What is “Full Coverage” cross stitch?

Full coverage cross stitch is a style of stitching where the entire design area is filled with stitches, with no background fabric left visible.

These designs are typically larger, highly detailed, and created from artwork rather than simple motifs. The result is a finished piece that looks more like a painting than traditional cross stitch.

At Paine Free Crafts, our full coverage cross stitch charts are created from licensed artwork by professional artists and prepared for clarity, accuracy, and ease of stitching.

We prepare and sell full coverage cross stitch charts and kits from both our own licensed artwork and selected external designers.

What does “full coverage” mean?

In full coverage cross stitch:

  • Every part of the design is stitched
  • The background fabric does not show through
  • Colour changes are frequent (often called “confetti stitching”)
  • The finished piece has a smooth, complete appearance

This differs from traditional cross stitch patterns, where parts of the fabric are intentionally left unstitched.

Who are full coverage charts for?

Full coverage designs are ideal for stitchers who:

  • Enjoy detailed, long-term projects
  • Prefer working from charts rather than printed fabric
  • Want a finished piece with a high level of realism
  • Are comfortable managing multiple thread colours

They are often not the first project a beginner chooses—but many beginners do successfully complete them with patience and the right setup. Many stitchers work on full coverage projects over months or years, gradually building up detailed finished pieces one section at a time.

How large are full coverage cross stitch projects?

Full coverage designs vary widely in size, but they are generally larger than standard patterns.

Typical characteristics include:

  • Thousands to hundreds of thousands of stitches
  • Dozens (or even hundreds) of thread colours
  • Projects that take weeks, months, or longer to complete

The size is what allows for the level of detail that defines full coverage work.

Choosing fabric for full coverage stitching

Because the entire design is stitched, fabric choice affects the size and appearance of the finished piece.

Common options include:

  • Evenweave or Aida fabric
  • Different fabric counts (stitches per inch)
  • Hand-dyed fabrics for subtle variation around the edges (some people don’t see the point in using hand dyed fabrics – for me, stitching is about the process as well as the end result – and you might as well look at something pretty while you’re doing it).

Higher fabric counts do not change the level of detail in the chart. The design itself remains exactly the same.

Instead, higher counts:

  • Produce a smaller finished piece (more stitches per inch)
  • Create a smoother, more blended appearance, as stitches are physically smaller
  • Can give a more “painterly” effect when viewed at a distance

Lower fabric counts:

  • Result in a larger finished piece
  • Make individual stitches more visible
  • Can feel easier to work on, especially for beginners (or for people who struggle to see higher count fabrics)

The best choice depends on your preferred working size and the overall look you want from the finished piece.

Compatibility with stitching apps

Many modern stitchers use chart-reading apps such as Pattern Keeper and MarkUp R-XP to help manage large full coverage projects.

These apps allow stitchers to:

  • Mark completed stitches digitally
  • Track progress more easily
  • Search for symbols and colours quickly
  • Reduce counting errors on large, detailed charts

Paine Free Crafts charts are compatible with these apps, helping to make complex projects easier and faster to stitch.

Some charts from other brands that we stock may not be supported. For example, historical-themed designs from Scarlet Quince use different chart formats. For those ones, we recommend using the “SQ Stitch” app instead.

Some stitchers prefer to use another app called “Cross Stitch Saga”, but this doesn’t read native PDF files, so it isn’t useful for everyone.

Full coverage cross stitch charts vs kits

Full coverage designs are usually available as:

Charts (patterns only)

  • Digital or printed chart
  • You supply your own fabric and threads
  • More flexibility in customising materials

Full kits

  • Include fabric cut to size and all required threads
  • Designed for convenience while still allowing choice

At Paine Free Crafts, our kits are prepared to order and offer a wide range of fabric options, including 14, 18, 20, 25, 28 and 32 count fabrics.

This means you can choose:

  • The finished size of your project
  • The level of stitch definition and visibility of colour changes
  • A fabric that suits your personal stitching preference

This approach gives much of the flexibility of selecting your own materials, while ensuring everything is accurately prepared for the design.

Charts and kits are available from the same product listings, allowing you to choose the option that suits your stitching style.

Why choose Paine Free Crafts for full coverage cross stitch?

  • Designs created from licensed artwork by professional artists
  • Charts prepared for clarity and readability
  • Option to purchase charts or full kits
  • Wide range of subjects and styles
  • Designs prepared in Scotland and stitched worldwide

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is a full coverage cross stitch chart?

A full coverage cross stitch chart is a pattern where the entire design area is stitched, with no background fabric left visible.

Are full coverage cross stitch patterns suitable for beginners?

They can be, although they require patience and organisation. Many beginners start with smaller full coverage designs before progressing to larger projects.

How long does a full coverage cross stitch take?

This depends on the size and complexity of the design. Smaller projects may take weeks, while large, detailed designs can take months or longer. You could also use tent stitch (half cross, continental or basket weave) instead of full crosses, as this would cut down the amount of time needed (fewer stitches to make).

What fabric is best for full coverage cross stitch?

Aida and evenweave fabrics are both commonly used. Higher fabric counts do not change the level of detail in the chart. The design itself remains exactly the same, but you may see a “smoother” look as your eye will blend the stitches together.

How many colours are in a full coverage chart?

That will depend on the design. Some greyscale pieces may have only a few colours (20 or even less), however large designs with a huge colour palette can have up to 200, or on rare occasions even more.

At Paine Free Crafts the artwork determines the number of colours needed. We try to keep it something you’d want to stitch.

What is the difference between full coverage and stamped cross stitch?

“Full coverage” refers to a design where the entire stitching area is covered with stitches and no background fabric remains visible.

“Stamped cross stitch” refers to a kit where the design is pre-printed onto the fabric.

The two terms describe different aspects of a project, so a design can be both stamped and full coverage.

Most Paine Free Crafts designs are counted full coverage cross stitch charts rather than stamped kits.

What is confetti stitching?

Confetti stitching (also called “scattered stitches”) are areas of stitching where there are frequent colour changes.

Can I use tent stitch instead of full crosses?

Yes, in a full coverage design, because all the squares are stitched, you can opt to use tent stitch (that’s where you only do one “leg” of a cross). Tent stitch can be stitched in different ways, each of which may have different effects on the fabric due to tension. You will typically need to use more strands in your needle to get the same coverage on the fabric as a full cross. (For instance many people use 3 strands of thread to do tent stitch on 18 or 20 count fabrics, but would use 2 strands for full crosses). Overall, this will use less thread than full crosses (about 60-70% of the amount, as you still have to start and finish each length).

Can I use a full coverage cross stitch chart for diamond painting?

Technically, yes. They are likely to be very large though, as the “diamonds” are typically larger than a stitch would be. Additionally, colour matches may not be as precise as in thread, even though the companies that produce diamond painting “dots” claim to match to (usually) the DMC colour palette.
In short – yes, but we couldn’t guarantee the results would be as attractive as in stitch – because that’s what we design for 🙂