What is the difference between needlepoint and cross stitch?

Both needlework styles are extremely popular within the United States and each one is relaxing and rewarding in its own way. But for people who are new to the exciting world of needlework, it can be difficult to decide where to pick up the needle.

In this blog post, the needlework experts here at The Needlepointer answer the question, “what are the differences between cross stitch and needlepoint?” and, “which one is best for beginners?”
 

Cross Stitch vs Needlepoint

Before diving into the differences between these needlework styles, let’s quickly define what needlepoint and cross stitch are.
 

What Is Cross Stitch?

Cross-stitch is a style of needlework that’s been around since the middle ages and uses x-shaped stitches to form tiled patterns.



Similar to how digital pixels form an image on your phone, the x’s in cross-stitch work together to create a scene. These x stitches are also what give cross stitch its iconic “boxy” look.

Cross-stitching requires colored cotton floss and an open weave fabric (usually Aida fabric). Advanced hobbyists can also cross-stitch on fine linen.
 

What Is Needlepoint?

Needlepoint, also known as “canvas work,” is a style of needlework that has its roots in ancient Egypt. Needlepoint uses a wide variety of stitches and threads, including wool yarn, silk yarn, metallic cords, ribbons, and more.



For people new to needlepoint, a needlepoint kit is an easy, single purchase that equips you with everything you need to begin.

Now that you understand what cross stitch and needlepoint are, let’s explore some of the differences between these two fascinating hobbies.
 

Difference Between Needlepoint and Cross Stitch

There are a lot of key differences between cross stitch and needlepoint, including canvas style, the threads used, stitch structure, and much more. Understanding these differences will help you decide whether needlepoint or cross stitch is the right place for you to start needleworking.
 

1. Canvas Differences

The first difference between cross stitch and needlepoint is the canvas each style uses.

Cross stitch can be performed on a variety of fabrics, with Zweigert Aida cotton being the most popular. Cross stitching requires closely woven fabric that is soft and pliable, like clothing fabric.

In contrast, Needlepoint canvases are stiff and usually have larger holes (in order to accommodate a wider variety of threads).

Another major difference between the canvases is that cross stitch canvas is often blank, or, if a pattern is printed on, it’s a colorless, basic chart.

Needlepoint canvases, on the other hand, are usually painted, showing you exactly what colors to use and giving you a colorful example of what your needlepoint will look like when it’s completed. There are many ways that needlepoint canvases are created. The colorful patterns can be computer printed or silk screened, but hobbyists can also paint patterns directly onto the canvas. Those are fine options, but they are more difficult to stitch due to the inaccuracy of the pattern applied to the canvas.

The Needlepointer specializes in hand-painted canvases. Many of the designs we offer are also "Stitch-Painted" meaning the paint indicates exactly where the stitcher needs to stitch. We believe that the quality of hand-painted, stitch-painted, canvases allow even novice stitchers to appreciate and enjoy this hobby - no guess work required.
 

2. Thread Differences

Cross stitch threads are usually silk or stranded cotton. This is because cross stitching requires tightly woven stitches and so the threads need to be quite thin.

The big difference here is that needlepoint can be done with nearly any type of thread, including silk, ribbon, wool, cotton floss, and even metallic threads!
 

3. Stitch Differences

The final needlepoint vs cross stitch difference is the style of stitch used.

Cross stitching stays true to its name by using x stitches almost exclusively.

In contrast, needlepoint can be done with many stitch styles, including the half cross, the basketweave stitch, the mosaic stitch, the brick stitch, and many more. A single needlepoint project can include several kinds of stitches. If you want to learn more about certain stitches - visit our library of books.

One more stitch difference is that cross stitching only allows you to stitch over the base canvas, whereas needlepoint allows you to layer stitches as necessary to create your image or text pattern.
 

Needlepoint & Cross Stitch Similarities

Let’s end on a unifying note! When it comes to what cross stitch and needlework have in common, both hobbies are fun, rewarding, and are an excellent way to develop your creative skills while also creating memorable items that you can share as gifts or pass on as heirlooms.

Also, despite differences in canvas, thread, and stitch, both needlepoint and cross stitch use the same needles!
 

Needlepoint vs Cross Stitch: Which is Easier?

If you’re a needlework beginner, then you’re likely trying to decide whether needlepoint or cross stitch is the easiest option for you to start on.

While each style has its own unique advantages, we think that needlepoint is a great starting point for beginners. Here’s why:
 

• Needlepoint canvas is stiff and has larger holes, making it easy for beginners to hold and thread needles.
   
• Needlepoint canvas is painted with easy-to-follow patterns — ideal for people who are new to needlework. Cross stitch patterns are a bit more difficult to follow.
   
• The basic needlepoint stitch is the half cross (also known as continental, or basketweave), while cross stitching requires you to go back over all the half cross stitches and make them actual cross stitches. This means that needlepoint is a bit easier for beginners, as it requires 50% less stitching to complete a stitch.
   

To begin your needlepoint odyssey, browse our inventory of needlepoint kits for beginners. Our all-inclusive kits provide you with everything you need to begin needleworking and our helpful staff is happy to help answer your questions about this fascinating and rewarding hobby.
 

Needlepoint vs Cross Stitch vs Embroidery

Before wrapping up our exploration of the differences between cross stitch and needlepoint, let’s compare these two needleworking styles against another popular thread-pulling hobby — embroidery.

We frequently have beginners ask us, “What’s the difference between needlepoint, cross stitch, and embroidery?”

In fact, embroidery is an umbrella term that refers to all needlework hobbies, including cross stitch and needlepoint!

Any art form that involves needle pulling thread through fabric is embroidery. So needlepoint, needleworking, and cross stitching are all forms of embroidery.