Hot Takes from the Hoop: Grace’s Unpopular Cross Stitch Opinions

Every stitcher has their quirks…and their opinions. From how to start a thread to whether backstitching is worth the effort, the cross stitch world is full of hot takes. So, we sat down with Grace, founder and designer at Innocent Bones, to get her (sometimes controversial) thoughts on the things no one usually says out loud.

Grab your hoop, pour a cuppa, and let’s get into it…

“I don’t always grid my fabric — and that’s okay.”

Grace says: “Honestly? I never grid unless I’m working on something massive. For smaller kits, I think it slows you down more than it helps. Half the fun for me is diving straight in, it’s like painting without sketching first!”

👉 Moral of the story: there’s no ‘right’ way to stitch. If gridding keeps you calm, go for it. If it makes you yawn, skip it.

“Perfect stitches are overrated.”

Grace says: “I’ve seen people stress themselves out over making every single X perfectly uniform. But when you step back, no one notices that one slightly wonky stitch, they see the full picture. Cross stitch is meant to be relaxing, not anxiety-inducing.”

👉 Perfection is a myth. Progress (and peace of mind) is better.

Backstitching? Sometimes I just… don’t.”

Grace says: “Backstitching can add definition, but let’s be real, it’s not essential for every design. I design our kits to look good without it. If you hate backstitch, skip it! I promise your piece won’t implode.”

👉 You heard it here first: skipping the backstitch doesn’t make you a rebel. It makes you efficient.

“You don’t need to spend a fortune on supplies.”

Grace says: “The internet can make you feel like you need 12 pairs of scissors and a £50 frame. You don’t. A good hoop, sharp scissors, and quality thread are enough to make something beautiful. I want stitching to feel accessible, not exclusive.”

👉 Start simple. You can always upgrade your stash later.

“Swearing in your stitching is self-care.”

Grace says: “I love that our sweary kits have become such a hit. For a lot of people, stitching a cheeky phrase is cathartic...it’s humour and creativity rolled into one. Cross stitch doesn’t always have to be delicate or wholesome.”

👉 Crafting is therapy, no matter how many four-letter words it includes.

“Cross stitch isn’t old-fashioned — you’re just looking in the wrong places.”

Grace says: “It’s wild how many people still think cross stitch is something their nan did. There’s a whole modern community out there, witchy designs, celestial kits, sassy quotes… it’s having a moment.”

👉 If your idea of cross stitch is still kittens and teapots, we’ve got news for you.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Inner Stitch Rebel

Whether you’re skipping the grid or stitching a swear word, there’s no “wrong” way to cross stitch. The beauty of the craft is in how personal it is...and that’s exactly what makes it magic.

So the next time you feel bad for breaking a “rule”, just remember: there are no rules, just stitches.

💬 What’s your unpopular cross stitch opinion?

Tag @_innocentbones on Instagram - we might just feature your hot take next time.