Cross Stitch Basics | How to Start Cross Stitching for Beginners - Ultimate Guide!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

I hope you enjoyed this video! Don't forget to sign up for free to the VIP Stitch Club newsletter for a FREE eBook of cross stitch patterns! Find out more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mILZqIOVe5loo7s Sally x

[@MsAnitawilson]

Hi I'm new to your vids. I've stared a cross stich and it's way to big and hard for me so have started some small ones to get in the swing of it. How would you recommend me to get back to the hard Patten I've got i keep getting lost and not getting Any were with it . Many thanks x

[@margaretlyons2600]

i would love to know how to do more than the first row ie 1st and 2nd

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

@@MsAnitawilson I’m sorry that we have missed this comment. I would recommend starting in the middle of the pattern. There are usually guidelines on that pattern that show you where the centre is and to find the centre of your fabric, fold it in half and in half again - where the folds cross, that’s the centre! I hope that helps :)

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

@@margaretlyons2600 Do you mean at the same time? Or how to move on to the 2nd row?

[@yodelissosa7791]

😠😠😤😤🥺🥺🤧🤧🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS SEARCHING FOR EMBROIDERY TUTORIALS?! YOU are definitely the BEST Tutor Ever!! You taught me things in less than 5 minutes what took me over 10 VIDEOS of Watching Old Embroidery "tutorials"!! 🥺🥺💕💕💕💕🥰🥰 THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! You've Got a New Subscriber and New Cross-Stitch participant!! HAVE AN SUPER DAY!!

[@JoeyWolfAngel]

I’ve been cross stitching for years and never knew about the loop method, I am shook and this has changed my life

[@martinbielby334]

I'm a bloke and i love doing cross stitching done loads of projects since i started when i was 21 i have just turned 46!!!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Fab!

[@trudakeane165]

I am also a man have been cross stitching for many years. It’s not uncommon for men to have this fantastic hobby. Chris Australia

[@user-pj4mr6pg5i]

Thank you for this! My mom used to absolutely love making these for everyone in the family. Recently she developed really bad hand tremors and can no longer cross stitch, and is heartbroken about it. I’m going to try to make one of these for the first time to surprise her for Mother’s Day this year

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Sorry to hear that. Hope you find comfort in stitching and she likes the gift!

[@Kilofa_tarot]

That’s such a sweet thing to do for your mum, she would absolutely love it.

[@randisuch4317]

I have to know…did you finish a project for her in time for Mother’s Day? 🥺

[@susanhaynes4502]

Maybe she could do large stitches.

[@Newlight7773]

There are different treatments for tremors depending on their etiology. Best wishes

[@glendalobo617]

My mother-in-laws cross stitch work is so beautiful that even the back side of the cross stitch work is amazingly neat.

[@arianeccs6523]

Wow, that's great!

[@winningnumbers]

The loop method to start a thread is much much better, you can't beat it!!!

[@arianeccs6523]

It's great!

[@maggielong4966]

WHY AM I JUST FINDING THE LOOP METHOD THATS A GAME CHANGER

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

It’s amazing isn’t it :)

[@blaiserrie]

Sorted out my grandparents home and found my late grandmothers complete cross stitching set and I asked my mum if I could have it and I cannot wait to start learning

[@lindaharris9714]

How are you finding it? I think your grandmother would be happy.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

That’s amazing. How did you get on?

[@artinrote341]

I never learned "proper" techniques for cross stitch since I learned from a cheap kit and never looked online. The loop method of starting off was magical

[@rebeccaedwards281]

The loop trick has changed my life. Thank you!!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

It's definitely a game changer! Thank you for watching :)

[@jenthulhu]

Finally! Clear instruction with the thread, needle, and aida visible and no shakey camera. Thank you! I did cross stitch as a child, but that was some time ago and I needed a refresher!

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for the lovely feedback :) Happy stitching

[@violetbennett2407]

I have been cross stitching for about 25 years. You are a great teacher.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for your kind words

[@crowfaether9403]

Such a tidy and to the point tutorial. Every minute of the video was full of usable information which is hard to come by on KZbin nowadays. Thank you so much!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@himboking]

thank you!! my grandma taught me how to cross stitch when i was very young and i remember how, but she always started it for me so i needed to learn that!

