How to read a cross stitch pattern

When you’ve got your threads on hand, your aida stretched over a hoop and your needle at the ready – you just need to learn how to read a cross stitch pattern. Also called a cross stitch chart, these colourful grids will represent the design you’re about to stitch.

The key to cross stitch

The key to learning how to read counted cross stitch patterns is… to familiarise yourself with the key! Every pattern will have a key explaining the colours and symbols on the chart.

Every cross stitch chart has a legend which tells you what embroidery thread to use. In a full colour chart, different threads are shown with different colour blocks and symbols. In a black and white PDF pattern, you'll have a symbol to represent the colour thread.

Remember: always keep the key and the pattern close and you’ll never go far wrong!

Get to know your grid

Cross stitch patterns are presented on a grid, with each square representing a square of aida (one stitch). Darker lines mark out 10 x 10 square sections, (it makes reading the chart a bit easier!). In cross stitch patterns for beginners, each marked square on the grid will usually represent a full cross stitch, however when you get the hang of it you might start to see half or three quarter stitches (also known as fractional stitches) or other symbols, like a round dot to signify French knots.

What else to note?

Depending on your fabric count (the size of the weave in your aida), the finished size of your design will vary. Your chart might include recommendations on the fabric count (and colour), as well as the finished dimension of your piece - how many stitches wide by the number of stitches high.

Your pattern might also tell you how many strands of floss to use with your design. So, if your design requires 2 strands, you simply pull the embroidery floss from its skein, and separate the thick thread into strands - there are 6 strands in the thread, so you'll just need to pull away two. Easy peasy.

Start from the middle

Getting started with a bigger cross stitch pattern may seem daunting, but the easiest thing to do is find the centre of your fabric and work outwards. This should make reading the chart easier too, as you’ll be working in smaller sections from the central point. To find the centre, simply fold your aida in half, then in half again and pinch the aida to make a crease. Then, unfold it and make a small mark or even a loose stitch to keep your place and start stitching!

Practice makes perfect – just make sure to keep count of your stitches!