Learn How: Cross Stitching 101 - Getting Started

The second entry in my Learn How series is all about one of my absolute favorite crafts, cross stitching! I attempt to show the basics of cross stitching, and how to get started using a small basic kit.
If you enjoyed this video, please consider leaving a like, and if you want to keep up with all my new videos, click that subscribe button.
✂︎✁✂︎✃✂︎✁✂︎✃✂︎✁✂︎✃✂︎✁✂︎✃✂︎✁✂︎✃✂︎
Watch other videos in the Learn How series:
➼ Basic Single Crochet - • Learn How: Basic Singl...

[@thegibbos9732]

Well I'm a 28 year old man now. I used to love doing this at school as a child. One day I brought it home, I showed my Dad and he yelled at me saying this was for Women! Today I went ahead and bought a kit from Amazon and I've checked out your video :) thank you for this video, I'm excited to make up for lost time!

[@ambersmith5931]

Happy stitching! Hope youve found joy & made some nice pieces! 🪡🧵🖼

[@jude1515]

Good for you. It doesn’t matter male or female creating art is therapeutic for all.

[@Grace-tc1lq]

I feel sorry for your Dad, caught up in the age of gender roles. They’ve missed out on so much. Art is art and the wonderful thing is that it doesn’t matter male or female, talent is talent.

[@thegibbos9732]

Such kind comments thank you all, I went on to designing my own cross stitch designs and they were well received!

[@booknerdmomma0950]

That's sad. To bad he didn't realize men the military had to learn to sew in order to fix things when on the field.

[@katiejudd01]

I've been trying to understand cross stitching for years but people's tutorials would skip over simple things that you explained and it would leave me frustrsted. You are a great teacher and are very straightforward. Thank you so much.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to help!

[@meighan.leenetta]

Dude, SAME.

[@madisonallen1816]

I feel the same way

[@dreadhamster107]

I crossed stitch years ago and just bought a kit to try it again. Your instructions were right on. I was able to remember with your introduction. Thank you

[@brookeezlosingit4836]

Agreed. The needle thread is genious! Thanks.

[@BlueAndPINK666]

I bought a cross stitch kit today thinking it would be a no brainer but I opened it and I was sooo confusing and the instructions were so vague😅 this is so so helpful thank you

[@PhilsNextKick]

Yea, the instructions in kits can absolutely be confusing. Glad my video was able to help!

[@user-ll7bf6lg7r]

;-; mine didn’t even come with instructions

[@stogucheme]

@@PhilsNextKick The first one I bought (and promptly returned) had about 20 colors and all of them were unlabeled. There were a lot of whites. @.@

[@skyejones2981]

Same

[@imanf3882]

Same here. I got the pusheen one and am so confused

[@cullertransportation]

I’m glad to see I’m not the only man who cross stitches. My mom made me learn when I was a kid to help with my fine motor skills and I just kept it up

[@PhilsNextKick]

You definitely aren't the only one. I learned from mon when I was young as well, and one of my first pieces was a sampler of different fish that I gave to my grandfather as a Christmas present.

[@kristinbenson4800]

I have been cross stitching for 37 years. My favorite saying is "You learn something new every day!" and I have done just that. Threading the needle the way you did and knotting it with the loop is genius!!! I am teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders how to stitch at school (a small group where we share/teach something special to us) and I am totally going to teach them this. Permission to use your video with them?

[@PhilsNextKick]

That's one of my favorite sayings too, and I am always learning myself! You are more than welcome to use any of my videos you find useful!

[@heatherfear8500]

My exact thoughts !!

[@kimberlycowan4091]

I wish I was at your school 2 years ago :(

[@chocochunk12]

I've been cross stitching for many years and I agree, I've never seen anyone thread the needle the way he did. That is genius. Just wondering how it would work when you have to use two color strands??

[@vickykent353]

​@@PhilsNextKick ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@Alison-zo2lq]

I showed my 87year old mom who has been cross stitching for 50+years your video about threading the needle and creating a knot at the end, she asked me to give you a huge "thanks" She is now using this technique and it's not just easier for her to thread her needle but she is no longer losing it.