[@srace5roblox377]

You're the only person who actually tought me something

[@jennifermclaughlin2680]

I've been stitching for over 20 years and just recently learned of the loop method from another group. Watching your video tutorial was perfect to help me understand it. Thanks!

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

I always try and loop when I start off! I find it neater!

[@jeandoyle9808]

Total beginner here, have to say this is the best video I have watched so far, thank you

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you so much!

[@yuviniamarasinghe2851]

I NEVER KNEW THIS WAS THIS INTERESTING! like I started watching the video to get help to pass one of my guide badges😂 I realised tht this is something cool when she said tht her needle was GOLD PLATED! Like whaaaat😲

[@arianeccs6523]

Haha, cross stitch really is interesting!

[@rhondasnow5173]

I'm just getting back into cross stitch after about 30 years. Thanks for this incredibly straight forward, easy to understand video. I'm excited to find your channel and look forward to investigating your other videos.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy your stitching 😊

[@Cj-sq7mu]

Hoping withing a few months I am able to complete a cross stitch "wedding message" to my son and his fiance Thanks for helping me start!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Sounds beautiful! Hope the wedding was lovely :)

[@patstrawhouse4005]

Reviewing cross stitch techniques and tips, having only worked with this decades ago. Wow, the loop method start is new to me! It will definitely be my go-to method. As others commented, it was a challenge to view parts of the video. I’ve just subscribed and look forward to viewing your playlist while I work on my latest quilt-so it will be finished when my new cross stitch projects arrive! Thank you, and stay well! Muskoka ON 🇨🇦

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you for watching and for your feedback!

[@purrvananna]

I thought you did this video perfectly! I’m 75 and I could keep up with you, although I already cross stitch & watched this purely for review (suspecting myself of getting bad habits like switching direction!). Good job!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you for such lovely feedback! :)

[@KitsukiArts]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, I'm completely new to this hobby and was wondering how to start. This helped me alot!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! :)

[@NiinaSKlove]

Complete beginner, here 👋🏼🤓 - I’ve subscribed to your channel ✨✨✨🤓

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@cath7336]

Thanks for sharing the loop method of starting, will definitely be using that.

[@kristinemailloux6194]

Just learned something new in the loop method. 🎉🎉🎉 Thank you

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

That's fantastic to hear! Thank you for watching!

[@irmaandrade5997]

My mom showed me the loop method when she would do her embroidery. I use it all the time. Thanks for a nice video with lots of good info.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@robinorona1670]

wow, how have i not heard of the loop method? i usually do needlepoint but have considered cross stitch, so i clicked on your video. thanks for a great tutorial. i have a new trick to add to my crafting.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks for watching!

[@sasedahamita1667]

Love it... I'm gonna start

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks for watching!

[@KanaoTsuyuri-j8q]

Thank you so much Mam , 😊🦋, I am learning cross stitching your video really help me understand the basics, you explains everything very finely, and i really like your loop method it's really so useful 🦋and your Needle reminders, they were all so cute 🥰 I am gonna buy one for myself....... thanks 😊🦋

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you for your kind words. We're pleased to hear that the video has helped! Enjoy your new hobby! If you haven't already, pop over to our Facebook group - we have a large community of helpful stitchers and it's a one stop place to share any stitched Caterpillar Cross Stitch designs! facebook.com/groups/caterpillarXS

[@isabelletooley8246]

this video was ultra helpful and none too complicated! you are the cross stitch queen!!

[@tee_es_bee]

Came here to refresh a bit on cross stitching. Much love from the Czech Republic. :) Your voice is very soothing, the video is well paced and conveys a good amount of information. Well done!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you!

[@sjmsutherland]

I'm a total beginner, this video has really helped, thank you for an informative video!!

[@arianeccs6523]

We're so happy it helped!

[@hildejohnson7241]

I want to try to cross kitchen needlepoint back in the late 70s from my great-grandmother but I enjoy your videos and some of the stuff you have that I've seen now I would love to stitch but wait till I get extra money for that cuz money doesn't go far anymore and I don't have the extras to buy family and friends have been giving me stuff grateful to them cuz thanks for sharing your videos with us

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for watching!

[@valeriedavies4854]

Hi Sally I am a beginner thank you for showing me very good instructions. 😘 xxx

[@andrea9014]

The loop method...ingenious!! I'll be doing that from here on out.

[@diane8537]

Thank you. Great beginner video. I haven’t stitched in a long time.

