How to read a cross-stitch chart

A cross-stitch chart looks like a table of small squares: each square is one cross stitch, and each symbol or colour is a thread. Once you understand the three parts (the grid, the key, the guide lines), you can stitch any design.

One square = one stitch

Each square on the chart is a full cross stitch, worked over one block of Aida (or over 2 threads of linen). An empty square means nothing is stitched: the fabric shows through.

The chart says nothing about the real size: that depends on the fabric. On 14-count Aida, 100 squares measure about 7 in (18 cm). The cross-stitch calculator does the maths for you.

The key: which thread for which symbol

In a corner of the chart (often on its own page), the key links each symbol to a thread:

the symbol as it appears in the squares;
the brand and thread number, for example DMC 310 for black;
sometimes the number of strands (2 strands is the most common on 14-count Aida);
sometimes the stitch count for that colour, handy to work out how many skeins to buy.

Tip: when two threads share the needle (one strand of each, a “blend”), the key shows it as “3865 + 3866” or with a special symbol.

Guide lines every 10 stitches

Thicker lines split the chart into 10 × 10 blocks. They help you count without getting lost: stitch one block of 10, then the next. Numbers along the edges (10, 20, 30…) help you find your place, especially when the chart spreads over several pages.

Small arrows in the middle of each edge mark the centre of the design: that’s usually where you start, after folding the fabric in four to find its middle.

Black-and-white or colour charts

In colour charts, each square is filled with the thread colour, with or without a symbol. Pleasant, but two close beiges or greens quickly become impossible to tell apart.
In black-and-white charts, only symbols tell the threads apart. Precise, but you keep checking the key.

That’s exactly what Grillo fixes: it gives every thread a colour clearly different from its neighbours, keeps or replaces the symbols, and splits the chart into readable A4 pages. The DMC colour chart also shows which threads look most alike.

Other stitches on the chart

Backstitch: thin lines along the edges of the squares, for outlines and details. Usually stitched last, often with 1 strand.
Half and quarter stitches: a square split diagonally, or a smaller symbol in one corner.
French knots and beads: dots or circles, placed where squares meet.

The key always explains how to recognise them.

In short

Find the centre of the chart and of the fabric.
Keep the key in view (or highlight threads as you go).
Count in blocks of 10 using the thick lines.
Tick off what you’ve stitched: in pencil on paper, or stitch by stitch in your Grillo space.