Reddit mentions: The best embroidery floss

FYI: I sent you lots of amazon links as I am not sure where you live or if you have access to craft stores such as Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics. I know for certain that I have seen most of these items cheaper at the store than what I could find online.

1. Embroidery scissors. The good ones (I.e. generally not ones that come in sewing kits) are incredibly sharp and a must. They are used exclusively for cutting embroidery floss. They make some really pretty ones that come in all sorts of colors and patterns.
   
2. A hoop or two. I personally prefer the plastic ones as they are a bit more durable and good for multiple projects. I also don't typically display my finished work inside the hoop. If she plans on making wall hangings, I would go with the wooden ones. They are typically a bit cheaper when you buy them at a craft store (I believe I have seen them from between 1-3 USD.) They have a nicer finished look and isn't that big of a deal to buy a new one when you start on your next project. I would buy her two of the wooden ones in two different sizes (a 4 inch and 6 inch one)
   
3. a box for embroidery thread. this one on Amazon that I listed is nice since it also contains the bobbins as well. These boxes usually cost about 3 USD at the craft store and are great for holding all of your different colors of embroidery floss. they often have one larger compartment which is perfectly sized to hold needles and the embroidery scissors as well. The floss bobbins are great at keeping everything organized in the box as well.
   
4. about a yard of fabric. Muslin is generally pretty cheap. For a beginner, I might also suggest Aida cloth. It it woven in a way that there is a "grid" in the cloth which makes it easier to make straight lines. It is typically used for Cross Stitch but can be used for embroidery as well. The cloth is more expensive that the muslin, and I personally don't prefer the finished look of the fabric, but it makes it easy to make straight lines and practice stitches. Someone on here also mentioned buying Fabric quarters which is a great idea. They come in a whole bunch of designs, run around 2 USD a piece, and work pretty well for embroidery.
   
5. Needles. You don't need the golden eye ones like I have listed here. Just make sure that the package says it's for embroidery as the of the needle varies depending on the type.
   
6. Now here's the hardest part of the whole thing: Embroidery floss. Most stores offer DMC brand cotton floss by the skein for about 0.48 USD. The problem is that there are literally hundreds of different colors and picking out just a few might be a bit difficult. The sets that DMC does sell are a bit pricey and aren't often set up to give you a beginner's set of colors. You could however buy an off brand set of embroidery floss that does come in a nice variety of colors and is cheaper. However, I have found that a lot of these packs have low quality thread. It often can look dull when compared to DMC brand floss. (look how Satin-y this Flower looks with the more expensive floss!) I have also heard of some people say that the colors can run when they get washed. All that said, these packs are inexpensive and great for someone just starting with embroidery as there are so many colors to choose from. Its great when you are practicing or are not 100% sure of what you are going to make yet.
   
7. transfer pen: I bought a set of those Frixion Pens that someone else mentioned in this post and I love them. They are a bit pricey. I believe that I bought my set at Target for 6 bucks. It came with 5 different colors including pink and silver which work great on dark colored fabrics. These pens are used to plan out your design on your fabric before you embroider. These pens are special in that they disappear completely with heat (such as an iron). If you don't want to go that route, they also make Water soluble markers which serve the same purpose. They don't work quite as well in my opinion as they tend to erase themselves after a few hours/days. They have the advantage of being inexpensive and work fine for small projects.
   
   I hope that all of this helps. Good luck on the shopping. I know that whatever you end up getting her she will love.

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.

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.

Have you checked out pintrest? They have a lot of great ideas on there. I like those string art projects they look pretty nice and seem easy enough to do while personalizing everything. With the string/yarn you could also make your own dream catchers, plant holders, etc and string is relatively cheap if you buy it with coupons and look for deals.

This pack on amazon comes with 105 skeins of string for $13. Wood + the little pins can be bought for cheap at the craft store and I've seen some supplies that would suit it at the dollar store as well.

I like coloring in adult coloring books, it helps calm me down when I feel like I am starting to get stressed out.

this is what I bought a month ago, pretty happy with it!! Some strands are SUPER easy, and some aren’t. I’m not sure if it’s my technique or just a lucky strand.

I started making friendship bracelets and I would watch documentaries/listening to music. I have to do relaxing activities that require some attention and focus - its hard to just go from 100 to 0 for me. Plus side, you have things that you can give to your friends and you can feel accomplished when you complete it.

