15 Top Tips for Cross Stitch Beginners

Yes, 15 tips is a lot, but these are all things that will make your cross stitching easier, neater and hopefully more fun! And I definitely wish I'd known some of these earlier on my cross stitch journey!
If you are a beginner to cross stitch then I hope this will be super helpful...but even seasoned stitchers may well learn something!

00:00 Start
01:25 Tip #1 - no rules!
02:06 Tip #2 - good light
03:11 Tip #3 - top arms go the same way
04:09 Tip #4 - count and mark off
06:53 Tip #5 - keep it clean
07:42 Tip #6 - wash and press your finished pieces
08:40 Tip #7 - learn the loop method
09:03 Tip #8 - get organised
10:26 Tip #9 - buy good quality supplies
11:15 Tip #10 - start with the right supplies
13:20 Tip #11 - read all the instructions first
13:41 Tip #12 - untwist your thread
14:03 Tip #13 - start from the middle
14:56 Tip #14 - safe needle parking
16:12 Tip #15 - stitch what you love
17:45 Bonus tip - learn the lingo

**CROSS STITCH PATTERN USED IN VIDEO**

Floral Birdhouse Wreath:

**LINKS MENTIONED IN VIDEO**

How to track cross stitch progress by marking off your pattern:

How to do a loop start for cross stitch:

Why are some DMC embroidery thread skeins a different colour?

How to choose the right size needle for cross stitch:

How to untwist your embroidery thread:

PDF Cross stitch project planner and stitching tracker:

PDF Cross Stitch Terms and Acronyms:

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MUSIC
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Music: Tech Evolution [Full version] by MusicLFiles

[norwatijaapar]

Thank you for the tips. I'm a crocheter first before cross stitch and recently fell in love back with the latter. I love your videos. Thank you again.

[LawsOfKnitting]

Great video. Thanks so much. I put my crossstitch down for many years and have recently picked it up again. I started watching your video for just a simple refresher, but I learned a lot. WOW, the loop method! Love it! I am in my 60’s and learned to cross-stitch in my teens and am just now hearing about that gem! 💎 Thanks again.

[AngelaThyssen]

Enjoying your tips since I am new so still battling to work small stitches. Thank you

[itsryleeduhh]

Hoping to see the video on washing and ironing soon! This is something I really wanna learn more about!

[kathyshahin]

I've recently got back into cross stitching again and love the reminder tios as well as ones I never knew! Love your videos! Working my way through all of them❤

[ceritat]

Thank you, wonderful tips! I am just starting out in cross stitch but I have been needlepointing for a long time. Thank you for pointing out there are no right or wrong ways to make an X but consistency. I don't needlepoint in the "traditional manner", so I don't expect I will cross stitch in any particular way, I'll just follow the Danish method. I am starting with a fairly simple full coverage pattern as I felt this would be good for me and make it feel more like needlepoint in a way, I do counted needlepoint mostly so the counting is not a issue. In my practice pieces the biggest issue I have had is finding the darn holes in the fabric, gosh, it's not easy, I find half the time is spent finding the holes in 14ct Aida, this is not a problem in needlepoint. I am a two handed stitcher and I use frames and a floor stand for my needlepoint, and I will be doing the same for my cross stitch. The fabric I am using for my first project is Fiddlers cloth in 16 ct because the strange thing is the holes appear to be larger, for some odd reason. Here goes! Thank you again.

[charnaymosley]

I'm used to crocheting and a couple of other fiber arts, and while they're similar in some aspects, this is a whole new hobby for me. Thank you for taking the time to share some tips that seem very helpful.

[marionanthony]

Thanks Kat. Another informative floss tube.I knew most of your tips. But they all helped.And having your suggestion helped confirm that I am heading along the correct track.

[LeticiaCuenca]

So glad I found your channel! ☺️Thank you for the tips, loved them and I’ll be watching your other videos as well. Lots to learn!

[catsarethebestpeople]

So, where are these naughty cross-stitch patterns you speak of...?! 🤔🤣 I must be shopping in the wrong place - I only seem to stitch cats and birds!
Great video 👍

[lisawhittaker]

Started my crossstitch journey on 40ct linen, never stitched on Aida. If you don't know the you're no supposed to then you don't have the mental barrier to stop success.

[mariannatrapani]

Thank you. I enjoyed your instructions. But I guess I’m a cheater in cross stitching. I use printed patterns. Thank you

[Dulcisamara]

I knew all of them already, but I will send it to my friend‘s daughter who’s just starting out :).
I have another question: it seems like you have custom inserts for your shelf (Kallax?). Can you tell where you got them, please?