[@andreabalderstone4272]

This is really useful thanks. Itching to get started on my first project but prefer to watch a few of your videos first to give me a better idea of how to do the basics. 😁

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks for watching and happy stitching! : )

[@SPXC3_MUSHR0oMSWcue]

Thank you so so much! I tried cross stitching with my mom but never really started a project. She had made a strawberry and it was super cute, so when i was leaving for my dads house yesterday, i decided to bring the embroidery thread, which i had cause i made friendship bracelets, and im working on a lil cactus now! Its so cute i love it so far!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

This is lovely to hear! Thank you for watching :)

[@SPXC3_MUSHR0oMSWcue]

@@CaterpillarCrossStitch i finished it, and im making a lil cat now! lol

[@maricelfogarty4013]

Loop method is a new thing I have learned and back stitch is easier for me to do. In terms of being neat or hiding the thread after you finish stitching, it is quite hard to insert needle especially if fabric is not pliable. Thanks for doing the video, Sally it is fast one though, gad to pause it and look at the work and then continue on

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@laurarainbird7618]

So glad I found this video, the loop method is amazing...so neat, I love it! I've used all 3 methods over the years, I used to knot when I was a teenager and then a few years ago I saw the second method and thought that was neat but the loop method is the best. Thanks for the tutorial Sally.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thanks for watching :) Happy stitching

[@amandadear3140]

Goodness. How far cross stitching has come in 20 years. Lol. Great video! But I do have a question... How do you use the loop method if you have 3 strands of thread? I really want to save the thread and neatly cross stich, but at the moment my project requires 3 strands. TIA!! Amanda

[@huntervickers3345]

Favorite vid I’ve found so far

[@jackieafro57]

I have watched the beginners guide & have learnt a lot i did not know about & been cross stitching for years

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AstralBlade-q2z]

Great video

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@isabellaperrone2539]

I was wondering when using the loop method, do you need to re thread the floss through the needle every time you cut it in order to get a loop again or am I missing something? If so wouldnt it make the process a bit long especially when you only have a few stitches of the same color in a row?

[@joanespicha4605]

I am a just learning to cross stitch, and found your tutorial quite helpful. The loop method for starting the stitches makes the process much easier. Thank you for the clear and encouraging instructions. :o)

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for watching and for your feedback! Happy stitching

[@christinahavel4081]

Just starting my cross stitching ‘journey.’ I normally crochet, and my friend recently sent me some stuff, so I’m excited to get my feet wet in cross stitching.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Wonderful!

[@ssmith4671]

Useful reminders for me especially, about neatening up the back of my stitching! Thanks

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks for watching!

[@notaverygoodguitarplayer]

Thanks again

[@c_farther5208]

I subscribed because I liked your attitude, just learning this.

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks so much for your feedback!

[@Night_The_King]

This really helps especially since I'm thinking of trying cross-stitching.

[@arianeccs6523]

You definitely should have a go!

[@marylyon3495]

I bought a crosstich for a friend of mine. I look forward to doing this.

[@tanuki-chan23]

Thank you very much for the video. I’m only a beginner and a complete disaster in making art crafts so I hope that cross stitch will work for me 🤍

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@MUHAMMADKHAN-hf3tg]

This is a brilliant video!!! I learned a lot about cross stitching. Thank you!!! 😊

[@lynashley7516]

Thank you for teaching us how to start crossstich Ma’am

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

You're absolutely welcome : )

[@quitabeans]

By far the best starter instructional video! ❤️

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for your lovely feedback! Happy stitching

[@cathiegoettsche3370]

how do you know where to start on ? do i start in the middle? also if the pattern is small do i trim my fabric before or after?

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

For most patterns it's easiest to start in the centre. If you are supplying your own fabric rather than buying a kit which has fabric included you would cut your fabric to size before starting the project. To find the centre of your fabric, fold in half and in half again, where the folds meet in the middle is the centre of your fabric.

[@beautybug1831]

👏👏👏 The best tutorial / basics guide lines. Well done! You've got a new subscriber! 👏👏👏

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thanks so much!

[@sharonscott1622]

Great video for beginners.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for watching!

[@sirderekedwardhope3910]

Very helpful - espacially the loop start method, I'm going to try that.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Glad it was helpful! Let us know how you found the loop start once you have tried it!

