Once you’ve gathered your materials and prepped your fabric, you are ready to start cross stitching.

The first thing you will need to know is how to read a pattern. It’s a bit like reading a map in that you have symbols for each thread located in a legend, usually on the page following your pattern but maybe on the same page if a pattern is small. Each square represents a stitch, which is made up of two parts and framed by four holes in the fabric. The first part will go diagonally in one direction (I like bottom left to top right for the first half), and then be covered in a second diagonal line the opposite direction (top left to bottom right, in this case). It doesn’t really matter which direction you do first, but be consistent. Once you make your first stitch, because sure to do the same part first each time for a uniform look to your stitches.

Begin by looking at the pattern and finding the center. This is often marked by red lines, thicker lines, or triangles pointing to lines from the top and left sides of the page. Find the symbol closest to the center and match it with the thread color on your legend. The legend should also tell you how many strands of thread to use.

If you are using an even number of strands, using the loop start method can help you save thread and keep the back of your piece neat. To do the loop start method, cut a length of thread double the length you wish to use. Most often it is recommended that beginners use 18 inch one threads, so in this case you would cut one 36 inches long. It’s not necessary to be precise, though. I usually measure by holding the end of the thread in one hand and pulling until the bobbin or skein of thread I’m pulling from is at my opposite shoulder.

Take half as many strands apart from the thread as your pattern calls for and fold it in half. Thread the unfolded end through the eye of your needle and count from the center marking of your fabric to the bottom left (if you are left handed) or top right (if you are right handed) corner of your first stitch. Going from the back of the fabric, pull the needle and thread through the fabric, leaving the loop created by folding it in half on the back side. Put your needle through the opposite hole to make the first half of your stitch (top right if you are left handed or bottom left if you are right handed) and then put the needle through the loop of thread. Pull tight, but not too tight, to create a bit of a knot. Then you will finish the stitch by going the opposite direction, top left to bottom right or bottom right to top left, and continue making stitches in this manner until you either run out of enough thread to make the stitches comfortably or you make all the stitches in the color and are ready to change colors.

To finish off a thread, simply finish a stitch and flip your work over when the needle is on the back side. On the rear of the work, there will be straight lines. Run your needle under a few of these (around 5-7, but no need to be precise, just enough to catch half an inch or so of thread) and pull the thread through. Snip the thread close to the work, and you are ready to move on to the next color (or more of the same in the case of running out).

Here’s a great video example of the loop start method:

This video covers a few different ways to start your stitching, including the loop method:

And this video shows how to end your thread:

There are a few things you might need or want to do to your cross stitch fabric before you begin working. If you are using a Q-snap frame or embroidery hoop, the first thing to do is stretch your fabric to keep it taught.

To do this, take your fabric and find the center. You want to try as best you can to center it in your hoop or frame. Take apart the inner and outer parts of your hoop by loosening the screw on the outer piece and separating the inner part from it, or remove the fabric holding clamps from the edges of your Q-snap. Center the fabric on top of the inner hoop or the frame, and press the outer hoop down on top or fold the edges of the fabric over the frame and secure with the clamps, sandwiching the fabric between the pieces. With a hoop, tighten the screw and pull the fabric out slightly at the edges to make sure it is tight enough.

This video uses embroidery fabric, but it works the same for cross stitch fabric:

And here’s a good demonstration for using the Q-snap:

If you are making a relatively simple piece, this may be all you need to do before you stretch it and get started. If you are making a more complicated piece, particularly one with many colors or an intricate pattern, you may wish to mark a grid on your fabric.

There are a few different ways to mark a grid. You can either use a water or heat erasable pen, or thread. I prefer using the pen method, just because you do not have to worry about stitching over the lines properly, but the methods are essentially the same.

Start by marking your center with a + shape, making sure to mark on the holes and not the squares if you are using pens. From that center hole, count out and mark in each direction 10 holes, using the center as hole zero. Continue on these center lines until your grid is as wide and long as you need it to be for your pattern. Once you have a marking every 10 stitches in line from the center both vertically and horizontally, follow those markings to make straight center lines each direction.

From there, make a straight line at each marking to create a full grid, including marking your outlines. You can mark the number of stitches on the edge of each line to help you keep track when working your pattern.

For a good visual tutorial, watch this video which takes you through the whole process on a 40 x 40 grid both ways:

Once you’ve finished these steps, you’re ready to start stitching your pattern!