Cross stitch, the oldest form embroidery of that has been around for ages, is one of the easiest forms of counted thread hand embroidery. It is comprised of X-shaped stitches done on fabric with an even and open weave like aida cloth, linen or other even weave fabrics. Designs can be traditional or modern or any combination. The current trend is getting more and more post modern.
Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to embellish items like household linens, tablecloths, dishcloths, and doilies, but has lately become increasingly popular in making greeting cards, pillow tops, coasters and trivets as well as for decorative purposes by hanging them on the wall.
The common types of thread for cross-stitching are cotton floss, pearl cotton, Danish flower thread, silk and rayon. Different wool threads, metallic threads or other novelty threads are also used, often for accents and embellishments.