The “Right Way” to Stitch: Debunking Cross Stitch Myths

Cross stitch myths are common rules or beliefs that new stitchers hear, but that are often outdated, misunderstood, or simply untrue.
Myths are always bound to happen, but cross stitch tends to have more than most. In an effort to dispel some of the worst offenders, I asked /r/crossstitch and a few cross stitch forums what rumours they fell for when starting, and I plan to disprove (or prove) as many as possible!

So without further ado, let’s cross stitch myth bust, coveringcommon:

• General cross stitch myths
• Thread and floss myths
• Fabric myths
• Pattern and finishing myths

 

General Cross Stitch Myths

 

Myth: Cross Stitch Has to Be Perfect

There’s a lot of pressure to make stitches perfectly uniform, but part of the charm of cross stitching is the handmade, unique quality of each piece. Small imperfections are part of the art.
In fact, I’m proud of the fact that every cross stitch I’ve completed has had at least one error in it. The enjoyment of cross stitch comes from completing something, the meditative effect, and doing something you enjoy. Stop worrying about what others think!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: Cross Stitch Is Just for Older Generations

Cross stitch has a long history, but throughout almost the entire time, cross stitch has been a hobby that spans across generations, from very young to very old. If you look at cross stitch samplers through history, almost all of them are from younger stitchers.
So whilst cross stitch was a hobby for the older generation for a while, it’s firmly back in the hands of the youth!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: French Knots Are Hard

More advanced cross stitch techniques will always trip up newcomers to the hobby, and I can fully understand why attempting French knots on a beginner’s pattern can be painful, but there are lots of cross stitchers out there that argue French knots are simple once you know how to do them.
And I can see where they’re coming from, but as a stitcher with over 2 decades of experience, I can tell you now, I still hate French knots. There is a knack to doing them, and when you get it, you can do them without smashing your head on your desk, but even now, I still find them hard!

❌ MYTH CONFIRMED

 

Thread Myths

 

Myth: DMC or Anchor are the only good thread brands

Brand loyalty is a big thing, and when it comes to the best cross stitch thread brands, both DMC and Anchor rank up there as some of the best. But are they the best?
No.
There are loads of reasons why you might try, or even only use, a different thread brand. From a better selection of colors for your project, to them being easier to find, or a variegated thread that isn’t made by anyone else. And then there is cost.
Whilst some of the cheaper thread companies are questionable, CXC in particular is a great thread brand.

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: You Can’t Mix Thread Brands Or Types

This one is actually an interesting one. Some say that you need to only use DMC threads for your project, or at least only use one thread brand to keep consistency. And there is a valid thought behind this. Every thread company has slightly different threads, and whilst these aren’t major on their own, when stitched, you can sometimes see the differences, like one thread having a different lustre to others.
But actually, that’s a reason TO stitch with multiple brands. By using a more silky thread (like satin threads), you can draw attention to parts of the pattern you want to.

But there is also a lot of trust behind this.
If you want to do a normal project, we suggest not mixing thread brands. And in particular, we suggest not mixing the same color codes across different brands. In fact, you even need to keep an eye out for dye lot issues!

⚠️ PARTIALLY TRUE

 

Myth: DMC Threads Has Dye Lot Issues

This was a particularly common myth around the time I started learning to stitch, and whilst you can see multiple instances of threads with the same color code not matching, it’s not actually dye lot issues to blame; it’s storage.
As explained in our deep dive into dye lot issues, harsh lights can change the color of threads over time, meaning poorly stored cross stitch threads can quickly change color.

We would suggest making sure you have enough of the one color before you start a project, though, as finding out halfway that you need more and it’s a slightly different color will ruin your day.
Try our skein estimator to make sure you have enough thread.

⚠️ PARTIALLY TRUE

 

Fabric Myths

 

Myth: You Should Always Start in the Center

OK, if you’re just starting at cross stitch, I would strongly recommend you start in the center of your fabric. It helps you keep even and makes sure you don’t run off the edge of your aida or fabric.
However, if you’ve got a few stitches under your belt, you can start wherever you want! I personally start in one of the corners and make my way across the piece.
So long as you’ve worked out the correct size of fabric you need, start in a corner or an edge.
And if you grid your fabric, you can truly start anywhere!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: You Can Only Stitch on Aida Fabric