[@francichristen6565]

You have such a soothing voice. This video reminds me a lot of Bob Ross. :)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad you enjoyed it! I actually made a few Pokemon card videos using a Bob Ross voice, lol

[@i_karus2684]

Its like the peter draws of stitching :D

[@TheKonga88]

But he doesn't have any titanium H-white and he doesn't beat the devil out of it..😁😁😁😁🦍🎅🤶

[@debbieschultz2224]

I have never turned the work over and stitch. For me that is wrong

[@amarkaur1366]

Cross stitch pattern of a tractor

[@UsernameBarbF]

Phil, like you, I've cross stitched for many years. I even went to seminars and took classes. Those classes taught me a couple of tips I'd like to pass on to you. First tip is how to separate the strands of floss. You showed tapping one end of the six-strand hank, but you should also show what happens when the tap the other end. The correct end to pull from will be the one that causes all six strands to fly apart when you tap the end. The reason it's the correct end is because all the barely visible "fly-away" strands on each thread is facing downward--when you pull one or two strands from the hank, they will release without tangling. Second tip--Once you get the number of strands pulled that you want, slide them through a medium that will further smooth those fly-away pieces so they don't tangle while you're stitching--you want to slide them in that "smoothest" direction. Best way is to pull them through a cube of bee's wax, next option is across a damp sponge, or my favorite because I've always got it on hand, is to slide it across my tongue. Third tip: Do not, NOT catch the loop of your thread in the eye of the needle! Instead, if your pattern calls for two strands, just use one like you did in your video. Just like in your video, fold that single strand in the middle (forming a loop in the middle). Just thread the needle using either the loop through the eye or the two ends through the eye, it doesn't matter. Do NOT knot the ends either. Instead, just like in your video, bring your needle up in the bottom left corner and go down in the top right corner, pulling the thread downward about 2". Now turn your work over and put your needle through the loop and gently pull it the rest of the way through--not too tight so it doesn't pucker. By doing it this way, you have automatically locked that very first stitch, you won't have any "tails", you don't have any loose ends to deal hide. Last tip: The reason for starting in the center of your work and then working outward is that the stitching will stretch the fabric--by starting at the center, your work will stretch the fabric outward and remain smooth. If you start from the outer edges and work inward, your fabric might "bubble up" or warp. Good luck everyone!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks for the tips! Definitely some that I did not know, and will try out in the future!

[@UsernameBarbF]

@@PhilsNextKick Thanks Phil! The business about the fly-away strands was explained to us by telling us that cotton floss is like a human hair strand--when you slide your fingers upward on a hair strand it will bunch up (that's how we women used to "rat" our hair before styling it to give our hairdo volume). When you slide it downward, you're going with the "grain" of the hair and smoothing it down. Another tip to share with you--if you cross stitch on clothing (like a sweatshirt), when you finish your design, turn the sweatshirt inside out and position a piece of lightweight iron-on interface (I buy Pellon) over the entire stitched area--trim the interface as necessary. Then lay either a pressing cloth over it or a non-stick sheet and iron it. This way all of your threads will be locked in forever and the person wearing the sweatshirt (or shirt, pants, etc.) will not feel the threads, including the thicker areas where you've woven/buried your threads. No worries about threads coming undone in the washer/dryer. You need to cover the entire stitched piece because it will leave a slight ridge at the edge that will be visible on the right side--if you're worried about how it will look, try it out on a practice piece to see what it will look like.

[@ingridsaab5413]

HI there, I don't understand what you mean. Maybe you should do a video for us to see if we can understand your tips. Thanks !

[@ingridsaab5413]

@@UsernameBarbF , it will be nice if you can provide us with a video since most people in this platform are visual learners. I kind of understand what you are saying, but it will be better with a tutorial. Your idea makes a lot of sense and we need to see this specially us the begginers.

[@UsernameBarbF]

@@ingridsaab5413 Hi Ingrid! I wish I could provide a video, but while I know about cross stitching, I am completely ignorant of creating a video or even knowing how to post it. Technology left me in the dust as I have aged. I'm even struggling with trying to learn how to use the smart phone my son gave me. I am so very sorry to not be able to be more help to you. I wonder if Phil could try my tips and then make a video of it?

