How to cross stitch with a kit (how to get started)

Learn some basics of cross stitching and see my progress on my current cross stitching project!
Currently working on "Japanese Garden" by Dimensions, Gold Collection cross stitching kit that I bought on Amazon.
Dimensions Gold Collection Counted Cross Stitch Kit, Japanese Flower Garden, 16 Count Light Blue Aida, 12'' x 16''
amzn.to/3fJ1NYg
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[@blythesaunders3124]

cross stitching for me is kind of like a “forgotten hobby”. I stumble upon this video and now I want to go back to doing that. ♥️

[@sarojinihingalagoda3792]

Crossstrichdesing

[@captaindj9790]

So I’m a guy lol And I’ve been stitching since the late 70’s. Life got so crazy busy at around 2016 I had to stop all together. Just this year I’m back in to cross-stitching. I did not need to watch this but it was just nice to see someone else enjoy it. Hope your still stitching! Blessings

[@catswillrue]

I’m pretty sure she’s doing amazingly with her own techniques. I knot my thread too because it’s so much easier for me. Even if something is not the “proper way” if it works....there’s no argument

[@khricket]

The only problem with a knot is that it comes through to the front more easily. Otherwise it doesn't really matter, it's probably going into a frame and not handled much.

[@andrean9413]

Knots will also show when you frame a project. Keeping the back neat is also important for the same reason. There are ways to anchor your thread other than tying a knot that give a much nicer finish.

[@dennisdewildt6898]

I just read the manual.

[@julesm9081]

I don’t understand how this video has 395 dislikes .. but I’m so glad it has thousands of likes because it deserves to! These videos by Jessica are what motivated me to take up cross stitching again. X

[@rachelhoward1970]

I like how you keep it simple! I have cross-stitched before, but it’s been years and I’m starting a large project. All the videos I see have people buying fancy embroidery frames and stands, buying tons of spools to organize thread, starting stitching from a corner of the piece, and using pin-stitches and a ton of other stuff... not what I remember doing! This is back to basics and refreshing!

[@freyalovesbooks3824]

I’ve been cross stitching for about a year and a half and up until last May I knotted the back. I was a beginner and It was super easy. Now that i’m more advanced I do prefer to not knot the back but some people do prefer to knot the back. It is all up to the stitcher! It honestly doesn’t matter how they choose to do it lol.

[@ktfreepiano]

Another way to start a new double thread without having knots on the back of your project is to fold a single thread in half, forming a loop on one end. Start your first 1/2 stitch, up and down. Go to the back side of the project before the loop comes through to the front and slip your needle through the loop in the thread. Secure and no bumps caused by tiny knots on the back of the material.

[@taniastan7670]

I learned this way from a very good friend years ago. No bumps.

[@jenihansen7201]

YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB IN TEACHING THIS. THERE ARE PROFESSIONALS ON YOU TUBE THAT CAN NOT EVEN DO AS WELL WITH AN EXPLANATION AS YOU DO. THANK YOU

[@KT-sq2ml]

Love the Dimensions Gold kits! Great overview video of how to get started with these type of kits. This is a great time for people to take up counted cross stitch - it’s definitely a meditative craft, as you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!

[@dr.ronefernandez9580]

Im a 11 year old kid i love to do cross stich especialy the french knot its been 2 years since i been doing these its so easy and love the patterns thank you

[@christophertudor4727]

Greetings from the UK Jessica! 👋 I came across your channel accidentally last week when I was watching other people's examples of their cross stitching projects and watched the one in which you showed us your finished piece - stunning work! 🖒. I may not fit the stereotype of a cross stitcher as I'm a 35 year old, 6'3" tall Welshman who lives by a farm, but I don't care lol. Creating is for everybody and especially embroidery, tapestry, sewing, knitting and needlecraft - basically anything that requires cotton/thread and a needle. Evidence of these activities in one form or another have been found to have been practised by our earliest human ancestors. The history is fascinating. Besides, I find it extremely relaxing, enjoyable and rewarding when at the end, you have a finished piece of art that you can frame or give to somebody as a gift. Thanks again Jessica, I love your channel and have subscribed 😊🖒. -Chris.

