1. Beginner

• Best For: Absolute beginner stitchers or those looking for a quick, simple project.
• Characteristics: Simple patterns with solid colour blocks and minimum amount of detail.
• Techniques: Uses only full cross stitches and occasionally backstitch for outlines. 
• Materials: Often stitched on 11 or 14-count Aida, which has larger holes for easier stitching.

2. Easy

• Best For: Stitchers with some experience who want a slightly larger or more detailed design to stitch.
• Characteristics: Uses more colours than beginner, and more backstitching for detail.
• Techniques: Uses full cross stitches, a few fractional stitches (half or quarter stitches), and more backstitch for outlines. 
• Materials: Often stitched on 14-count or 16-count Aida.

3. Intermediate

• Best For: Experienced stitchers confident in following complex charts and managing many thread colours.
• Characteristics: Uses many colours and might include more intricate shading, and finer details with more backstitch.
• Techniques: May use specialty stitches (like French knots), fractional stitches (half or quarter stitches), and more detailed backstitch. 
• Materials: Often stitched on 16 or 18-count Aida.

4. Advanced

• Best For: Very experienced stitchers looking for a highly detailed challenge.
• Characteristics: Usually larger designs with a greater number of thread colours.
• Techniques: Uses full cross stitches, specialty stitches, fractional stitches (half or quarter stitches), and detailed backstitch. Might include beads.
• Materials: Often stitched on fine fabrics like 16 or 18-count Aida or evenweave/linen for a more delicate finish.