
If you want your design smaller or bigger, stitch it on higher or lower count aida. For example, if your pattern calls for 14 count aida and it is too big for the frame you want to use, then stitching it on 16 or 18 count aida may make it small enough.
And don’t forget the biggest tip of all…
Put your feet up, relax and enjoy your cross stitch journey.
Come and join my Facebook group, Hannah’s Hand Makers for more hints and tips! You can ask me any questions you might have and chat with like-minded cross stitchers.
I hope these tips help you with your cross stitch journey. I would love to hear from you if you have any others to add – just pop a comment below!
And if you’re ready to dive in and use your new cross stitch tips don’t leave empty-handed! Grab your free fun and colourful cross stitch patterns for beginners here.
Extra Resources
- A Full How To Cross Stitch Guide For Beginners
- The Top 6 Things Needed For Cross Stitch
- The Best Brands For Cross Stitch
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Hello. It was useful and good. thank you
This is useful, yet may I suggest rather than using smaller count fabric if showing through stitch,is to use 3 strands instead of two. Works for me.
Great tips–thank you!!
Thanks for the great tips!
I like what you said about planning the stitch pattern before doing anything. My granny needs more things to do during the quarantine. I’ll have to consider getting her some stitching material to make me some new shirts.
I liked what you said about how a lamp or natural light can put less strain on the eyes while stitching and can make them easier to see. My cousin has been thinking about trying to stitch so that he can have something to do while he is stuck at home and doesn’t go to school. Getting some really nice supplies from a professional so that he can get started could be really useful and allow him to have fun could be really useful.
Thank you for your comment! I hope your cousin will enjoy sticthing.
My niece is a very crafty and creative little girl and has been talking to her mom about starting cross-stitching as a new hobby since the pandemic is keeping her inside for most of the day. Thanks for explaining that you can avoid getting new stitches caught in the old ones by cutting away loose thread as you go. Maybe I’ll look into getting her some cross stitch kits for Christmas so she can start on this new hobby and also share your tips with her to help her complete the work better.
You’re welcome. Hope your niece loves learning cross stitch! I loved learning it as a child. 🙂
Hi, I recommend an Ott Light. It’s great for stitching, paper quilling, anything that needs accuracy for lines and colors. Also, I suggest using thread conditioner for ever type of thread and floss. Not just metallic. It decreases drag, static, knots and hand stress. My favorite is Thread Magic. Been using it for over 20 years.
Thanks so much for your comment and the tips, Paris!