[@MsPandora93]

I have a cross-stitch kit sitting here looking at me.. it is saying; "stop being a scaredy cat, just grab the needle and thread and jump right in." But I didn't want to do a half-ass job of it so I've been watching videos. Yours was so helpful in threading the needle without a knot at the end and the tip on jumping up to the next row. Great little video. I just bought my first cross-stitch kit and hope I don't mess it up. Thanks, Phil

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and I hope you have fun with your first cross stitch!

[@1beverlyw757]

You can do it

[@ROCKaholic]

That was two years ago. How'd you do?

[@cathiewatson7622]

I've seen a lot of 'beginner' cross stitch videos and always left none the wiser. This is honestly the best one I've ever seen. Thorough yet simple to follow. Thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it so much!

[@roxanne-raymaaguila2919]

You had me at “Gryffindor”

[@PhilsNextKick]

I did make the Gryffindor crest cross stitch for my wife, but I think I may need to make a Slytherin one for myself ;)

[@drag0nk1tty]

I instantly started looking for Hufflepuff patterns... I'll do that eventually!

[@dianablevins8986]

Roxanne-Rayma Aguila I want to see KZbin beginner cross stitch

[@dianablevins8986]

Phil's Next Kick Increase volume on iPad

[@MsRosieA]

@@PhilsNextKick YES! Go Slytherin!!

[@TheSparklyBeader87]

Phil, I just happened upon your video even though I already know how to cross-stitch. How refreshing to hear a male voice instruct a video in a traditionally female textile art! Kudos to you! You have a very soothing voice. Keep up the great work! Btw, your method for threading is interesting. I have never done it that way out of concern for the nap of the floss. ❤

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks for you comment! I’ve actually had a lot of people comment on my voice, so I’m hopefully going to be doing more to make use of it, but I have plenty more cross stitch and other crafting videos planned to eventually make as well. I actually haven’t had any issues threading the way I do, and I’ve been doing it for a few years.

[@jericholocke8050]

“Please tell me the next tutorial is up...” “Three years ago” “Oh lmao I’m fine”

[@ikiteru]

I wikihow’d cross stitching and didn’t understand it. Bought a kit from wal mart because a friend swore it was really easy. The instructions made me cry. You cleared up so much and it makes so much sense now! Thank you for taking the time to make this starter video. Subscribing right now :)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could be so helpful! I hope you enjoy your future stitching!

[@funkay1]

Haha I understand your frustration

[@meighan.leenetta]

How did your kit turn out? About to start my first one.

[@subseeker]

I bet this helps me a lot, so, thank you. My mom passed away a couple of months ago and she never got to make me this big cross-stitch picture which has an awesome Christmas spirit in it. It should've been a Xmas present for me 😢 so I made a promise beside her deathbed that I would finish it and it still would be done by her. God I miss her, she was the sweetest thing on this planet.

[@armymom7857]

I learned to cross stitch from my grandmother when I was young but had forgotten the basics. She is no longer with us 😔 so I need help getting started again. Thank you for post. Trying to keep my hands busy. ❤️

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help you remember the basics. Hope you can not only keep your hands busy, but remember those wonderful times with your Grandmother thought cross stitching!

[@katieakin8718]

I've been cross stitching for about a year now, and I started all of it by watching this video!! I just came across it again while watching some other stitchery videos and it warmed my heart to see it again. Thanks for your help getting me into one of my favorite hobbies, Phil!

[@PhilsNextKick]

So glad I could help, and I'm glad you enjoy it so much!

[@maryjohnson-goeldner6351]

Wow, I have been procrastinating for about 6months, because the instructions were either nonexistent or so confusing, that I didn’t start for fear of failing. You have given me the confidence to start. Can’t wait for your next video, subscribed and liked, my granddaughter and I are starting together in the morning. Thanks again, very excited. Maz

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and just remember the most important part is to enjoy it and have fun! That's why it's a hobby, not a job!

[@evamaeelumbra3782]

I'm really interested to start cross stitching and thankful that I saw your video first. Going to buy stuff soon! Thank you!

