These instructions explain how to read a cross stitch and a blackwork chart and for the purpose of these
instructions the fabric used as an example is Aida, for more information about other fabrics please see the section ‘Counted Stitching - Fabrics’.

Comparing a chart to the Fabric

Aida fabric is one of the most widely used cross stitch fabrics. Made from 100% cotton, it has an open weave which makes the holes easy to see.

The chart is made up of a grid where each square represents one stitch. The square on the chart translates to a square on the Aida fabric where there is a hole at each corner of the square.

Cross Stitch Symbols

A cross stitch chart uses symbols to indicate which colour stitch goes where on the fabric  to create the finished design. Each colour of thread has it’s own unique symbol and the Key document shows which symbol relates to which colour.

Cross Stitch Symbols—Fractional Stitches If the stitch is to be a full cross stitch then the whole of the square of the grid will be filled with the symbol but you may also have fractional stitches and these are shown as parts of the grid square depending on what type of fractional stitch is needed. See our Help documentation for Fractional Stitches.

Blackwork Symbols

A blackwork chart uses lines to indicate where the backstitch should be placed and you will receive a colour chart which shows what colour the stitch is to be worked in and the key should also detail  which colour is to be used and where. If you are stitching a design which is all in one colour you will receive a black and white chart and you should stitch everything in the one colour.

Blackwork Symbols—Fractional Stitches If the stitch is to be a full  stitch then the whole of the grid  square will be used but you may also have fractional stitches and these are shown as parts of the grid square depending on what type of fractional stitch is needed. See our Help documentation for Fractional Stitches.

Charts with a mixture of Cross Stitch and Blackwork Symbols

A large number of DoodleCraft designs combine both cross stitch and blackwork stitching and as you would expect you will see a mixture of symbols.

Unless your kit tells you otherwise you would use 2 strands for the cross stitch and 1 strand for the blackwork.

You just need to remember that for any cross stitch you will see a symbol and for any blackwork you will see a line.

Cross stitch Use 2 strands and work a full cross

Blackwork Use 1 strand and work a full cross