When you start, you’ve likely stitched on aida fabric, count 11 or 14. And many people know you probably can stitch on other cross stitch fabrics when pushed; but cross stitchers, even decades old in the tooth, still only stitch on aida.
Plastic canvas, even weave, linen, and other fabrics are there for the taking! Try to mix up your projects, and you might just find your new preferred fabric!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: You Can’t Cross Stitch on Dark Fabric

Cross stitch on black or dark fabric can be harder, but there is no reason not to.
But this myth hangs around for two reasons: it is harder, and coverage is worse. But neither of these reasons really holds up.
Yes, it is harder than lighter fabric, but there are ways to cross stitch on dark fabric, such as lighting from under your work, meaning it’s almost as easy.
And secondly, whilst coverage can be worse, you can increase the number of threads you stitch with to improve coverage.
So we say, go nuts and pick a dark fabric for your next project!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: You Must Always Stitch Over Two Threads on Linen or Evenweave

Stitching over two threads is the most common method for linen or evenweave fabrics. There is a good reason for this; it allows the stitches not “hide” under the fabric. That doesn’t mean that the only way to stitch on these fabrics is over two threads. You can stitch over one thread or even mix different methods depending on your project’s scale or effect, but just be aware that you’ll need to stitch in a specific way to avoid some common pitfalls with this fabric.

⚠️ PARTIALLY TRUE

 

Myth: You Must Grid Large Projects

I love to grid, I truly think it helps, but do you need to? No.
Some people just hate gridding their cross stitch fabric, despite its benefit, but the only thing gridding really does is help you plan out stitches. If you can count, or use counting pins, then you really can ignore the grid.
We would suggest starting in the center, or the corner of your pattern if you forego the gridding, though!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Pattern Myths

 

Myth: Your Back Must Always Be Neat

Quite possibly the most common cross stitch myth out there is that the back of your work needs to be “neat”.
I’m telling you now; this is not true. It can be as messy as you want it to be.

There are a few reasons to make your back neater, and as you stitch more and more, your back will slowly become neater as you learn tricks like the loop method, but no one inspects the back of your work.

Apart from that, one time they do! If you’re submitting your work to a competition where they say they look at backs, then you do need a neat back. However, most of us don’t submit our works to competitions, and even then, this outdated rule has become rarer and rarer!

✅ MYTH BUSTED

 

Myth: You Must Follow the Pattern Exactly

If you buy a pattern, it’s tempting to follow it exactly. But you can change colors, mix up elements, remove things you don’t like, or add things you do. You don’t have to follow the pattern exactly.

Patterns are guidelines, not laws! If you’re feeling creative, feel free to modify the design, change colors, or add personal touches. Cross stitch is all about expressing yourself, and it’s your piece—make it yours!

⚠️ PARTIALLY TRUE

 

Myth: Cross Stitch is Only for Traditional Designs

If you want to cross stitch a traditional design, go ahead! But actually, the concept of cross stitch has changed massively over the last two decades, meaning people now think of cross stitch as a contemporary hobby, with modern patterns. Just look at cross stitch patterns on Etsy, and you’ll struggle to find a traditional cross stitch pattern.
And whilst we will always hold a place in our hearts for the home sweet home sampler, designs now cover every type of art and design you can think of!

⚠️ PARTIALLY TRUE

 

Myth: If You Make a Mistake, You Have to Start Over

Cross stitch mistakes are a badge of honor honestly. Everyone has made them at least once, and that’s how we learn. But if you make a mistake, should you start over?
No. The only way to learn from a mistake is to overcome it. Work out how to frog that mistake, or incorporate a misplaced stitch into the design. This is what will make you a great cross stitcher.

✅ MYTH BUSTED

Have you fallen into the trap of believing any of these cross stitch myths? Or are there others you want me to tackle?
 
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cross stitch myth?

Whilst myths do come and go, the myth that “the back of your cross stitch needs to be neat” is one that every cross stitcher has come across.

Do you really need a neat back in cross stitch?

No. The only reasons for this are that you struggle to frame the work with a messy back or you’re entering a competition that demands a neat back. Otherwise, make the back as messy or neat as you’d like!

Can beginners stitch on dark fabric?

Yes, beginners can stitch on dark and black fabrics, but additional light is often needed, and it can be harder than brighter or pale fabrics.

Is it OK to change colors in a cross stitch pattern?

It’s not only OK; we suggest it! By changing cross stitch patterns, you can make it personal, and it’s easy to do.