[@lynziebeck4916]

Very helpful! Glad to learn about the loop technique. I will be subscribing.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thanks for watching :)

[@isabellarobinson7894]

Thank you so much!! I was hopelessly lost 😂

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

No worries!

[@destinydodge1318]

Is it possible to do the loop method with 2 pieces of thread? I am having a hell of a time trying, so I've been using my knot method.

[@arianeccs6523]

For the loop method, you should use one strand of thread and fold this over to create two :)

[@randie1735]

Wonderfully thorough explanation, thank you 😊

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you so much for watching! Enjoy your stitching :-)

[@marietteforget7804]

Thanks a lot! I have discovered your site thanks to Craft Industry Alliance. I’m so glad. 🌸🌸

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

That's so cool. Thanks for being here : )

[@lauriestuart9911]

You are a lovely teacher and thank you. For future videos would there be a way you can stabilize the camera? It almost made me dizzy and I was not able to focus on the the stitching. Thanks again and keep up the videos!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you. Yes absolutely. We took this feedback on board and created an even better beginners video! Check out the beginners playlist for more. It was from around December 2021.

[@melissasullender1321]

Thank you, thank you for explaining the loop method!

[@jadelouisebrain9038]

New subscriber. Think I will learn a lot of tips from you x

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Welcome and thank you for watching!

[@secondspring3478]

Thank you for this easy tutorial. I do needlepoint but never cross stitch. I see that I can use the canvas for both types of needlework.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for your feedback :)

[@jocelynecomeau6572]

Thank you for your video I am a beginner

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you so much for watching. I hope it helped 😊

[@AndaleTheGreat]

Had to make a point to login just so I can give you the thumbs up. Thank you.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thank you! That means the world to us, we're happy you found this useful!

[@julesm8546]

Thank you for this!

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@marybradley168]

Hi Sally, Just found your channel and very much enjoyed your tutorial. New subscriber. Blessings from Canada, Mary

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you for watching :)

[@kyliealexiscapangpangan4839]

Good job!

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks for watching :)

[@tarottarantulas]

My first project will be one of yours. My SAL and Halloween kits are currently en route to me. 😊

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Thats amazing to hear! Are you part of our Facebook group? If not, you can find us here: facebook.com/groups/caterpillarXS/

[@mariefrancetic7625]

Just wanting to get new ideas thanks!

[@midybal1265]

انت جميلة ومبدعه 👍 Meaning, you are beautiful and creative👍 thank you for your wonderful videos

[@arianeccs6523]

Thanks for watching :)

[@TSHANDEMBROIDERYWORK502]

Beautiful

[@kallinreyj]

Hello! I have a cross stitch kit; pattern, thread, fabric. It has been sitting in storage forever and no matter how much I iron the fabric, the creases won't come out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@arianeccs6523]

Oh no! Have you tried lightly spritzing some water on the fabric before ironing?

[@hansok442]

I love your videos . I am having a problem finding a 24 count aida cloth . I need it in cream. Would you know where I might purchase it? I live in Boise Idaho and we have lots of craft stores but no 24 count cloth.

[@alikc25]

Very Helpful, Thank You.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@alikc25]

Thank you for the reply Carla.

[@stevebrooks6939]

Good morning, I am wondering if you stitch all the same color thread on one line and them go back as fill in the other colors?

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Hi Steve, it’s really personal preference. If there are 2 colours per stitched element (like a leaf for example) then yes, I would stitch one colour then the next. I wouldn’t only stitch with one colour until all elements of that colour are finished, I would change colours as I go. This is mainly to ensure I am always stitching my next piece closest to the last element I stitched so that counting errors can be kept to a minimum 😊

[@stevebrooks6939]

@@caterpillarcarla6240 thanks you so much.

[@Nikolaiseno]

Great instructions - thank you! The only issue was the movement of the hoop...it made me sick so I couldn't watch all the way through. xx

[@arianeccs6523]

Thank you for your feedback, we will keep this in mind!

[@joelleschmidt5944]

I agree good instructions but so many shots were out of frame from moving out of the camera frame and can t see what you're doing :(

[@lindaharris9714]

I love the loop method. I use the knot method at the moment and it's so messy. I've tried to secure with a back stitch but it still leaves a tail.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

The loop method is great for a clean start but if you start by leaving a tail and stitching over it, you can snip away any tail left :)

[@joanboatright5801]

Information was very informative.

