Cross stitch is also known as X stitching, because it takes the form of an x. Cross stitching is an embroidery utilized to decorate materials like curtains, table linen, and dish linen. It is an old way of decorating materials to make them look beautiful. Cross stitching creates a tiled pattern design on the fabrics.
There are different threads that can be used for cross-stitching embroidery. Stranded cotton is mostly used for counted embroidery. The color of the thread and the fabrics are significant when choosing thread. The fabric’s background would affect the color of the thread you are using.
The number of yarns for cross stitch depends on the Aida count. Cross stitch works perfectly with two strands when working on 14- 16 count Aida.
How Many Threads for Cross Stitch?
Aida clothes come in different sizes, each size has several strands of thread to use when cross stitching. Choosing the number of strands to use for a piece of fabric can be difficult for beginners, and even get them confused. The type of fabric you selected for cross stitching is also crucial in knowing how many strands you need. The type of texture you want for your needlework is another element to consider.
Do you want a light texture design or a thick texture design? Texture also plays a significant role in cross-stitching embroidery. Thick fabrics need more than one strand of thread to cross stitch to get a thick, pleasant texture on the material and bring out the desired design. One strand of thick texture will not give you the desired result, and will definitely not come out nicely. The design will be flat and unattractive.
How Many Threads Should I Use for 14 Count Aida Cross Stitch?
When working on 14 Aida cross stitches, two strands of thread are the recommended number of threads to employ. You can also use two strands of thread for your 16 Aida cross stitch, but you can decide to be creative and mix three strands to change the texture of your design.
If your cross stitch is more than 4 strands on a 14-count Aida cross stitch, your design might end up being bad and not balanced on the fabrics. Mix up different fabrics when working on the same project. The recommended number of strands is between 1-3 strands for your cross stitch.
How Many Threads Should I Use on 18-Count Aida Cross Stitch?
The perfect number of threads for your 18-count Aida is two strands. Using a strand will give you that light design, but using two strands will offer you a heavy and vast coverage of the fabric.
The number of strands depends on the type of texture you want to achieve with your cross stitch embroidery. The recommended strand for the back stitch is one strand.
How Many Strand of Floss Do I Need for Multiple Stitches?
When making a cross stitch, it is important to change the number of strands and the fabric count. The table below indicates a floss of 6 strands. People have preferences, some may like full strands for their project, while others like light strands on their cross stitching.
| Fabric count | Stich over 1 | Stitch over 2 | Stitch over 3 | Stitch over 4 |
| 6 counts | 3 strands | 6 strands | Yarn | Yarn |
| 8 counts | 3 strands | 6 strands | Yarn | Yarn |
| 11counts | 2 strands | 4 strands | 6 strands | Yarn |
| 14 counts | 2 strands | 3 strands | 4 or 5 strands | 6 strands |
| 16 counts | 2 strands | 3 strands | 4 or 5 strands | 5 or 6 strands |
| 18 counts | 2 strands | 2 or 3 strands | 3 strands | 4 or 5 strands |
| 20 counts | 1 strand | 2 or 3 strands | 3 strands | 4 strands |
| 28 counts | 1 strand | 2 strands | 2 or 3 strands | 3 or 4 strands |
| 32 counts | 1 strand | 1 or 2 strands | 2 or 3 strands | 3 strands |
How Can I Set a Cross Stitch Thread?
The cotton thread has only six strands of thread. You fix the cross stitch thread as you do to hemming.
- Pull the two strands through the eye of the needle.
- The thread should not be equal. One side should be longer than the other.
- Knot the long side
- Start stitching.
- With the needle, connect and make an ‘x’ sign.
How to cross stitch over multiple threads
There are terms used in embroidery that you might not understand as a beginner in cross stitching. Terms like stitch over two, stitch over three and stitch over four means. Stitching two over two means you will stitch over two threads in the fabric (skip one hole and insert your needle in the next hole).
When a pattern indicates over three, you will skip two holes and stitch in the third hole. Cross stitching over four means skipping three holes and stitching in the next hole. Stitching over multiple threads is mostly practiced on linen fabrics and even weaves. This method can also be applied to the Aida fabrics to make your cross stitch design extra beautiful.
What Are The Different Types of Thread for Cross Stitching?
There are different types of thread for cross stitching. This wool will give you the desired result for your projects. Let’s examine the different types of thread for cross stitching,
1. Stranded cotton thread
Stranded cotton thread is widely used for stitches because it brings out the design well. Stranded cotton is soft and gentle for your fabric, and makes your work easy and neat. Stranded cotton varies in color. You can select a color of your choice.
DMC, a leading manufacturing thread producing company, has over 500 colors of stranded cotton. That way, you can choose a fabric and suiting thread to match, which will bring out the color of the cross stitch. Stranded cotton threads are made up of 6 strand threads, and you can only use two to three strands for cross stitching.
