What is cross stitch?

What is cross stitch? Learn what counted cross stitch is, how it differs from embroidery, and how to make your own patterns from photos.

Cross stitch is a form of counted-thread embroidery where you sew small X-shaped stitches on a grid of fabric to build up a picture, one square at a time. Because you follow a chart and count squares, it's one of the most beginner-friendly needle crafts.

How it differs from embroidery General embroidery uses many free-form stitches; cross stitch uses mostly one repeated X stitch worked on even-weave fabric like Aida. That grid structure is what makes it so approachable — there's no freehand drawing, just counting.

Getting started All you need is Aida fabric, DMC floss, a blunt tapestry needle, a hoop and a chart. You can make your own chart from any photo with our [free pattern maker](/free-cross-stitch-pattern-maker).

Ready to learn the stitches? Read our beginner's guide.