What is Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is a form of embroidery in which people count the threads that they use an x stitch to complete across a piece of cloth.  Usually aida cloth is used which is a special light white thin piece of cloth.

In order to complete a cross stitch the sewer counts the threads of the aida cloth from each direction of the perimeter in order to make sure that once completed a design or pattern is completed across the cloth.  In order for a cross stitch to turn out correctly the sewer needs to make sure that each x-stitch appears the same and is the same size.

Due to the precision of cross stitching sometimes the art is also referred to as a counted cross stitch, but the term can also be used to distinguish an exact and demanding pattern from a looser cross stitch design.

Beginners often learn to cross stitch by using a piece of fabric that has the pattern painted over it with colour indicators to help guide the stitcher.  The task then is to replicate the pattern on the cloth and to sew over the painted areas until a design is formed with the thread that closely resembles the painted pattern.

Cross stitch is one of the first types of embroidery to be practiced and can be found throughout the world today.  In particular cross stitch originated from the countries of Asia and Europe.

Central and Eastern Europe cross stitch patterns from folk art is easily recognized by geometric or floral patterns that use red and black cotton floss to form designs.

When cross stitch first emerged into society it was common to see the stitching on doilies, dishcloths, and household lines.  For the most part usually the borders of these items would be cross stitched.

Today Europeans still use cross stitch on these items but it is increasingly common to cross stitch a pattern that is then used as a wall decoration.  Sometimes these works are referred to as a cross stitch sampler.

Cross stitchers today most frequently use cotton floss for embroidering but silk, pearl cotton, and Rayon are also used by some people as well.  Other specialty threads are often used on occasion for accents and extra embellishments in a piece as well.

Cross stitch is also sometimes used in needlepoint or in combination with other stitches such as a backstitch and quarter stitches.