Cross stitch stitches, step by step
Tap through each diagram: green circles show where the needle comes up, red crosses where it goes down.
- Full cross stitchEvery symbol on a chart is one full cross: two diagonal stitches over one square of Aida.
- Half stitchA half stitch is just the first leg of a cross: one diagonal over a square.
- BackstitchBackstitch draws the fine lines on a chart: outlines, whiskers, lettering.
- French knotFrench knots add eyes, dots, flower centres and texture.
- Loop startA loop start anchors your thread with no knot and no tail.
New to this? Start with how to cross stitch.