[@odddessy4746]

Thanks so much for sharing! I homeschool my kiddo and I’m wanting him to learn as a quiet/calming activity. My brother and I both learned from my grandmother when we were kids… But I think it’s encouraging for him to have a man doing an instruction video. :) you make it cool! Also I needed the refresher and I look forward to starting again.

[@meganjmccrory]

Knotting the needle is the best thing I've ever seen! Thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

I love threading my needles this way!

[@midnightplum1760]

Just wanted to pop in and say ur video was the first that really made crossstitch make sense to me! I actually can see my first comment on this video was from 2 months ago and it's so cool how far I have come in this hobby thanks to you! I think there's something so cool about the fact that your mom taught you and now years later you're online teaching tons of people your skills!

[@PhilsNextKick]

I'm really glad I was able to help and that you're enjoying it so much!

[@user-ug2vh7sj9q]

I just got a nightmare before christmas one, and didn't understand the instruction, I'm so glad I found you!

[@meghangster]

Thank you for the video! Have been cross stitching for years, and never thought to thread the needle the way you did. Such a great tip, thank you!!!

[@annettef.5654]

Thank goodness for your video! Every video I have came across skips the threading process and skips the turning, etc!! Thank you so much for your patience and time you take with your videos!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you for you kind comment, and I'm really glad I was able to help out!

[@jessicawylie8894]

This video is amazing! I recently joined the cross stitch community on Reddit, and realised I could do patterns that I actually liked, and then had to problem of, 'ok, I have the stuff, how do I do it!?' You my friend are a gem!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Welcome to cross stitching and I'm glad I could help!

[@depressoespresso5904]

i had a cross stitch project as a performance task for elem and absolutely loved it and now im a crocheter :>

[@krisej31]

Thank you! I used to cross stitch around 6-7 but that was over 20 years ago now and I wanted to get back into it and completely forgot the basics. Its great to have it refreshed in my mind before I get in over my head.

[@CE-jv9gv]

First off, thanks so much for this video! I've gone through a handful of how to begin cross stitching and most of the people forget to mention the little stuff like threading the needle with a loop/knot thing and how to even do that before jumping in to some random point without explanation of why. You've explained the beginning steps exceptionally well (at least for me who has only done, like, five cross stitches) and I'm really glad I ran across your video!! I hope to see more steps soon! :D

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks! I'm glad I was able to help out! I know it's been a while, but I am planning on making more cross stitching videos soon!

[@jofelker7656]

Ce B. You

[@debannas4567]

Great video. I’ve been cross-stitching over 35 years. So fulfilling to watch pictures come to life!! (I normally work vertically)

[@aliciapatel3195]

You have explained some really basic bits that everyone glossed over or assumed we already know. Can't thank you enough. From a UK sofa x

[@ashlee3779]

I used to cross stitch with my mom a lot when I was a kid. I just recently decided to get back into it, but I couldn't even remember how to get started! I love the tips u give to make it easier!! Thank u so much for this video!

[@leannecyr7149]

I haven't cross-stitched for years and am just about to begin a project for our new granddaughter. This was a great refresher, Phil. Thanks for the clear, well instructed video. :)

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help!

[@marinaramalho]

Thank you so much for this! I learned how to cross-stitch as a child but haven't done it in years, so when I decided to pick it up again, details were a bit fuzzy. You made it so clear and I am now super excited to get back to it. Thank you so much!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help get you back into it, and I hope you enjoy it even more than you did as a kid!

[@randomaccount64]

I know this was from like 5 years ago but this is so helpful thank you very much. Cross stitch is something new I'm getting into

[@mehakverma7043]

Wow! I'm a self taught stitcher and I never thought of weaving the tail into the stitches! I usually just tied the two tails together after making the x's but that always made my backs look messy. Thankyou!

[@RanchoBellaVista503]

I just bought my very first cross stitch kit and the instructions were not clear. Your tutorial is perfect for beginners like me, thank you so much for this video. ✌🏽

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad it could help you!

[@heathernoblitt0514]

Same here!!

