Terms & Acronyms for Cross-Stitch and Embroidery

Stitching Decoded: Your Guide to the Lingo

As a cross-stitch enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with most of the terminology that pops up in Facebook groups, Flosstube videos or even right here on my website! But every now and then, you might come across a few acronyms or quirky terms that leave you scratching your head. Don't worry, you're not alone.

To help you navigate the wonderful world of cross-stitch/embroidery jargon, I've put together this comprehensive list of terms. Ever wondered why people keep mentioning frogs in their stitching conversations, or why some are doing cross-country? You’re about to find out! Let's dive in and demystify these stitchy words together.

Feel free to contact me and request something gets added if you think it's relevant. I'm all for helping the community!

Aida

Aida is the go-to fabric for most cross-stitch projects, favored for its easy-to-see squares. Popular brands include DMC, Zweigart, and Charles Craft. The fabric is woven evenly to create a grid pattern, which helps in guiding your stitches. Common counts, or the number of squares per inch, are 14 and 16. (See Count below for more details.)

Backstitch

Backstitch is a technique used to outline parts of a cross-stitch design, usually in a contrasting color. This method adds definition and detail, making the pattern stand out more vividly.

BAP

>Big Ass Project

Beads

Beads can be added to your cross-stitch project to enhance its texture and visual interest. They bring extra color and dimension, transforming a flat design into something more dynamic.

Blending

Blending, also known as Tweeding, involves using two or more different colored threads in the same needle to create a unique shade. By combining strands, you can achieve subtle color transitions and a rich, layered effect in your design.

Confetti

Confetti refers to single stitches of various colors scattered throughout a design, resembling tiny bits of confetti. These stitches often add intricate details but can be a bit challenging to manage due to their scattered placement.

Chart

A chart is the cross-stitch pattern you follow while stitching. It serves as a visual guide, showing where each stitch and color goes in your project.

Count

The term “count” refers to the number of fabric squares (or holes) per inch. For example, "14 count" means there are 14 squares per inch on the fabric. This number indicates the size of the stitches; a higher count results in smaller stitches.

Counted Cross-Stitch

Counted Cross-Stitch is a technique where you work on plain fabric using a printed or digital pattern as a guide. This method helps you accurately place each stitch without a pre-printed design on the fabric.

Cross Country

Cross Country stitching involves using a single color thread continuously across different sections of a pattern. Instead of finishing each thread section separately, you travel across the fabric, similar to how a cross-country route might meander across a landscape.

DMC

DMC is a leading brand of embroidery and cross-stitch thread (floss), renowned for its vast color range and quality. All Two Little Kits patterns use DMC flosses in the patterns.

Evenweave

Evenweave is a type of fabric commonly used for cross-stitch. It's woven with threads that are all the same thickness, providing a uniform appearance. This fabric is often worked over two threads, allowing for more detailed designs.

Fabric

Fabric is the base material onto which you stitch your design. Common types include Aida, Evenweave, and Linen, each offering a different texture and level of ease for stitching.

Floss

Floss is the thread used in cross-stitch projects. Brands like DMC offer a wide range of floss colors and textures. The term "floss" is often interchangeable with "thread."

Floss Balm

aka: "Thread Conditioner" - This is a substance similar in consistency as lip balm, that you run your floss strand(s) through to condition it. It helps to prevent snags, tangles, fraying and such.

Frog / Frogging

Frogging refers to the process of removing stitches when a mistake is made. The term is playfully derived from the frog's sound, "ribbit," which resembles "rip it," indicating you need to 'rip out' stitches.

Fractional Stitches

Fractional stitches are used to create smoother edges in designs with curves, as opposed to full stitches that create sharp corners. These stitches occupy only part of a fabric square, offering more precision.

French Knot

A French Knot is a small knot used in cross-stitch to add details, like the eyes of an animal or the center of a flower. It creates a raised dot effect that adds texture and interest.

Full Stitches

Full stitches refer to the traditional cross-stitch method where each stitch fills an entire fabric square. This is the standard stitch used in most patterns, unlike fractional stitches, which cover only part of a square.

FFO

Finally Finished Object, Fully Finished Object, or Finally Framed Object - A term used to celebrate completing and finishing a project, whether framed or simply complete.

FO

Finished Object - A shorter version of FFO that means the same thing; a completed project.

FS

Forgotten Stash - Refers to cross-stitch supplies or kits that have been stored away and forgotten.

