Frequently Asked Questions

While they both fall under the "needlepoint" or "embroidery" umbrella and involve making pretty things with thread, cross-stitch and needlepoint are actually quite different.

Think of Cross Stitch as pixel art with thread, while Needlepoint is more like paint by numbers with thread.

Cross Stitch

Uses two diagonal stitches that overlap to form an "X". Most projects consist almost entirely of these little Xs. (Backstitching can be added at the end to create sharp outlines).
Most cross-stitch is counted. You look at a grid on a piece of paper (or a tablet) and count the squares on your fabric to match.
Almost exclusively uses embroidery floss - six-stranded cotton thread that you pull apart.
Material - Usually Aida cloth.
Flexibility - Soft, pliable, and can be folded. Even-weave with visible holes.
It's more delicate. While it makes for beautiful pillows, it is most commonly seen framed on a wall or as an ornament, as the exposed fabric background isn't meant for heavy wear and tear.

Needlepoint

Historically uses a tent stitch (a single diagonal slash "/"). However, needlepoint is famous for its "decorative stitches" loops, knots, and complex geometric patterns that create rich textures.
Most needlepoint canvases are hand-painted. The design is painted directly onto the stiff canvas. You simply "colour in" the painted areas with the corresponding thread colour. No counting is required, which makes it very meditative but often much more expensive.
Tends to use much thicker materials to cover the heavy canvas. This includes tapestry wool, silk, velvet threads, and even metallic ribbons. It's all about volume and texture. Although DMC stranded embroidery thread is also suitable.
Material - Heavy mesh canvas (interlock or mono). It's made from a grid of woven vertical and horizontal threads.
Flexibility - Stiff and scratchy; feels like a screen door.
Because needlepoint covers the entire canvas with thicker thread, the finished product is incredibly tough. It’s ideal for upholstery, pillows, and belts.

It's important to remember that this is completely down to personal preference, and will be determined by how 'full' you want your final piece to look.

These thread quantities are for the use of stranded DMC embroidery thread.

Cross Stitch

Our digital pattern embroidery floss quantities are based on two strands of DMC embroidery floss for 14ct.
14ct - Two Strands is standard, but using three will create a fuller look.
16ct - Two Strands will create a full look.

Needlepoint

Our digital pattern embroidery floss quantities are based on two strands of DMC embroidery floss for 14ct.
13ct - We recommend using the full six strands for Basketweave & Continental. Other decorative stitches may require more for full coverage.
18ct - We recommend using four strands for Basketweave & Continental, this will create a full look. Other decorative stitches may require more for full coverage.

Think of fabric count (ct) as the "resolution" of your project. Just like a digital image is made of pixels, your embroidery is made of holes. The "count" is simply the number of holes (or threads) per linear inch. The lower the number the bigger the stitch.

13ct - This is almost exclusively used for Needlepoint. It is the "classic" size for throw pillows and Christmas stockings.
14ct - The Cross Stitch 'Gold Standard'. If you buy a cross-stitch kit at a store, it’s probably 14-count Aida.
16ct - Many experienced Cross-Stitchers move to 16-count because it makes the finished piece look less "blocky" than 14-count without being too tiny.
18ct - This count works for both crafts and is the choice for anyone who wants high-resolution detail.

There are higher counts and lower counts than this, but these are the 4 most widely available sizes.

Cross Stitch

Aida Cloth

Needlepoint

Mono Deluxe/Royal Canvas

To start either craft, you’ll need a mix of "essentials" (the stuff you literally can't stitch without) and "quality of life" accessories that make the process much smoother.

The Essential Toolkit (For Cross Stitch & Needlepoint)

Tapestry Needles: Unlike sewing needles, these have a blunt tip so they slide between fabric threads rather than piercing them.

Size 24: Best for 14ct Aida or 18-mesh canvas.
Size 22: Best for 13-mesh needlepoint canvas.

Small Embroidery Scissors: You need a pair with very sharp, fine points to snip threads close to the fabric without damaging your work.

Lighting: This is the most underrated tool. A dedicated "daylight" lamp or a clip-on book light will save you from major eye strain, especially on higher counts like 16ct or 18ct, and working with darker coloured backgrounds.

Craft Specific

Cross Stitch:

Embroidery Hoop, Q-Snap or Tapestry Frame: These keep your Aida fabric "drum-tight." A Q-Snap (plastic snap-frame) or Tapestry Frame is often preferred for cross-stitch because it doesn't leave circular creases in the fabric (hoop burn).
Bobbins & Storage Box: Cross-stitch involves many colours of floss. Winding them onto plastic bobbins keeps them from becoming a tangled "birds nest".

Needlepoint:

Stretcher Bars: Since needlepoint canvas is stiff, you don't use a hoop. You tack the canvas onto four wooden bars to keep it perfectly square. This prevents the "slanting" (distortion) that happens with the tent stitch.
Masking Tape: Raw needlepoint canvas edges are scratchy and fray easily. Most stitchers "bind" the edges with masking tape before starting.

The Fun Extras (Highly Recommend)

Needle Minder: A small magnet that sits on your fabric. Instead of sticking your needle through the couch arm (and losing it), you just "park" it on the magnet. It’s a lifesaver and comes in so many cute designs.
Needle Threader: Especially for needlepoint, where you are often pulling 6+ strands of DMC through one eye, a sturdy wire threader will save you minutes of frustration per thread change.
Grime Guard: A fabric "scrunchie" that goes around your hoop or frame. It keeps the oils from your hands from staining the edges of your white fabric while you hold it.