The Difference Between Cross Stitch, Embroidery and Needlepoint

There are numerous crafts that are done with a needle, cloth and some type of thread.  To the aspiring handicrafter, it can be very confusing trying to figure out which is which.  Here is a quick primer on three of the most popular terms:  Embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint.

Embroidery

The term "embroidery" actually encompasses several different fabric crafts.  In fact, both needlepoint and cross stitch are types of embroidery.  Its basic definition is the decorating of fabric and other materials by stitching designs onto it.  This can be done with thread, yarn, or ribbon.

There are several subcategories of embroidery.  Machine embroidery is done with a sewing machine, or with a specialized embroidery machine.  Free embroidery is done without taking the weave of the fabric into account, while counted thread embroidery uses patterns that are measured by the number of threads in the fabric.  Surface embroidery is done on top of the fabric, while canvas work requires stitching over the entire fabric, in effect making a new fabric.

Embroidery's roots are uncertain, but there is evidence that it goes back at least as far as the Iron Age.  Elaborate embroidery designs in clothing were a sign of status in ancient and medieval times.  Various forms of embroidery have been passed down through the generations in many cultures.

Cross Stitch

Cross stitch is a type of counted thread surface embroidery.  It uses mostly X-shaped stitches to create a picture or pattern.  Partial stitches are also used for shaping and texture, and back stitches are used for creating outlines and small details.

Materials used in cross stitching include embroidery floss and canvas or Aida cloth.  Today, cross stitching is most often used in creating pictures for framing.  It has historically been done on household items such as dishtowels and linens, and although not as prevalent, it is still frequently used for those purposes.


Needlepoint

Needlepoint is a surface embroidery technique.  Its basic stitch is like a half-stitch in cross stitching.  Usually worked on very fine canvas, needlepoint is used to create upholstery, wall hangings, purses, rugs and more.  It creates a look similar to that of tapestry, but instead of being woven on a loom, it is stitched by hand.

Needlepoint is most often done with yarn, but sometimes several strands of embroidery floss are used to achieve a different look.  Canvas types include mono, penelope and interlock.  The canvas is stretched on a frame to keep it pulled tight while working.

Embroidery goes back a long way, and it continues to evolve to this day.  Cross stitch and needlepoint are two of the most popular types, but they are not the only ones.  There are a wide variety of embroidery techniques out there to try.

Which needle and thread handicraft is your favorite?