[@adriennesamantha]

Also another Welshie!

[@Cindy99765]

Such a lovely comment ❤️

[@freyalovesbooks3824]

Christopher Tudor omg I don’t fit the stereotype either lol. I’m 15 so while most kids my age are partying I’m at home cross stitching😂

[@cullertransportation]

Hell I’m a 45 year old truck driver who has been teaching my wife how to cross stitch when I’m home because her mom didn’t teach her. My mom made me learn as a child to help my fine motor skills which weren’t where they needed to be. I stopped for many years but happened upon a dimensions wizard pattern that I loved. I asked my mom to do it for me and she said “no….you know how, you do it. And I did took me a few years but I got it done and kept going.

[@rwyatt4925]

Love your easy instruction and examples. Only thing I do different is in beginning after finding center, I take a pencil and lightly mark the grid out .. makes it easier for me to follow the pattern square by square. Really gorgeous project .. look forward to the updates.

[@barbarradevlin9111]

I came across this video about a year ago and got interested in this craft. Finally got the same kit, and can’t wait to work on it next!

[@divyaupadhyay7949]

Might I also add that a great way to save your thread from tangling is getting the cards it is on, cutting them into separate pieces, wrap the thread around the index card and then sorting them into a haberdashery box. Trust me, it will be much easier to keep track of your threads and finding them too!

[@MauraVH]

OMG I’ve just started cross stitch and I kept bending 2 strings (instead of 1) in half thinking that was what they meant!! No wonder I’ve been running out of colours so much!! My god this annoys me so much, the first tutorial I watched did it with 2 strings as I do now so I thought that was for all cross stitch kits! I’m so sad now, I have 2 unfinished kits because of this 😭 Thank you so much for the knot tip though!!

[@drag0nblight]

Bending 2 threads is not bad. I did so with my projects even tripled them and double passing each stitch. Yes, it uses more thread but my works looks better for me. I am just glad there is a craft store selling those extra threads. Better use the same brand the kit provides as different brands have different numbering and/or naming system.

[@naughtyning]

Same

[@taniastan7670]

I was doing the same thing like you but it works too.

[@michelleclark79709]

Each pattern should tell you exactly how many threads you need for each colour and symbol, because sometimes you will use the same colour but for different effects or shading you’ll need different numbers of threads.

[@beehumblewithmevicky2792]

I just got The Garden of Hope and I'm feeling completely over whelmed you explained the video well! Thank you!

[@iishuffle28]

My mom and grandmas used to do this, made elaborate projects. They stopped doing it when immigrating to assimilate. I wish they hadn't and that I had learned. It really is a skill.

[@dawnmontgomery73]

I haven't done cross stitch in forever. I stumbled across your video and decided to watch it and before I knew it I was on Amazon ordering a kit🤭I have a 11"X16" coming Wednesday lol oh I can't wait! I had forgotten how much fun they were😍

[@TLG2211]

🤭Hope it all worked out ☺️

[@jessicaraewood5016]

Wow this is so intricate. I used to do this when I was a young kid and want to start again. I have never done one this complex before

[@kanashiinolove]

omg i just bought the japanese garden as my first project. The minute i looked at it ... overwhelmed can't begin to describe how i feel..................

[@kanashiinolove]

super glad i found your vid tho! finally got an idea how to start LOL THANKS!

[@polinapavlenko1298]

I'm literally working on the crosstitch pattern you showed on the beginning, so excited for it to look like yours when finished!

[@colleensanders9710]

Awesome video! I just bought my first cross stitch kit and was completely confused on how to begin. Thank you for showing us how it's done

[@sharonstallings52]

Great job in explaining the concept. I am now hopeful I can manage this new hobby. Thank you

[@susanpizzio9320]

Very nice work, I have been doing cross stitching for about 40 years and have always been taught that you never know your thread either.

[@bde1064]

I like the way you walked us through the process, thank you.

[@theamytivillehorror]

Thank you for helping me figure out how to start my really small cross stitch :D Mine came with no instructions so this was super helpful!!

