Cross-stitching is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture. It is usually executed on easily countable, even weave fabric. The maker counts the threads in each direction of the picture he or she is about to make. The “count’” of a fabric is the number of holes per inch, which sets the size of the stitches and the size of the finished design. The maker then sews accordingly, making the stitches of uniform size and appearance. Sometimes cross-stitching is done on the designed pattern already printed on the fabric.
As one of the oldest forms of embroidery, cross-stitching can be found all over the word. There are examples of it dating back to the 1500’s that are still in existence. Traditionally, cross-stitching was used to embellish items like dishcloths and household linen. Easily learned and exotic, it soon prevailed in the palaces of Europe as an entertainment for royal families and later spread among the public. Not long after that, the fashion of cross-stitching was also conveyed to countries in America and Asia and welcomed by people of all ages. Although there are many people who still employ cross-stitching in fashion and house embellishment, especially in Europe, it is now increasingly popular to simply embroider pieces of fabric and hang them on the wall for decoration.
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