Getting Started With Cross Stitch

Learn the Basic Stitches Used in Cross Stitch Embroidery

A cross stitch is an x-shaped embroidery stitch from which the name of Cross Stitch Embroidery is derived.

See Also -
Stitch Your First Cross Stitch
Stitch a Row of Cross Stitch
Suggested Practice Pattern - Acorns Away Cross Stitch Pattern

The cross stitch is made up of two half stitches. Half stitches are also stitched individually in some Cross Stitch projects, used at times to create a sense of depth in a Cross Stitch pattern.

See Also -
Stitch a Row of Half Stitch
Compare Tent Stitch and Half Stitch
Suggested Practice Pattern - Bunnies Squared Pattern (Replace some or all of the cross stitch with half stitch.)

The quarter stitch resembles a half stitch, but it is stitched into the center of an Aida fabric square. Quarter stitches are used to create petite cross stitch.

See Also -
Find the Center of an Aida Square
All-Purpose Magnifier
Suggested Practice Pattern - Happy Halloween Saying

The three-quarter stitch is composed of a half stitch and a quarter stitch. Three-quarter stitches are used to create more detail in Cross Stitch designs.

See Also -
Three-Quarter Stitch Tutorial
Suggested Practice Pattern -Three Pumpkins and a Squash

Back Stitch is used to make lines around cross stitch and to stitch letters and wording. Some designs that are composed entirely of back stitch. Black work embroidery uses variations of the back stitch to create intricate designs, typically using black or a single color.

See Also -
Six Back Stitch Lessons
Running Stitch
Suggested Practice Patterns -Simple Back Stitch Patterns