[@julesm8546]

Your cross stitching videos are my favourite to watch and learn from! Thank you :) ( ps I am starting the Japanese garden it will probably take me years!!) xx

[@juliarichter2227]

Thank you for your video. 👏 I haven't done a cross stitch picture for a long time and you helped me find my way into it again. Happy stitching!

[@flamingbridges1649]

I've just got back into doing cross stitch. And im determined that I will finish it. Because I always start them and then never finish

[@renewyourmind1815]

Holy crap, the cross stitch I bought yesterday to give it a try just has a flower with the words 'Home sweet home.' I haven't even started yet because I'm already lost! Not sure how you secure the string or move onto the next color, etc. I'm lost. So much respect for cross stitchers!! I want to learn, but I'm more experienced with sewing.

[@Sun.Shine-]

I have got the first one european bistro for my first project. I am loving it so far ❤️

[@teresaboyer284]

Thank you, Jessica! You really made it seem easy to those who haven’t been stitching kits in a while. The only thing I can say is you are using floss- not strings! Other than that, your video was fantastic! Think I’ll go pull out my Dimensions kit now! You

[@Kare1949]

That is so beautiful. Thank you for doing this video to show how to do cross stitch ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@dzareenasubhybintikamarulb8588]

Bruhh tats so pretty I thought it was a painting at first

[@dennisdewildt6898]

Big thanks for the knot trick. I use it all the time since your vid.

[@evelynmenendez4941]

I have been looking on KZbin for a video like this thank you for explaining it like this. It was great.

[@sandiotoole4295]

I just learned to use one strand for a 2 strand stitch. Thank you.

[@siuyooyyooy]

wow， u r soooo good, u doing the cross stitch with out pre-print, only by looking at the paper, that is amazing

[@senay8899]

Hey Jessica i thank you so much for your video, you helped me a lot with it. I searched a good video about stitching a long time and finally got one. You explain everything so good! So thumbs up! And nice greetings from Turkey btw :)

[@NiGHTSaturn]

The lantern is absolutely gorgeous. I can only imagine what the entire finished project looks like… reminds me of Chrono Trigger. I wonder if there’s a cross stitch/video game community that does in game inspired works.

[@CaterpillarCrossStitch]

A fabulous introduction to cross stitch!

[@Katmarie100]

I never finished a full kit. I just started copying patterns from a book or drawing myself straight onto the material. Nothing I have done looks as neat as what you've done though but I enjoy it and find it meditative. Mind you I often put my needle in such a way that it goes in and goes out I to the next stitch square. Probably why it's so messy.ha ha. Great video though. Good luck with the project,bet it's going to look ace at the end.

[@AFROKID116]

I couldn't figure out what this was called for the longest time but I do love doing it , it brings back memories from when I used to do this with my mom ,

[@stephaniediaz5028]

Wow i think you helped me more than the more specific videos ive watched time to stitch now i actually understand

[@deniselittle4661]

Love your cross stitching .

[@mccubbinaerial6000]

wow the thread string knot tie method was pretty neat never seen that tell ur mom thanks!

[@remaasali2515]

i just got like 20 of these type of kit and i was confused but it helped now as i couldn't use the codes thank you

[@AliaKunkle]

Thank you this is super helpful to get me started on my daughter's Christmas stocking!

[@deedeebeads]

Very lovely instructions and if ppl need a refresher ❤

[@kachoo2135]

I got a Golden Girl cross stitch kit for a Christmas gift from my sister and I devote one hour each night on my sewing

[@christianraduly1938]

I love the Dimensions Gold collection!!

[@pennyha1973]

I would like to make something like what you are doing. You know way more than me and you did a wonderful job explaining. Thank you!

[@jiaunmew878]

You can try the beeswax bar to wax the floss before you stitch. It won’t get tangle as much that way.

