How to Write X in Cursive
To write X in cursive, start with the lowercase stroke path first, then compare it with the capital form. This guide shows the motion, the spots that usually go wrong, and sample words so you can practice X in context. Cursive X is one of the rarest letters in English text, but it poses a unique challenge: how do you make crossing diagonal strokes while maintaining the continuous flow of cursive? Most cursive styles solve this by splitting 'x' into two strokes — the only common letter (along with 't' and its cross) where you must lift the pen. This lift-and-cross motion breaks the typical cursive rhythm, which is why 'x' can feel awkward even for experienced writers.
Our Original Fonts: Xx
Preview our original downloadable typefaces first. These are decorative specimens, not educator-verified handwriting models. They do not show stroke order, and joins vary by style.
Public Google Fonts
Then compare the letter in public cursive and calligraphy fonts. Letter shapes and joins vary by style; for handwriting practice, follow a named exemplar or your teacher's model.
Tangerine
Dancing Script
Great Vibes
Parisienne
Sacramento
Kaushan Script
Alex Brush
Caveat
Mr De Haviland
Satisfy
Allura
Yellowtail
Arizonia
Bad Script
Berkshire Swash
Marck Script
Petit Formal Script
Pinyon Script
Italianno
Niconne
Quintessential
Style Script
Carattere
Ephesis
Luxurious Script
Bilbo Swash Caps
How to Write Lowercase Cursive “x”
Begin at the baseline with an upstroke to the midline. Descend diagonally to the right, reaching the baseline. Lift the pen. Add a second diagonal stroke from upper-right to lower-left, crossing the first stroke near the middle. Exit from the lower-right.
- ✗ Trying to write 'x' without lifting the pen, resulting in an illegible scrawl
- ✗ Not crossing the strokes at the centre, making the 'x' look lopsided
- ✗ Making one diagonal significantly longer than the other
How to Write Uppercase Cursive “X”
Start with a diagonal stroke from the upper-left (ascender line) to the lower-right (baseline). Lift the pen. Add a second diagonal from the upper-right to the lower-left, crossing at the centre. Some ornate styles add a lead-in loop.
- ✗ Making the crossing point off-centre
- ✗ Making the strokes too curved — 'X' should be angular
- ✗ Adding unnecessary loops that obscure the letter
Letters Often Confused with “x”
How “x” Connects to Other Letters
Lowercase 'x' exits from the lower-right diagonal. The pen lift required for the cross-stroke means connections to 'x' are less fluid than most cursive letters.
Words Starting with “X” in Cursive
These words look particularly elegant when written in cursive script. Use them as prompts in our generator.
Practice Tips for Cursive “X”
- 1Accept the pen lift — 'x' is one of the few cursive letters that requires it.
- 2Practise crossing at the exact centre by marking a guide dot before making the strokes.
- 3Since 'x' is rare, focus on common combinations like 'ex-' (example, extra, exact).
Keep practising on paper
For prepared lowercase copying, use the Marck Script workbook or try its free connector warm-up. Follow your chosen exemplar for stroke order; these pages show font shapes.
- Lowercase Mastery Workbook - Classic Cursive (Marck Script)$5 · 17 pages
- Lowercase Connector Warm-Up Sheet - Classic Cursive (Marck Script)Free · 1 page
Browse all free printables (no account needed), or see the paid packs in our shop.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cursive X
How do you write a lowercase cursive 'x'?
Is cursive 'x' always a two-stroke letter?
Why is cursive 'x' hard?
Learn More
Block Letter X
See X in geometric block-letter form — stroke order, proportions, and kerning pairs.
Full Calligraphy Alphabet Guide
Letter formation guides across Gothic, Italic, Copperplate, and modern scripts.
Beginner's Calligraphy Guide
Step-by-step learning path with practice schedules and progression milestones.
Essential Techniques
Master pressure control, pen angles, flourishing, and spacing.