Reddit mentions: The best cross-stitch supplies

Alright I uploaded some pictures on Imgur to get you started!

Album is here

Quick tip: I'm using a middle size cloth, there are different sizes to buy on the store , you can have small sizes which itself will affect the size of your cross stitch. The smaller they are, the smaller size you'll get. The brown lines you see by the top is a guideline for the stitching: each line is 10 squares, on some patterns you find there's going to be a square, the square will almost always be 10 squares big.

You'll usually find cross stitching everywhere on Pinterest which to me has been great! If I for example end up on a site for the alphabet in cross stitching I found that there are so many different and beautiful letters you can stitch as well, so I added an example of the K I'm going to stitch underneath. There are also a lot of different edges which can be simple, or complex, just remember to use the 10 square system for the patterns to see how big of a size it'll be for your bag!

When you get cross stitching yarn, you'll notice that they are very thick while mine is not. That's because I split the yarn into having 3 strands when I stitch (they usually come in 6 strands so it's just split in half) while the outline I have on this key is just one whole piece of the yarn.

The process of stitching can be very long if you plan on stitching a cross every time so I have a little video that I would recommend you to watch once you get used to the stitching, it'll really come in handy for bigger pieces like this : youtube

As you may notice, the color I'm using is different to the key on the pattern, but that's also what makes mine feel a little more unique than going fully for the pattern itself. I inherited a lot from my grandma when it comes to colors and needles, but I'll advice that if you get the tiny squares, get a smaller needle BUT not too small because it depends on how you are going to deal with the thread, the more strands of thread the bigger hole you need for the needle and usually the smaller ones would only allow you to fit 2 strands.

I DO recommend you check amazon or any kind of site that sells the threads in a rainbow set (something like this )because you do need to use a lot of different colors when it comes to stitching, and there are some sellers that will sell you a frame as well in the price (I'd say about 10-15 dollars which might sound a lot but usually you get ALOT of colored thread to that price.

Now here comes the creative tips that some people would love or hate:

You don't have to be "traditional" when it comes to these kinds of hobbies, especially if you're aiming to satisfy a gamer for example.
There are so many different designs in the gaming section to do!
Pixel art! You can take any pixel art you find and create it depending if you have he colors. You can make pokemon for example. The pokemon index on the web is one of the things you can look for and make all of them. Then there are final fantasy summons and bosses
If none of that inspires you, there are character creators on the net to make your own pixel character as well.
I'd also recommend cross stitching softwares that can turn images into cross stitching where they usually tells you the colors you need and the size you need.
I highly recommend checking the cross stitch community on Reddit as well.

I hope this inspired you.

Not sure how much you're willing to spend, but here's a few ideas based on you saying that you doubt she would want a kit.

Thread

I would get a bundle so she at least has different colors to get started right away:

25 colors - $8

or

100 colors = $25


Cloth (Aida)
These are sold in different colors, and various count (holes per inch). For a beginner, I'd probably go with a 14 count in a beige or white (easy to see the holes). Just linking an example here, feel free to buy whatever.

12 x 14 inches cloth 14 count - $3
Go nuts if you want, pick a few colors, whatever fits your budget.


Needles
I use what I have on hand, something like this.

Varierty Pack - $4

Kit
So I know you said no kit, but she needs to learn somehow. Is she handy with youtube? Google search to teach herself? Maybe you should get a beginner kit too.

Kit - $6

Hoop

Simple hoop set of 4 - $8

or

Q-snap - $11

Pattern
You might want to consider getting her a pattern. You know her well? What is she into? There's some free patterns out there, or paid ones. I would get a free or buy one and print it for her so it's all ready with your gift.

Just one example, pick something that suits her, but not too many colors and too complicated to start with
Example - $3

Learning Book
No real advice to offer, but would she read a book if you bought something, or will she go on the internet to learn?

Book sample - $7


Keep in mind that I linked random things for examples, but if you're into it, use these as basis for your own research. You know her best, and what your budget is. I think this is a super sweet gift, best of luck.

