What Is a Cross Stitch Chart?
A cross stitch chart is the map you follow to create your design. Each tiny square on the grid represents one cross stitch on your fabric, and every symbol inside a square tells you which DMC thread color to use. Instead of counting by eye, you read the chart square by square — this is why a clear, printable chart is the most important part of any cross stitch pattern.
The Two Things Every Chart Has: Symbols and the Color Key
Open any pattern PDF and you will see two parts: the chart itself (a grid filled with symbols) and a color key, usually on the page before it. The color key lists every symbol used in the design, with its DMC number, color name, and how many stitches of that color you need. Always start by reading the color key, then mark your place on the chart.
Step 1: Find the Center
Every chart has a center marked with arrows on all four sides. Fold your fabric in half twice to find its center, then start stitching there. Starting from the center keeps your design perfectly placed, even if your fabric is slightly bigger than the pattern requires.
Step 2: Read Symbols in Groups of 10
Charts are divided by bold grid lines every 10 squares, with coordinate numbers printed along the edges. Work one 10×10 block at a time. This is the fastest way to avoid losing your place, and it is how experienced stitchers finish large projects without errors.
Step 3: Match Symbols to DMC Numbers
When you see a symbol on the chart, find the same symbol in the color key and check its DMC number. DMC numbers are universal — a 310 is always black, a 666 is always bright red — so you can buy threads in any shop, anywhere in the world. If your chart uses 14-count Aida, the finished size is simply stitch count divided by 14 inches.
Common Symbols and What They Mean
- Full cross (× or +): one complete cross stitch over one fabric square.
- Half cross (/ or \): a single diagonal stitch, used for light shading.
- Quarter cross: a diagonal from the corner to the center of a square, common in detailed faces and petals.
- Backstitch (straight lines): outline stitches worked after the crosses, used for edges and details.
- French knot (circle or dot): a small knotted stitch, perfect for flower centers.
Ready to Practice?
All of our patterns at Zhiyuan include a full-color preview, a color key with DMC thread numbers and yardage, and a large symbol chart split into numbered sections. If you are new to cross stitch, start with an easy design — our flower patterns collection has plenty of beginner-friendly charts, and every PDF includes a step-by-step guide for beginners on the last page.