What exactly is the difference between cross stitch, needlepoint, and embroidery?
The definitions of these three terms are not mutually exclusive. There are some differences and some similarities among them. Embroidery refers to the decoration of a stitchable ground with thread, by hand or by machine, sometimes including other, non-thread materials such as shisha mirrors, buttons, beads, charms or found objects. Cross-stitch is not only the term used to refer to a type of stitching, but is also the name of a stitch used in any kind of decorative stitching. Cross-stitching usually refers to a design done completely in cross stitches. The cross stitch itself can be used anywhere that any other stitch can be formed. Through the years, “needlepoint” has become a term that is inclusive of more kinds of work than simple tent stitch in wool on canvas, especially in the United States. The American Needlepoint Guild’s definition of needlepoint is given in the answer to the first question on this page. Some stitchers refer to stitchery done on a canvas ground as “canvas work”
