Starting to Cross Stitch ✂ Cross Stitch for Beginners 🎒 CROSS STITCH UNIVERSITY

You are starting to cross stitch in this Cross Stitch University video! Thread your needle and take that first cross stitch. Kimberly shows you how to cut your floss, 2 ways to thread your needle, 2 ways to start cross stitching (like the loop method), and 2 ways to cross stitch (Danish and English method). Practice all the methods to see what works for you!
In this FREE tutorial series, learn everything you need to know about cross stitch. It’s a budget-friendly craft that everyone can enjoy, even if you’ve never sewn a single stitch.
Have a question? Drop a comment and we’ll answer it at the end of the CSU series.
Subscribe to the Fat Quarter Shop Flosstube channel to join us for Cross Stitch University, and join us every Wednesday for our weekly Livestream!
#CrossStitchUniversity #HowToCrossStitch #CrossStitch #FlossTube #CrossStitchTips
Cross Stitch University playlist - bit.ly/3yJf1LI
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Where to Start Stitching
00:44 - Threading Your Needle
03:05 - First Way to Thread Your Needle
03:34 - Second Way to Thread Your Needle
04:07 - Making Your First Stitch (Half-Stitch Row Danish Method)
05:55 - Covering Your Tail
08:16 - How to Count How Many Stitches You Need
11:01 - How To Deal with Knots in Your Floss
12:24 - Finishing the Row of Half-Stitches (Danish Method)
18:01 - Stitching a Different Direction
18:57 - How & Why to Mark the Top of Your Cross Stitch
20:29 - How To Use the Loop Method
21:55 - How To Do a Full Cross Stitch (English Method)
SUPPLIES
▸ FREE Cross Stitch University Cross Stitch Pattern: bit.ly/3yNcS0F
▸ Cross Stitch University Starter: bit.ly/2VeeBOZ
▸ Cross Stitch University DMC Thread Pack: bit.ly/3zJx4lD
▸ Cross Stitch University T-Shirt: bit.ly/3zVnLyQ
▸ Cross Stitch Key: bit.ly/3jHlxgS
▸ Q Snap 8" x 8" Needlework Frame: bit.ly/3jHyFmf
▸ Black Frixion Ball Erasable Gel Pen: bit.ly/3yTp3tf
▸ Sweet Snips 3.5" Fabric Scissors: bit.ly/3zELX8G
FAT QUARTER SHOP CROSS STITCH
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▸ KZbin Membership: Join this channel to get access to extra perks:
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SEEN ON SET
▸ Items seen on set - docs.google.com/document/d/1y...
▸ To read more about our use of affiliate links, click here: blog.fatquartershop.com/affil...

[@thegardenstitcher]

Kimberly, I've been stitching for 40+ years and never knew the 2 methods actually had names - English & Danish. We can ALL learn from Cross Stitch U!

[@caitlinboycher8596]

I recently picked up cross stitching again after more than a decade and this video finally helped me realize why so many KZbinrs were telling me I was doing it wrong! I learned danish style stitching and they wanted me to do English. I wasn’t doing it wrong after all!

[@anncompton2575]

Thank you Kimberly for this video.I’m 73 years young and I have watched these turtorials for guidance. This is very helpful and I feel confident I can do this. I had no clue where to start. Again thank you so much.

[@Nomechick]

I knew Kimberly would have good instructions for all stitchers, not just newcomers. I've been stitching for awhile but didn't know how to pull threads tanglefree! Thanks Kimberly.

[@jamiewillhite6355]

I haven't cross stitched in over 30 years. I decided I wanted to do a few more projects so I got the stuff and put together kits. I'm so glad I did. I was in a car accident and need to sit with my legs up in the recliner. I can't sit at the sewing machine for more than 15 minutes without pain. I'm the type that needs to be busy. I'm so grateful for the refresher lessons from Kimberly. Have fun everyone, I am.

[@rosemarymcguire7648]

Thanks for doing this, Kimberly. I never knew the number on the. DMC package was the end from which to pull. I always just looked for a thread end. Thanks.

[@maureentaphouse5206]

me neither.