Thank you so much for this awesome contest! I actually don't know how to cross stitch/embroider/knit/etc., but I do sew and scrapbook quite a bit (I have an entire list dedicated to it... guilty pleasure I guess!) and I'm thrilled to see others getting crafty as well!

Now I link this one because I love rococo/pastel things... especially when they are fantasy and little girl themed. I love that this is so kitsch as well. I would die, it's so cute. All of this would be so perfect in my room c: I get excited about this stuff!

http://www.amazon.com/Unicorn-Collection-Counted-Thread-Needlepoint/dp/B001OGPC34/ref=sr_1_11?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1374450822&sr=1-11&keywords=unicorn+stitch

Probably my fave is the one with ribbons wrapped around the horn, but I love them all! <3 Thanks so much for the awesome contest!

I highly encourage learning to cross stitch! It's so so easy and has been the most therapeutic thing for me. And there are literally endless options of things to create. I started a year ago after putting the stuff on an amazon wish list and got it for Christmas last year and it's seriously the best thing I've ever done. I had absolutely no interests or hobbies that stuck with me until I tried this.

It's also a very inexpensive hobby. Here are the things I put on my Amazon list, just for reference if you or anyone else needed it:

Set of 4 different sized wooden hoops- $11.99 Plastic ones may be easier for some people, I prefer wooden because they're more my style for framing.

Aida 14ct Cloth 12x18- $3.55 14ct Aida is easiest to work with for beginners. The size of this is good for practicing on, get a couple so you can use the other for your first project. You can also purchase large rolls of it when you start becoming obsessed with it. They also come in lots of different colors and easy to dye yourself.

Set of 150 different colored skeins of DMC floss- $15.98 This is a great amount to start off with. It'll last you a long time, and if you ever need more or want new colors, they are very inexpensive from any craft store and Walmart. Usually around $0.25-$0.50. FYI floss splits apart into 6 tiny strings. Start off using only 2-3 strands
Do all 6 and you're gonna have a bad time.

Needles!- $3.49 Can't stitch without needles!

Bobbins and a thread organizer- $6.49 You will need this. I waited too long to get one and ended up have to wind up hundreds of tangled skeins and it took HOURS. Do it before you start practicing. Also write the thread color number on the top of each bobbin with permanent marker. When you use patterns they will be based off the color numbers.

Julie Jackson's subversive cross stitch book- $12.99 If you like those snarky offensive cross stitchings, this is the best book for it. It's also an amazing beginners guide into cross stitching. It has brief instructions on how to start and very simple but adorably offensive patterns. You can also get other books or use YouTube to find instructions on how to get started. I'd also like to suggest going to etsy for patterns. They're pretty cheap and there's endless options.

So about $55 to get started plus shipping, but it'll last you a long time and could be used on many different projects and you won't spend nearly as much when you do need something else.


I realized I over did it with this post but I'm passionate about cross stitching as it's helped me so much to slow my mind down and to have something good and fun to focus on that doesn't take much out of me. If you want to see some of mine, they're floating around in my post history.

I don't know as much about embroidery as cross stitch, but of course there are a bajillion embroidery how-to videos and instructions online.

Cross stitch is my hobby of choice, and it's really easy to get into and stitch all sorts of great stuff. The easiest way to learn initially is to buy a kit, either online or somewhere like Michael's, that has everything in it you need: fabric, thread, needles, the design, and (usually) very good, detailed instructions. It really is very easy to follow those paper instructions, but again, there are plenty of how-tos online. The only thing that might not come in the kit is a hoop to stretch the fabric on, and they're sold nearby the rest of the cross stitch materials.

Practice on a few simple kits, ( This was my earliest kit, and I still think it's cute. ) and before you know it you'll be spending months on a single project, like this behemoth.

Look for cross stitch patterns on Etsy and you'll find really cool, modern stuff.

Oh, and check out /r/crossstitch to see if cross stitching is your bag at all.

I have a few stamped cross stitch kits, and I LOVE them! Just haven't gotten to finishing them because I'm easily distracted...anyway. Stamped cross stitching is super nice because, as long as it's properly printed, there's no need for a complex pattern or counting. You can turn on Netflix, sit back and stitch the day away without having to constantly check that every stitch is right.

