Needlepoint vs. Cross Stitch - What’s the Difference?

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Fabric, needles, and stitches are becoming increasingly popular as more and more individuals engage in crafting. However, it can be challenging for those inexperienced to needlepoint vs. cross stitch to know where to start.

There are many parallels between needlepoint and cross-stitch, but there are also many distinctions. So, what distinguishes the difference between needlepoint and cross-stitch?

These two types of needlework are trendy in the United States, and they each offer a unique sense of calm and fulfillment. However, it can be challenging for those inexperienced to know needlepoint vs. cross stitch.

Stitch type is the primary difference between needlepoint and cross-stitch. With the tent stitch, a continental needlepoint stitch from lower left to top right, needlepoint is a traditional form of needlework.

To create a cross-stitch, one stitch together in an X shape. As a result, cross-stitched canvases tend to appear more rigid and angular than their woven counterparts.

The diagonal stitch is the foundation for many of the most regularly used needlepoint stitches. On the other hand, Cross-stitch does not integrate any of the needlepoint stitches on a canvas.

The term “needlepoint” refers to an embroidery technique in which a square-by-square pattern covers the fabric’s surface. Depending on the application, it can be done using woven or non-woven cloth.

Hand embroidery in the cross-stitch style uses only one stitch: the x-shaped cross stitch. It also forms a tile-like layout that generates an image with the correct thread color when stitched correctly.

Table of Contents

What Is Needlepoint?

Over the threads or mesh of a canvas base, stitch workers use a needle to count and work the stitches. There are around 150 different canvas embroidery stitches, primarily variations or combinations of the long stitch, which covers more than one mesh, and the tent stitch, which occupies only one.

As everyone knows, needlepoint is a costly hobby. When it comes to “kits,” the canvas is typically the most expensive item. Because needlepoint canvas patterns are hand-painted, the price of needlepoint tapestries is considerable.

If you’re working on a needle project with many shading or curved lines, you’re more likely to come across a hand-painted canvas than an oil painting. Some people enjoy the creative aspect of this stitching style, while others find it quite stressful.

Fabric Used: Needlepoint is usually done with wool; however, silk yarn can also be used for embroidery. Various canvas options are available, from more refined canvases to plastic canvas, all of which can support heavy stitching. Smaller crewel yarns can be used for petit points, whereas two- and four-ply Persian and tapestry yarns are most used for grosz points. Stitching over painted canvases, somewhat like a paint-by-numbers activity, is an option for some projects.
Thread Type: Wool is the most frequent thread used in needlepoint. Making heirlooms using this yarn is a wise investment because it is long-lasting and robust enough to withstand being pulled through the canvas. In addition, specialty threads can be used in many designs to give your work a distinctive style.
Stitch Used: Tent stitch, the most common needlepoint stitch, can be worked in various ways. For example, the classical needlepoint pillow uses this stitch. You can, however, employ a wide variety of stitches to add depth and dimension to your stitching. For example, you can use them to create designs that seem like bricks or baskets, or you can use them to create stunning geometric patterns.

What Is Cross-Stitch?

In the Middle Ages, a basic diagonal cross stitch was needed to create the popular cross-stitching technique. Counted thread forms, such as this stitch, have more than two ground threads.

Beginner cross-stitchers should stick to open weave fabrics like cotton Aida or fine linen because of the apparent holes in the material.

You can use cross-stitching to make one-of-a-kind presents for dear ones or spruce up your household or clothes. With this type of needlework, you may complete the project wherever you are.

Cross-stitch patterns typically need you to divide two or more threads at a time to complete a stitch, which can be tedious. Comparing cross-stitch to needlepoint, which uses a variety of stitch kinds and sizes, can appear more straightforward. But it can also produce amazingly detailed results.

Fabric Used: Aida cloth and linens are the most frequent evenweave materials used in cross-stitch. As a result, cross-stitched canvases tend to appear more rigid and angular than their woven counterparts. You can cross-stitch on various fabrics using waste cloth but cross-stitch on specific materials.
Thread Type: Multiple-stranded cotton embroidery floss is commonly used in cross-stitch patterns. This finer thread is ideal for cross-stitching because of the tiny stitches that comprise most of the task. You may also use metallic threads to add a little glitz or glamor to your project. DMC cotton embroidery thread is commonly used in cross-stitch and purchased at any craft store.
Stitch Used: To create a cross-stitch, one stitch together in an X shape. As a result, cross-stitched canvases tend to appear more rigid and angular than their woven counterparts. An X-shape is the most common cross-stitch stitch. Each cross fills in a square. You may also use backstitch or partial stitches to give your designs more shape.

Is Needlepoint a Cross-Stitch?

When it comes to the similarities between cross stitch and needlepoint, it’s easy to see that they’re both enjoyable pastimes that may help you hone your creative abilities and produce treasured keepsakes you can give as gifts or pass down as family treasures. Regardless of differences in fabric used, thread type, and stitch variants; needlepoint, and cross-stitch both use the same needles.

Textiles for cross stitching include Zweigert Aida cotton, the most used. A soft and pliable fabric, like clothing fabric, is needed for cross-stitching. On the other hand, needlepoint canvases are more rigid and contain bigger holes in accepting a more comprehensive range of threads.
Canvases used for cross stitching are frequently blank or printed with a basic chart in black and white instead of the colorful patterns found on fabric. Also, as opposed to plain canvas, a needlepoint canvas is frequently painted, so you can see what shades to use and get an idea of how your finished piece will look.
Silk or stranded cotton is the most common threads used in cross-stitch. However, you can use almost any cable with needlepoint, from cotton floss to silk to wool to metallic threads.
Cross-stitching adheres to its namesake by relying nearly entirely on x-stitches. A wide array of stitches can be used to create needlepoint, such as the half cross stitch, the mosaic stitch, the brick stitch, and many others.