While many consider sewing to be a pastime for elderly women, cross-stitching is a fun twist on the activity for people of all ages. The consoling movement of putting needle through fabric over and over again entices many amateurs and experts alike.

Although the designs seem overwhelming, the hobby can be easily learned by anyone with a little patience and some simple instructions:

First, a pattern must be chosen, starting with something uncomplicated. Each cross-stitch diagram comes with a list of colors, which don’t necessarily need to be followed exactly. Sometimes more satisfaction comes from choosing unique colors which appeal to personal taste.

Embroidery floss should be cut between 12 and 18 inches long. The floss comes as six skinny strings bundled together, so stitchers must divide the strands into groups of two. Aida cloth, a cross-stitching material with small holes for the thread, should be cut about 10 squares larger on each side than the design will be, due to unraveling at the edges.

All of these items can be purchased at Joann’s Fabric and Craft Stores, its Web site or any other craft store for a low price. Embroidery floss costs as little as 25 cents on sale. Aida cloth is available for about $8 per yard.

Start at the bottom left corner of the pattern and stitch from the bottom left corner of the first square to the top right corner of the same square. Flip the cloth over and put the needle through the hole directly below the hole the needle just came out of.

Flip the cloth over to the front and put the needle through the next diagonal corner, which is the top right corner. Then flip the cloth over again and put the needle through the hole below the hole you just came through. Repeat these steps and stop when the first row is completed.

Next, go through the other bottom corner, which creates a straight line down on the back side. Put the needle through the opposite diagonal corner to the left, creating an “X”.

Continue these steps until the thread has “crossed” each stitch in the first row. Put the needle through the top left corner, which puts it in the correct spot to begin the second row.

Cross-stitching has a soothing nature and is a great pastime for anyone with a little creativity and patience. Cross-stitched pieces also make great homemade gifts for friends and family.

For more information on cross-stitching, check out cross-stitching.com.