GA

Gentle Arts Thread - A popular brand known for its hand-dyed threads with beautiful, subtle color variations.

Half Stitch

A Half Stitch, also known as a Tent Stitch, involves making only one diagonal stitch across the fabric square, as opposed to two for a full cross-stitch. This technique is often used for shading or detail.

Haul

A Haul is when you go on a shopping spree and acquire a large amount of cross-stitch supplies, whether online or in person. Showing off your "haul" is a common practice among stitchers.

Jobelan

A type of Evenweave fabric made from cotton and modal. It is softer than Aida and provides a smooth surface for detailed stitching.

Kit

A cross-stitch kit includes everything you need to start a project: fabric, threads, needle, instructions, and a full pattern. It’s a complete package for beginners or anyone wanting a convenient start.

Linen

Linen is made from 100% linen thread and woven similarly to Evenweave fabric. It has a natural, traditional appearance but can be more challenging to stitch on due to its texture.

Needleminder

A Needleminder is a small, decorative magnetic item attached to your cross-stitch fabric. It securely holds your needle when it's not in use, preventing it from getting lost.

Needlepoint

Needlepoint, also called Tapestry, is a form of embroidery using yarn stitched through a mesh canvas. It's similar to cross-stitch but typically larger and more structured.

OAP

Old Abandoned Project

ONS

Online Needlecraft Shop

OOP

Out Of Print

ORT

Old Ratty Threads or Orphaned Random Threads - The term "ort" can also refer to scraps, such as leftover thread pieces from projects.

PAD

Project All Done

Parking

Parking is a technique where multiple needles with different threads are used simultaneously, making it easier to manage large projects with multiple colors. This method avoids frequent re-threading.

PHD

Project Half Done

PFO

Pulled From Oblivion - Referring to a project that hasn't been worked on for a long time and is now being revisited and continued.

Q-Snap

A Q-Snap is a type of frame used to keep your fabric taut while cross-stitching. It snaps together to form a sturdy frame that holds the fabric in place.

Railroading

Railroading is a stitching technique where the needle is passed between two strands of thread to create a flatter and more uniform stitch. This method improves the appearance of the finished work.

RAK

Random Act of Kindness - Where one stitcher might gift or purchase a kit or pattern for another. It’s a lovely way to share the joy of cross-stitching and is often found in Facebook groups.

RR

Round Robin - A collaborative project where a piece is passed from one stitcher to another until it's completed. Each participant adds their work, creating a collective creation.

SAL

Stitch-Along - An event where stitchers work on the same project simultaneously. Sometimes, it’s a mystery where the theme is a secret, and the pattern is released in parts over time.

SINS

Stuff I’ll Never Stitch

SIP

Stitch-In-Progress

Snips

A different kind of scissors that are spring loaded, which you squeeze together to cut (usually floss, not fabric).

Skein

A Skein is how embroidery thread is packaged, usually in 8-meter lengths. It's wound into loops with a small paper label that details the brand and color code.

Stash

Stash refers to your collection of cross-stitch supplies, including threads, patterns, fabrics, and more. It can sometimes get quite extensive—so watch out for that stash overload!

Stitchy Buddy

A Stitchy Buddy is a pet (or person) that keeps you company while you stitch, often by snuggling nearby or even sitting on your lap as you work.

Stitching Over 2 or 1 over 2

Stitching 1 Over 2 is a technique used on Evenweave or Linen fabrics, where you skip two holes before placing each stitch. This approach contrasts with Aida fabric, where you typically stitch over one hole.

Tapestry

Tapestry, also known as Needlepoint, is an embroidery technique where yarn is used to stitch through a mesh canvas. It provides a larger and more structured design compared to traditional cross-stitch.

Tweeding

Tweeding, also known as Blending, involves using multiple thread colors in the same needle to blend them together while stitching. This technique creates a gradual color transition effect in your design.

UFO

Unfinished Object

Waste Canvas

Waste Canvas is used for stitching designs onto fabric without a grid, such as clothing. It acts as a guide and can be removed afterward by washing or pulling out each thread, leaving only the stitched design.

WDW

Weeks Dye Works - A renowned brand of cross-stitch thread known for its high-quality, hand-dyed fibers.

WIP

Work-In-Progress

WTF

Waiting To Finish

XStitch

A short-hand way of writing "cross-stitch".