How To Start A Cross Stitch Pattern - Crewel Ghoul

Here’s where to start a cross stitch pattern that will set you up for success! This method will ensure that you have the right amount of fabric, and you won’t run out of room while you’re stitching.

Calculate How Much Fabric You’ll Need

Before you get started, it’s important that you calculate how much fabric the design will require. Since cross stitch is a form of counted needlework and the fabrics come in different thread counts, you’ll want to pay close attention to what dimensions you cut the fabric.

To figure out the fabric size needed, divide the number of stitches by the thread count:

• horizontal measurement = horizontal squares of pattern / thread count (*or thread count/2)
• vertical measurement = vertical squares of pattern / thread count (*or thread count/2)

*If you’re working the stitches across 2 threads instead of one (for higher linen thread counts), make sure to divide the thread count by 2.

This will give you the exact dimensions of the design, but you’ll want to leave some margin around the design for framing and displaying.

Another easy way to calculate fabric size is by using a cross stitch calculator.

Fold the Fabric Into Quarters

Once you’ve cut your fabric to size, fold the fabric in half and then in half again so that you have four quadrants that intersect one another in the very center of the fabric. Mark the center with a removable pen or marker.

You will want to start the pattern in a stitch that is directly in the center or closest to it to ensure that you don’t run off the edges as you’re stitching.

Another way to prep the fabric to ensure a centered pattern is by gridding the fabric before you get started.

Locate the Center Of The Cross Stitch Pattern

Since you’ll be starting in the center, you’ll need to locate where the very center of the cross stitch pattern is. Most patterns have some sort of mark or arrow that marks the center.

If there isn’t a mark denoting the center, divide the horizontal squares by 2 and the vertical lines by 2. Then locate the x and y axis using these numbers to find the center.

Get Started Stitching

Now you’re ready to get started on your cross stitch project! Locate the stitch that is nearest to the center stitch of the pattern. Then determine where the first stitch is in relation to the center mark on your fabric to figure out where the first stitch will be made.

While you can rely on the cross stitch chart alone to complete a design, there are ways to transfer cross stitch designs to the fabric if you’re feeling intimidated by a blank canvas.

If you need help learning the basic stitches or you would like to learn more about following a cross stitch pattern, check out some helpful articles I’ve written below.

• How To Cross Stitch
• How To Read A Cross Stitch Pattern
• Common Cross Stitch Mistakes
• Large Cross Stitch Project Tips

Shop Cross Stitch Patterns

• Fishing Frog Cross Stitch Pattern $5.00 Add to cartContinue Loading Done
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• Cozy Cabin Cross Stitch Pattern $5.00 Add to cartContinue Loading Done

Amanda

Amanda is a hand embroidery teacher and artist. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing accessible tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare, Patreon, and Youtube. Her work has been featured in Country Living, Pop Sugar, Embroiderer’s Guild of America, and more.