[@alecia5360]

I would like you to know that your tutorial was the first cross stitch video I ever watched back during the beginning of quarantine, and it has created a love for stitching. I now have 2 Heaven and Earth Designs projects started and 3 charts to be kitted, plus I did a few smaller projects when I first started. I’m collecting needle minders, I bought a tablet specifically for stitching, and a whole section of my room is dedicated to my floss and fabric collection. I’ve done some partial coverage and some full coverage pieces, used half stitches and full stitches, and I’ve even done some back stitching. So thank you! Stitching has helped me with my anxiety through COVID time.

[@PhilsNextKick]

That is awesome to hear! I'm glad I could help you get started with this fantastic hobby!

[@carlieam5626]

I loved cross stiching when I was little but haven't done it in around 20 years. I just decided to relearn and this was so freaking helpful!! Thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

I was kind of the same, my mom taught me when I was 12 and then I didn't do it again until I was in my mid 20's. So glad this was able to help you!

[@lindsayrogers4164]

Thank you for explaining everything so well! It’s often difficult to lay out the bare bone basics after having so many years of experience but this worked perfectly to help me understand.

[@Izzy_Gyrl]

For a while I've been trying to find a cross stitch beginners video to REALLY SHOW me how to do this. Yours is the first one that I TRULY understand. I've gone through hundreds and this one is the best. ITS CLEAR, IT'S VISUALLY EASY TO UNDERSTAND (Because I do better with visuals) and I'm super excited to get started in the cross stitch world! Thank you!!1

[@selma8522]

This is actually really helpful, I’ve never cross stitched before but now I know how to start. Thank you 😊

[@barbarakb8847]

LOVE how you thread the needle! I’ve been cross-stitching for years and have never seen that. Thank you!!

[@laalaa1813]

It's been years since I've cross stitched. I needed a refresher. Your tips were GREAT! Can't wait to get my kits now! Looking forward to following your videos!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad my videos were useful and hope you enjoy your stitching!

[@emira9135]

Thank you for this! I’ve wanted to learn to cross stitch for a long time. It just looks like such a relaxing hobby. For Christmas I received a Hobby Lobby giftcard and I got $50 worth of simple cross stitch kits to learn with. This is very helpful! Thanks again.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and hope you've enjoyed stitching!

[@claudbot9836]

You couldn’t have made this tutorial more clear and easy to understand. Thank you so much. Looking forward to my cross stitching journey.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad to hear that, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy cross stitching for many years to come!

[@DrCrazyEvil]

3 years later just asking how'd it went and if you continued it!

[@claudbot9836]

@@DrCrazyEvil It went well and I still cross stitch every once in a while 👍🏻

[@DrCrazyEvil]

@@claudbot9836 nice! Glad to see someone sticks with it ^^ gonna give it a try once I get some cash again. Seems relaxing

[@justjuls5500]

Thanks! Just starting my first Eva cross stitch pattern you made it so much easier to start without worrying great tips!!!

[@lindseystraley9596]

It's been quite a while since I've done any cross stitching so I decided to watch your video for a refresher. I learned so much! You blew my mind when you showed us how you thread your needle. I never would have thought to do it that way- I always had just tied my floss in a knot to the eye.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Before I learned that trick I would always thread two pieces of floss on my needle, and the needle would always come of and have to be threaded back on over and over again. Now the needle stays right where it needs to be!

[@DaeNoctem]

This loop method you did is life changing for my cross stitch game. Thanks for the tip!!

[@PhilsNextKick]

I can't even remember where I first saw it, but it was life changing for me as well! Glad I can help change other people's lives now, lol.

[@addisonblair5342]

Thank you so much! I got a cross stitch today to make for a fathers day present for my dad and because of you, I think I'm actually going get it done before fathers day. Thank you for making this video!

