Fabrics

• Aida fabric is like a grid. (Wikimedia Commons)
  
  The most popular fabrics to cross stitch on are linen and Aida. Both fabrics have an angular, geometric weave which creates a sort of navigation for the stitcher. Aida is most commonly used and is much easier fabric to work with. It is stiff and loosely woven. Its grid-like weave makes it easy to see where to place the needle and keeps each stitch uniform.
  
  

Patterns

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  Patterns are drawn on a grid, which makes it easy to adapt them to Aida. Reading cross stitch patterns is pretty straightforward. As you can see in the image of bird, "B" stands for a black cross stitch and "O" represents an orange cross stitch. The beak, legs and branch are all solid lines which represent a back stitch. And the solid dot for the eye represents a French knot. Of course, you are free to choose any color combination you prefer.
  Starting at the top, count the stitches in the first row--three black cross stitches. Moving on to the second row, there are two black cross stitches, a black French knot, a black cross stitch, and a yellow cross stitch. Continue to the third row, and so on.
  
  

Stitch Count

• Embroidery floss comes in limitless colors. (melodi2, sxc.hu)
  
  Stitch count refers to the number of cross stitches per inch. The lower the stitch count, the larger the stitches will appear. Stitching 16 to 18 stitches per inch is usually sufficient to keep the fabric from showing through and creates an artistic, painted quality.
  
  

Staying Focused

• After gazing at the grid of the fabric and counting stitch after stitch, it's no surprise if you lose track of your place in the pattern. One easy way to stay on track is to block off a specific section on the pattern---say, 15 or 20 columns at a time. Use a sticky note and cover all but the first row you are stitching. When you finish that row, move the sticky note over to the next row. Continue in that manner until you finish the block. Map out a new block and start the process over.
  To help you keep track of your place on the fabric, use a disappearing ink pen sold in sewing and crafts stores. Just leave a little indicator mark and return to your project within 24 hours before the ink disappears.
  
  

Tools

• In addition to linen or Aida, you'll also need needles, floss, and embroidery hoops. Needles come in a variety of lengths and widths, some have great big eyes and others are microscopic, and some needles have a gap at the end of the eye allowing for easy threading.
  Embroidery floss comes in all imaginable colors. A strand is usually composed of multiple threads. One or two threads are usually sufficient to make a hardy stitch.
  Embroidery hoops are wood or plastic rings that snap onto the fabric making it taut and easier to stitch.