Vous voulez en savoir plus sur Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: What's the Difference? ?

When I first started stitching, I grabbed a wooden hoop, some white fabric, and a handful of pastel threads—much like the scene in my hero image where a hoop displays a whimsical pattern of two girls under the word "CROSS" in pink capitals. I was surrounded by spools of pink, yellow, blue, green, and orange, gold-handled scissors, and a needle. But I didn't know if I was doing cross stitch or embroidery. Honestly, I wasted weeks confused. So let me clear it up for you.

Materials and Tools

Here's what you need to start either craft. I've tested these personally.

  • Fabric: For cross stitch, use Aida cloth 14-count (2.5 squares per cm) [1]. For embroidery, use cotton or linen, like Robert Kaufman Essex linen [2].
  • Needles: Cross stitch: tapestry needle size 24 or 26 (blunt tip) [1]. Embroidery: sharp embroidery needle size 7 or 9 [2].
  • Thread: DMC Six-Strand Floss. For cross stitch, separate 2 strands. For embroidery, use 1-3 strands depending on effect [1].
  • Hoop: Wooden or plastic, 15 cm (6 inches) or 20 cm (8 inches). I use a 20 cm hoop for most projects [3].
  • Scissors: Gold-handled embroidery scissors, like the ones in my image. Any small sharp pair works [3].
  • Pattern: Cross stitch uses a grid chart; embroidery uses a line drawing or transfer [2].
  • Cost: A starter kit with 20 DMC colors costs about €25-€35 [1].

Step 1: Understand the Core Difference

Cross stitch is a type of embroidery. All cross stitch is embroidery, but not all embroidery is cross stitch. Cross stitch uses only X-shaped stitches on a grid. Embroidery uses many stitches: backstitch, satin stitch, French knots, chain stitch, and more. In my image, the word "CROSS" is cross stitch (X's), while the girls' dresses use satin and backstitch—that's embroidery. The key is the grid. Cross stitch follows a chart with symbols; each symbol equals one X. Embroidery follows lines and curves. I learned this after accidentally trying to cross stitch a curved flower—it looked like a lopsided star. Trust me, pick one style per project at first.

Pro tip: If you want precise, pixel-like images (like the girls' faces), go cross stitch. For flowing, painterly effects, go embroidery.

Step 2: Set Up Your Fabric and Hoop

For cross stitch, cut Aida 14-count to 30 cm x 30 cm for a 15 cm hoop. Leave 7.5 cm border on all sides [3]. Fold fabric in quarters to find center. Place in hoop, tighten screw until fabric is drum-tight. You should hear a slight tap when you flick it. For embroidery, use cotton fabric. Trace your design with a water-soluble pen or iron-on transfer. I use a 20 cm hoop for most designs. Center the motif. Pull fabric taut but not warped. My mistake: I once stretched Aida so tight it tore at the screw. Now I check tension every 10 minutes. Honestly, a good hoop makes all the difference.

Pro tip: For embroidery on thin cotton, use two layers of fabric or a stabilizer to prevent holes [2].

Step 3: Master the Stitches

Cross stitch: Bring needle up at bottom-left of a square, go down at top-right. Then up at bottom-right, down at top-left. That's one X. Work a row of half stitches (////) then return (\) for speed [1]. Each X should be about 2 mm on 14-count Aida. Embroidery: Backstitch for outlines—up at A, down at B (2 mm ahead), up at C (2 mm behind B). Satin stitch for filling—straight stitches side by side, like the pink letters in my image. French knot: wrap thread twice around needle, insert next to exit point. I spent 3 hours learning French knots; now I use them for flower centers. Start with cross stitch if you're new—it's more forgiving.

Pro tip: Keep thread length to 45 cm max to avoid tangles [3].

Step 4: Follow a Pattern vs Freehand

Cross stitch patterns are grids. Each square = one X. DMC color numbers are listed, like 321 (red), 704 (green), 726 (yellow) [1]. You count squares. No drawing skills needed. Embroidery patterns are line drawings. You choose stitch direction and coverage. I once freehanded a floral wreath—it took 12 hours and looked messy. Now I use transfer pens. For cross stitch, I use Pattern Keeper app to track stitches. For embroidery, I sketch with a water-soluble marker. The image shows both: the word "CROSS" is charted, the girls are freehand-ish. If you hate counting, go embroidery. If you love order, go cross stitch.

Pro tip: Photocopy your pattern and use a highlighter to mark completed stitches [3].

Step 5: Finish and Display

Cross stitch: When done, wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Roll in towel, then iron face down on a fluffy towel. Frame or stretch in hoop. Embroidery: Same washing, but iron face up on a towel to avoid flattening stitches. For the hoop in my image, I glued a felt circle to the back to hide raw edges. That took 10 minutes. I've framed pieces in 15 cm x 15 cm frames from IKEA for €5. Or leave in hoop—rustic and cute. My first cross stitch was a tiny heart; I still have it in a 10 cm hoop. It's wonky but I love it.

Pro tip: Never wring your work. Let it air dry flat [2].

Which One Is Right for You?

Ask yourself: Do I want to follow a map or paint with thread? Cross stitch is meditative, repetitive, and perfect for pixel art. Embroidery is expressive, varied, and better for curves and textures. I do both—cross stitch when I'm stressed, embroidery when I'm inspired. You can even combine them, like in my image where cross stitch letters sit above embroidered figures. Start with a small kit. DMC sells beginner cross stitch kits for €15 [1]. For embroidery, try a €20 kit from Rico [2]. You'll know within an hour which feels right. Want to try it yourself? Grab a hoop, some DMC 310 (black) and 666 (red), and stitch a simple heart. You'll be hooked.

What's your first project going to be? Tell me in the comments—I read every one.

Sources

💡 Try it yourself: Download our free Free Cross Stitch Pattern: Butterfly pattern and practice this technique.

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Claire Moreau — Fondatrice de Flossize

Passionnée de point de croix depuis 8 ans, Claire transforme vos photos en grilles personnalisées. Elle partage ici ses conseils et astuces pour vous aider à créer des motifs uniques.

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