cross-stitch

American  

[kraws-stich, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌstɪtʃ, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. a stitch in which pairs of diagonal stitches of the same length cross each other in the middle to form an X .

2. embroidery or needlepoint done with this stitch.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to work in cross-stitch.

cross-stitch British  

noun

1. an embroidery stitch made by two stitches forming a cross

2. embroidery worked with this stitch

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verb

1. to embroider (a piece of needlework) with cross-stitch

Etymology

Origin of cross-stitch

First recorded in 1700–10

Compare meaning

How does cross-stitch compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cross-stitch vs. embroidery

Example Sentences

Chatinas learn to cross-stitch as young girls because embroidering birds and flowers has a spiritual meaning.

From Seattle Times

It’s also even in more mundane ways, in cross-stitch, in crotchet and quilting, creating beauty literally from the scraps on the margins.

From Washington Post

She is also an avid churchgoer, with a knack for arts and crafts — including embroidery, cross-stitch and painting — and, of course, cooking and baking.

From Washington Post

I won’t reveal the contents of the final section; that would unravel Diaz’s careful cross-stitch.

From Los Angeles Times

Slate published a piece describing how American cross-stitchers have been “devastated” by Etsy’s recent suspension of Russian storefronts, including cross-stitch patterns shops that are — to the surprise of some crafters — heavily concentrated in Russia.

From The Verge

Related Words

• brocade
• decoration
• lace
• needlepoint
• quilting
• tapestry