Cross stitch for beginners
One cross covers one chart cell; fabric count determines its finished size.
Gather and work
On Aida, bring the needle up at one corner, down at the opposite, then cross the other diagonal. Make every top arm point in the same direction. On evenweave use the chosen over-one or over-two convention.
First project
Stitch a 10 × 10 colour grid, keeping the first diagonal consistent across a row and completing the top diagonals on the return.
Keep the work even
Count fabric holes before starting and leave the planned margin. Avoid long dark carries behind light areas, and secure ends without a bulky knot.