The three kits I've gotten (Tree, Wolf, and Garden) are surprisingly good quality, and all are printed perfectly. Not super high quality, but good enough for a gift or hobby project.

Also, you are able to wash them! The ink used to color the aida is water soluble. There should be instructions in the directions that came with it on the best way to get the pattern off. I can't remember exactly how (and my easily distracted butt hasn't finished the three I'm working on...) but I do remember seeing it explained in the instructions. If not, Google is a wonderful thing. Good luck with your tree!

The first cross stitch I ever did was a small bookmark pattern, maybe when I was about 12, something like this

I definitely agree with other posters that it's really great to buy a complete kit for your first project. It comes with everything you need.

The alternative to a kit is finding a pattern online (etsy sells a BAJILLION of these), and then buying needles, fabric, and floss (aka thread, sorta) on your own.

If you do the latter, get a good simple pattern with no more than 6 to 10 colors, and fairly small so you feel like you can complete it.

I made this little dude in about 10-12 hours, and I love it. I made the pattern myself, so if you want it just PM me and I'll send it to you with the floss colors.

Good luck! Cross stitch is awesome.

YES GET INTO IT. Start small. Find a kit like this or this. It makes it easier to say, "Yes! I finished something!" before you go insane and stitch something like this. (Yes, I'm insane.) I'm still relatively new to the art/hobby, but I LOVE it. I'm currently working on a piece I designed myself (with inspiration from other designs).

Also, check out r/CrossStitch. SUPER helpful tutorials and FAQs over there.

I started about 3 weeks ago. Michael's had a bargain bin filled with these kits at 2 for $3. Perfect all around - perfect size, perfect price. $1.50 is nothing to invest, and I was able to finish my first project in just a few days, which is really far more important than some would think. They come with a little frame that's suitable both for stitching and display, though I didn't bother with them.

And don't let the 'few days' thing put you off - I'm incredibly slow and tend to stitch in increments of 5-20 minutes at a time. I guess the total time to make one was probably around 3 to 4 hours. I did four of them before I branched out to a larger piece. And while I am now starting to have ambitions of trying it without a kit, I'm still happy to have that little hand-holding aspect taking care of me until I'm more confident in my abilities.

Congrats on staying sober! Hugs!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HDATZ

The cross stitch book Twisted Stitches 30 Corrupt Cross Stitch and Embroidery Designs would be awesome. With patterns like a nightmare cottage scene, burlesque zombie portrait, roadkill bunny keychain, and more it just sounds like a funny book :)

This Beautiful Piece
Because it's art. And it would be amazing to hang your art in my home!

Or this fresh and light piece

I never knew Amazon hosted such a large and varied assortment of cross stitching patterns! I love to cross stitch but have developed arthritis in my fingers. So it's more painful now than fun. Thanks for offering this contest to gift someone some wonderful personal art and gift!

Hello, this is my first time posting. I just found this sub and I'm obsessed! This is my first project that is full coverage and large. I had done a little growing up but recently picked it back up. My last 2 projects were very small and simple. I wanted to commit to something big and more complicated.

Please any tips or suggestions are SO welcome! I clearly don't have much rhyme to my sewing, just kinda go where my mood takes me.

This pattern is from amazon, colorful deer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CGHYF2I/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_aL6LzbGMSHGR4

I got the kit on Amazon. Very simple, took no time at all, but it was a lot of fun. My grandmother LOVES her dog, so hopefully she'll like this too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OY2DUUC?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Well let's see, I need this because sometimes you just need to see the word fuck in cross stitch! And I need it because I could totally give these out for Christmas presents!

Or I need this because my daughter has been reading them and is up to this book and she has pestered me for a week to get it for her!

Or my husband needs this because he is a totally awesome, amazing, Dad and veteran and this would be an amazing way to let the world know!!

Needles for Cross stitching are blunt tipped with a larger eye, not a standard sewing needle. They are usually called tapestry needles. Bohin and John James are my favourite.

DMC is the best thread, and while it is more expensive it is well worth the extra. Cheap floss is very frustrating to work with and can make you think it's you that is the problem and not the quality of the floss. Would not recommend!


