Hand embroidery differs from counted cross stitch in that it uses many different types of stitches to achieve texture and interest, whereas counted cross stitch uses a single stitch and relies on color and shading for texture. Counted cross stitch is worked from a graph, where the printed design is rendered as a series of X’s and the artist stitches the design accordingly. Embroidery designs may be stamped or drawn on the material, or they can be done freehand. Embroidery uses embroidery floss and an embroidery needle, which has a slightly larger eye but is still sharp.

Hand embroidery is a beautiful art that almost anyone can learn. It is an art that should be preserved and well worth learning.