I thought about trying cross-stitch because I had been browsing in the crafts section of a bookstore and came across a book with beautifully fantastical designs. One that caught my eye was a dragon. I just wanted to be able to create something like that. I thought I had better find a beginner's guide to counted cross-stitch if I wanted to learn.
This book is very well diagrammed and seems to contain everything the beginner needs to know. (Later I was able to find a small project to try and stitch and have found that the hobby is time-consuming but very enjoyable).
Very Recommended.