X in Cursive: How to Write Capital & Lowercase X
Educational Note: Cursive styles can vary slightly across curricula. The specimens on CursiveABC use a consistent school-style cursive system designed to make initial strokes, loops, and connections easy to understand.
How to Write a Capital X in Cursive
Capital cursive X is constructed in two crossed strokes. The first stroke begins near the headline with an entry curve, slants diagonally down to the baseline, and curls upward. The second stroke is a straight diagonal line crossing from top right to bottom left.
Writing Steps for Capital X
- 1 Start near the top headline and draw a curved diagonal stem slanting down to the baseline.
- 2 Curve upward to the right at the baseline to form an exit curve.
- 3 Lift the pen, start at the top right headline, and draw a straight diagonal line crossing through the center to the bottom left.
How to Write a Lowercase x in Cursive
Lowercase cursive x begins at the baseline with an overcurve to the dashed midline, slants down to the baseline, and curls into an exit stroke. After finishing the word, the pen lifts to draw a forward-slanted diagonal cross through the center.
Writing Steps for Lowercase x
- 1 Start at the baseline with an upward overcurve to the dashed midline.
- 2 Slant diagonally down to touch the baseline and curve upward into an exit stroke.
- 3 Lift the pen and draw a diagonal crossing slash from top right to bottom left through the midline center.
Interactive Tracing: X & x
Use your mouse, trackpad, finger, or stylus to trace the letter directly on the ruled lines.
How Lowercase x Connects to Other Letters
In continuous cursive handwriting, individual letters flow smoothly into the next. Below are common letter combinations showing how the exit stroke of lowercase x transitions seamlessly into adjacent letters.
Capital X Connecting Rule: Capital X ends with a baseline or midline exit stroke that connects directly into the first lowercase letter of a word (e.g. writing names or sentence starters without lifting the pen).
The baseline exit stroke of x flows directly into the entry undercurve of a before the cross is added.
Curves up from the baseline directly into the small open loop of e.
Travels from baseline up to the midline to form the stem of i.
Sweeps up from the baseline into the counter-clockwise oval of o.
Example Words Featuring Cursive X & x
Practice writing complete words that feature cursive X. Every word is composed directly from our verified school-cursive letterforms on standard handwriting guidelines.
Practice baseline s into dotted i and crossed x
Practice word-final x following full-height f and midline o
Connects high bridge b through o into final crossed x
Combines tall t, midline a, crossed x, and dotted i
Common Mistakes When Writing Cursive X
Watch out for these common handwriting errors to keep your cursive X legible, balanced, and easy to connect.
Crossing the X Too Early
The Issue: Lifting the pen to cross x in the middle of a word breaks handwriting rhythm.
How to Fix: Write the complete word first, then go back to cross any x stems at the same time you cross t and dot i.
Making the Crossing Line Horizontal
The Issue: A horizontal line makes x look like a crossed stem rather than an X.
How to Fix: Ensure the crossing stroke is a clear diagonal line extending from top right to bottom left.
Pro Practice Tips for Letter X
- • Make the crossing intersection happen right at the center of the midline zone.
- • Keep the angle of both diagonal lines symmetrical.
Practice Sheet: Cursive X & x
Trace the faint guide letters on the lines below, then copy the letters independently into the blank spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cursive X
When do you cross the cursive letter x?
Just like dotting an i or crossing a t, finish writing the entire word before lifting your pen to draw the diagonal cross on x.
Does capital cursive X connect to the next letter?
Yes. The bottom exit curve of the first stroke sweeps upward from the baseline to connect into the following letter.