( Source: Wikipedia article “Embroidery” )

Counted cross stitch refers to any form of embroidery where the design is formed by counting a specific number of stitches on a regular grid, as opposed to freeform embroidery. The most common and popular form of counted cross stitch is called cross stitch: shaped like an "X", it is worked from a pattern called a diagram, sometimes on a pre-printed canvas for learning. One of the most common types of work is the alphabet book .
The design of a grid is reproduced by counting the points on a canvas with a regular weave (linen, cotton, canvas or Aida cloth ).
There are two methods for doing cross stitches:
- the traditional one, where each cross is formed one after the other: XXX XX XXXX, for example.
- Danish, where we first embroider the half stitches below on the way out (/// // ////) then the half stitches above on the way back (\\\\ \\ \\\), which gives the same final result: XXX XX XXXX.
In both cases, it is important that all the stitches are made in the same direction. In the same work, the two techniques can be mixed: the Danish way for series of stitches in a line, the traditional way for isolated stitches.
The choice of embroidery fabric depends on the desired end result and the dexterity of the embroiderer. Beginners generally prefer Aida fabrics , because they offer a very regular weave and a large mesh. They are available in several colors, the most common being white and ecru.
Linen is rather reserved for experienced embroiderers, because it offers the least regular weft. The embroidery is then done by counting the threads of the canvas, generally 2 weft threads and 2 warp threads. For a finer rendering, the stitches can be done on only 1 thread. Linen canvas is most often undyed, brownish in color.
Cross stitch can also be done on standard fabric, most often to decorate a garment. A "thread puller" canvas is then used, which reproduces a light weave. It is fixed to the fabric of the garment with a few basting stitches or with spray glue for fabrics. Once the embroidery is finished, the vertical and horizontal threads of the "thread puller" canvas are pulled to extract them. The pattern is then regular regardless of the support on which it is made.

For larger works, the canvas is stretched on an embroidery frame (or embroidery hoop), which helps maintain consistent quality and tension.
The most commonly used thread is cotton strands, presented in spools called "skeins". They are generally composed of 6 threads of 8 meters in length. More than 500 colors are available and some special effects exist, such as the "light effect" (shiny thread) and the "variation effect" (variation of shade along the thread in gradient or in harmony).
There are several major brands that offer threads ( see the color chart here ), fabrics and embroidery kits , including DMC and Anchor. Many books and magazines offer diagrams to reproduce.
Corinne Chambras-Gangloff, embroiderer and collector of ABC books in particular, writer in her spare time, suggested in 1991 to call the cross-stitch embroiderer a "crucifilist".
Cross stitch works may also incorporate other types of counted stitch to complete the design, including backstitch, which is often used to form thin lines to outline the shapes of the design or add delicate shapes such as small letters, movement effects, a cat's whiskers, etc.