Cross stitch guides

Short answers to what people ask before and during their first chart.

• How to read a cross stitch pattern

  How to read a counted cross stitch chart: what the squares, symbols and grid lines mean, where to start, and how to keep your place across pages.

• 14, 16 or 18 count aida: which to use

  What aida count means, how it changes the finished size of a cross stitch pattern, how many strands to use on 14, 16 and 18 count, and which suits a beginner.

• How to cross stitch on black aida

  Tips for stitching on black or dark aida: lighting, seeing the holes, needles and floss, plus counted cross stitch patterns designed for black fabric.

• How much embroidery floss do I need?

  How to work out how many skeins of DMC floss a cross stitch pattern needs, how far one skein goes, and why our floss key counts skeins for you.

• How to frame or finish a cross stitch

  How to finish a cross stitch in its hoop or mount it in a picture frame: pressing, trimming, backing and lacing, without glue or glass.