2. Perle cotton thread
Perle cotton thread does not come in strands, unlike stranded cotton thread. Perle is a non-divisible shiny thread. Perle thread is very thick and comes in different thicknesses and colors.
Perle thread is heavy than the stranded thread and is used for Hardanger embroidery. Perle cotton thread is non-divisible because they have two different fibers tightly twisted. Perle has a good texture, and it comes out nice on fabric for cross stitching.
3. Silk thread
Silk thread is an expensive thread for cross stitching. It beautifies the design and brings out the sheen of your project. Silk thread is used when the sheen and finesse are needed for cross stitching. Silk thread comes in different beautiful shades of color.
Silk thread is strong and will make your cross stitching embroidery more beautiful than you even imagine. Silk tends to have an issue of fading quickly. To avoid your cross-stitching design losing its color, mix it with other reliable threads. Silk thread has different types; stranded silk, buttonhole silk, and twisted silk.
4. Metallic thread for cross stitching
Metallic thread is beautiful and will look good on your project, but it tangles and frays easily. Tangling during cross stitching will give you more headaches and give you a rough result. Metallic threads come in different sizes and colors.
Metallic thread can be cross-stitched alone or used as a highlight on a project, which will give the project some beautiful shine to your cross-stitch.
5. Wool thread for cross-stitching
The wool thread is also known as tapestry wool or crewel wool. The wool is the best choice when you want to achieve a smooth and woolly feel on your cross stitch. The whole thread is like two loosely twisted strands.
The wool thread is thick as two strands of cotton thread. The wool thread will help you get the desired texture for your cross-stitch projects.
What Types of Thread you Should Not Use for your Cross Stitching?
Some threads are not suitable for your cross-stitching project. It is best to know the suitable threads for your project, to avoid getting the wrong threads for your cross-stitching projects.
– Crochet thread
Crocheting threads are not suitable for cross-stitching projects. The texture is not the best for cross-stitching. You should avoid improvising with the crochet thread to avoid rough work.
– Beading thread
The beading thread is strong and reliable. The beading thread is used for binding and beading. Beading threads are thick, and their texture may not come out nice on your project if you are cross-stitching leather materials.
Meaning of Fabric Count
Thread count means the number of threads measured to sell a piece of fabric. Some fabrics are sold in yards or meters. For meters 1 (2.5cm), that is how it is counted. To check the count of your fabric, use a ruler to measure the number of blocks and threads. 28 count will have 28 squares per inch. 1 inch is equal to (2.5cm).
Why does Fabric Count Matter?
The fabric count is a major determinant of the final size of your fabric. If you are stitching a motif 35 inches high and 35 inches wide on 14-count fabric, the finished design will be 2.5 inches. (35 divided by 14 stitches per inch = 2.5 inches). The higher the count, the smaller the motif design.
What Are The Tools needed for Cross Stitching?
In this section are tools you need for cross stitching that we think are worthy of your attention.
1. Fabrics
Aida fabrics are easy to use for beginners because of the visible drafted pattern. Aida fabrics are the best type of fabric for cross stitching and ideal for pieces you want to frame. Aida fabric is made to form a square, and each square can be traced to make a cross stitch.
Aida fabric is made in different counts, from 14- 28 counts. The grid system makes it easy to count the stitches from the pattern on the Aida. Eavenweave fabrics have higher counts because they use them to make cushions and other items.
2. Needles and embroidery scissors
The best and recommended needle type for cross stitch is a tapestry needle with a blunt tip and large eye.
Backstitch and french knot, on the other hand, use the sharper pointed needle. The ideal size to use for Aida fabric is 24 and size 26.
3. Cross stitch thread
There are different types of thread, and they are available in different colors. Each thread has six strands.
Some threads do not count by strands and are woven together. Known brands for threads include DMC, Anchor and Maidera.
4. Hoops and frames
The hoops and frames are used to hold the fabric in place and keep stitching tension even on fabrics. It is best to select the hoop bigger than the design. This will enable you to complete the project without changing the frame.
The embroidery hoop should be removed between stitching sessions to avoid stretching the fabrics.
What Is The Best Needle for Cross Stitching?
The best needle for cross stitching is a tapestry needle. The reason is because it has a blunt point and will not destroy the material threads, tapestry needles will go into the hole in the Aida material. The tapestry needle also does not injure you because of the blunt edge.
Recommended Posts:
Conclusion
Rounding up my thoughts, it has been revealed that the number of yarns for cross stitch depends on the Aida count. Two strands work for some cross stitches, while one strand works perfectly for some.
This all depends on how thick you want your stitch to come out. It is left to your decision, and there is a table above to help you locate the right strand for your project.