10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting a new hobby like cross stitch can be exciting — but also a little intimidating! We’ve all been beginners once, and along the way, it’s easy to stumble on some common mistakes. The good news? These are easy to avoid with a little know-how. Here are the top 10 beginner slip-ups and tips to keep your stitching smooth and joyful.

1. Skipping the Prep: Not Washing Hands or Preparing Fabric

Your hands carry oils and dirt that can stain your fabric. Always wash your hands before stitching and consider ironing your fabric to smooth it out. Pre-washing some linens can also prevent shrinking later.

2. Not Using the Right Needle or Thread

Using the wrong needle size or thread type can make stitching frustrating or damage the fabric. For beginners, a tapestry needle size 24 or 26 works well, and stranded cotton floss is a perfect starter thread.

3. Ignoring Fabric Count

Fabric count affects the size and detail of your finished piece. Beginners often choose very high count fabric, which can be hard to see and stitch. Starting with 14-count Aida cloth is ideal because the holes are easy to spot.

4. Making Sure You Have Enough Fabric

You can start stitching either from the center of the fabric or the top-left corner—just be sure you’ve allowed enough fabric around your design to avoid running out of space.

5. Pulling Threads Too Tight

It’s tempting to tug threads tight for neat stitches, but too much tension can pucker your fabric and distort your design. Aim for gentle, even tension for smooth, flat stitches.

6. Not Separating Floss Strands

Stranded floss usually has six strands, but many patterns call for fewer (often two or three). Beginners often use all six strands, making the stitches bulky and messy. Separate the strands carefully before threading your needle.

7. Skipping the Hoop or Frame

Hoops and frames keep your fabric taut, making stitching easier and more even. Some beginners skip this step, which can cause uneven stitches and hand strain.

8. Not Counting Carefully

Cross stitch is all about precision. It’s easy to miscount and place stitches incorrectly, leading to frustration. Use a highlighter or pencil to mark your pattern as you go and double-check your counts frequently.

9. Finishing Without Proper Care

Once your masterpiece is done, skipping the finishing steps like washing, ironing, and framing can leave your project looking less polished. Take time to clean and prepare your work before display.

10. Getting Discouraged by Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes — it’s part of learning! Don’t be afraid to undo a few stitches or start over. Stitching is meant to be relaxing and fun, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey.

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Ready to stitch with confidence? Remember, every expert was once a beginner. If you want to try some beginner-friendly kits or need tools and tips, come visit us at For the Stitcher’s Soul. We’re here to help every step of the way!

Happy stitching! 🧵✨