[@sonniecampbell1788]

I didn’t either. Good to know.

[@brendadonabedian6324]

Thanks Kimberly. I never knew to pull from number side. This could have eliminated a lot of stress over the years!😋

[@claudiastevens9628]

I started cross stitching after 40 years. Your classes are refreshing my skills. Your videos and on line store inspire me every day. Thank you Kimberly for all your hard work.

[@jeanrice3433]

Kimberly, thank you for this! I taught myself to cross-stitch about 45 yrs ago and haven’t done any in 30 or so years. Thinking about starting again. I learned so much from these videos.

[@lauriedutcher5676]

I did cross stitch over thirty years ago, then quit…for many reasons. I want to finish a large project that I was working on, but have forgotten how to cross stitch. I am so happy that I came across this video to refresh my memory, and learn new techniques. Thank you so much♥️

[@dianalonghenry4933]

I usually use the ‘cover the tail’ method when I start stitching a new section. How cool is the ‘loop’ method!!! I’m going to switch to that method from now on! Thanks Kimberly!

[@deanna2804]

I have been Cross Stitching for years but your lessons are top of the line. I love how precise that you are in all of your projects.

[@C12133]

Thank you, Kimberly!! Around 40 years ago I learned how to cross-stitch in the danish style. I didn’t know that was what it was called until now. I definitely needed a refresher so thank you for this class!!

[@angelastoutenger7944]

Even for someone that has been cross stitching for years this is an excellent series. I actually learned two things today that I didn’t learn when I was a beginner. Great job Kimberly! Thank you for this course. Can’t wait for the next lesson. It must have been hard for you though using a Q-Snap again and not stitching in hand. Kudos! See you next time.

[@doloresickis2733]

I love your videos!!! I wish they were available when I taught myself to cross stitch. You are pleasant presenter!!! Your success comes from loving what you do and your willingness to share it with others We are grateful for that!!!

[@heatherdavis5371]

I would add another required supply-a simple needle threader. For those of us needing reading glasses, this is an absolute must.

[@angieallen4884]

Lots of good info here for a 45 year cross stitcher! I was so happy to see you use the loop method for starting to stitch! I wish I had known that method when I first started cross stitch. I ran across that a few years ago when I started stitching again after a long hiatus and I have never gone back to the tail method. I didn't know there were names for the two types of completion of stitches. I tend to use the English method on long rows but I use the Danish method, too. This is really fun; thanks!

[@mybestofutube]

This was an excellent lesson - first time I have ever been able to follow cross stitch instructions. I'm finding it really hard to count. I just watched the Virginia Stitcher podcast and she said when she stitches a long border row, she makes every tenth stitch a FULL cross and that makes it easier to count. Sounds like a great idea to me. My question - what do you do when you are finished and realize you missed a cross? Is there a way to fix it without ripping the entire border out? I hope so 😱.

[@AhsokaJackson]

Oh, wow! That tip sounds really helpful! I already plan currently to grid my fabric 10 by 10 with fishing line, but using a full English stitch in between to help me count should supplement that wonderfully! Especially since this first project I'm taking on has a lot of color variation and fewer very long strips/blocks of color. Thanks for sharing & crediting! 🙏❤

[@mybestofutube]

❤@@AhsokaJackson

[@lesley4928]

Kimberly, you are an excellent teacher! I have been a cross-stitcher for years and I still learned things from you. My daughters are both interested in cross stitch and I will recommend that they watch this series. Thank you so much 💗

[@theweestitcherdee6468]

Great video. I learned a few new things. I like the idea voiced by a viewer about doing a full cross every 10 stitches.

[@sharondavis768]

Kimberly, you are such a good teacher! You have such a talent for teaching, cross stitch, and quilting. Even though I have been cross stitching for a long time, your tips and techniques are a great help to everyone.

[@susanlusk9584]

So helpful, thanks! I'm cross stitching again after many years and love learning new to me tips and short cuts.

[@denisejarrell8442]

Thank you Kimberly…I just started cross stitching lately again after many years. I always learn something helpful and it has helped me perfect my stitching. Keep up the good work!

