How To Do X Stitch Sewing? Cross Stitch Hand Sewing Steps

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The other day, I fell down a rabbit hole while googling different types of stitches—don’t we all? 😅 That’s when I come across x stitch sewing… and oh my goodness, every pattern looked like a mini masterpiece! 🤩 I couldn’t stop admiring how neat and colorful those little X-shaped stitches were. I had to try it.

So, I did what any curious stitcher would do—I called up my grandma and asked, “How to do a cross stitch hand sewing?”

She chuckled and said,

how to sew cross stitch by hand

Cross Stitch Hand Sewing

To sew cross stitch by hand, use even-weave fabric, a blunt needle, and colored threads to make X-shaped stitches according to a pattern.

But the short example isn’t enough. So I try X stitch sewing for beginners.

What Is The X Stitch Called?

It gets its name from the little X-shaped stitch you make on the fabric. Each stitch is made by crossing two diagonal stitches over each other.

It’s forming that classic “X” look you see in cross-stitch designs. So when someone says “X stitch,” they’re almost always talking about cross stitch. There are many types of cross stitch as well. But the most famous one,

What Is The X Stitch Called
  1. Raised Cross  Stitch
  2. Woven Cross Stitch
  3. Cross Buttonhole
  4. Chained Cross Stitch
  5. Crossed Feather

Can I Do Cross Stitch Without A Hoop?

Yes, you can do cross stitch without a hoop! I prefer to go hoop-free, especially when working with stiffer fabrics like Aida cloth, or when the project is small and easy to manage by hand.

It’s not that hard. The key is to keep your fabric taut and wrinkle-free while you stitch. You can hold it in your hand vary easily.

Can I Do Cross Stitch Without A Hoop

And if you want to emphasise it further, use an outline method!

Use a backstitch with one strand of thread to trace around the stitched areas and bring out those juicy little details.

How To Do An X Stitch By Hand?

To do x stitch or cross stitch, follow the steps,

  1. Thread Your Needle
  2. Bring The Needle Out& in in 180 degree
  3. Insert The Needle At Point 5
  4. End Of Cross Stitch With a knot
How To Do An X Stitch By Hand

Thread Your Needle With 6 Strands Thread

OK, to start a stitch of hand sewing, you need to thread your needle. If your thread’s already cut from a kit, grab a strand and carefully separate 2 from the 6. Thread your cross stitch needle with those 2 ends. Just like you would do with whip stitch.

But the thread choice depends on you fabric. But normally,

Thread Your Needle With 6 Strands Thread
cross stitching stranded

For cross stitching on 14-count and 16-count Aida, it’s common to use 2 strands of stranded cotton. You can adjust the texture by mixing the number of threads, using one, two, or even three strands in the same project. You can use this thread for catch stitch by hand.

-That’s the general rule of thumb, right? What materials do you use normally, Grandma?

I used to maintain those, but now I use 11 Aida fabric, a 22-inch needle, and 41-inch longer thread.

Bring The Needle Out & In 180 Degree Angle

To start x stitched, bring the needle out at point 1 and go  180 degrees to point 2.

Bring The Needle Out & In 180 Degree Angle

Then, again, go back to point 3, which is below 1. Next, insert the needle at point 4, above 2, to create a basic cross stitch.

basic cross stitch

-Remember to maintain 2-3 inch space between cross stitches. This spacing will keep x shaped stitch evenly.

basic cross stitch

Or if you want to make the stitching process easier, then use the grid fabric method. How? 

There are a few ways to grid cross stitch, but I usually grab a water-soluble or heat-erasable fabric pen and lightly draw a grid on my Aida cloth. I match it with the pattern’s 10×10 squares, and just like that, stitching is easy now.

Insert The Needle At Point 5 To Make X Effect

For the next hand stitches, insert the needle at point 5 and bring it out at point 4. Then, insert it at point 6 to complete the second cross. Continue this process for more crosses. That’s how to sew an x.

Insert The Needle At Point 5 To Make X Effect

End Of Cross Stitch With a Knot

Leave a little thread tail hanging out the back. Then, slide your needle under 1 or 2 stitches on the backside. It will make sure it doesn’t peek through to the front.

