How to Cross Stitch
'Over Two Threads'

If you want to stitch over two threads using Aida, you simply start the first stitch by bringing the needle up in the first corner. Moving diagonally, you skip the first opening and push the needle down into the second hole you come to. After the first few stitches, counting by twos becomes automatic. Hence the term "over two threads."

Easy enough. With Aida cloth, it is very straight forward.

The reason? Pick up a piece of Aida cloth and look closely. It feels stiff, and you'll notice there is no discernible difference between the horizontal and vertical threads.

However, other evenweave fabric (such as linen) will be different. It is often softer, and there is an obvious weave pattern where each fabric thread crosses over and under another. To avoid puckering of the fabric, the placement of the first diagonal stitch is critical in both working over one stitch and working over two stitches.

For clarity, these diagrams demonstrate the stab method, wherein you complete each stitch in two steps. The sewing method, however, also works well with linen. Simply take the needle in and out of the fabric in one motion. The placement guidelines of that first stitch still apply.

Stitching over two threads

1. Whether your cross stitch is worked over one fabric thread or two, bring your needle up from the back directly to the left of where a vertical fabric thread crosses over a horizontal thread.	2. Crossing up and over diagonally, insert your needle down through the second opening.
3. At the second hole directly below, bring your needle back up to the top to start your second stitch.	4. Again, cross up and over diagonally to the second hole representing the upper right corner. Push your needle down, completing another diagonal stitch.
5. Starting back to complete your cross stitches, bring your needle up through the fabric two holes directly below. The vertical threads now support each stitch.	6. Crossing slantwise two holes to the upper left, push your needle to the back of the fabric.
7. Bring your needle up through the fabric two holes below.	8. Again, cross up and to the left diagonally two holes to complete the stitches.
9. Your cross stitches should look like this.	10. The back looks like this.

Remember, when using Aida you can begin your project anywhere on the fabric you choose. With other evenweave, proper placement of that first stitch will prevent puckering throughout your cross stitch.