Cross stitching is a popular technique for filling large areas with low stitch counts. It can also be used for outlines and borders. It is suitable for homeware, tablecloths, children’s clothes and folk designs. Cross stitch is sometimes combined with appliqué.
Unlike machine embroidery where designs are enhanced with different stitch types, angles, and effects, in cross stitch you can only add dimension to the design with shades of colors. For this reason, most cross stitch designs use many more colors than machine embroidery.