CROSS STITCH

Cross-stitch is the oldest form of embroidery and can be found all over the world since the middle ages. It is a form of sewing and a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture. The stitcher counts the threads on a piece of even weave fabric (such as linen) in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance.  This form of cross-stitch is also called counted cross-stitch to distinguish it from other forms of cross-stitch. Sometimes cross-stitch is done on designs printed on the fabric (stamped cross-stitch); the stitcher simply stitches over the printed pattern. Cross-stitch is often executed on easily countable fabric called aida cloth whose weave creates a plainly visible grid of squares with holes for the needle at each corner.