• Dictionary
  • Word comparison: cross-stitch vs. embroidery

cross-stitch vs. embroidery

cross-stitch vs. embroidery: What's the difference?

Embroidery is the general art of creating designs in thread upon fabric with a needle. Cross-stitch is a special type of embroidery, in which the designs are created with a pair of stitches shaped like an x—in other words, two crossed stitches. These stitches are often combined on a coarsely-woven, gridlike fabric to create an elaborate picture.

cross-stitch

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.

verb (used with or without object)

  1. to work in cross-stitch.

embroidery

noun

plural

embroideries 

  1. the art of working raised and ornamental designs in threads of silk, cotton, gold, silver, or other material, upon any woven fabric, leather, paper, etc., with a needle.

  2. embroidered work or ornamentation.

  3. elaboration or embellishment, as in telling a story.