When you’re a cross stitch beginner, you’re introduced to a lot of new vocabulary and it can be tricky to understand certain keywords used when stitching. On the other hand, if you’re a regular stitcher, it can also be easy to forget.
That’s when this cross-stitch glossary will come in handy. Whether you’re a newbie who’s only just picked up a needle to a long-time stitcher ready to embark on your latest project, this glossary will help you when you’re in need.
Get used to the lingo and learn what other stitchers are saying with this extensive A-Z list of common cross-stitching terms to help you differentiate techniques, styles and also some fun acronyms that you can use with your stitching friends!
Also, check out some great small cross-stitch patterns below to try out your newfound stitching knowledge.
Your complete cross stitch glossary
- Aida – the most popular fabric to use for cross stitch. Threads are woven evenly to form squares and the most popular counts are 14 and 16
- Aida band – a narrow strip of aida, available in varying widths, and finished with a decorative edge
- Aperture – a hole through which a design is seen in cards and frames
- Backstitch – used to add detail and definition. See how to stitch it in our guide on
- Beading needle – a longer, finer needle than a tapestry needle, used for adding seed beads to a design
- Blending – (also called Tweeding) using two or more colours of thread (usually one strand of each) in the same needle at the same time to blend the colours together when stitching
- Chart – (also called a pattern) the cross stitch picture to work from when stitching, denoting each stitch’s colour and position
- Confetti – term used to describe single cross stitches in different colours in a design, like thrown confetti
- Counted stitches – embroidery stitches worked on counted, or evenly woven, fabrics like aida and evenweave. Cross stitch is the most basic counted stitch
- Cross Country – a stitching technique where you work continuously across the whole or large sections of a pattern with the same colour one at a time , rather than continuously starting and stopping with each colour. This can use up more thread and mistakes can be made if you don’t count the gaps between stitches correctly.
- Danish method – a cross stitch technique whereby you make a complete row of half cross stitches, and then go back across them to make all the top arms on your return journey. This can make your stitching faster, especially for large areas of the same colour, but can be harder to unpick if you make a mistake. See the English method for an alternative.
- DMC – one of the most popular brands of thread (or floss) used for embroidery and cross stitch. DMC threads come in many colours, styles, and effects
- English method – a cross stitch method whereby you make a full cross stitch one at a time across your pattern. This makes it easier to unpick if you make a mistake, but can be more time consuming. See the Danish method for an alternative.
- Evenweave – another type of counted cross stitch fabric. When stitching on evenweave, each cross is worked over two threads of the fabric, missing out alternate holes. Common counts are 28- and 32-count. If you stitch a design on 14-count aida and 28-count evenweave, the finished pictures will be the same size
- Fabric count – the number of holes per inch (HPI) on your fabric. The higher the number, the bigger your fabric will be. the number of holes per inch. 14-count = 14 holes (or squares) in one inch of the fabric, 16-count = 16 holes (or squares) in one inch of the fabric etc.
- Fabric size – the size of fabric needed for the design, including allowance for making up or framing
- Floss – USA term for stranded cotton thread
- Fractional stitches – made from either a quarter or three-quarters of a cross stitch, these allow you to create ‘rounded’ edges
- Frog / Frogging – when you make a mistake and you remove your stitching; comes from the sound ‘ribbit’ sounding like ‘rip it’!
- French Knot – a small knot used to define small details in a pattern. Could be substituted for seed beads in some designs
- Half stitch – made up of only one half (‘arm’) of a cross stitch, it gives less dense coverage and an overall lighter effect in the design
- Hoop – a wooden or spring-mounted plastic circular frame that holds your fabric taut
- Key – (also called a legend) a list of all the threads and stitches used in a design and their respective chart symbols
- Kit – as opposed to a pattern-only design, a kit comes with everything you need to stitch including fabric, threads and often a needle. You can also kit up your own designs before you start stitching, to ensure you have all the threads required before you start.
