Cross Stitch Glossary: Common Terms and Concepts

This glossary acts as a reference guide of definitions and brief explanations for the terms and techniques often used when learning about cross stitch. Whether you’re new to cross-stitch or looking for a refresher, this guide will help you understand the basics and beyond.

Aida Fabric
A commonly used fabric in cross-stitch with evenly spaced holes, making it easy to count stitches. It comes in various “counts” (e.g., 14-count), which refers to the number of holes per inch.

Backstitch
A stitch used to outline shapes and add detail to a cross-stitch design. It’s often used for text or to emphasize borders. The needle is inserted behind the previous stitch, creating a continuous line.

Blank Graph Paper
Printable paper with grids that replicate cross-stitch fabric. Used to design custom cross-stitch patterns before stitching them onto fabric.

Cardstock
A thicker, more durable type of paper often used as the base for greeting cards or as backing for cross-stitch pieces, especially in projects like gift tags.

Chart
A visual representation of the pattern to be stitched, typically consisting of a grid of squares with symbols indicating the color and stitch type for each section.

Color Key
A chart that indicates the color of floss to use for each section of the pattern.

Coloring Pages
Printable outlines of cross-stitch designs, used to experiment with color palettes before starting on fabric. They allow stitchers to plan colors creatively.

Count
The number of holes per inch in a fabric. Higher counts mean smaller holes for more detailed stitching. For example, 14-count fabric has 14 holes per inch, while 18-count fabric has 18 holes per inch.

Counted Cross Stitch
A type of cross stitch where the stitcher counts the stitches based on a pattern, rather than following a pre-printed image on a fabric.

Coverage
The density or fullness of the stitches within a design, and is achieved by adjusting the distance between stitches or using multiple strands of floss.

• High coverage: Stitches are close together, creating a dense and full appearance.
• Low coverage: Stitches are spaced further apart, resulting in a more open and airy look.

Cross-Stitch Pattern Tracker
A printable sheet used to track your progress on large projects. It helps document details like the pattern name, thread colors used, start and finish dates, and any project notes.

Cross-Stitch
The basic stitch used in this craft, forming an “X” on the fabric. Each X is created by bringing the needle up through the fabric, making a diagonal stitch, and then completing the cross with another diagonal stitch in the opposite direction.

Evenweave Fabric
Any type of fabric with a uniform grid of holes; the holes are measured in count.

Embroidery Floss
A type of thread made up of six individual strands that can be separated to achieve the desired thickness. Most cross-stitch projects use 2 or 3 strands.

Embroidery Hoop
A round frame used to hold fabric taut while stitching. Hoops are typically made of wood or plastic and come in various sizes.

Fabric Glue
A special adhesive for fabrics which creates a strong bond without damaging the material or leaving residue. Depending on your project, considering factors like permanence and water-based vs. solvent-based formulas.

Felt Backing
A piece of felt used to cover the back of a cross-stitch project, providing a neat finish and added durability. Felt is often used in projects like coasters, brooches, or bag charms.

Finished Project Info Sheet
A downloadable template to record project details, including pattern name, start and finish dates, materials used, and personal notes. This sheet helps stitchers keep a record of completed projects.

Floss
See Threads.

Framing
The process of placing a finished cross stitch piece in a frame for display.

French Knot
A decorative knot used in cross-stitch to add texture and detail, such as the center of a flower or small dots in a pattern. To create a French knot, the thread is wrapped around the needle before pulling it through the fabric.

Full Cross Stitch
The most common stitch, formed by crossing two diagonal stitches.

Grid
The set of squares on Aida fabric or printable graph paper, used to map out cross-stitch patterns. Each square represents one cross stitch.

Half Stitch
A stitch made by forming only one diagonal line of a typical cross stitch. Half stitches are often used to create shading or finer details in a design.

Pattern
The design or chart that guides your stitching. Patterns are made up of symbols or colors to represent different floss shades and stitches.

Project Tracker
A tool used to record your progress on a cross-stitch project. Trackers often include spaces for pattern names, dates, thread colors, and notes. These can be found as downloadable printables.

SAL (Stitch-Along)
An abbreviation for Stitch-Along, a type of online event where cross-stitchers work on the same pattern together. The pattern is often released in sections, and the group shares progress as they go.

Sampler
A small cross stitch project that often includes alphabets, numbers, and simple motifs.

Scissors
Small, sharp scissors are essential for cutting threads cleanly and accurately while stitching. Specialized embroidery scissors often have curved or pointed tips for precision.

Stamped Cross Stitch
A type of cross stitch where the image is already printed or stamped onto the fabric, making it easier for beginners.

Skein
A single, continuous length of embroidery floss, and is the standard unit of measurement for cross stitch thread; a skeins typically contain 8 yards (7.3 meters) of floss.

Stem Stitch
A series of short, straight stitches used for outlining or creating stems.

Thread Organizer
A tool used to keep embroidery floss neat and organized. It helps prevent threads from tangling and allows you to easily access the colors needed for your project.

Tapestry Needle
A blunt-tipped needle with a large eye, designed specifically for cross-stitch and other forms of embroidery. The large eye accommodates thicker floss, while the blunt tip prevents the needle from damaging the fabric. Learn how to secure thread to a needle.

Threads (Floss)
Refers to the embroidery floss used in cross-stitch. Each floss is made up of six strands that can be separated based on the desired thickness of the stitch.

WIP (Work in Progress)
An acronym used by stitchers to refer to a project they are currently working on but haven’t finished yet.

Wooden Dowel
A small wooden rod used in wall-hanging cross-stitch projects. Fabric is folded and sewn or glued over the dowel to create a sleeve, allowing the project to be hung from a ribbon or string.

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