Backstitching is such a controversial part of cross stitching, do you love it, hate it or aren't too fussed? 😁
Welcome to Our New Home – And Thank You! 🧵💖
We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome you to our brand new website: stitchmyheart.co.uk!
This little corner of the internet has been a dream in the making, and it’s finally come to life — thanks to you.
Over the past year, your support, encouragement, and love for our cross stitch patterns have helped us grow in ways we never imagined. Whether you purchased a pattern, left a kind review, shared your work, or simply followed along, you’ve played a part in getting us here — and we’re so grateful.
Creating our own platform means more freedom, more creativity, and more ways to connect with you. Here’s what you’ll find on our new site:
🧵 A full library of our cross stitch patterns – carefully designed and instantly downloadable
🎁 10% off your first order when you sign up to our newsletter
📝 A growing blog full of stitchy tips, behind-the-scenes updates, and inspiration
💬 A real community space – become a free member to comment on posts, like content, send messages, and stay updated on everything we do!
This isn’t just a shop — it’s a stitching space. A place for creativity, connection, and the shared love of thread, fabric, and a good cup of tea. ☕
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being here with us. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming next — and we’re so happy you’re part of the journey.
With love and happy stitching,
Amy - and the Stitch My Heart Team
Welcome to the wonderful world of cross stitch! Whether you're completely new or just need a little refresher, this guide will walk you through the basics of this relaxing and rewarding hobby. Let’s get started!
A cross stitch pattern – You can browse digital PDF patterns right here on Stitch My Heart!
Aida fabric – The most common type is 14 count, perfect for beginners.
Embroidery hoop – Keeps your fabric nice and tight while you stitch.
Embroidery floss – Usually DMC threads, which come in hundreds of beautiful colours.
Needle – A blunt-ended tapestry needle, size 24 or 26 is ideal.
Scissors – Small and sharp for neat cutting.
Your pattern will be a grid of symbols. Each symbol represents a colour of thread. You’ll usually get:
A full-colour chart
A black and white chart
A key (legend) showing which colours match each symbol
Cut your Aida a bit larger than your pattern size to allow room for framing.
Use your hoop to secure the area you’ll be stitching.
Most embroidery floss is made of 6 strands. Patterns usually use 2 strands for stitching. Separate out 2 strands, thread your needle, and you’re ready to go!
Begin from the centre of the pattern and the centre of your fabric (many charts have arrows to help find the middle).
Make one diagonal stitch from bottom left to top right.
Then cross over it from bottom right to top left. That’s one cross stitch!
Keep your stitches tidy by always crossing in the same direction.
Continue stitching by following your pattern symbol by symbol, colour by colour. You can use a highlighter or app like Pattern Keeper to keep track of where you are.
Don’t pull your stitches too tight – they should lie flat but not distort the fabric.
Take breaks to rest your eyes and hands.
Mistakes happen! Unpicking a few stitches is totally normal.
Enjoy the process – it’s meant to be fun and calming.
Heres one of our Mini's for free to practice! :D