Dimentions has some great beginners kits. I'd recommend starting with this one :D

https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-70-74629-Counted-Stitch/dp/B01CUY7SE4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1536773826&sr=8-7&keywords=cross+stitch+kits+beginner

It has everything you need :D

/r/CrossStitch is a great subreddit :D

I have been stitching for about three years now. My wife and I were stationed in Korea and most of our free time at night was spent going out with friends to bars and doing other things. Well, she got pregnant and that pretty much ended all the bar hopping. I was surfing Amazon one night and came across the book Twisted Stitches and was hooked from there.

Good work! :)

You should check out this if you like subversive patterns. It's amazing.

These plants - they are clean air plants, and come in 4 inch pots, so they don't take a lot of space. Good for most homes (and, not asking, but they also make self aerating pots that hold more water without water logging roots - that's on my wishlist too - a good add for later when you need to move your plants to a larger pot - plus the extra room for more water means less likely to die from lack of - though I am scatterbrained and still need a reminder on my phone for my plants at home that aren't in my space and easily noticeable- my work plants, though, they thrive!)

Edit: adding more stuff cause I just saw that you ok'd it in the comments, and the one about you and hot sauce (I, too, now am subscribed to r/spicy so thanks to u/lolpengi), and your hobbies in another comment - I have hot sauce and a TON of interesting or gorgeous cross stitch patterns

Bravado Hot Sauces - I have wanted to try the ghost pepper blueberry ever since I saw it on Hot Ones

Cross stitch links:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LQ88NX0/?coliid=IMMZVTQPNAVR1&colid=3RPZNJ3MGKMVY&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1576877558/?coliid=I3UA7SIN42VHH2&colid=3RPZNJ3MGKMVY&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07JZ9TS5Q/?coliid=I3OXO5QU33B3WD&colid=3RPZNJ3MGKMVY&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1632504537/?coliid=I1FX6SRBT2TI91&colid=3RPZNJ3MGKMVY&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00WEM5RDW/?coliid=I8EZR5Q6262UT&colid=3RPZNJ3MGKMVY&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Mods informed me my original list got deleted for posting the pattern with the picture.

I did this in 14 count black cloth, and used pink floss for the flowers instead of red like it asked for. I got the pattern from a book on Amazon called "50 Fucking clever designs for your sassy side"

Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fcking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1576877558/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_L3KZCbXWZXPQM

There are the three heavy hitters for pattern books for subversive cross stitch:

Feminist Cross Stitch

Subversive Cross Stitch

Improper Cross Stitch

You can also find a TON of projects on Etsy to gift your match.

If you want to do something cheaper or less, stitchers can always use more floss (310, White, Ecru, 666 are some key numbers/colors to look for) and aida (cross stitching fabric). Feel free to check out our gift giving guide for other ideas!

I started with an all in one kit just to see if I liked it. I'd suggest that, then everything you need to try it out comes in one thing, and if you like it you can buy better equipment later if you want to.

This is the one I used: https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Learn-Hummingbird-Counted-X-Stitch/dp/B001IKGMM6

Yes ! a friend of mine bought me this book a few years back. It's one of the patterns in it !

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/1440309337/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/182-4578772-9288033

Recently moved away from all my friends. Decided to have some fun with cross stitch while binging Netflix shows. Headed back to see them this weekend and made this for a friend moving into his new place.


Pattern is from https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Cross-Stitch-Clever-Designs/dp/1576877558/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539214818&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cross+stitch+book&dpPl=1&dpID=61yIDonIkgL&ref=plSrch

I'm in the UK and got it from Hobbycraft, but it's pretty common so could probably get it from Amazon? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dimensions-Learn-Craft-Hummingbird-Counted/dp/B001IKGMM6

I got the pattern from Amazon:

Colorful Deer counted cross stitch, Egypt cotton thread , 14ct 42x49cm 150x200 Stith counted cross stitch kits

[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CGHYF2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xdEWDbT91RMKG]()

2 months in so far and loving it!

The pattern I am using for Suzy and Sam is: https://www.etsy.com/listing/106039882/pdf-moonrise-kingdom-characters?ref=shop_home_active_8 .