[@kathyderouchey8221]

There were a lot of instructions and I really appreciated them. But you moved around so much that I actually had to stop watching I was getting queasy. Maybe it was just me, but if you could either go slower or more steady it would be much better.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Kathy DeRouchey thanks for the feedback Kathy. Maybe I’ll film another one soon with the hoop or fabric on a frame so it’s static while I’m filming 😊

[@madelinesabatello1845]

Kathy DeRouchey same happened to me, too fast and wiggly

[@LizToonesCraftsandTips]

Same here.

[@CozyBooks_Lattes]

Look for the gear wheel st top right of video and you can adjust the speed. It's a great feature to slow down or speed up 😊

[@chantalhenderson6994]

great help, I am new here so I am here to learn. Is it not wise to ALWAYS use the loop method if you are using a double thread?

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

If you are using a double thread (so two individual strands) the loop method would equate to the same as 4 individual strands. To use the loop method you would use one strand, folded - this then equates to 2 individual strands.

[@golfgranny58]

I'm a real new cross stitcher, I need help on how to put my pattern onto the fabric or do you just count? My eyes are old so that's a little hard for me.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

You just count basically. There is another video coming up soon about how to follow a pattern so make sure to subscribe so you can catch that one. You need to look at your pattern and see where the centre lines cross. Correspond that area with the centre of your fabric and go from there : )

[@midwesternprincesss]

i’m with you there! wish it was easy to transfer the numbers to fabric.

[@charlotteluttge148]

I know this probably comes a bit late but you can also get stamped cross stitch, that means that the pattern is not separate but actually printed on the fabric

[@lorim2074]

Nice video. I was wondering about the length of thread when using the loop method. Do you double the length from your hand to elbow, since you are using 2 strands "folded in half?"

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

I personally don't as I like to work with a shorter length, but you can if you prefer.

[@ai_is_bored4803]

I am a high schooler and this helps

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thanks! Happy stitching

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

I always wanted to learn but I need to been shown 🌠 thank you for taking the time! Maybe just maybe I do this. I will habe to watch many more videos before I start playing with the stitch. I thought when I ordered a pattern I thought it was a kit and of course it wasn't. I don't know what to do with this piece of paper with all these d's on there I need help🐥🐥🐥🐥

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

You are so welcome!

[@vincentmarotta9800]

So this is like filling in pixels on a computer screen, but with thread. On the back will be a mess, but on the front is the pattern. I notice about 3/4 of the way through with the Loop Method (and the one prior), you're able to fill in the white spaces between each stitch. Is there a way to do this consistently? I've seen some patterns that have nothing but solid color, and I wonder how to prevent the white on the fabric from coming through? Or is this a collection of more advanced stitching methods at work?

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Do you mean being able to see the fabric behind? We use 2 strands of thread but you can use 3 for a thicker effect / full coverage

[@kaznana2929]

Hello, I am new to your channel. I have tried cross stitch in the past, under my own research and trying to follow patterns, but like your video better. Its a bit blurry in places I have to say and I had to squint a bit, but I got the idea. Do you follow counted cross stitch, I have bought kits in the past which say this on them? I assume the concept is exactly the same. I have done stitches where you do a row then go back on yourself to complete but I find this hard to work out when doing horizontally? Any tips? Also how do you do accommodate doing literally one colour of one square for example, which I have found in patterns? Also if the pattern is irregular its not possible to continue in the block style & my work ends up looking a mess mostly on the back. Many thanks, looking forward to more videos, xxx

[@timothywilson4648]

Great video - very helpful!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Timothy Wilson thanks for watching!

[@Bee.Crossing]

Loved this. Thank you

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

Thank you :)

[@christimosley7069]

Thank you very much for the video.

[@traciemagoffin3337]

I’ve never seen that loop method before. Is that what you use the most?

[@toast.oclock]

I always use the loop method! For me, it's the easiest and no thread is wasted.

[@traciemagoffin3337]

Thank you! I’m definitely going to try it!

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

Tracie Magoffin yes it’s probably the easiest!

[@sae5997]

Thank you for the tutorial. How do you know which is the right side up on the cloth? Both sides look the same.

[@caterpillarcarla6240]

The front and back of the fabric is the same. The difference is whether the project is landscape or portrait in orientation. Happy stitching :)