Cross-stitch is a type of embroidery in which x-shaped stitches are embroidered onto a grid-like woven fabric, resulting in uniform stitches that come together to form a larger pattern or image. The final product of cross-stitched work varies among stitchers—some leave their finished project in the embroidery hoop and hang it on a wall as a framed work of art, while others cross-stitch directly onto blankets, pillowcases, or clothing items.

Related hobbies include hand embroidery (in which you embroider without a grid), needlepoint (in which you use repetitive stitches but not necessarily x-shaped stitches), crochet (in which you use a hook to weave yarn together), and knitting (in which you use two needles to weave yarn together).

Whether you’re running into a snag or looking for ways to vary your stitching, here are some tips for beginner crafters:

1. Keep your stitches consistent. The key to creating a clean look in your cross-stitch is maintaining a uniform size, shape, and tension in your stitches. To do this, start with the same arm of the x every time, rather than using different arms. Also, try to pull each stitch to the same tautness level instead of creating a mix of extra-tight and loose stitches which can make the design look slapdash.
2. Experiment with other stitches. While cross-stitching has fewer stitch variations than general hand embroidery, there are still a few different kinds of stitches you can try to achieve a particular effect. Backstitch is a great stitch for beginners because it results in thin, tidy lines that can add definition to your shapes; French knots are slightly more complex but a great way to add decorative spheres to your patterns.
3. Follow the rules for resizing. In counted cross-stitch, where stitchers count threads from the center of the fabric to create a neat appearance, most patterns will include an image that can be resized depending on how large you want the finished product. At the smallest, you can stitch a cross-stitch project with one strand of thread over an area of just one square of your grid (called “one over one”). To make a project larger, you can increase the thread count for your stitches and stitch over multiple squares in the grid (for instance, “two over two”).

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to cross-stitching—from preparing the fabric to your final stitch:

1. Prepare your fabric (optional). Woven fabrics, like Aida or linen, can begin to unravel at the edges after a lot of handling. Consider preparing the edges of your fabric by taping along them with masking tape or running along them with a zig-zag stitch or serger to avoid this effect.
2. Identify the center of your fabric. If you want your design to be centered on your fabric, it’s best to find the fabric’s center and start stitching from there. Simply fold your fabric in half lengthwise and then widthwise—the spot where those two lines intersect is the center of your fabric. You can make a small mark or stitch in the center so you don’t lose it.
3. Stretch the fabric over the embroidery hoop (optional). If you want to use an embroidery hoop, loosen the screw at the top of your embroidery hoop to detach the two pieces. Place the two halves of your hoop on either side of your fabric. Squeeze the two pieces of the hoop back together, screw them tight, and then tug around the fabric until it’s tight. Pulling too tight can warp the weave of your fabric. You want to ensure the fabric still has a consistent grid pattern for the cleanest final product.
4. Decide on your design. Next, select your design. You can choose a simple line design or a portrait for more complexity. Depending on your preference, you can create your own cross-stitch patterns, find free patterns online, use one from a counted cross-stitch kit, or buy one. Most cross-stitch patterns use different colors and shapes on a grid to indicate what color stitches go where.
5. Prepare your floss. Embroidery floss usually comes as a combination of six individual threads. Most cross-stitching (depending on your pattern and your fabric’s size) uses either one or two threads. Cut a long piece of floss (about the length of your arm) from your skein, and then separate your desired number of threads from the rest.
6. Thread your needle. Take one end of your floss and thread it through the needle eye, letting the other half dangle a few inches from the eye—avoid tying the floss to the needle. On the other end of the floss, tie a few knots on top of each other so that that end won’t slip through your fabric. (Some cross-stitchers don’t tie a knot in their thread at all, instead of holding it in place until they’ve made enough stitches on top of it to keep it secure.)
7. Make your first stitch. Identify the center of your fabric and the center of your pattern. (Most professional patterns include two arrows to indicate the midpoint of the pattern.) Starting from the back of the fabric, pull the needle and floss through the center point until the thread stops on the knot. Then, pick the point directly diagonal from your thread and push the needle back through, leaving one line of floss that resembles half of an x on your fabric. It doesn’t matter which direction you choose to stitch first (either the forward-slash or the backslash)—just stay consistent in future stitches.
8. Continue making stitches. As you continue making stitches, you can follow one of two schools: English and Danish. The English method completes each x before moving on to the next. The Danish process completes each slash throughout the pattern before returning to make the second slash and finish the x.
9. Tie off your last stitch. When you’re close to using up the entire thread, thread your needle through at least three stitches on the back of your fabric (you can tie a knot to secure it further, but most cross-stitchers say a knot isn’t necessary). If you still have more cross-stitching to do before your project is finished, thread your needle with a new piece of floss and continue the process.