Tutorials
Everything you need from your first X to your hundredth finish.
- Jan 2026
How to Cross Stitch
There is no one right way to cross stitch — here's mine, with a few notes for the things you might get criticized on.
- Jun 2026
Reading a Pattern
How to read a cross stitch pattern — symbols, color keys, gridlines, page layout, and where to actually start.
- Dec 2025
Cross Stitch Terms — What does that mean?!?
A quick reference glossary of cross stitch terms, stitches, and tools — for whenever a pattern or a tutorial uses a word you don't recognize yet.
- May 2026
Calculating Fabric Size for Your Project
How big a piece of fabric do you actually need? Here's the math, plus a built-in calculator and a link to the classic YarnTree tool.
- Aug 2020
Framing a Finished Piece
How I frame my own cross stitch — pinning, taping, and getting a clean tight finish, with or without glass.
- Jul 2020
Making a Needleminder
Two ways to make your own needleminder — repurposing a brooch or pin, or making a custom one from shrink plastic and UV resin.
- May 2026
Tea & Coffee Dying Fabric
How I dye cross stitch fabric with tea bags and leftover coffee grounds to get a warm, mottled, vintage look.