[@sandrajohnson4218]

These are wonderful lessons. I’ve cross stitched for years and learned something I didn’t know in each video. Thank you for doing these.

[@gigilewis1079]

These videos are great to watch. Been cross stitching for several years but good to review! Thanks Kimberly

[@debneal4996]

Great lesson Kimberly! I've been stitching for years and still learned something new today! Great instructions and demonstrations for new stitchers. ❤️

[@pamritch4965]

Kimberly--What a great lesson. It's a refresher for me, but wonderful to watch you stitch!

[@NaomiC336]

I certainly learned today. I cross stitched 35 years ago and boy did I learn. Had no clue how to do it but looks good on the top. It’s still sitting unframed so guess I’ll frame and hang it in my sewing room. Thanks for going slow and easy!!

[@suzeezee8196]

Great lesson and even though I have cross stitched, this is a nice refresher course and have even learned a few new things!! Thank you!

[@terryblair966]

I love to watch how other stitchers stitch. Kimberly you do an excellent job. I thank all the time that I am this group and several others.

[@janetamyotte1588]

I also enjoy your teaching aids. I have learned the proper way to do the stitching etc. Thanks for your thoroughness. See you next Monday morning for more.

[@jaydeedee1191]

Yay!! We got to stitch today….now to work on the assignment. I hope i found a new crafty joy🥰

[@nathalieberube7783]

😊Thank you very much for clearly explaining both methods. Classes are user-friendly and easy-to-use, 😊

[@franceshitchcock3824]

I’ve been stitching for many years, you e shown me so many tricks I did not know, Thank you Kimberly.

[@sandraoreilly7477]

I am so very much loving this as a beginner stitcher. The step-by-step detail instructions that you give her the best that I have seen and have been so very helpful

[@leonakofoed289]

Great job! Kimberly, I appreciate that I can always recommend your videos to help fellow stitchers (or my daughters) I learn new things as well, and can teach, but you are very A-Z and hit every mark. Thank you!

[@BexfromTexas]

I'm going to re-watch with interruption with my project in hand. Thank you. This is the most thorough teaching on this that I've experienced. Maybe this will make me stick to it because I laid cross stitch down so many years ago.

[@amymcdade2086]

I have just taken cross stitch up when you inspired me with Bats & Boos. Cross Stitch University has been so informative with invaluable tips & Kimberly's instructions are very easy to follow which I can not be more thankful for as it reduces frustration so much. A side note: the music on your videos is fantastic. Thank you for your time & sharing your knowledge. This is a very enjoyable first project before I tackle my much harder goals.

[@tinatippin5705]

Your teaching is fabulous! I learned a few things today that I didn't know. This is a great refresher series as well. It has been a number of years since I have cross stitched. I am self taught so it should be much better learning the right way. How to handle the thread properly is a real bonus. I will be starting the All the Trimmings cross stitch and the sew along as soon as my order comes in so refreshing has really been timely. Thank you Kimberly!

[@sidralee]

Loving these videos! I've picked up some tips and it's nice to know I have been stitching correctly, except I prefer to start in the center.

[@gerryfix1009]

You’re a very good teacher! Thanks. It’s been many years ago that I cross stitched. This is a great tutorial series.

[@Oogie118]

Wow I have been embroidering for years and never new which end to pull the doc from. Thanks for all your tips today. I am new to cross stitching so I am really enjoying this plus it’s nice it short and sweet and doable for busy working people

[@monicadetrick9415]

I’m so excited to get to stitch 🥳 Love the tutorials. I’ve only done stamped cross stitch and I’ve always wanted to learn counted cross stitch. I’m so glad for these classes. Thank you Kimberly.

[@Lindawarner1953]

Thank you for teaching an old stitcher new methods and refreshing my knowledge. Sharing with our 9 year old granddaughter who is interested in learning this craft.

