Cross stitch blog
Cross stitch how-tos and free pattern ideas: Halloween projects, stitching on black Aida, how many strands to use, finishing, washing and famous paintings.
HalloweenOctober 6, 2026
Halloween Cross Stitch Ideas: 30+ Free Patterns to Stitch
Halloween cross stitch ideas for every level: one-evening ghosts and bats, a spooky sampler, vintage postcards and The Scream, all free printable PDF patterns.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
How to Cross Stitch on Black Aida Without Eye Strain
How to cross stitch on black Aida: light from below, a white cloth on your lap, the right count and needle, which colors pop and patterns for dark fabric.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
5 Ways to Finish a Small Cross Stitch: Ornaments and More
Five easy ways to finish a small cross stitch: a felt-backed ornament, a greeting card, a bookmark, a hoop display and a magnet, with supplies and steps.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
How to Cross Stitch a Famous Painting: A Practical Guide
How to cross stitch a famous painting like The Starry Night: picking a pattern, organizing 30 colors, stitching in blocks, fixing mistakes and timing.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
How Many Strands of Floss for Cross Stitch? Chart by Count
How many strands of floss to use for cross stitch on 11, 14, 16 and 18-count Aida and on evenweave, plus backstitch and how to separate strands neatly.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
Aida Cloth Count Explained: 11, 14, 16 and 18 Count
What Aida cloth count means, how 11, 14, 16 and 18-count change the finished size of a cross stitch, which count to choose and how much fabric to buy.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
How to Start and End Cross Stitch Thread Without Knots
Three ways to start a cross stitch thread without a knot: the loop start, the away waste knot and stitching over the tail, and how to end a thread neatly.
How-toOctober 6, 2026
How to Wash and Iron a Finished Cross Stitch
How to wash and iron a finished cross stitch: when to wash, cool water and mild soap, what to do if a color runs, drying it flat and pressing face down.