Beginner cross stitch felt super relaxing at first—just those neat little Xs marching across the fabric. But the moment I tried those fancier patterns?
Oof, the outlining part threw me off big time. 😩
Like, where do I even start? What color? What stitch? Total chaos!
But hey, after a few facepalm moments and trial runs, I finally cracked the code! 😎 Wanna know how to outline a cross stitch without losing your mind?
Here’s the secret:
Use a backstitch with one strand of thread to trace around the stitched areas and bring out those juicy little details.
That’s the short. But don’t worry, I’m gonna walk you through the full process next. Let’s go outline the cross stitch pieces. And understand both stitches in detail, like cross stitch vs punch needle.
Main facts:
- Outlining cross stitch means creating a broader cross stitch pattern.
- The outline makes the pattern more eye-catching.
- I use backstitch to outline cross stitch.
- You can also use running, whip, and chain stitches to outline cross stitches.
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean To Outline Cross Stitch?
Outlining a cross-stitch means adding a thin line around the pattern. It is usually done with a backstitch around certain parts of your design to define shapes.
Why do you need to do it? Well,
You need to do an outline to add the final sketch lines to a drawing. You already have the color filled in, but this step sharpens everything and brings your design to life! Those little lines make a huge difference. They bring out the pattern so well.
How To Outline Cross Stitch?
To do outline cross stitch you need to follow 5 steps.
- Pick The Right Thread
- Cut The Thread & Thread The Needle
- Start With A Knot (Or Not)
- Start Doing Backstitching
- Secure The Thread
Pick the Right Thread
Alright, before I even touch my needle, I look at my wedding pattern to see which thread color is recommended for outlining. Most of the time, it’s black or a darker shade of the main color.
But if I do my own thing or the pattern doesn’t say, I just choose something that will stand out against my stitches—nothing too matchy.
Pro tip: Outlines are all about contrast. You want them to define the design, not blend in like the diagonal cross stitch parking method!
Cut The Thread & Thread The Needle
To outline cross-stitch, I usually start with 2 strands of cross-stitch thread and cut about 60 cm (that’s about 24 inches). Then, I fold it in half, so I end up with a 30 cm (12 inch) working length.
It’s just the right amount—not too long to tangle, not too short to run out quickly. But hey, you can totally adjust it based on what you’re comfy with or how big your project is
Then, I thread it through the sharp needle. If the thread keeps slipping out.
I leave a longer tail and sometimes even lick the floss tip (don’t judge 😅) to get it through the eye.
Start with a Knot (or Not)
Depending on the project, I either:
- Tie a tiny knot and pull it through from the back to secure it, or
- Wear it under a few nearby stitches if I want the back to look neat.
If I’m outlining a section with stitches close by, I just tuck it in and start. Easy.
Start Doing Backstitch To Outline Cross Stitch
I use the backstitch for cross stitch outline technique because it’s faster. I make a stitch behind the one I just made, creating a smooth line of stitches. It’s the classic choice for a reason! Usually, I stitch over 2 to 3 squares per stitch at a time, just tracing along the outline of the design. But hey, it totally depends on how detailed the pattern is.
I do shorter stitches for tighter curves or small areas to keep the lines clean and sharp. The goal is to follow the shape smoothly. So the outline really pops and brings everything to life!
I follow the edges of my design. If it’s a flower, I trace the petals. I go around the nose, eyes, and mouth if it’s a face.
Think of it like tracing a picture—it helps everything pop and adds definition.
Without it, the design can look a little flat.
I also make sure my backstitches are even and not too long. If a curve is tight, I make smaller stitches so the outline follows the shape smoothly. Then, just mount the cross stitch in the wall.
Secure the Thread
When I’m done, I flip the fabric over and run the thread under a few finished stitches to lock it in place. There are no knots here, just a neat finish.
Then, I trim off the extra floss, give the piece a quick look, and admire the difference that outline made. This is also a great way to end cross-stitch.
How To Outline Cross Stitch Pdf
In case you forget any of the steps download this pdf. It’s better to be prepared before it’s too late.
Other Stitch That Can Be Used To Outline Cross Stitch
Oh yes while backstitch is the most popular choice for outlining. There are a few other cool stitches you can totally use to give your cross-stitch design a unique twist:
- Whip Stitch
- Stem Stitch
- Split Stitch
- Running Stitch
- Chain Stitch
Try mixing them up sometime! You’ll be surprised how much the outline style can change the whole vibe of your piece. You can use stain stitches sometimes. Or, if you are so worried about fraying edges, do cross stitch overcasting edges.
“But which one is best?”—yep, that’s one of the most common questions I get from Sewinginspo readers on social media.
So I figured, why not answer it here too? Honestly, I think it’s something even Google Reader folks are wondering.
To clarify things, I even made a little graph to break it down.
And guess what?
All the stitches work great in their own way. But if you ask me which one I reach for the most—it’s definitely the backstitch. Why? It’s simple, quick, and does the job without the headache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other stitches besides backstitch?
Totally! If you’re feeling creative, you can try stem stitch, split stitch, whip stitch, or even chain stitch.
How many strands of thread should I use for outlining?
I usually use one or two strands, depending on how bold I want the outline to be.
Should I outline as I go or after I finish the main stitching?
It’s usually better to outline after you’ve finished all the main stitching—so you don’t accidentally pull or distort the lines.
What color thread should I use to outline?
Black is classic, but you can also use a darker shade of the color you’re outlining for a softer effect.
Now It’s Your Turn
So yes, that’s how to outline cross stitch.
I like to use backstitch for outline but that doesn’t mean you have to too.
You can use a whip, running, or steam stitch whatever.
If you do use some other stitch, then feel free to share with us.
How it went.
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