How to write cursive X and x
Capital X is a long curve from the top left down to the bottom right with a tail, crossed by a straight stroke added afterwards. Lowercase x is a small hook over the top, a slant down to the right, and a short crossing stroke.
Capital X
Tall: baseline to topline.
Just below the topline, on the left, with a small curl.
The first stroke ends low on the right and runs into the next letter; the cross stroke is added last.
Lowercase x
Short: baseline to midline.
Just under the midline, on the left.
Low on the right, swinging up. The cross is added last.
Both parts of the x are written as a slant, not a vertical. Add the crossing stroke after you finish the word, the same way you cross a t.
Common mistakes with capital X
- The two strokes cross above or below the middle, so the X is lopsided.
- The cross stroke is curved to match the first, so the letter looks like two C shapes back to back.
- The join is taken from the cross stroke instead of the first stroke's tail.
Common mistakes with lowercase x
- The cross is forgotten, so the x reads as an n or a u.
- The cross is drawn parallel to the first stroke instead of across it.
- The cross is drawn too long and runs into the neighbouring letters.
Joining x to other letters
Practice these pairs until the join feels like one movement.
Print a practice sheet for X and x
The sheet has the numbered stroke guide for both letters, rows to trace, two practice words and a blank row for writing on your own.