Help Guide
Everything you need to start your cross stitch or embroidery project
This guide explains how to use your materials, read your pattern, and avoid common mistakes.
What is included in your kit
Your embroidery kit contains the essential materials needed to complete your project. Each item has been carefully selected to match the design and ensure the best results.
Most kits include:
• pre-cut fabric suitable for embroidery
• embroidery thread in the required colors
• an embroidery needle with a large eye for easy threading
• a printed pattern and instructions
Some kits may also include an embroidery hoop, depending on the design.
The thread is usually organized on a thread card, with each color corresponding to the pattern instructions. Make sure to keep the thread card intact so you can easily identify each color while working.
Before starting, take a moment to unpack everything and compare the contents with the instructions. Small items such as needles or thread may be attached to the packaging or thread card.
If your fabric has creases from packaging, this is normal and will not affect your embroidery.
How to prepare your fabric
Before you begin stitching, it is important to prepare your fabric properly. This will make stitching easier and help you achieve cleaner, more even results.
First, identify the type of fabric included in your kit.
Cross stitch kits use special countable fabric, such as Aida or evenweave. This fabric has a visible grid structure with evenly spaced holes. Each hole corresponds to one stitch, making it easy to follow the pattern accurately.
Embroidery kits use smooth fabric, such as cotton, linen, or muslin. These fabrics do not have a visible grid. Instead, stitches are placed freely on the surface of the fabric, following the printed or transferred design.
Place your fabric over the inner ring of the embroidery hoop. Then place the outer ring on top and tighten the screw. Gently pull the edges of the fabric until it is evenly stretched.
The fabric should feel firm and smooth, similar to the surface of a drum, but not overstretched. Fabric that is too loose can cause uneven stitches, while fabric that is too tight may distort the design.
Make sure your hands are clean before handling the fabric to prevent stains. Keeping the fabric in the hoop while working improves stitch consistency and gives you better control.
If the fabric becomes loose during stitching, simply tighten the hoop and adjust the fabric again.
How to read your pattern
Your pattern shows where each stitch should be placed and which thread and stitch type to use. The exact format depends on whether you are working with a cross stitch pattern or an embroidery pattern.
Cross stitch patterns
Cross stitch patterns use a grid made up of small squares. Each square represents one stitch on your fabric.
These patterns include:
• a grid chart with symbols
• a color legend that matches each symbol to a thread color
• thread color numbers (such as DMC numbers)
Each symbol corresponds to a specific thread color. Match the symbol on the chart to the correct thread using the color legend. Because cross stitch fabric has a visible grid, you can count the squares on the fabric to match the pattern exactly.
It is usually easiest to start near the center of the design and work outward.
Embroidery patterns
Embroidery patterns use lines and shapes instead of a grid. These lines show where stitches should be placed on the fabric.
Embroidery patterns include:
• a design outline or transferred pattern
• stitch instructions (often shown with letters or names)
• a color guide for thread selection
Each part of the design tells you which stitch type and thread color to use. The stitch guide explains how to create each stitch.
Unlike cross stitch, embroidery is not based on counting squares. Instead, you follow the lines of the design directly on the fabric.
You can choose the order in which you stitch, but many people start with outlines and fill in larger areas afterward.
How to start stitching
Before you begin, cut a comfortable length of thread, approximately the length of your forearm. Using shorter thread helps prevent tangling, fraying, and knots while stitching.
Embroidery thread usually consists of six strands twisted together. Depending on your project, you may need to separate the strands and use fewer threads. Your pattern instructions will tell you how many strands to use.
Thread your needle and secure the thread at the back of the fabric using your preferred method. Avoid tying knots if possible, as securing the thread under existing stitches creates a neater result.
Start stitching slowly and follow the pattern carefully. Focus on accuracy rather than speed, especially at the beginning. Use the reference image and instructions to guide your placement and stitch direction.
Keep your thread tension even. Pull the thread firmly enough so the stitch lies flat, but not so tightly that the fabric puckers or becomes distorted. Smooth, consistent tension will create the cleanest and most professional-looking result.
If your thread begins to twist or tangle, let your needle hang freely for a moment to allow the thread to untwist naturally.
Common questions
How many strands of thread should I use?
Embroidery floss consists of six strands. Most projects use 2–3 strands, but this depends on the design.
My thread keeps tangling
Use shorter thread lengths and let your needle hang occasionally to untwist the thread.
My fabric becomes loose
Tighten the embroidery hoop screw and gently pull the fabric edges to re-tension the fabric evenly.
I made a mistake
Mistakes are normal. Carefully remove stitches with your needle (or a seam ripper if needed) and continue.
Do I need to wash my embroidery?
Only wash if necessary. Wash gently by hand in cold water with mild soap and allow to air dry.