Cross-stitch is a type of embroidery, worked on a grid using “X” stitches, while “embroidery” is the broader family of techniques (backstitch, satin stitch, chain, and more). This Wichita guide from U.S. Logo explains materials, difficulty, and when to choose each for crafts or apparel.

Need professional embroidery on polos, hats, and jackets? Call (316) 264-1321 or contact U.S. Logo. Visit us at 520 N West St, Wichita, KS 67203.

Short Answer

Cross-stitch = counted-thread embroidery on even-weave fabric (Aida/linen) using rows of “X” stitches that follow a chart. It produces a neat, pixel-style look.
Embroidery (surface embroidery) = free-form stitches like running, backstitch, satin, stem, and chain on woven fabric (cotton/linen) without a grid.

How They Work (Fabric, Stitches, Look)

Cross-Stitch

Fabric – Even-weave (Aida, linen). The visible “holes” make counting easy.
Stitches – Mostly X stitches; backstitch and French knots are common accents.
Designs – Charted, follow a printed pattern like a pixel grid.
Look/Feel – Crisp, geometric, “pixel-art” aesthetic. Great for samplers, quotes, icons.
Learning curve – Very beginner-friendly, counting is the key skill.

Embroidery (Surface)

Fabric – Woven cotton/linen; stabilizer optional depending on fabric.
Stitches – Running, backstitch, satin, stem, chain, split stitch, etc.
Designs – Trace or transfer outlines, then outline/fill with stitches.
Look/Feel – Painterly lines and fills, curves, lettering, floral motifs.
Learning curve – Also beginner-friendly; mastering smooth fills takes practice.

Which Should You Choose?

Love charts & grids? Pick cross-stitch. It’s relaxing and repeatable.
Want flowing lettering & art? Choose surface embroidery for outlines and fills.
Gift deadline? Simple cross-stitch motifs or surface “line art” pieces can be finished in an evening.
Kids or groups? Cross-stitch kits are easy to distribute; pre-drawn line art is great for embroidery classes.

Unsure? Bring your idea to U.S. Logo and we’ll suggest the fastest path from sketch to stitched piece, or produce commercial embroidery for apparel.

Beginner Starter Kits

Cross-Stitch Kit

6–8″ hoop • Aida cloth (14-count is common)
Embroidery needles (tapestry style) • Stranded cotton floss
Printed chart • Small sharp scissors
Optional: needle minder, marking pen

Surface Embroidery Kit

6–8″ hoop • Light-colored cotton/linen
Embroidery needles (sizes 5–9) • Stranded cotton floss
Water-soluble fabric pen for transfers • Small sharp scissors
Optional: stabilizer (cut-away for knits; tear-away for sturdy wovens)

Strands: Start with 2–3 floss strands for clean lines in both methods.

What About Apparel & Logos?

Cross-stitch on clothing is possible (using waste canvas), but for polished logos on polos, hats, and jackets you’ll want commercial machine embroidery.
U.S. Logo digitizes your art into a stitch plan, matches thread to brand colors, and recommends durable placements, see our Apparel Decoration overview or pair with
Screen Printing for tees and hoodies.

FAQ

Which is faster?

Small cross-stitch motifs and simple line-art embroidery are comparable. Large filled embroidery pieces take longer than charted X-stitch of the same size.

Can I mix them?

Yes, outline a cross-stitch piece with backstitch or add French knots for texture. Many patterns include both.

Do I need stabilizer?

Cross-stitch on Aida doesn’t. Surface embroidery on knits benefits from cut-away backing; sturdy wovens often use tear-away.

What’s better for text?

Surface embroidery (backstitch/stem) excels at smooth lettering. Cross-stitch text looks “pixelled,” which can be a style choice.

External Resource

Floss & beginner education: DMC.