[@ryerye8804]

I prefer to do free hand cross stitching...... alot of times I create and draw my own patterns as I go and add things where they r missing..... I absolutely love it

[@dennisdewildt6898]

Good job! I found a stand better then the hoop. The hoop wrinkled the fabric and/or damaging the already stitchd part

[@julesm8546]

Your cross stitching videos are a bit like discovering a really good book - when i get to the end, i kind of wish there was more in the series !! X lol 📚 🧵

[@digitalmediafan]

No way would I have the patience for this, I wish I had though

[@KT-sq2ml]

They also make pre-printed cross stitch with the design printed on the fabric. It’s an option if you don’t want to follow a chart and count every stitch. (Look for stamped cross stitch on craft sites or Amazon.)

[@airalynns6543]

Thank you so much for this!! I just picked up my own pattern and was teaching myself. Thank you for clarifying and demonstrating!!

[@lilacchocolate]

Thank you so much! This was a great reminder since I'm about to start my very own Gold Collection piece that I bought about 18 years ago when I was a kid that had just learnt how to cross stitch for the first time and got addicted. But never got round to starting my big piece that is a Gold Collection design, better late than never right (kept it for all those years for a reason)?! 😜

[@ravbhatti6559]

Emma L. Good luck x

[@lilacchocolate]

@@ravbhatti6559 Thanks! 1/3 done, slow and steady wins the race! 💪😤😅

[@virginnocence]

You're adorable! I'm doing my own cross stitch pattern while watching this.

[@maryturgeon9111]

Thank you I needed a refresher

[@kat4rina182]

thank you so much for sharing, this is super helpful! i cant wait to get started!

[@graciesawyer6352]

I love cross-stitching!🧡

[@waliullah658]

i love cross stitch and your work is amazing

[@salinagonzalez5221]

The garden is my next project. Can wait.

[@chrisbutler9158]

I never knot my threads in cross stitch, I work it between other stitches at the back (if it's part of a section) or hold it against the back of the holes ready to be part of the work due to be stitched.

[@wendyannh]

That's always been the traditional way of handling new threads, but nowadays, it seems to be more widely accepted to use knots if one wants to with any sort of needlework. I'm with you, though, although I do needlepoint and not cross stitch.

[@computatoe2]

That was how I learned. I've never used knots.

[@thewinderfamily1633]

Cross stitching is so easy I caught on really fast the only thing that I am having trouble with is the thread pulling it apart I wish I could find a good video that can teach me how to pull or take apart the thread so it doesn't knot. To me that is the hardest part of cross stitching other than that everything else is easy.

[@kathyamortegui1575]

Thank you for the instructions 🎉 I want to buy my first project, perhaps a very simple design.

[@Lourdes5254]

Very neat and clean, you're so good

[@teresaohalloran9297]

Thank you for this. I enjoyed watching. This may soon be my new hobby.

[@SuperBettyboop23]

That is a very good job and a beautiful picture good work! 💕💕

[@crossstitchcraze7500]

Very good and well explained.

[@karenkrauss1194]

I watch like 5 videos and read the instruction and it so difficult to understand but I just watch this and now it easy :)

[@alidahall8726]

It's so easy to do it's better for someone to start small before doing something like she's doing

[@leonaolson1176]

I also do not knot my floss. You did a good job on making a knot and threading the needle though.

[@getbacktowork2729]

I do crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery but I don't think I would ever have the patience for this.

[@mrs.honeydoll3396]

Thank you so much! This made it easier to understand how to 😄

[@missdeath1990]

wish we could be friends !!!! that looks very beautiful.

[@vivianltua9695]

just started cross-stitch, thank you

[@starrysky8177]

I just got the same kit! I love it so much, tho it’s going to take forever

[@susanlang3247]

Very pretty A very good Love how you explain it

[@boocatluv1]

You never want to knot your thread in cross stitch. Double it before putting it through the needle so that your thread naturally will form a loop. Then, when you pull your thread through the back of your fabric put your needle through the loop, pull it taut to secure your thread. Voila-no knot to cause lumps when your work is framed.

[@jessicateee]

Artemisia1966 interesting!

[@miker3771]

Another thing you should do is keep all the cross stitches going in the same direction it makes the picture flow better looks like your top cross stitch is going left to right then sometimes right to left if I am seeing it properly

[@jessicateee]

Mike R Very good point I forgot to mention. All of these stitches go bottom left to top right, then bottom right to top left. The ones going bottom left to top right only are half stitches.

