By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 11, 2026
Most beginners cross stitch one color at a time: thread one color, stitch every square of that color in one area, then switch to the next color. It means fewer thread changes and fewer tangles, and it's the easiest method for kids. Stitching row by row, changing color as you go along each row, also works and is popular for large, detailed charts, but it needs several needles or a lot of re-threading. There's no wrong order. Pick the one that keeps your back neat and your thread under control.
Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| One color at a time or row by row? | One color at a time is easiest for beginners |
| Which color first? | The biggest area, or the outline color if the design has one, is a common choice |
| Do you finish one color everywhere? | Finish it in one area. Don't carry thread far across the back |
| When is row by row better? | Large charts with lots of single scattered stitches |
| Best for kids? | One color at a time on a printed design |
Method 1: one color at a time (best for beginners)
- Thread your first color.
- Stitch all the squares of that color in one area of the design.
- If the same color appears somewhere far away, finish off and start again there, rather than stretching the thread across the back.
- Finish off, thread the next color and repeat.
On a printed or stamped design, kids can see each color area right on the fabric, which makes this method especially simple.
Method 2: row by row
You work across one row at a time and change color as the pattern changes. Some stitchers keep a separate needle threaded for each color and "park" the unused ones at the edge. It suits big charts with lots of confetti-like single stitches, but for a small kids' project it adds tangles without much benefit.
Which color should you start with?
There's no rule, but common choices are:
- The biggest area of color. It fills the design fast and gives you landmarks for the rest.
- The center of the design. It keeps the design centered in the hoop.
- The outline color, if your pattern has one. Some stitchers prefer to outline last so it sits on top of the filled areas.
For kids, starting with the biggest, simplest area gives a quick sense of progress.
Tips for neat color changes
- Finish each color on the back. Run the thread under 3 or 4 stitches and trim.
- Don't jump far across the back. Long jumps can show through light fabric. As a rough guide, if it's more than a few squares away, finish off and restart.
- Keep your crosses facing the same way. Top stitches all going the same direction looks neater, whatever order you stitch in.
Our kids' cross stitch kits
Each of these kits makes 5 small designs with printed fabric, plastic hoops, needles without sharp points and keychain clips, so finished pieces become bag charms.
Cats Cross Stitch Kit (Amazon) includes felt sticker decorations for the finished pieces.
Dogs Cross Stitch Kit (Amazon) is the same format with 5 dog designs.
Safari Animals Cross Stitch Kit (Amazon) has 5 safari animal designs.
Superhero Cross Stitch Kit (Amazon) comes with 12 floss colors and 5 superhero designs.
When our kits aren't the right fit: if you want to stitch from a counted chart on blank fabric, these printed kits won't give you that practice. Look for a counted cross stitch kit instead.
Other good options
A floss organizer with bobbins helps once a child moves to bigger projects with many colors. It keeps each color labelled and tangle-free.
FAQ
Do you cross stitch one color at a time? Most beginners do. Stitch all of one color in an area, then switch.
What color do you start with in cross stitch? Many people start with the biggest area or the center of the design.
Is it better to cross stitch row by row? It works well for large charts with scattered colors. For small kids' projects, one color at a time is simpler.
Can you carry thread across the back to the next area? Only for a few squares. For longer distances, finish off and start again.
Should every cross face the same way? Yes. Keep the top stitch going the same direction for a neater look.
How do you finish a color in cross stitch? On the back, run the thread under 3 or 4 stitches and trim it.
Related Craft Guides: How Do You Start a Cross Stitch Kit? · What Age Can Kids Start Cross Stitch? · Do You Separate Embroidery Floss?
