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Let's Get Cross-Stitching: Everything you actually need (and is nice to have) as a beginner
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items I come from several generations of cross-stitchers (though I was a little late to the party). Since picking it up, it has quickly become one of my favorite hobbies and something I do almost everyday. There are a lot of products out there and it can b...
Sections
4
Essentials and Starter Kits
Handy, non-essential accessories
Cross-Stitch Goodies
Patterns (Beginner and Beginner Advanced)
Essentials and Starter Kits
The essentials: DMC floss, good, sharp needle(s), fabric, hoop and a pattern to get started.
This was the kit I got when I got stated cross-stitching. It's perfect if you like Stardew Valley (or know someone who does) and even if not its a great kit since the patterns are easy to follow. It comes with everything you need--patterns, instructi...
Stardew Valley Cross Stitch Kit
Hoops are an essential to cross-stitching a piece, as it holds your work in place. There are also multiple types--square hoops, round hoops and Q-Snaps. They all function the same, and it doesn't hurt to try one type, then another to see which one yo...
Nurge Plastic Embroidery Hoop
Good, sharp embroidery needles are an essential!
Needles
These are the hoops I got started with. They're easy to use and do their job well. Some cross-stitchers will actually keep their projects in these hoops and finish them to hang up in lieu of framing.
Just be careful not to get cheaper brands as the wood will splinter.
Just be careful not to get cheaper brands as the wood will splinter.
Bamboo Hoops
I will argue these are essential because they keep floss safely wrapped and easy to use when ready.
Just note that they can be a little tricky to write on and only use pencil (don't use pen since its plastic).
Just note that they can be a little tricky to write on and only use pencil (don't use pen since its plastic).
DMC Plastic Bobbins
There's a lot of great scissor brands out on the market right now but these have been my go-to scissors. They're well made (have owned and used almost daily) and sharp. Plus they come in great colors.
PAFASON Small Travel Sewing Craft Scissors
Sarah puts a lot of time into her wonderful kits and they're excellent as gifts or when you're starting off (her tutorials are fantastic too!)
Kit- Colorfully Sarah Cute Cakes Cross Stitch
You can cross-stitch on a variety of different fabrics from the popular aida cloth to linen, cotton and more. Aida is a staple for beginners and veterans, and it comes in a HUGE variety of colors and different counts. If you're just getting started, ...
14 Count White Aida Fabric
Handy, non-essential accessories
You don't need these things to get started cross-stiching but they can be nice to have as you gain experience.
These are great storage bags for projects that are not oversized (its dimensions are 28 x 23.5 x 5 cm) and for keeping accessories like scissors and floss in one place.
Project bag
This is a must-have if you've been cross-stitching for a while as you've probably accumulated quite a bit!) What I like about it is not only its great design but this version has inserts which makes organizing easy.
DMC Floss Organizer (Studio Version)
Arguably a needle minder is a must have when you're cross-stitching (needles are so good at disappearing). I actually have a few I rotate between. They come in acrylic versions (like this one) but also enamel.
Vintage Pyrex Inspired Magnetic Needle Minder
Waste canvas is a material that lets you cross-stitch onto fabric (like shirts, hats, denim) to make a design. Once you finish it, you pull out the strands, leaving only the cross-stitch piece.
DMC Charles Craft Waste Canvas - 14ct
As you start doing more cross-stitch pieces, you'll find you've accumulated a lot of floss and some projects need quite a few different colors. I keep all my tools in this box including floss for those bigger projects.
Floss Organizer by Loops & Threads
These are cool stands that takes the pressure off your hands and holds your project for you. Some cross-stitchers really like these (personally I like to hold mine) and they're a good investment for some!
Adjustable Seat Embroidery Stand Nurge 190-4. Table Cross Stitch Frame
Cross-Stitch Goodies
These help show off your love of cross-stitching.
I adore this pin. It's well designed and who doesn't love a good joke? The creator also has a sticker and vinyl magnet version of this.
I Heart Stabbing Things - Cross Stitch Pride Enamel Pin
I love bullet journaling and like having cross-stitch based stickers to use in my journal. A cross-stitch a day keeps the mind sharp, eh?
Cross Stitch Planner Stickers
This is a fun bag that shows off the abc's of cross-stitching and works great as a bag to add pins to.
ABCs of Cross-Stitch Bag
Patterns (Beginner and Beginner Advanced)
These are good patterns (outside of kits) to do when you have mastered the basics.
This was actually the first “big” pattern I ever made and it was a treat! I love all of FlossyFoxShop's patterns and they're super easy to do if you're a beginner (or experienced).
Apothecary Geese - Witchy Fantasy Cross Stitch (Pattern PDF)
I love Colorfully Sarah's patterns. This is one of the many from her that I've purchased. They're beginner friendly and always so cute!
Cozy Fall Drinks Cross Stitch Pattern PDF
These are more advanced patterns but they're fun to make1
Fantasy Cross-Stitch: Create Legendary Beasts, Mythical Spirits, and Fairy-Tale Realms to Adorn Your Castle Halls
Alba makes some great patterns like these adorable geese.
Spring Geese Garden Cross Stitch Pattern PDF