Give the thread a gentle tug to snug it up against the cross stitch embroidery fabric. That’s how to end cross stitch. If you want something more secure, then you can try other method like,

  1. Weaving Ends In
  2. Waist Away Thread
  3. Pin Stitch
  4. Loop Stitch
End Of Cross Stitch With a Knot

X Stitch Sewing PDF

Download this PDF just in case you forgot something.

How To Cross Stitch With A Pattern?

These were simple X-stitch sewing patterns. But can I do it on some embroidery pattern? I didn’t seek an answer; I found it. 😜 I did it in a pattern and found that I can actually do it!

Here is how it went,

  1. Select an embroidery pattern or draw it.
  2. Embroidery floss usually comes in 6 strands.
  3. Most patterns call for 2 strands, but always check the instructions!
  4. Cut about 18-24 inches to avoid tangling and knotting.
How To Cross Stitch With A Pattern
  1. Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at the bottom left of a square.
  2. Make a diagonal stitch to the top right.
  3. Then, complete the “X” by stitching from the bottom right to the top left.
  4. Continue row by row or block by block — whatever feels easiest for you!
  1. Move left to right or top to bottom — whichever is more comfortable.
  2. Use a highlighter or pencil to mark off the areas you’ve already stitched on your pattern.
  3. Tackle one color at a time to keep things organized.

And that’s it! You got a beautiful x-stitched embroidery.

Fast Cross Stitch Techniques

Honestly, cross-stitch is a little time consuming. If you want to complete it more quickly, you can follow this method.

  1. Stitching Complete ‘X’
  2. Highlighting the Pattern
  3. Working from the Right corner
  4. Filling in Nearby Symbol
  5. Using Silhouette Pattern
  6. Stitching Half Stitches first
  7. Loop Method

Cross Stitch Hand Sewing Kit

If coming up with a pattern idea and gathering tools seems like an annoying task. Or if you are just lazy, then buy an X stitch sewing kit, like,

  1. Riolis Cross Stitch
  2. Stoney Creek Cross Stitch
  3. Caterpillar Cross Stitch
  4. The Stitchery Counted Cross Stitch
Cross Stitch Hand Sewing Kit

X Stitch Sewing Patterns 

And if you still don’t wanna spend money on the kit and all, then practice on this pattern,

X Stitch Sewing Patterns 

Cross Stitch Sewing Method

That’s the one simple method grandma demonstrated. There are more cross stitch sewing method out there. Each of them serves eye eye-catching effect that brings out the embroidery more. For example,

  1. Railroad method
  2. English Cross Stitch
  3. Danish Cross Stitch
  4. Sewing Method
  5. Victorian Method 
  6. Parking Method
  7. Country method
  8. Loop Method
  9. Typewriter method
Cross Stitch Sewing Method

My cross stitch hand sewing tutorial

YouTube video

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

How To Do Cross Stitch Quickly?

To cross stitch quickly, use a larger needle and work with a single color at a time, completing all stitches of that color before moving on. Keep your inch of thread untangled and work in rows or sections for efficiency.

How To Cross Stitch With A Pattern?

To cross stitch with a pattern, place your cross stitch fabric in an embroidery hoop, follow the pattern’s grid to make X-shaped stitches with embroidery floss color, matching the colors on the pattern. Sewing cross stitch is perfect for fancy stitching.

Final Thought

Now, you know how to sew cross stitch by hand, right?

So, why not you try it out right now? Try it out and let us know what your tried cross stitch and let us know what you have done.

Happy stitching! If you know a new technique for how to sew an x, please let us know.

Maisha Soumee

Maisha Soumee

Hi there! I’m Maisha Soumee, the proud torchbearer of our family’s sewing legacy and the driving force behind this website. With Grandma Manha’s teachings as my foundation, I’m honored to continue the tradition of craftsmanship and creativity. As a passionate seamstress, I’m dedicated to sharing the joy of sewing with you, our valued community.

2 responses to “How To Do X Stitch Sewing? Cross Stitch Hand Sewing Steps”

  1. binance referral code Avatar
    binance referral code

    I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.

    1. Maisha Soumee Avatar
      Maisha Soumee

      Haha, I appreciate your honesty! I’d love to hear your doubts—let’s clear them up. What’s on your mind?

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