Counted vs. Stamped Cross Stitch

* Legacy Post: This one comes from our old blog from January 28, 2013.

There have been some questions about the difference between counted cross stitch and stamped cross stitch over the past couple of days.

Counted cross stitch comes as a printed chart and then you get to decide what count of fabric you would like to stitch on, plus purchase the floss or threads required to complete your needle art project. A counted cross stitch kit will have either Aida or linen included that has no design printed on it, thread, needle and pattern with instructions. Counted cross stitch is easier and more exact – as long as you can count to 6 then you should have no problem.

Stamped cross stitch patterns have the pattern already printed onto the fabric, always come in kits with the printed fabric and printed instructions, with the floss needed to complete the project. Stamped cross stitch will usually have X stamped but when you stitch them, make sure that you join each X with the corners touching or it will not look filled in. 

* Note from Barb in 2022

  • Of course, you can get counted cross stitch in a kit with fabric and all the threads.
  • Some people find stamped cross stitch easier.
  • There is some concern that stamped cross stitch is less accurate because you are not going through specific spaced holes, like with counted cross stitch. This just means you have to work to make it accurate.

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