Needlepoint vs Cross Stitch: Which One is Easier?

Are you torn between needlepoint and cross stitch for your next (or first) project? Both are types of decorative embroidery used to create the most beautiful designs, but they also have different characteristics. At Needlepoint Online, we love all things needlepoint, which is why we have such an extensive selection of canvases and designs to suit every style. Knowing the differences between them would be essential in choosing which craft may suit you best.

Needlepoint vs Cross Stitch

Needlepoint and cross stitch are similar, but the technique, materials used, and final appearance of each are different.

• Needlepoint: With needlepoint, you are using a piece of stiff canvas (called needlepoint canvas), generally printed with a design and requiring no counting. You just needlepoint all over with only the dark parts of the canvas visible, resulting in a heavy and often very textured piece.
• Cross Stitch: Cross stitch is usually stitched on a fabric grid (Aida or evenweave fabric) to create little “X” stitches in order to form the design. Cross stitch is a type of counted embroidery, as it requires counting stitches and following a chart. These designs tend to expose more of the fabric than needlepoint, giving them a lighter appearance.

Which Craft is Easier?

Needlepoint and cross stitch are relatively quick to learn, but let’s take a look at some factors that might help you decide which is easier for you:

Technique

• Needlepoint: Most likely, if you are a true novice to sewing or prefer stitches that contrast with fabric, needlepoint is the direction to go. It makes finer needlework considerably easier. No more counting stitches with a pre-printed canvas. It tells you exactly where to fill in — it’s easy peasy.
• Cross Stitch: Cross stitch requires a bit more accuracy, as it’s done through counted embroidery. This requires attention to detail, as you need to count the number of stitches in each direction according to a chart or guide.

Time and Effort

• Needlepoint: Needlepoint can seem quicker to finish, as the canvas is completely filled with larger, consistent stitches. This builds up quickly with a top-down design, and once you start stitching, it grows quickly.
• Cross Stitch: Cross stitch will have more detailed designs with smaller stitches, which may require more time to sew. The counting and chart-following add a bit more focus, which may slow things down in the project timeline.

Design Variety and Style

• Needlepoint: We have an extensive array of needlepoint canvases at Needlepoint Online, including animal, floral, abstract, and holiday themes. Whether you are just learning the craft or have years of experience under your belt, needlepoint offers many styles to try. You can stitch all sorts of things with these beautiful designs.
• Cross Stitch: Cross stitch often gives a vintage or pixelated look, as it uses multiple X-stitches for each design. Some people absolutely love cross stitch, and there are gorgeous designs out there, but I find the style and level of detail more suited to counted patterns.

Needlepoint is More Beginner-Friendly — Here’s Why

Needlepoint pulls you right in — no counting or complicated tracking of charts required. Since the pre-printed designs guide you from the very beginning, all that’s left to do is enjoy your creative journey. Those larger stitches mean you will notice progress sooner, an absolute win for a newcomer to the craft.

You can also check out the needlepoint canvases we have at Needlepoint Online — it’s so simple to start. From bright colors, pretty florals, and adorable animals to more intricate or festive pieces, we have something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher! Explore below to find a project you will adore and prepare yourself for the fun of needlepoint.