- Linen – a type of cross stitch fabric like evenweave, however it has natural irregularities in the weave threads that can vary in thickness, giving it a raw look. It can be harder to count the weave on linen fabrics, so is best suited to experienced stitchers
- Longstitch – long backstitches, crossing larger fabric distances
- Metallic threads – similar to stranded cotton thread, these have a metallic finish for shine and sparkle
- Needle minder – a small magnetic disc, or other decorative shape, you can attach to your cross stitch fabric to store your needle on between stitching sessions. It saves you piercing the needle through the fabric which could cause damage to your stitching
- Ort – means a scrap piece of something. Can also be an acronym for ‘Old Raggedy Threads’
- Parking – a cross stitch technique in which you "park" or leave a thread unworked in the hole or space where the next stitch of that colour goes. You can use multiple needles with different threads, making it easier to stitch over large areas and avoid threading your needle repeatedly
- Pattern – (also called a chart) is the most common term for the picture you use to stitch from and used alongside a key. Usually shown on a grid with coloured blocks and/or symbols to denote each stitch’s colour and position
- Railroading – a technique that ensures your stitches lie flat against the fabric by passing the needle between the strands of thread on each stitch
- Skein – a length of stranded cotton, bound together
- SAL – (also called a stitch-a-long) projects that are broken down into several parts, and the pattern for each part is released at intervals. Many stitchers can join in stitching each part simultaneously and share their progress
- Soluble canvas – temporary fabric which, like waste canvas, is used to add cross stitching to non-counted fabrics, and then dissolved away in water
- Stash – a term often given to a stitcher’s collection of cross stitch items, including patterns, kits, magazines, books and accessories
- Stitching over two – term used to describe stitching over two threads of the weave, such as on an evenweave fabric
- Stranded cotton – the thread used for counted cross stitch, divisible by 6 strands
- Tapestry needle – the type of hand sewing needle used for cross stitch. It has a blunt end and a large eye for easily threading your floss strands through
- Thread conditioner – a product for conditioning your threads prior to use. Especially recommended for metallics
- Variegated thread – specific type of stranded cotton, in which the colour changes along the length of the thread for a shaded effect
- Waste canvas – loosely woven fabric, held together with soluble glue. Used to stitch onto non-counted fabrics similar to soluble canvas, although is removed by hand by pulling the weave threads out one by one
- Whole stitches – can sometimes be referred to as ‘full stitches’ and it is the traditional X shape on one full square of your chosen fabric
- WIP (also called work-in-progress) – a common term stitchers use to denote which project they’re currently working on. Many cross stitchers like to have several projects on the go at the same time to switch between
Cross stitch patterns for you to try
Now is the time to put your new-found cross-stitch knowledge to the test, with the assistance of the glossary above.
Browse through these top-pick cross-stitch designs for you to not only apply what you know but to enjoy the process of creating some stitching!
These designs are suitable for all types of stitchers and will be sure to help sharpen your skills, learn new techniques and, most importantly, have fun!
Not only will you be able to enjoy some al fresco stitching, but you’ll also be bringing your picnics to life with Durene Jones’ vibrant placemats.
Give your pens somewhere to park by making a pencil case caravan that’ll delight a stationery aficionado!
Oh ‘gourd’ doesn’t begin to explain how cute these veggies are! Turn into a card for a green-fingered friend or send autumnal wishes to a loved one.
Turn the kettle on while you browse a selection of brew-tiful teacup designs in a variety of shapes, styles and colours.
Budding blooms, pretty petals and fragrant florals, working on a gorgeous bouquet is the best place to start if you’re new to cross stitch.
Top up your knowledge with our cross stitch glossary
Treat this cross stitch glossary as your go-to as it’ll help you whenever you’re in a pinch. We recommend bookmarking this page for extra safekeeping, and to also discover new techniques you’d like to try to stretch your stitching skills above and beyond.
Brush up on more cross stitch techniques
If you’re still unsure of where to start, then visit our guide on how to cross stitch. It details thorough tutorials, diagrams and some beginner-friendly cross stitch patterns for you to enjoy.
