A Look at Common Cross Stitch Mistakes

When you’re new to a craft, you don’t know what you don’t know. It always surprises me the really basic questions that people ask in knitting and crochet Facebook groups that I’m in, things you’d think “everyone” knows like the difference between different needle sizes and yarn weights, but if you’ve never done that craft before, it makes sense you wouldn’t know things more seasoned people consider basic.

It’s the same with cross stitch. There are lots of easy cross stitch mistakes you might be making as a new stitcher (or even when you have more experience) that can affect your work.

For example, fabric size. I went years not knowing there were different counts of cross stitch fabric, and since most projects are worked on 14 count and that’s what’s most commonly sold, too, I never had a problem. But if your pattern calls for a particular size of fabric and you use something else, your project will come out a different size than expected, which could be a problem.

That’s just one of the common cross stitch mistakes you’ll find explored in this blog post from Crewel Ghoul. The others are maybe not quite as basic and they’re things that sometimes might turn out OK but other times can cause a big mess that you might not know how to fix if you’re new to cross stitching.

Even if you’re more experienced you might want to click over and read her tips so you can make sure you are doing the best you can to make sure your cross stitch project turns out great.

One thing that’s not on the list that I’m sometimes still guilty of is not making all the stitches in the same order so the project ends up looking like it has stripes! What beginner mistakes did you make that you’ve since learned to do better (even if you don’t always do better)?

[Photo: Crewel Ghoul]

Read These Next

In the world of modern art, creative boundaries are constantly being pushed, and one artist who is leading the charge in an innovative and inspiring way is Sophie, the mastermind behind King Sophie’s World. Sophie is redefining what it means to blend traditional needlework with contemporary art by combining her stunning photography with embroidery. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a closer look at how Sophie’s work is pushing the boundaries of art, one embroidered print at a time.

Sophie’s artistic journey is a fusion of two worlds: photography and embroidery. As an artist, she captures beautiful, thought-provoking photographs that evoke emotion and capture life’s fleeting moments. But Sophie doesn’t stop there. She then takes those images to the next level by adding her signature embroidery to everyday objects, creating a piece of art that is both striking and meaningful. These embroidered prints aren’t just photographs—they are a intricate interpretation of her vision,

This evolution of art, where photography and embroidery meet, is not just innovative; it’s a testament to the evolving ways in which artists are reimagining the classics and experimenting with new techniques. Sophie’s ability to seamlessly blend these two mediums shows just how far the art world has come—and it’s exciting to think about where it’s headed next.

Among the many stunning pieces in Sophie’s collection, her embroidered rose prints stand out as personal favorites. There’s something so striking about the combination of delicate flowers and bold, empowering words. The roses themselves are beautifully photographed, with intricate stitches capturing the softness and elegance of each petal. But it’s the juxtaposition of these gentle flowers with words that encourage strength and confidence that makes them so powerful.

Her rose embroidery prints feature sayings that resonate with many of us—quotes that inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on the importance of self-worth and empowerment. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re symbols of resilience, independence, and beauty, much like the women they represent. Every time I look at one of her pieces, it’s like a visual reminder of how we all need to embrace our inner strength and beauty.

What Sophie is doing with her embroidered prints is so cool because it’s a perfect example of how artists are adapting to and evolving with the times. She takes the age-old art of embroidery—something traditionally viewed as delicate and reserved for traditional or vintage works—and reinvents it. By combining it with photography, she breathes new life into both mediums.

Sophie’s work is proof that art doesn’t need to stay stagnant. It’s an ever-changing, ever-growing process that can take on new forms and new meanings. Through her embroidered prints, Sophie is showing the world how art can evolve and how we, as viewers, can continue to be surprised and inspired by these innovations.

Read These Next

Have you read?