Cross-stitch is a form of sewing and a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches in a tiled, raster-like pattern are used to form a picture. The stitcher counts the threads on a piece of evenweave fabric in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance.
Is cross-stitch out of style?
Someone asked, “Is cross stitch still popular?” Yes indeed it is! ... For those of you who think cross stitch is going out of style or is dead, that is absolutely not the case. You may bemoan the fact that stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc. no longer carry a wide variety of patterns anymore.
Should I start with cross-stitch or embroidery?
Because cross-stitch is a type of hand embroidery, it is the best place to start if you are a novice. While all crafting requires learning and practice, when considering embroidery vs. cross-stitch, try the latter first to introduce yourself to the craft. Then you can graduate to more complex types of embroidery.