Do you ever get designs in your head that you want to bring into reality? Feeling creative but need a new way to express it?
This is your sign that it’s time to try needlecrafts. With needlecrafts, you can decorate clothing and accessories or create decorative pieces. And all you need are a few materials: fabric, needles, thread, and a hoop.
Though they may share the same materials and a similar process, cross stitch and embroidery are two different crafts. With cross stitch vs. embroidery, how can you tell them apart? Read on to find out!
What Is Cross Stitch?
As the name suggests, it’s a form of needlecraft that uses only an x-shaped stitch. The stitch is aptly named a cross stitch and, when done right, creates a tile-like pattern.
In order to create designs, cross stitchers can use 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 cross stitches. You can also use a backstitch with this technique.
With cross stitch, you are limited to the type of fabric you can use. A common material for cross stitching is Aida cloth because of the uniform holes. You can also use Evenweave or linen fabrics.
Because of the x-shaped stitches, cross stitch designers are boxier in appearance rather than being fluid or curved. If you’re a beginner, you can follow a pattern, but you can also create your own.
What Is Embroidery?
So then, what is embroidery? Embroidery is an overarching term for crafts that decorate fabrics and clothing materials with colored thread, floss, or yarn from Mary Maxim.
Unlike cross stitch, there are a variety of embroidery stitches that can create texture and curved lines. Because of this, embroidery allows for a little more freedom when it comes to designs.
The term can also encompass cross stitch, needlepoint, and even quilting. There are two main types: embroidering by hand and machine.
Hand Embroidery
With fabric, needles, thread, and an embroidery hoop, you can start a hand embroidery project. Stitching by hand allows you to have a unique and detailed design that combines multiple stitches and thread colors.
If you want to learn how to start embroidering, start by practicing a few simple stitches and then a simple design. You can download free patterns or create your own from scratch.
You can embroider just about any fabric though cotton, linen, and denim are the easiest for beginners. Experienced embroider’s work can look as clean as if it were done by a machine.
Machine Embroidery
Since a machine is faster than stitching by hand, machine-made embroidery is often created for the mass production of t-shirts, baseball caps, denim, and gowns.
Stitchers use software to create custom designs and lettering that a machine embroiders onto fabric. Read more about using custom embroidery designs. Machine-made designs are often made for merchandise and promotional items.
Needles and Threads: Cross Stitch vs. Embroidery
Though the two styles are similar and share much of the same supplies, the techniques used for cross stitch and embroidery are different. However, they both can create unique clothing and one-of-a-kind decor.
So in the battle between cross stitch vs. embroidery, which one should you try? Either or both. Once you learn the different types of stitches for each method, you’ll never want to stop creating.
Feeling inspired to get creative? Check out more lifestyle and hobby articles on the blog today!