[@caity518]

Can you do a tutorial or something ? I'm struggling to start my first little kit

[@boocatluv1]

Sorry, I don't really do tutorials, but I'd be happy to answer if you have specific questions.

[@katherynfoley3822]

I love this thank you for sharing!!

[@airplanetowardsthesky3265]

Crossstiching can look beautiful but omg I don’t have the patience for that

[@beehumblewithmevicky2792]

None of my thread is numbered or in cards I'm going to make tags for the thread.

[@zoombathecat640]

Thank you! This is very clear and helpful.

[@bethanytaylor6262]

I think I'm waiting to start that exact same kit. Can I recommend you get yourself a scroll frame if you are into back stitching areas as you go. The hoop could cause damage to the stitches as you move the fabric around in it.

[@mysenses7484]

I've been looking for a new hobby and got interested in cross stitching, but looking how complicated it is, I doubt I have the patience for this. 😁

[@jessicateee]

Emi Emi you can do it!

[@paralinkincubusninja5100]

For me embroidery is more complicated than cross stitching.

[@LotsoHeartGirl]

jessica.teee can u do all the back stitching after or does it not work?

[@mariekarole1621]

That will be so beautiful! The legend is very good

[@knittinglaughsandphotographs]

Thank you so much for posting this video!!!! 🧡 Your explanation step by step is very helpful.

[@KrisD1313]

Those aren't just strings. It's embroidery FLOSS. Each length is made up of 6 "STRANDS" of floss. That is an embroidery HOOP. The needle is a blunt-tip specially designed to do cross-stitching on Aida cloth. It goes through the openings in Aida cloth (resulting in perfect crosses), rather than making holes (which would be more like regular embroidery).

[@theresamartinezhr]

Any chance you could video a whole beginning kit start to finish for dummies (or people that haven't done this since their teens and forgot how).

[@stephanie1733]

Thank you so much

[@208212jmhl]

I miss doing this so much. I have carple tunnle and cant hold the needle anymore for more than 2 stitches.

[@nancygurishbehindthescenes8621]

Thank you! I got so much from your video! Easy to understand; good job! ~~~Nancy

[@gabrielazimmermann3562]

Please tell me, how do you do the back stitches? One over one or do you go over like 3-5 crosses, if it's a straight line? I'd appreciate a quick reply. Thanks heaps. By the way, I've got this Japanese Garden on the way to my house. Can't wait to get started.... I love watching your videos, you are so relaxed and motivating. Keep going and keep stitching. Love from Switzerland, Gabriela

[@jessicateee]

Thanks! I do one long one. It looks better than multiple small stitches.

[@gabrielazimmermann3562]

@@jessicateee sorry to bother you again. How long do you mean? I've got the Harbour Bridge of Sydney and the hangers are all back stitch. Sometimes they are going over like 13 crosses...... What do you reckon? Shall I divide them into two or three small stitches or still do one long one over 13? I have never ever done anything like that before...... Thanks again for your answer!

[@jessicateee]

@@gabrielazimmermann3562 there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Try one way and then if it doesn’t look right, try another :) it sometimes depends on the stitch count too. It may come loose if the count is small (10 versus 16). But again...personal preference :)

[@aracelyreyes6872]

SOO Funny !! I loved !! Gracias hermosa, nena!!!

[@Mrscasserino7223]

Thank you for sharing. 😊 People keep commenting on your technique.. I guess if your a perfectionist, the knots could be an issue lol 😆

[@janetehoffman]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@samanthad1282]

Could you give me some advice about completing a cross stitch with so many colours? Do you do a lot of jumping to get a square or 2 squares of colour in one area and then some squares of the same colour in an area nearby? I've chosen a very small cross stitch for my first project of a cupcake, but it has different shades of yellow for the frosting. Mostly a light yellow shade but then there's a smattering of darker yellow here and there and I'm now sure how to cope! Thanks :)

[@crossstitchcraze7500]

Great sharing