Tips & Inspiration

Are you faced with the choice between a counted cross stitch pattern and a pre-printed cross stitch kit? Then you are not alone. Both options are popular, and the best choice depends on your skill level, available time, desired end result, and — let's be honest — how much you feel like counting. In this guide, we compare the two on all important points, give you a four-question decision tree, and help you choose what suits you best in a maximum of 5 minutes.

Table of Contents

• The difference in one minute
• What exactly is a counted cross stitch pattern?
• What exactly is a pre-printed cross stitch kit?
• The big comparison: 7 points side by side
• Decision-tree: which type suits you?
• Pros and cons of both
• Examples from our assortment
• Final verdict
• Frequently asked questions

The difference in one minute

In short: with a pre-printed cross stitch kit, the design is already printed on the fabric. You simply stitch over the lines — no counting, no reading charts, you always know where the next stitch goes. With a counted cross stitch pattern, you get a chart on paper or as a PDF, and you count the stitches yourself on a blank piece of Aida fabric.

One is not better than the other — they suit different people, moments, and projects. Below, we explain exactly how they differ, so you can make an informed choice.

What exactly is a counted cross stitch pattern?

A counted cross stitch pattern is a graphic representation of your design on a grid. Each square = one cross stitch, and the symbols or colors in the squares tell you which color of thread goes where. You work on a blank Aida or linen fabric, count from the center, and literally build the design stitch by stitch.

Counted cross stitch patterns are increasingly delivered as a PDF download: available immediately after payment, can be printed unlimited times, and endlessly reusable. Want to delve deeper into the technique? Read our guide what is a counted cross stitch pattern? Complete starter guide.

What exactly is a pre-printed cross stitch kit?

With a pre-printed kit, the pattern is already printed with (usually washable) ink on the Aida fabric. The kit contains everything you need: the printed fabric, pre-sorted DMC thread by color, a needle, and an instruction card. You simply stitch over the lines. No counting, no chart, no thinking — just your hand and your cross stitches.

Modern pre-printed kits (like our ready-made designs) use washable ink: after stitching, you place your work in lukewarm water and the lines disappear. What remains is a neat embroidery without visible guidelines. For a deeper explanation: see our blog about pre-printed cross stitch kit (no-count cross stitch).

The big comparison: 7 points side by side

Decision-tree: which type suits you?

Go through the four questions and you'll immediately know what to click on.

Question 1 — Have you ever embroidered before?
→ Never: pre-printed is more accessible. Learning to count can come later.
→ Yes, I know the technique: go to question 2.

Question 2 — Do you find counting relaxing or mostly difficult?
→ Difficult: choose pre-printed. Embroidery should provide peace, not frustration.
→ Relaxing / challenging in a pleasant way: counted cross stitch pattern is fine.

Question 3 — Do you want to make the design once or more often?
→ Once: both are possible, pre-printed is easier.
→ More often (gift, own series): counted cross stitch pattern — PDF endlessly reusable.

Question 4 — Do you want to start tonight?
→ Yes, right now: PDF counted cross stitch pattern — direct download after ordering.
→ I'm happy to wait until the kit arrives: pre-printed kit is nice (everything delivered complete to your home).

Pros and cons of both

Counted cross stitch pattern — pros

• Neater end result without ink residue
• Infinitely reusable (PDF)
• Freedom in fabric and thread choice
• Immediately available (digital download)
• Often more affordable — especially if you already have your own materials
• Apps like Pattern Keeper keep track of your digital progress

Counted cross stitch pattern — cons

• Learning curve: counting, reading charts, recognizing errors
• For some, tiring on the eyes
• With a separate pattern, you still have to buy fabric and thread separately

Pre-printed cross stitch kit — pros

• Accessible — no one gets lost on a pre-printed sheet
• Complete kit: nothing forgotten, nothing extra to buy
• Quick visible result (motivating!)
• Ideal gift for someone who has never embroidered before

Pre-printed cross stitch kit — cons

• One-time use — no unlimited repetition of a single design
• Freedom in fabric or thread is limited
• Sometimes minimal ink residue visible (especially if you don't wash)
• Not immediately available — wait for shipping

Examples from our assortment

At Stitchly Studio, we offer both options, so you simply choose what suits you.

Counted cross stitch patterns (PDF download):

• Ready-made PDF counted cross stitch patterns — downloadable immediately after ordering
• Convert your own photo to a PDF counted cross stitch pattern — in your mailbox within 24-48 hours

Pre-printed cross stitch kits (complete):

• Ready-made designs — 119 pre-printed designs, ready to stitch
• Custom photo cross stitch kit — your photo as a pre-printed kit, complete with fabric and thread
• Beginners collection — pre-printed kits specifically for your first project

Final verdict: short and honest

There is no absolute winner. But if we have to summarize:

• Do you want to start today, a pattern that is reusable, and do you like a neater end result? → PDF counted cross stitch pattern.
• Do you want no hassle, everything in one kit, and the lowest entry level? → pre-printed cross stitch kit.

Both yield beautiful embroidery. The difference lies in the journey there — and you get to choose that yourself.

Still not sure? Check out the general buyer's guide "which cross stitch kit suits me?".

Frequently asked questions

Is a counted cross stitch pattern more difficult than a pre-printed cross stitch kit?

Slightly, yes. With a counted cross stitch pattern, you have to read the chart and count your stitches, while with pre-printed, you simply stitch over the lines. The learning curve is a few hours — after that, it comes naturally.

What is cheaper: a counted cross stitch pattern or a pre-printed kit?

A separate counted cross stitch pattern (PDF only) is cheaper because you don't buy fabric and thread with it. A complete counted cross stitch kit with all materials costs about the same as a pre-printed kit of similar size.

Which type is better for a first embroidery project?

For the very first time, a pre-printed kit or a small beginner's counted cross stitch kit (5-10 colors, max 10×10 cm) is the most accessible. Both work — it depends on whether you want to count or not.

Can you still use a pre-printed kit as a counted cross stitch pattern?

Not the other way around: a pre-printed kit does not contain a separate counted cross stitch pattern. But you can certainly follow a counted cross stitch pattern on blank Aida, and reuse the pattern indefinitely for a new project or gift.

Which type looks better as wall art?

A counted cross stitch pattern often yields a neater end result because no lines or ink residue are visible. Although modern pre-printed kits use washable ink, purely visually, a counted cross stitch execution is a tad cleaner.