[@dramallama6811]

I cannot tell you how much this video has helped me! I almost gave up on two different projects because I just couldn't get the stitches to look neat enough for my liking. I realized that the Dutch method just isn't for me. I pulled out the stitches and started over one project today using the English method and it looks so much better! Plus your tip about the thread reaching the end and doubling up to 4 I never thought about, and straightening the thread. These tips really were so simple but so helpful for a newbie. I am going to Michael's tonight and getting the floss to follow-up with this project. I can't wait!! Thank you. Thank you!! I have wanted to try cross-stitch forever and almost gave up thinking it wasn't for me. Now I have hope.

[@craftingwithelizabeth2253]

I'm a beginner and have completed only two patterns on my own. I am loving your lessons and learning so much. Huge thank you for creating this Academy!

[@dianned-sewpreciousemb]

Great class. I have been cross stitching a long time and this was very helpful and helps make all my projects look so professional. You are a great teacher, so patient and so detailed. Thanks again and I’ll keep watching.

[@sueneuber9083]

Kimberly you’re an excellent teacher!!! Love the loop method. I’m brand new at this. I’ve been watching you stitch for a year. I’m a quilter. Thanks for the “University “ series🌺. Blessings

[@valeriabauer2738]

Thank You Kimberly for your great lessons.

[@molliemcmaker]

Thank you for the lesson!! I started a project a while back but have forgotten how to cross stitch, this is exactly what I needed to go back to that project. Love your videos!!

[@valmartinez-west9725]

You are an awesome teacher. Not a beginner but enjoy watching the lessons. 😊

[@lisawalters5482]

I love this lesson. I’ve been wanting to learn so dang bad, and now I’m gonna do it! Thanks Kimberley. You’re the best.

[@kathyclayton4318]

What a great video for beginners! As others have said, even though this is a great beginner video, you can always learn something new even if you have a lot of experience. I have stitched since the late 70s, though not at all in the last 10 years or more. This is a great way to get back into stitching again and I learned several tips to help make my experience be a positive one. Thanks Kimberly for your great teaching instruction. You don’t leave anything out. I did not know that the two methods were English and Danish methods. I have used both interchangeably depending on the design of the pattern. Smaller spaces are great for making a complete stitch as you go, especially if they are filling in an irregular shape or random stitches and not in one long row. I love doing counted cross stitch because so many times, the final result looks even more beautiful than the picture on the pattern! It was the first craft that I tried where I was always able to achieve a satisfying final project. That’s why it became my passion for so many years. I have completed hundreds of projects, most of which were given away, but I do have some special projects that I kept for myself. Can’t wait to learn more from your instruction, Kimberly!

[@debbieweigle8420]

I always learn something new eventhough I have been stitching for years. Thanks Kimnerly for your great instructions!

[@birdrichfarm8519]

Thank you so much! I will be using the loop method for embroidery now. You are a great teacher. Hoping to try cross stitch soon.

[@ammiller3911]

It's the little tips like the dmc pull! I've been cross stitching, self taught, for 10 years and I never knew that! Thanks

[@KateBerggren]

Been x-stitching for quite awhile.. did not know about the loop method!! That makes me very happy😁thank you

[@lynnlegault9297]

I was sitting trying to cross stitch...it wasn't going well...then this video came on...boy did it help me..and quickly...thank you

[@lisaminer6474]

Love these classes! I am very new to cross stitch and was having a hard time finding easy to follow tutorials. Thank you so much for making these fun beginner videos!! Looking forward to picking up the pattern I started a few years ago with fresh eyes and great new information. Thank you so much Kimberly!

[@airedale360]

Learning so much. And boy i was doing cross stitch the hard way. So excited to start this project

[@emmonstrex65]

You know what... I think I can do this! Thank you for doing this series!

[@laurasinkins]

Thank you Kimberley. I never tried pulling my thread like that! What a game changer!

[@rhondalafleur6357]

Great job KimberIy! have been stitching for many years and have learned something new from each video.

[@suzyroy3360]

yay!! i'm soo happy to learn this!!! Thank you soo soo mcuh Kimberly!!!

[@valeriew5113]

Just found this, thank you for explaining how to start cross stitching. It’s been so long since l did any cross stitch, it was a good refresher.

[@leaphigh7889]

Excellent! So many things like the knot, that most of us had to learn on our own. Very well done. Thanks! Keep 'em coming.

