The fundamental stitch of this craft, formed by two diagonal stitches crossing each other (forming an X) on evenweave fabric, the core stitch of all cross-stitch works.

A single diagonal stitch (only one arm of the X), used for creating subtle backgrounds, distant scenery, shadows, and texture layers.

A simple single linear stitch, for thin lines, hair, grass, stamens, and auxiliary decorative details.

A stitch covering only 1/4 of a fabric square, stitched from a corner to the center of the square, applied to delicate details, curved outlines, and small patterns.

A straight, linear outline stitch, used to define edges, contours, lettering, fine lines, and separate pattern blocks.

A small, raised dot stitch made by wrapping floss around the needle, for creating eyes, flower centers, dots, and three-dimensional small decorations.

The density standard of cross-stitch fabric, defined as the number of holes/squares per inch (e.g., 14ct, 16ct, 18ct), higher count means smaller holes and finer detail.

A single individual thread separated from standard 6-strand embroidery floss, stitchers use 1–6 strands based on fabric count.

Rigid rectangular/square support for finished works, used for display, mounting, and long-term preservation.

Blunt-tipped embroidery needle specially designed for cross-stitch, with large eye to fit floss, no sharp point to avoid splitting fabric threads.

A circular/oval frame (wood/plastic) to stretch fabric taut, preventing wrinkles and ensuring even stitch tension.

Temporary, dissolvable or removable grid canvas, used to stitch cross-stitch patterns on non-evenweave fabrics (clothing, bags), then removed after stitching.

The core thread for cross-stitch, usually 6-stranded cotton thread, divisible into single strands for adjusting thickness and coverage.

Small tool to quickly guide floss through the needle eye, labor-saving for crafters with limited dexterity.

Plastic/cardboard spool to wind and organize embroidery floss, avoiding tangling and labeling color numbers.

Waxy product to coat floss, reducing friction, preventing tangling, and keeping stitches smooth and neat.

The graphic blueprint of cross-stitch, a grid of colored/numbered squares corresponding to fabric squares and floss colors.

Single cell on the pattern chart, representing one cross stitch on the fabric.

Legend section of the chart, matching chart symbols/numbers to specific floss color codes, names, and brands.

Unique mark (shape, number, letter) on the chart, representing one fixed floss color, distinguishing different stitches visually.

Standardized number system for embroidery floss (e.g., DMC code), universal identifier for matching thread colors across brands.

Total number of stitches in width and height of the pattern, determining the finished size of the cross-stitch work.

Decorative stitch pattern surrounding the main motif, framing the central design and enhancing integrity.

Stitches used to fill blank background areas, enriching layering without forming a specific main pattern.

Independent complete small pattern unit (flower, animal, character) that forms the whole artwork.

The basic skill of counting fabric squares/chart grids to position stitches accurately and avoid pattern misalignment.

The tightness of stitched floss on fabric; even tension ensures flat, uniform stitches without puckering or looseness.

Process of gently washing the finished work to remove hand oils, dust, and water-soluble marker marks.

Stitching along the fabric edges to prevent fraying during the stitching process.

Ironing the finished work on low heat (with a protective cloth) to flatten stitches and fabric, smoothing wrinkles.

Technique of temporarily leaving a partially used needle/floss at the edge of a stitching area to switch colors quickly, improving efficiency.

The most popular style: stitching directly onto blank evenweave fabric by counting grids from a paper/digital chart, no pre-printed pattern on fabric.

Works made on high-count fabric (28ct+, 32ct+) with ultra-fine stitches, small in size but highly detailed, for dolls’ house decor, jewelry.

Norwegian embroidery combining cross stitch, pulled thread work, and cutwork, creating open, lacy decorative areas.

Traditional style using black floss on white/cream fabric, geometric patterns and repetitive cross/back stitches, minimalist and retro.

Fabric pre-printed with the full pattern in washable ink, stitchers follow the printed marks directly without counting grids, beginner-friendly.

Works designed with specific themes: seasonal (Christmas, Halloween), cartoon, landscape, portrait, slogan, and souvenir styles.

Embroidery floss with a single uniform hue, the most commonly used for standard patterns.

Quality of floss that resists fading and bleeding when washed, ensuring the work retains color long-term.

Twisted, non-divisible cotton thread with a pearlescent sheen, used for bold stitches, outlines, and textured details.

Floss blended with metallic fibers (gold/silver), adding shimmer and luxury to decorations, borders, and accents.

Floss dyed with gradual color shifts (multiple shades in one thread), creating natural gradient effects without color switching.

Unwanted color transfer from dyed floss to adjacent fabric/stitches during washing or moisture exposure, a common defect of low-quality floss.