I just always loved that quote and decided it needed to be on my cellphone case. The cell phone case was bought on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DC4TN2C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 .

I'm pretty sure it's from Subversive Cross Stitch.

Any other cross stitchers excited for this pattern book to come out? /u/sieberella? /u/allergictoapples?

Edit: I sent the link to my mom as I thought it would make her laugh. She preordered the book for me because I've been having such a crappy month!! Awwwww

Dimensions cross stitch kit 72-75593 (Can’t Adult)

Amazon link

After lots of inspiration from this sub, I finally took this kit out of the package and started it a few days ago. I think I found a new hobby!

Got the pattern out of this book I bought off of Amazon - Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side https://www.amazon.com/dp/1576877558/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JLrZAbMAF67R2

Had someone ask me how it was done, so I though I would let everyone know. It's cross-stitching done on a special case (link) with pattens that can be found online.

From Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side bu Julie Jackson. https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Cross-Stitch-Clever-Designs/dp/1576877558/ref=asc_df_1576877558/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207577365855&psc=1

Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side https://www.amazon.com/dp/1576877558/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_muPgDbG7JJ4PH

Kit from Amazon

It's a dimensions kit. I got it on Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CUY7SE4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the Colorful Deer cross stitch kit from Amazon

Pattern from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CUY7SE4?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Started this today and finished it on stream. Picked up the pattern from the Subversive Cross Stitch book I picked up from Amazon.

Here is a link to the book that the pattern was in Subversive Cross Stitch, it has a bunch of funny sayings in it. Also, the reason for the odd coloration of floss in the pattern is because the floss I was using was gradient floss.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dimensions-PET-Hair-Ivory-6-inch/dp/B00OY2DUUC/ref=pd_aw_fbt_21_img_2/257-4749456-1518524?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00OY2DUUC&pd_rd_r=1b9b3aad-66bd-41aa-8f95-4392b6829454&pd_rd_w=EpeSL&pd_rd_wg=8DqPc&pf_rd_p=3e546b48-4521-4ade-9bbf-acdeedf5edda&pf_rd_r=G72Z9NHHKKT6KP0MKZQM&psc=1&refRID=G72Z9NHHKKT6KP0MKZQM

That’s the link to the amazon listing, and the seller is called dimensions (also says it’s copyrighted to them on the packaging) but I don’t know much more information.

Have you seen this yet? :D

For Boomziller
Spoon scale High Priority $14.65 from $10-$25 and a cheaper option from $10 under list Coloring Book $3.59

For Lemonsky
Twisted Stitches $13.92 a high priority item from Books & Movies or a cheaper add-on item Labeling $4.90 on the Craftiness list

https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Cross-Stitch-Clever-Designs/dp/1576877558

Una roba tipo: subversive cross stitching oppure not your mama's stitching
o ancora anticraft

I've bought this kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colorful-counted-stitch-42x49cm-150x200/dp/B01CGHYF2I and it comes with this pen looking thing, just wondering if it is what I think is

https://sites.google.com/view/rcrossstitchfaq/home

I'd start with a kit

https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-70-74629-Counted-Stitch/dp/B01CUY7SE4/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1541965770&sr=8-16&keywords=cross+stitch+kits+beginner

Subversive cross stitch is on my craft: books list. Reading rainbow!

There's also a book with collected patterns!

I went hoopless on this one. Started on it yesterday morning, finishing up today or tomorrow. Pattern by Dimensions
https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-70-74629-Counted-Stitch/dp/B01CUY7SE4

Pattern from the subversive cross stitch book on Amazon: Subversive Cross Stitch : 50 Designs for Your Sassy Side https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1576877558/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qNLhDb9YYNKJT

Can’t seem to link the deer pattern :( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Colorful-counted-stitch-42x49cm-150x200/dp/B01CGHYF2I/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=31ANDYVCOTS0H&keywords=deer+cross+stitch+kits&qid=1564944472&s=gateway&sprefix=Deer+cross+stitch%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFVRjBBWVJCWlgxVFMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1ODkzNjkxRVU5SUw1SVBPVDE4JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3NjU1MjYxSUE0TUNRMDhXMFYyJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==