[@wmael7550]

I’m so happy you are doing this series. Yeah! Thank you.

[@divinecriationranch840]

Thank you, Kimberly!

[@twotees68]

You made this look so easy to do❤️ Thank you for sharing this! So helpful!

[@cherylchandler-whitcomb3232]

Thank you for these, great refresher!!

[@lynntone9369]

Thank you for showing how this is done 👍

[@kathymassarelli]

I thought I was fairly familiar with cross stitch but I learned a lot today. Thanks Kimberly!

[@familystitchin]

Love the video….I always enjoy watching ❤️.Stay safe and be well❤️

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Goodness I needed this . It is such a help to have the basics explained so clearly. I didn't realise that the way you extract the thread could affect knotting. No one told me that decades ago. Thank you This old girl has learnt some very useful things today. I would though have liked to see the back of the work after completing a row by the English method as I assume it must look slightly different. Maybe that can be shown in next weeks lesson please. Thank you.

[@sharonrobinson9958]

An excellent video!! Thank you so much for explaining everything in such detail!! Awesome instructions!🥰❤️

[@marycato1361]

I'm so glad I found this .thanks Kimberly . I feel like can actually getting somewhere now !

[@lynnanderson433]

Loved the video you’re an excellent teacher! Thank you

[@janicecroft2304]

Brilliant makes me want to start cross stitching. I realised during lockdown how therapeutic hand stitching is when I did some EPP. Yippee something new to get addicted to lol

[@thisiskatiebrown]

Another great tutorial! You are a very good teacher Kimberly 💙

[@karenkiss2614]

Thank you for your tutorial. I am a beginner and loving your videos x

[@dannaballard7652]

Thanks Kimberly great course very informative

[@bfama2578]

Great lessons. I learn something every time. Thanks!

[@sharonbeck8209]

Thank you Kimberly.

[@devyntillman4188]

Thank you so much! Your instructions are amazing! Will continue watching your channel.

[@maryh3969]

Very good class. Explained very well. Kimberly you do a great job. Thanks

[@brendadonabedian6324]

Excellent lesson. Thanks a million

[@janchristensen2046]

Great teaching video! I do have one suggestion (being a math teacher I like precise terminology). When talking about the positioning of the scissors to snip the tail, it might be clearer to say “moving them parallel to the fabric”. You could describe the opposite way as “point side down”. I appreciate that you very calmly and carefully explain all the steps. Great video for a beginner! Cross stitching is a life-long skill. I’ve been stitching for 60+ years and still get excited to start a new piece.

[@ayaeldakhly4067]

Thank you kimberly that was so helpful

[@noeliaroman4]

Love it. I am going to watch all the videos as I want to learn!!

[@dianerennehan8108]

I have been away from cross stitching and like your instructions as they are easy to understand. Thanks.

[@1funkychick]

I have been stitching for about 30 years and these are great videos for a beginner. I’m going to use some info from these when I teach some Girl Scouts to cross stitch soon. I do think using the loop start with one strand folded over is better for a beginner stitcher. I am going to show the Girl Scouts how to start with the loop method.

[@karenennis7890]

Thank you much. These are so helpful

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Awesome instruction and stitching Kimberly 🔆❤️

[@traceyhonig4461]

So I would just like to say if I haven’t already, I keep referring back to this video as I start and stop in the project. I just tried the loop method for starting… LOVE it!! I will work on this on the car ride home… (another great place for cross stitch!) 😂 Thank you, Kimberly, for all of your efforts and dedication to getting everyone hooked on another hobby!! 🧵

[@mitzibud6908]

Another awesome video!! Thank you!!

[@SammiJarrad]

Such a great teacher. Thank you!! 💜💜

[@brendafoley6995]

Excited to being Stitching!!!!

[@mariawells8026]

This helped me tremendously!

[@eandm_creations]

😳 pulling that DMC thread just changed my life. I had NO CLUE that was a thing! I always bobbin my thread and get annoyed by measuring my lengths with my forearm.

[@paml2642]

I never knew about pulling one thread at a time! Great tip 👍🏻