For anyone new to Cross Stitch, or needs a spot of help or a reminder, we've put
together a glossary of terms, along with a few hints and tips to help you along. A B C
D E F G
H I J K
L M N O
P Q R S
T U V W
X Y Z
To look for a word or phrase, click on the first letter.
If there are any others you think we should include, please Let Us Know
If your email package cannot use this link, our address is
xsheaven@yahoo.co.uk
A
AIDA - The most common type of fabric used in cross stitch. Available
in a variety of different colours and counts-the most common count being 14 HPI.
AIDA BAND - A strip of Aida with a finished edge that doesn't fray on
either side. Suitable for making bookmarks or cake bands.
ANCHOR - A popular brand of thread. One of the main three used in magazines
and books. Available in hundreds of colours.
ASSISI - A style of cross stitch worked in one colour. Motifs are
usually of plants or animals, although I have seen initials worked in this style.
B
BACKSTITCH - One of the basic stitches, used mainly for outlining.
Usually using just one strand of thread.
BEADS - Sometimes used to enhance the design. A popular brand is Mill
Hill, and they supply beads in various sizes, colours and finishes. Seed beads are
usually the best for cross stitch.
C
CHART - Most cross stitch designs use a chart. The chart is made up of
grids of squares-each square representing one stitch.
CROSS STITCH - The stitch you really need to know! Usually using
one or two strands of thread, you stitch a 'cross' over the blocks of aida (or evenweave).
Always make sure the stitches are worked in the same way-ie.the same diagonal part of the
stitch on the top. This makes your work much neater.
D
DAYLIGHT BULB - A blue-tinged bulb that creates a more natural light
to stitch by. Recommended if you stitch a lot in the evenings, as it doesn't strain
your eyes.
DMC - One of the most popular brands of thread. DMC also manufacture
kits, which sell worldwide.
E
EVENWEAVE - A type of fabric where a square will contain exactly the
same number of threads in each direction. Each stitch is worked over a square of two threads.
This means that working on a 28 count evenweave will produce the same size stitch as
14 count Aida.
F
FLEXI HOOP - A special kind of hoop that can also be used as a frame.
Available in many colours, shapes and sizes, with a hanging loop on the outer ring.
FLOOR STAND - A wooden stand which you use with a hoop or frame, leaving
both hands free for stitching. Most floor stands can be adjusted to various heights and
positions.
FLOSS - Another name for thread, sometimes called cotton. Made up of six
individual strands.
FLOWER THREAD - A fine, soft cotton available from DMC. Good for cross
stitch as it has a matt appearance.
FRENCH KNOTS - Another stitch used quite a lot-especially to work fine detail, such as eyes. Hard to get the hang of at first, but very useful once mastered!
G
GOLD PLATED NEEDLES - Most needles are nickel plated. Some people
are allergic to these, so replacing them with gold needles will solve this problem. I find them
a lot easier to stitch with, plus they last longer.
H
HALF CROSS STITCH - Simply, half of a cross stitch! Just work the first
diagonal stitch-making sure they all sit in the same direction. Very good for creating a
3-D effect for backgrounds.
HOOPS - Useful for keeping the tension even when stitching. Available
in a huge range of sizes and can be used with a floor stand.
HPI - Abbreviation of "holes per inch". Used to describe the fabric
count-ie. 14 count Aida has 14HPI.
I
J
K
KEY - Every cross stitch chart comes with a key to explain what each
symbol means. It usually shows the colour code of the thread next to the symbol. Read the
key through carefully to make sure that you are stitching with the correct number of
strands for the area you are working on.
KIT - A selection of everything you will need to complete your chosen
cross stitch design. Includes-in most cases!-sufficant fabric and threads, a needle,
full instructions, a chart and a picture of the finished item.
L
M
MADEIRA - A brand of thread.
METALLIC THREAD - Becoming much more common now. Used to add sparkle to
your work-very good for enhancing Christmas cards! Use a shorter length of thread than
you would with stranded cotton, as it is more prone to knots.
N
NEEDLES - Tapestry needles are used for cross stitch, as they are
blunt, and have a bigger 'eye' for threading the floss through. As well as the more
common nickle plated needles, you can also buy gold and platinum plated ones-although
they do cost a bit more!
O
P
PLASTIC CANVAS - A rigid mesh of plastic to be stitched on. Ideal for
making magnets or Christmas tree ornaments. Comes in various counts and sizes.
Q
R
S
STASH - a nickname for your collection of kits, charts and projects
T
U
UFO - UnFinished Object - how most Cross Stitch projects
seem to be!
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home Shop
Club Dictionary
Calendar Links