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A brief history of CrossStitch
CrossStitch is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture. Other stitches are also commonly used in cross-stitch, among them ¼, ½, and ¾ stitches and backstitches. CrossStitch is usually executed on easily countable evenweave fabric, or more rarely on non-countable fabric, on which a countable fabric is applied that is removed later, by drawing out every thread of it under the embroidery. This fabric is called waste canvas. The stitcher counts the threads in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance.

This form of cross-stitch is also called counted cross-stitch in order to distinguish it from other forms of crossstitch. Sometimes crossstitch is also done on designs printed on the canvas, showing every single cross (stamped crossstitch).

Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and can be found all over the world.^[1] Many folk museums show examples of clothing decorated with CrossStitch, especially from continental Europe and Asia.

Two-dimensional (unshaded) CrossStitch in floral and geometric patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen, is characteristic of folk embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe.^[2]

In the United States, the earliest known CrossStitch sampler is currently housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts.[1] The sampler was created by Loara Standish, the daughter of Captain Myles Standish, circa 1653.

Multicoloured, shaded, painting-like patterns as we know them today are a recent development, deriving from similar shaded patterns of Berlin wool work of the mid-nineteenth century

Uses
CrossStitch is the most popular form of hobby embroidery in the western world. It lends itself well to recreational use, as it is easy to learn and very versatile.

Traditionally, CrossStitch was used to embellish items like dishcloths, household linens, and doilies (only a small portion of which would actually be embroidered). Although there are many cross-stitchers who still employ it in this fashion, especially in Europe, it is now more popular to simply embroider plain pieces of canvas and hang them on the wall for decoration.

There are many cross-stitching "guilds" across the United States and Europe which offer classes, collaborate on large projects, stitch for charity, and provide other ways for local cross-stitchers to get to know one another. Thanks to Wikipedia for this information.

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