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https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Rainbow-Color-Embroidery-Floss/dp/B016HUI756/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1538110547&sr=1-4&keywords=embroidery+thread

I got this one off Amazon and it's honestly pretty close to dmc! I stitched my last small project with it, and it worked great

DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment 100 Colors. Genuine Made in France https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9S9B0P/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_tk2ACbVKMJXZ4

This is the item but go to the "New (8) From $45.00 + $4.99 shipling" link and the seller is "mytad". They also answered some of the questions posted to the item.

Once you order from them, sent him a message through Amazon listing the colors you want. He has a good explanation in the Q & A section on how to do special requests.

I store my bobbins in a bobbin case like this one
bobbin box. I find it super helpful as I can really see what floss I have

Thanks!! I got the floss off of amazon, they don’t have name from what I can tell. These are the ones I did the majority of the piece with:

Embroidery Floss Total 1920m 240 Strings 100% long-staple Cotton DIY Cross-stitch Thread friendship bracelet DMC colors craft floss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3Q99NR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Jwz2BbZB5NVRS

Oh no I hope you get some rest soon! Sorry I should've paid better attention I've been up since 3 myself I've got wedding jitters :-p

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WE3VJO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=30T4C8MUVXJ5D&coliid=IHWYLT0KZ9HRD

Embroidery Floss 140 Skeins Per Pack with 100% Cotton for Cross Stitch Threads, Friendship Bracelets Floss, Craft Floss https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07TF4W6FW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xwWBDbTQ2JN7C

This is the link to the ad that I bought from. Just in case y'all are curious.

This maybe? I hope you have prime, you can get it for chump change!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016HUI756/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZXqazbSNCY3NB

I use a simple box, will need to get more though!
Embroidery Floss Cross Stitch Threads - Peirich 100 Colors Friendship Bracelets Floss with Organizer Storage Box Embroidery Thread Bracelet String Embroidery Kit 43 Pcs Cross Stitch Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CM7G69G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rOHkDbFMAAYDH

Link to Amazon

Amazon, baby! It is very sturdy too!

Sounds about right. Check Amazon. UK one had 100 skeins for, was it 7€ with postage.

I just got home and the packet had arrived. :D

Edit: link.

That’s how DMC organizes them in the physical color card.

I have a double sided floss storage box that I organize and keep my floss in. I have another floss storage box that I use to separate the floss that I'm using for a project. If I have a small project I place my floss in separate compartments in the box to keep my colors separated. If I have a large project I use one of these.

Not from those suppliers, but they're dyeing mulberry silk, and you can get sets of 50 or 100 skeins of mulberry silk floss from amazon.

The closest I can find are these 3:
https://www.amazon.com/Neomark-Spools-Different-Colors-Embroidery/dp/B015XHY9FG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=glow-in-the-dark+embroidery+thread&qid=1567359055&s=gateway&sprefix=glow-in-the-dark+embroidery+&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/DMC-Bulk-Buy-Embroidery-317W-E940/dp/B0033PAPUE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=glow-in-the-dark%2Bembroidery%2Bfloss&qid=1567359027&s=gateway&sprefix=glow-in-the-dark%2Bembroidery%2B&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/4M-Glow-Friendship-Bracelet-Multi-Colour/dp/B01C8AOGOK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=glow-in-the-dark+friendship+bracelet&qid=1567359003&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I bought the case here, I bought thread here, I bought needles here, and I traced this picture onto graph paper using my monitor as a light table.

Then I stitched it myself!

You should consider using these instead, then.

This is where I found it:

DMC Light Effects Embroidery Floss 8.7yd Glow-In-The-Dark

Here is a link to amazon with thread and needles you would need with the felt ornaments. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016HUI756/ref=gbps_img_s-3_0ee9_58fc97de?pf_rd_p=30c09623-33cf-4469-be4c-3e8293ae0ee9&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=GGQ2125H7Y1ZPAAB4JRM

It's listed on the deals list so it might get even lower in price tomorrow or so. As for the machine I'm not sure. I bought it at Walmart. I guess I should find out something soon. I'm going to call and see.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FXCY4K7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qzpUDbRSC2TR2

(Sorry if wrong tag, btw)