[@katerinapetrovich650]

The threading trick? Chef’s kiss! I’ve been cross stitching since I was a kid (self-taught, so it’s always a mess) decided to go back to basics and this made my day! LOVE IT! 😍

[@kelliv2995]

Just found your channel! I’m so excited to jump back into this. I used to know how to do it but I’m more than a touch rusty. Your voice is so soothing. I hope there is a whole series! I’m talking all the way up to advanced. I’d get this lady bug and do this with you. Also, you should strongly consider a career in voice over narration of audiobooks. I’m an avid listener and I suffer from Anxiety, especially at night. Your voice would sooth me right to sleep. Just a thought. Already a huge fan. Thanks so much 👏🏻

[@PhilsNextKick]

First off, I'm very glad you found my video useful! I do hope to continue making many more cross stitching videos, as well as videos for other crafts, it's just a matter of finding the time, especially with an almost 3 month old in the house now! lol. I actually do a small bit of voiceover work with the videos I create for my day job, and had considered doing a few readings of children's books for my youtube channel, so I may just try to make that more of a priority. Thank you again for you kind words, and I appreciate you!

[@janquinn261]

You are brilliant!!!! Love your tutorial! Thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thank you! I'm very glad you enjoyed it!

[@caseyadams9185]

Thank you so much!! I just got my first piece to cross stitch and was having a lot of trouble. After watching your video I am excited and looking forward to taking another stab at it!

[@Hunter-vq8ge]

The way you thread that needle blew my mind!! What a genius way to 1. Knot the thread (which I struggle with sometimes since the double knots make it bulky and hard to pull thru without stretching the fabric) and 2. Not waste so much thread!! I can’t wait to apply that technique to my work!

[@mzblueberryyumyum]

Best beginner video - thank you

[@PhilsNextKick]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@Maggzii]

This was very helpful!! I’m going straight to your next video now. Thanks for posting this!

[@PhilsNextKick]

You are most welcome and I hope you find the other videos just as useful!

[@TheSuperkittykatgirl]

This is awesome. I wanted to learn to stitch for years and the kits are always so confusing but your explanations and actually showing how to do it are so easy. Thank you so much for this. You are great.

[@pamelafaulkner7186]

Thank you. I have never done any thing with a needle and thread before except sewing on a button, but you explained it so well that I think I might be able to do this. Thank you for making this easy for a beginner.

[@Tiffmidon]

Two years ago I watched this tutorial to learn how to stitch a simple design and now I’m stitching huge full coverage pieces.. thank you for this tutorial! Best one I found.

[@PhilsNextKick]

That is awesome! Way to go!

[@dude988]

Woah, my brain just remembered that I had some kind of plastic starter kit like 25 years ago. The image was printed on the plastic. I really liked it and thought I did a good job, but my mum said I did it wrong because it has to be perfect on both sides. Not sure about that, must watch more of your videos to find out if she was right or just mean.

[@PhilsNextKick]

Sounds like you may have had a stamped kit. Depending on what it was meant to be used for, it may have needed to look good on both sides, but due to the nature of cross stitch, both sides won't look the same. The back side can be clean, but it won't look the same as the front... also, nothing is perfect, and that just makes everything unique and special!

[@dawnagoad9745]

I've been embroidering for almost 60 years. I've always wanted to do counted cross stitch. So many lovely choices compared to the stamped patterns. I could NEVER figure out or understand what the heck they are talking about!! Well this old woman, doesnt have time for that!! You have given me new hope. All these years, why has no one explained like this before??? So many years !!!!! Incredible job. Very much appreciated. My fear level lowered 90%.

[@amberrichardson6593]

I wish I found this video before the other ones i watched! You made this so easy!! Thanks

[@beccilouise404]

My mum taught me to use one strand folded in half too, only we use the loop to secure the starting stitch so will only have the ends to secure

[@PhilsNextKick]

That's another great way to do it, I just like not having to worry about my needle falling off, lol

[@blandocelinef.6857]

First time in the operating room* Surgeon: How confident are u to perform the operation? Me: well I've learned cross stitch?

[@PhilsNextKick]

Suture level - Master!

[@joypenrod8253]

This is the most wholesome thing. Thank you for wanting to cross stitch a ladybug.

[@shelbieolivia7873]

I saw my nothing in law doing one of these and thought it looked really fun so thought I’d buy one, just watched your vid and it’s helped so much as I had no idea how to do it so thank you!

[@PhilsNextKick]

So glad I could help!

[@plaktow]

This might trigger someone, but I prefer learning this from a man. With tutorials by women I get the feeling I should know it already and be good at cross stitch because I'm a woman and every woman can do it. So thanks!

