How to guide with videos!
I’m brand new — what do I do first?
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Pop your fabric (Aida) into the hoop so it’s taut like a drum.
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2.Find the centre of the fabric (fold in half, then half again).
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Find the centre of the chart/pattern.
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Start stitching from the centre so everything lines up nicely.
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What do I need to start cross stitch?
If you’ve bought a CraftySmith kit, you’re good to go — it includes the essentials (hoop, Aida, thread, needle, needle threader, backing felt, and basic instructions).
If you’re using a digital pattern, you’ll need:
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Aida/fabric
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Thread/floss
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Needle
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Hoop or frame
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Scissors
1. How to attach the embroidery hoop.
Loosen the screw, place the inner ring under the fabric, press the outer ring on top, then tighten. Give the fabric a gentle tug around the edges as you tighten so it stays evenly taut.
Thread & needles
I don't appear to have enough thread.
Each thread colour comes with six strands. Before you start stitching, separate the strands and stitch with two strands(unless your pattern says otherwise). Using all six will eat through thread very quickly.
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2. How to split the thread.
There are 6 strands in a length of the thread, you only need 2 strands. Cut your thread to a length roughly equal to the distance from your wrist to your elbow then double it. Use a single strand, folding it in half to create the 2 strands needed.
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3. How to use the needle threader.
Place the hook through the eye of the needle, hook the thread and pull back through the needle.
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4. How to anchor the thread (getting started).
Thread through the middle hole, leaving about an inch at the back, Pull the needle through a diagonal hole. Then secure the thread by passing it through the loop underneath.
Stitches & technique
What’s the difference between cross stitch and backstitch?
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Cross stitch makes the little X’s that fill the design.
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Backstitch is the outline/detail stitch that adds definition (like drawing with thread).
Which way should my crosses go?
Consistency is the key. Most stitchers do:
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bottom stitch: /////
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top stitch: \\
As long as all your top stitches go the same direction, it’ll look neat.
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5. The different types of cross stitch
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6. How to finish off
Thread through some stitches on the back to anchor the thread. Cut the thread!
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7. How to stitch the back and attaching the backing felt
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Cover the back with felt for protection.
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Use the embroidery hoop to measure and cut a circle.
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Thread the provided backing thread at the top, leaving about 10cm of extra thread.
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Sew a simple stitch all the way around.
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Pull the two ends of the thread to gather the aida together and double knot.
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Begin the blanket stitch:
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Use a new piece of thread with a knot at the end.
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Thread through the aida first, then through the felt about 1cm from the edge.
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Thread back through both the aida and felt, pulling the thread through the loop.
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Move about 1cm across, thread through the aida again, then through the felt and loop.
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Repeat this process all the way around.
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Once you reach the starting point, thread back through the original loop and double knot.
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Cut off any excess thread.
Reading a pattern
What do the different Aida counts mean?
Aida count is the number of stitches per inch — i.e. how many crosses you can stitch in a straight line in one inch. Common counts are 14, 16, or 18. Most of our kits are 14 count, though a few are 18 count.
What does “14 count” actually change?
Higher count = smaller stitches.
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14 count: slightly bigger stitches, great for beginners
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18 count: finer detail, but a bit more fiddly
Quick tips!
My thread keeps knotting — help!
A few quick fixes:
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Use shorter lengths of thread
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Let the needle dangle every so often to untwist
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Try not to over-handle the thread (oily fingers = extra tangles)
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My stitches look messy — is that normal?
Totally normal at the beginning. Neatness comes from:
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keeping the fabric taut
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keeping stitch direction consistent
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not pulling too tight (snug, not strangled)
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Can I wash my finished cross stitch?
If you need to, be gentle:
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cool water
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mild soap
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don’t scrub
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press dry between towels
If you’re unsure, test carefully first.
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Still stuck?
Can you help if I’m confused?
Absolutely. If you’re unsure about a stitch, colours, or where you’re up to, message us with a photo and we’ll do our best to help.