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How To Read a Cross Stitch Pattern

ByAmanda Updated on

When you first start cross stitching, patterns may seem intimidating with their different symbols and colors.

The good news is that once you are familiar with the different parts of a cross stitch pattern, they are relatively simple to work with!

This post will cover the basics of what a typical pattern includes and show you how to read and fully understand a cross stitch pattern.

If you’re completely new to cross stitching, I recommend also checking out my Beginner’s Guide To Cross Stitching that will go over everything you need to know to get started stitching.

What Comes In A Cross Stitch Pattern

Every pattern will be slightly different depending on where you purchase it from, but most have some standard information included.

A pattern typically includes:

  • a color chart
  • a black and white symbol chart
  • a legend or key for stitches and thread colors
  • the finished design dimensions (usually based on a few different fabric thread counts)

Some patterns may even come with additional suggestions:

  • how many skeins of thread you’ll need for each color
  • how many strands of thread to use for each stitch
  • how to complete each stitch

Each pattern will normally specify which brand of embroidery thread you should use. Each brand has a unique number for each color. Make sure you pay attention to this so that you purchase the right colors!

Charts for larger cross stitch designs may be enlarged and come on multiple pages, which makes it easier to see the individual stitches.

Color Cross Stitch Chart

how to use a cross stitch pattern - color chart
Color chart with numbers on the side of the chart

The photo above shows a color chart with only colors filling the squares.

Most patterns come with a similar color chart, which is basically a graph full of squares colored to show where each color goes in the pattern.

Depending on the pattern, each square may or may not have symbols. The symbols correspond with a specific color or type of stitch (e.g., cross stitch, fractional stitches, French knots, etc.).

Number Markings

Cross stitch charts typically have numbers on the horizontal and vertical axes, commonly in increments of 1 or 10. As you may already know, this is because cross stitch is a form of counted thread embroidery.

These numbers make it easier to do a couple of different things:

  • Use them as a shortcut so you don’t have to count every individual square
  • Use them as a helpful and quick guide to track where and how many stitches to make.
  • Find the middle of the pattern, where you usually start a cross stitch.
  • It makes calculating the size of fabric you’ll need for the pattern easier.

Tip: Marking the grid on your fabric may help you sync the paper pattern with your fabric. Check out this tutorial to learn more.

Additional Lines or Symbols

At times, patterns use stitches other than a cross stitch, such as back stitching. Lines on the chart normally represent back stitches.

Most charts will also have arrows pointing to the pattern’s center.

Reading a Cross Stitch Chart

Each square on a cross stitch chart represents one stitch.

If you are using Aida fabric, you’ll usually make each cross stitch over one thread on the fabric, so everything you see on the chart is precisely how you will fill in the pattern on the fabric!

Aida fabric is the best one to start with when first learning because it has a more visible fabric weave, making it easier to work with.

If you are using a cross stitch fabric with a higher thread count, such as linen, one cross stitch is usually made over two threads. So one square on a cross stitch chart still equals one cross stitch, but the stitch will be made over two threads instead of one.

Black and White Symbol Chart

black and white cross stitch symbol chart
Black and white cross stitch chart with symbols

Patterns may also come with a chart that looks similar to the color chart. The difference is that this one is black and white and only includes symbols in each square.

These symbols correspond with whatever color or stitch you should use, just like a color chart.

These black-and-white symbol charts are great for people with visual impairments or for distinguishing between similar shades of color in a pattern. Some people prefer them over using a color chart.

Color and Symbol Key

example of a cross stitch legend or key
Example chart with legend

The color and symbol key will act as a guide that you will use alongside the cross stitch chart. It will show the specific colors used and stitches that the pattern requires.

The example above shows how a chart uses colors and symbols to show which colors to use. The lines and dots represent back stitches and French knots.

If no stitches are noted in the legend or key, you can assume that the pattern only uses full cross stitches.

And viola! Those are all the basic parts of a pattern.

Now that you know how to read a cross stitch pattern, you can design your very own pattern if you want to!

Shop Cross Stitch Patterns

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