[@LittleOxfordSt]

Hey Phil, what’s the reasoning behind starting in the middle of the work? Is it to ensure that you have enough space/centring the work or does it actually affect the quality of the work re: tension? Being a newbie to cross stitch, I would have thought starting at an edge and working in progressive rows would be more logical? Would the answer change if you were working a square pattern as apposed to a more free form shape like the ladybug?

[@PhilsNextKick]

I was taught to start in the middle, and actually was never told why, but from what I've seen it could affect the look of your project, but that would probably depend on the size of the final piece. I have seen plenty of people who do start larger projects in a corner instead of in the middle and work page by page since large patterns can have multiple pages.

[@ChiWren]

Thank you for these videos! I started my first piece today and watched a few clips to no avail, until I found yours and finally made a stitch. Much appreciated

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help you make that first stitch and I hope there are many more to come!

[@mohughes913]

Love how this video has made things clearer and easier to grasp. The needle threading and folding of the strand is ingenious, thank you so much, it’s made cross stitch more enjoyable for me x

[@PhilsNextKick]

Really glad I could help!

[@canadiancaribou855]

Hullo Quarantine peeps

[@PhilsNextKick]

Hey there! Sup?

[@canadiancaribou855]

@@PhilsNextKick :,0 nothin much

[@theresawood4936]

I just have to say that I have watched about 10 tutorials of women trying to explain cross stitching and was STILL having a hard time and you just blew them out of the water with this simple yet well educated video!!! Forever a subscriber!!!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I was able to make sense in my rambling, lol. Also, thanks for subscribing!

[@CatalinaFOIA]

Thank you! I'm a beginner and I was able to follow your direction directly as stated without any difficulty. I'm making my 6 year old daughter a cross-stitch penguin bookmark because she loves to read, so I want her to have a neat handmade bookmark from me. ❤️

[@diogenesdefawkes4949]

Wow, I learned this from my mother also. We had a rough relationship. Regardless, recently found a kit my husband gave me years ago. Thanks for the refresher. You totally rock!!! Serious respect!

[@carlonovemespadero5903]

cross stitch is like drugs, once you've started, you'll get addicted.

[@PhilsNextKick]

It is absolutely addicting!

[@spicedpumpkin3934]

Wow that is totally cool that you just said that I guess I can agree with you on that when you start doing cross stitching it is like a drug you can't stop huh

[@carlonovemespadero5903]

@@spicedpumpkin3934 well, yes ma'am, ive tasted drug but not totally addicted and it's true, but only it happened long time ago, my love of arts changes everything,.. for now I've completed a lot of designs like animes and animals and I also have completed MIRABILIA designs for about 5 years ago, my latest project is called "Florentina" from Mirabilia not completed yet and I'm currently stitching a new one called "At the met" Egyptian version,...lots of beads,.. I really enjoyed doing them especially the finishing,..beads, crystals etc,..and like I said once you've started you'll get addicted :-)

[@kathleenmckenna8092]

I am an expert in knitting and crochet. I have done cross stitch in the past but have recently wanted to do it again. I have all the items needed but wanted to check out videos and read a few books before attempting and big projects. I found your video and it is really well done. Easy to understand and great visuals. I slipped right back into the mindset of cross stitching. Thanks so much. :-)

[@graves5547]

Ive never done crossing stitching before and im gonna try it tomorrow. I wouldve never thought to thread the needle like that so thanks for the tip! I'm very excited to start!

[@PhilsNextKick]

It's a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

[@neecole4023]

Thank you thank you thank you for stopping to explain the basics and the useful tips! I used to cross stitch when I was little, and have completely forgotten how, especially using a pattern- I just ordered my first cross stitch kit and I’m so excited. Your video is clear and concise and to the point, without being vague. 👌

[@PhilsNextKick]

I'm glad I was able to get so much across in just one video! Good luck and enjoy your projects!

[@vanessatrine8293]

Thank you so much Phil! This was! a non-frustrating way to learn a new skill during quarantine. I'm grateful for your patient voice and straightforward instructions!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help you learn!

