Embroidery vs Cross Stitch: What’s the Difference?

Creative minds looking to set their hands on a new craft often turn to embroidery. People see themselves getting overwhelmed by the numerous stitching techniques. This is a problem easily solved by some simple facts that help differentiate between embroidery vs cross stitch.

This embroidery vs cross stitch guide will help you make an informed decision to start an exciting journey into the stitching world.

Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: A Beginner’s Guide

Check out the details of how both the types differ and which suits you best below!

Cross Stitch:

One of the types of embroidery is a cross stitch that has successfully taken over the textile industry with eccentric designs. It is referred to as a kind of needlework generally.

Beginner cross stitch kits are available online on different platforms and in stores containing all the essential materials required for you to start!

Cross Stitch Fabric:

A specific fabric called Aida is used to construct individually extraordinaire designs. The fabric is stiff in nature and consists of visible holes for the thread to pass. It is easy to understand through the analogy of graph paper molded into the fabric.

You can use standard embroidery thread instead of looking for something distinct. An ideal cross stitch can be achieved using the cotton thread used for simple embroidery. Cross stitch forms an ‘X’ with each sew making for an even and flat surface.

Cross Stitch Needles:

The needles best suitable for cross stitches are tapestry needles. These needles have blunt tips and a large eye which will help you in eliminating the risk of accidentally piercing the fabric. Tapestry needles are easy to slip between the open, wide weave of the Aida fabric.

Cross Stitch Patterns:

Cross stitch patterns are majorly divided into two types:

1. Elongated horizontal cross stitch
2. Elongated vertical cross stitch

You can find patterns online or through cross-stitch books as well. Coming up with your creative ideas is always a fun choice. Follow these simple steps to transfer your cross-stitch pattern onto the fabric:

1. Trace the iron on the back of the design marks made by a pen or a pencil.
2. Flip it on your fabric such that the sketch made is down.
3. Iron until the complete pattern is transferred.

The designs etched upon the fabric depend upon your choice. Cross stitch is most often used to embroider words or mottos on items due to its angular and boxier edges. You can create smoother lines as well by slightly altering your way of stitching.

Remember: The smaller the stitches, the smoother the lines!

Types of Cross Stitches:

Cross stitch for beginners can include some basic stitches that you can easily learn and incorporate into your embroidery projects. These are:

1. Whole Cross Stitch
2. Half Stitch
3. Quarter Stitch
4. Backstitch
5. French Knot

Things You Can Make Using Cross Stitch:

In addition to adding letters, words or mottos to your fabric, this type of embroidery can also be used in creating peculiar yet exquisite things including:

1. Brooches
2. Coasters
3. Boxes
4. Bookmarks
5. Cuff bracelets

How to Make a Cross Stitch?

To make a simple X-stitch, you need to follow some simple steps. Read on to get a clear sense!

1. Thread a tapestry needle with the color you want to use. Make sure not to tie off the thread from the end.
2. Bring the threaded needle from the back of the selected fabric.
3. Find the diagonal hole across the fabric’s small square.
4. Take the needle back to the opposite side of the fabric.
5. Bring the needle back through the fabric to create another line but this time from the other side of the hole.
6. Make another line that crosses the already stitched line to form an X-stitch.

Embroidery:

Embroidery is a general term that encapsulates a range of stitches. People generally term embroidery as needlework that is sewed on top of the fabric. This free-form stitching is also known as surface embroidery. You can visit “Her Embroidery” for Best Embroidery Machines.

Embroidery Fabric:

Embroidery stitches can be worked on various fabrics. From organza to jeans, the list includes georgette, felt, chiffon, and poplin as well. The embroidery fabric you use entirely depends upon the kind of thread and technique you plan on using.

Embroidery Needles:

Crewel or embroidery needles are commonly the sharp needles readily available in any thread shop nearby. These tools are sharp and easy to handle. You can pierce any fabric you have chosen for your embroidery project.

The type of needle suitable for your design depends on the type of fabric and the thread you are planning to use.

Embroidery Patterns:

You can easily bring your ideas to life by using chalk or a transfer paper to sketch an outline of the design you want to embroider. Carbon paper, iron-on transfers, pencils or erasable pens can also be used to transfer your embroidery patterns.

Types of Embroidery Stitches:

Some simple embroidery stitches include:

1. Backstitch
2. Running Stitch

Is Cross Stitch Easier Than Embroidery?

Many expert individuals label cross stitch easier than embroidery. The five facts backing up this claim have been listed below:

1. The basic X-stitch is much simpler than any embroidery stitch.
2. A tiled pattern is easier to follow than free-form stitching.
3. The fabric for cross stitching – Aida – has premade holes while regular fabric for embroidery does not.
4. The work can be done even with a limited number of threads available.
5. Cross stitching can be taken as a stepping stone for embroiders who are beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

How is cross stitch different from crochet?

Cross stitch and crochet differ in terms of how the needle is threaded, the stitch itself as well as the design samples. With hundreds of possibilities, you can also cross stitch over crochet using simple techniques to get a distinct design.

What is the difference between embroidery and needlepoint?

One of the main differences between embroidery and needlepoint is that embroidery is used to fill in the designs and stitch over the lines. Needlepoint, however, is the concept of stitching over the design area to cover it with your preferred medium; thread or yarn.

Conclusion:

Your personal preferences are all that matter when you pick up your needle and start stitching. Embroider on your jeans to make them your favorite pair or create flat patterns over your cushions using a cross stitch. Pick a certain technique and make it your own by letting your imagination run wild.