If you’re new to the world of needlecraft, you might be wondering: what’s the difference between embroidery and cross stitch?
Both are relaxing, creative crafts that use a needle and thread to create beautiful designs on fabric. They’re often mentioned together, and there is some overlap between the two, but they’re actually quite different once you start stitching.
Whether you’re looking for a new mindful hobby, deciding which craft to try first, or simply curious about the difference between embroidery and cross stitch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is embroidery?
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread to create patterns, pictures, lettering and decorative details.
One of the things that makes embroidery so versatile is the huge variety of embroidery stitches you can use. Instead of following one specific stitch throughout a design, embroidery can combine lots of different stitches to create different textures, shapes and effects.
Some popular embroidery stitches include:
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Back stitch
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Running stitch
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Satin stitch
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French knots
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Stem stitch
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Lazy daisy stitch
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Chain stitch
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Split stitch
Each stitch creates a different effect. For example, satin stitch can be used to fill a shape with smooth blocks of colour, while French knots can add tiny textured details.
Embroidery also gives you lots of freedom when it comes to the design. You can follow a pattern exactly, or experiment and create something completely your own.
At Rose Stitch Art, I love creating embroidery designs inspired by nature, the changing seasons and those little everyday moments that bring joy. My embroidery kits and patterns are designed to make getting started as easy as possible, even if you've never picked up an embroidery needle before.
What is cross stitch?
Cross stitch is another form of counted-thread embroidery, but it works in a much more structured way.
As the name suggests, the main stitch used in cross stitch is the cross stitch. Two diagonal stitches are worked over one another to create an X shape.
Traditional cross stitch is usually worked on an even-weave fabric such as Aida, which has a regular grid of holes. This makes it possible to count the squares and follow a chart to build up the design.
Instead of drawing a design directly onto the fabric, a cross stitch pattern is usually made up of a grid of symbols or coloured squares. Each symbol tells you which colour of thread to use and where to place each stitch.
The result is often a design made up of lots of tiny, neat crosses.
Cross stitch can be incredibly detailed. By combining thousands of individual stitches in different colours, you can create everything from small motifs and lettering to large, highly detailed pictures.
Embroidery vs cross stitch: the main differences
Although both crafts involve a needle, thread and fabric, the way you create the design is quite different.
| Embroidery | Cross Stitch |
|---|---|
| Uses many different types of stitches | Primarily uses the cross stitch |
| Can be worked on many different fabrics | Usually worked on even-weave fabric such as Aida |
| Designs can be freehand or pattern-based | Usually follows a counted chart |
| Stitch direction and placement can vary | Stitches are placed on a regular grid |
| Creates lots of different textures | Creates a more uniform, pixel-like appearance |
| Can be very free and creative | Tends to be more structured and methodical |
One isn't necessarily better than the other — they're simply different ways of working with needle and thread.
Which is easier: embroidery or cross stitch?
This is a question I hear a lot, but there isn't really one universal answer.
It depends on what you enjoy.
Cross stitch can feel easier if you like following clear rules and patterns. The fabric provides a grid, and your chart tells you exactly where each stitch needs to go. Once you understand how to read the pattern, you can work through it one stitch at a time.
Embroidery can feel more intuitive if you prefer a little more freedom. Rather than counting squares across a grid, you generally follow the shapes and lines of the design, using different stitches to create each element.
For beginners, both can be wonderfully relaxing. The best way to find out which you prefer is simply to give one a go!
If you're completely new to embroidery, starting with a small design can be a great way to learn the basic stitches without feeling overwhelmed.
Is embroidery harder than cross stitch?
Not necessarily.
Embroidery can look complicated when you see a finished piece covered in lots of different stitches, but beginner embroidery designs can be surprisingly simple.
Many designs use just a handful of basic stitches. Once you've learnt a few of the most common ones, you can start combining them to create flowers, leaves, animals, lettering and all sorts of other designs.
Cross stitch can also become more complicated as designs get larger and more detailed. A large cross stitch project may involve hundreds or thousands of individual stitches and many different thread colours.
So rather than thinking about which craft is "harder", it might be more helpful to ask which style of stitching suits you?
Do you like counting and following a grid? You might love cross stitch.
Do you like experimenting with different stitches and creating texture? Embroidery could be the craft for you.
What equipment do you need?
The good news is that neither hobby requires a huge amount of equipment to get started.
For embroidery, you'll generally need:
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An embroidery hoop
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Embroidery fabric
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Embroidery thread
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An embroidery needle
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An embroidery pattern or design
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Scissors
Cross stitch requires many of the same things, although you'll usually use Aida or another even-weave fabric and a counted cross stitch chart.
If you're starting from scratch, an embroidery kit can be a particularly easy way to begin because it brings the basic materials together in one place.
A typical Rose Stitch Art kit includes the materials you need to get stitching, along with instructions to guide you through the project. They're designed with beginners in mind, so you don't need to have years of stitching experience before getting started.
Is embroidery a good hobby for beginners?
Absolutely!
One of the things I love most about embroidery is that you can make it as simple or as challenging as you want.
You might spend ten minutes stitching a few leaves while you're watching television, or settle down for a longer stitching session when you have more time.
There's also something wonderfully calming about the repetitive movement of pulling the needle through the fabric, one stitch at a time.
For me, embroidery is a chance to switch off, slow down and spend some time away from a screen. You can take your project with you on the train, stitch while you're relaxing at home, or even pack it for a holiday.
And there's something particularly satisfying about watching a design gradually appear in front of you.
If you're interested in the relaxing side of stitching, you might also enjoy reading more about why embroidery can be good for your mental wellbeing.
Can you combine embroidery and cross stitch?
Definitely!
Although traditional embroidery and cross stitch are different techniques, there's nothing stopping you from using them together.
You might use cross stitches to create a patterned or filled area and then add embroidered details such as French knots, back stitch or lazy daisy stitches.
There are also plenty of modern needlecraft designs that blur the lines between different techniques.
The wonderful thing about stitching is that there are no rules saying you have to stick to one craft forever. Once you've learnt the basics, you can experiment with different stitches, fabrics, threads and techniques to find what you enjoy.
So, which one should you try?
If you're deciding between embroidery and cross stitch, think about what sounds most enjoyable to you.
Try embroidery if you:
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Like the idea of using lots of different stitches
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Enjoy flowers, nature, lettering or illustrated designs
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Want a little more freedom with your stitching
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Like creating different textures and details
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Want a relaxing, screen-free hobby
Try cross stitch if you:
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Enjoy following charts and instructions
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Like counting and working methodically
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Prefer a regular grid to work from
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Enjoy building pictures one small stitch at a time
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Like detailed, pixel-style designs
And if you still can't decide? There's nothing stopping you trying both!
Needlecraft is supposed to be enjoyable, so choose the project that makes you want to pick up your needle and start stitching.
Ready to give embroidery a try?
If you've been curious about embroidery but aren't sure where to begin, a beginner-friendly embroidery kit can be a lovely place to start.
At Rose Stitch Art, I create hand embroidery kits and digital embroidery patterns designed to help you slow down, switch off and enjoy some mindful stitching time.
From nature-inspired designs and seasonal projects to personalised patterns, there's plenty to explore whether you're picking up a needle for the very first time or you're already an experienced stitcher.
So grab your needle, choose a design you love, and settle in for some stitching time. You might just discover your new favourite way to unwind.