[@cherylpenn4404]

Thank you Phil! I didn't even know how to properly thread embroidery floss. This was so helpful!

[@leighcarroll3484]

It feels like you and I are sitting on the sofa together and your teaching me how to cross stitch. Your going about it slowly and that's just the way I need to be taught! Your explaining it on a level I can understand...THANK YOU...also appreciate the great close up of what your doing!...sitting here having a cup of tea watching you and listening to your calming voice...your a great teacher! I liked and subscribed!

[@alicexhinatarme]

I have done a couple of cross-stitch pieces but I had to have help because I couldn’t figure this out. You have helped me out immensely and I look forward to starting a new piece tonight that I won’t need help on. Thank you so much!

[@cindytartt4048]

I am an absolute beginner from Brisbane. I’ve actually been making cards since retirement: it’s expensive and quick so I wanted to try this. I LOVE your explanation (I was a teacher); you are SO clear. Thank you ! ❤🇦🇺❤️

[@androulacharalambous5281]

this was the most uncomplicated video! thank you!

[@mrsh1006]

5 yrs later and your video is still very helpful! The last time I did cross stitching was back in 2003. That's 20 years ago! But thanks to you I'm not as worried now that I'll mess up. I remember the back of my work before was very messy because I just did what I could to complete it without thinking what it would look like. Now I have a couple tricks to use from this video to through it all. 🤣

[@mariawashington5477]

Thanks for covering all my questions!!

[@IthinkIneedAhug]

I got a more complicated pattern yesterday, like other commenters, didn't expect the instructions to be vague and confusing. You were really clear in this and I could tell you knew what you were talking about

[@mandyt1918]

You have a gift for teaching. This is a very easy video to understand and no rambling on like so many other youtube tutorials. It's been 20+ years since I cross stitched and I was looking for a refresher to get me acquainted with the process again. Thank you.

[@Rozey070898]

I’m gobsmacked! I love your way of threading the needle, it’s so much easier than fighting with the thread to stay on the needle.

[@Oxford322]

Love the loop when you thread it thru ! Great idea

[@1979RoadFan]

Like you, I learned to cross stitch when I was young. I kept all of my mother's thread when she passed away. I have renewed interest in learning again.

[@barbarak1850]

New to cross stitching! I really appreciate how clear and thorough you are with your explanations!

[@jacquelinesmith3450]

Thank you! You take the trepidation out of cross stitching. Such a calm soothing voice.

[@s.c.jensen669]

Thank you so much for this! I know it’s an older video but I was looking for a beginner tutorial for my son and yours happened to be the first search result. It was so nice to be able to show him an example of other guys who do the things he’s into! Stitching, perler beads, and Pokémon. Kindred spirits!

[@PhilsNextKick]

Glad I could help, and getting more people to realize cross stitching, and crafting in general, is for everyone is one of my goals!

[@voidandempty1051]

I honestly need to give you a big thank you. I picked up a Star Wars family cross stitch kit over the holidays and the instructions were less than ideal for a beginner. You really saved my project from sitting on a shelf and gather dust.

[@catsfred]

this is AMAZING!! i'm just starting out, and i love how clear you are. despite the small stitches, i never have trouble catching what you're doing as you're demonstrating. i didn't know what the heck the kit was instructing me to do lol. thanks for making this!

[@jackiethompson4780]

I've been telling myself I was going to learn how to cross stitch for months but I didn't because everyone else made no sense to me but these make perfect sense, so thank you!

[@patrickchan2294]

I’ve recently bought an amazing cross stitch kit from The Flanders Tapestry collection, so relaxing and not enough men are realising it! It’s been my salvation during lockdown!

[@PhilsNextKick]

It really is relaxing!

[@commonhumanitycenterformin9532]

Thank you! My mother taught me cross stitching in the 70's, and I've just gotten the bug again. You reminded me of a few things I had forgotten. Well done. Super helpful. Maybe I'll see if you can teach me to knit. Heaven knows my mother tried for years and failed. Ha! :)

[@PhilsNextKick]

haha, I'm not the best at knitting, I mostly use looms, but I have done one project with needles and it was fun but sure did take a long time!