Cross Stitch vs Embroidery - What's the difference?

If you're new to the world of needlework, you've probably seen and heard the terms 'cross stitch' and 'embroidery' but may not be quite sure what they mean. You may have thought...

What is the difference between cross stitch and embroidery?

Are cross stitch and embroidery actually the same thing?

Well, in this blog we're going to attempt to, hopefully, clear up a little of that confusion up for you. (I sound hesitant because it's actually not totally black and white, as you will see.) I will also give a little insight into my own thoughts and personal preferences, and which is my favourite of the two (spoiler - the answer will surprise no-one).

Let's start with some definitions...

What is cross stitch

Warkworth Castle Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch is a form of needlecraft which involves the use of thread stitched on a specially designed fabric which has an evenly spaced grid of holes (most commonly aida but can be evenweave linen, plastic canvas, perforated card, or anything really that has an even grid of holes) to create pictures using a pattern of stitches in the shape of crosses (full or partial/fractional though our cross stitch kits only use full stitches) with some additional types of embroidery stitch (such as straight stitch, back stitch and french knots) used to add detail to the final piece. Think pixel art with thread.

What is embroidery

Embroidery is simply a form of needlecraft which involves the use of thread stitched on fabric to create decoration or pictures using a variety of different stitch techniques. There are literally hundreds of embroidery stitches to choose from when creating an embroidery design, and these stitches do actually include cross stitch, back stitch, straight stitch and french knots).

So... from that definition do you start to see the issue? Many would argue (myself included) that cross stitch is actually a form of embroidery and that embroidery is simply an umbrella term. However, if you were to purchase a cross stitch kit and an embroidery kit, the two would be very different. Similarly, a cross stitch magazine and an embroidery magazine would also be very different. So I think it's important to know how the two terms are used colloquially, despite the technical overlap, to avoid getting caught out.

In general usage, the term 'embroidery' refers specifically to stitching on a regular (usually cotton) fabric without set holes, using an array of stitch types. Most commonly it can be stitches such as the satin stitch, chain stitch and stem stitch. This creates a much more textured, free form picture compared to cross stitch. Advanced embroiderers can even make their art look extremely lifelike using shading and other techniques.

What's the difference between a cross stitch kit and an embroidery kit?

Because of the overlap, cross stitch kits and embroidery kits have some similarities but in general are very different, so it's important to know what to expect with each. Let's start with the similarities. In general both will include an embroidery hoop (these don't vary dependent on craft type but can vary for other reasons), a piece of fabric, a needle, some embroidery thread, a pattern and some instructions. However, it's the specifics that make a cross stitch kit different to an embroidery kit.

Clifton Suspension Bridge Cross Stitch Kit contents

Cross stitch kits usually include

• an even-weaved fabric with a grid of holes such as aida,

• a paper pattern in the form of a grid (sometimes known as a chart) with a colour key to tell you the position and colour of each stitch, and

• a cross stitch (or tapestry) needle with large eye and blunt end.

Embroidery kits usually include

• a regular fabric (often cotton) without holes,

• either a paper pattern which you need to transfer onto your fabric yourself, or a pattern printed directly onto the fabric (in both cases the pattern is simply an outline for you to fill in with the stitches suggested within the instructions), and

• an embroidery (or crewel) needle with large eye and sharp end.

You can check out the contents of our beginner-friendly cross stitch kits in more detail HERE.

which should you choose?

There are some who dabble in both, but in general I've found people tend to fall into one of the two camps. People either cross stitch, or they do embroidery. That's because while they're extremely similar in one sense, they're also extremely different in many intrinsic ways and each seems to suit different personalities.

For example, cross stitch is perfect for beginner crafters, crafters who love to follow a pattern and like structure, order and predictability. The repetitiveness and easy to follow patterns are also great for mindfulness, allowing your brain to relax or switch off, and best of all, avoiding the doom scroll while watching tv.

On the other hand, embroidery is perfect for those who like a more focussed but quicker project, those who prefer not to be confined by the pattern, and like to have a bit more freedom in their creativity as it lends itself to improvisation.

My personal preference

I have tried both embroidery and cross stitch, but it will come as no surprise to anyone where my preference lies. I think even if people didn't know what I did with TSK, as long as they knew what I was like as a person they would know what I would choose. So let's see if you can suss it out from my description of me...

I'm someone who likes order, reason and logic. I like to know exactly where I'm going, what I'm doing and what to expect. Unpredictability and spontaneity scare me. I've even been known to read the last few pages of a book first so I can read the rest without the stress of not knowing what is going to happen. I'm moderately creative but wouldn't say I'm brilliantly artistic (can't draw to save my life), I love maths and puzzles and lego and jigsaws. I find symmetry and order beautiful.

Have you guessed it?

Yep that's right, for me, cross stitch has to be the one. It will always amaze me how you can make actual pictures, like this cross stitch of Sycamore Gap, out of just a bunch of little crosses.

Completed 'Illuminations On The Wall' Cross Stitch Kit

I hope this has cleared some things up, and if you're looking to try cross stitch, check out our collection of beginner-friendly cross stitch kits showcasing our most beloved UK landmarks.

J xx

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