Reddit mentions: The best needlepoints

I haven't got this altogether on an Amazon list, some of it's from Michael's, but here you go:

Washable Embroidery pen for marking grids.

Needles

Hoopla hoop. It's plastic (wood and metal stain projects), it grips well (with the overhang), and it's my preferred hoop for working on projects. There are other plastic hoops, but not all have the one piece with an overhang, and it's the overhang that keeps the hoop pieces together tightly so you're not constantly adjusting back together. I do use wooden hoops for mounting final projects, though.

DMC 6 strand floss. I always use DMC floss, it's silkier than cheap dollar store floss, meaning it doesn't knot as much. PRISM is cheaper, yes, but it's crap compared to DMC, imho.

Loops & Threads 14 count Aida cloth is a good place to start. This brand is more starchy than DMC brand, I find, which can make it a bit more challenging to get on the hoop, but it also stays put easier and needs less adjustment during stitching. Totally a personal preference. Aida comes in several basic colours and styles, like gold/silver dusted, pale blue, red, green, black, white, oatmeal, antique, etc. Some people hand-dye aida and sell it on Etsy for a decent price, and then you can get a much wider variety of colours if you want something unique for a project.

You'll need a nice bobbin box to organize your floss.

You'll need some floss bobbins, to organize, maybe some floss number stickers (or you could write with a sharpie), and if you're looking to see what colours of floss are available, get a colour card.

Like others have posted, try getting a kit or two first, as they give great instructions, all the supplies needed, and will get you going. Or you could just assemble the things I listed, buy a pattern from Etsy, and dive in head first!

Good luck!

Some people swear by drywall mesh, but I found it tears too easily in my big potato fingers. I had better luck with cross-stitch mesh that you can get at craft stores for like 70 cents a sheet.

Same—I’ve been really happy with Bohin and I think part of it is the needle length. I will caution you that I’ve had to be a little more careful with the Bohins—I’ve definitely managed to bend two of them while weaving in ends (only mildly, definitely still perfectly usable!). This is probably just a bull-in-the-proverbial-china-shop issue, but maybe y’all can benefit from my mistake!

Bohin 28s on Amazon ($1/needle)

I agree with the needle set, though I respectfully disagree with the "good" part. There's no sense dropping a lot of money on needles when you don't know what the preference is going to be (wood needles? metal?) and sometime circular needles throw beginners for a loop in a "what is this" kind of way.

What I would do is get her some knitting notions, a set of beginner needles, just some things she'll find useful. Here is a list of what I would get her:

An inexpensive set of needles (this one https://www.amazon.com/LIHAO-Bamboo-Knitting-Needles-10-0mm/dp/B00QGI9ZPG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1540516899&sr=8-5&keywords=knitting+needle+set&dpID=51R6%252BMWijVL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch or maybe this one https://www.amazon.com/Hysagtek-Pointed-Stainless-Knitting-Assorted/dp/B06Y2D7JHW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540516975&sr=8-3&keywords=knitting+needle+set+metal)

Tapestry needles (METAL NOT PLASTIC. Like these https://www.amazon.com/Fairycece-12-Pack-Darning-Needles-Tapestry/dp/B01N9SIMUE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1540517003&sr=8-6&keywords=tapestry+needle&dpID=51pL07DibjL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch or these https://www.amazon.com/Outus-Large-eye-Needles-Knitting-Sewing/dp/B01LXNZO3O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1540517003&sr=8-5&keywords=tapestry+needle)

Stitch markers (I like these ones https://www.amazon.com/Shappy-Knitting-Crochet-Locking-Markers/dp/B01MR4W3W6/ref=sr_1_12?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1540517061&sr=1-12&keywords=stitch+markers)

Tape measurer (just like a basic retractible tape measurer, nothing fancy)

That should give her plenty of "notions" (knitting tools that aren't knitting needles). If you only get her one thing on the list, get a knitting needle set

Beauty

• Hair Chalk Kit
  
• Fashion Headbands Kit
  
• Sparkle Tattoo Set
  
• Ink-a-do Tattoo Pens
  
• Mani Pedi Party Set
  
• Nail Stickers
  
  
  Tech-y Toys
  
  
• Voice Changer
  
• Snap Circuits Jr.
  
• Coke Can RC Car
  
• RC Copter
  
• RC Quadcopter
  
• RC Mustang
  
• RC Tranatula
  
  Nerf
  
  
• Strongarm Blaster
  
• Zombie Hammershot
  
• Thunderblast Launcher
  
• Bow Blaster
  
• Zombie Strike Target Set
  
• Crossbolt Blaster
  
• Rebelle Crossbow Blaster
  
• Pink Crush Blaster
  
  Arts & Crafts
  
  
• Scratch Art Kit
  
• Travel Spirograph
  
• Needlepoint Butterfly
  
• Spirograph Tin
  
• Paper Airplanes Kit
  
• Rock Pets Garden Frog
  
• Perler Bead Kit
  
• My First Sewing Kit
  
• Butterfly Necklace Maker
  
• Paper Bead Making Kit
  
• Shrinky Dinks Jewelry
  
• Needlepoint Flower
  
• Clay Charm Craft Kit
  
• Mr. Sketch Scent Markers

If you don't decrease as much on the legs, you'll have more room to attach it. Also, best equipment for sewing pieces together is this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMMWRP3/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_JJAqDbPDJ7W4Y

You can get a gold coated needle to frame that won’t rust

3 Item Bundle: Gold Tapestry Needles, Size 22, 24 & 26 (4 Needles Each Package) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F17MJYF/

What I suggest is that you find a well rated needlework store and tell them your tale. They will be able to tell you reputable framers in your area and also might know a volunteer to clean and prep and sign your piece for you (I know I would). I get nervous in that phase anyway, I certainly wouldn’t try it for the first time on a heirloom.

No worries! They're usually available [on Amazon,] (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004SEYYXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jr.iDbNT6CXVV) at least in Canada, hopefully also in your location as well. :)

Thank you!! Yup, I absolutely did. I found these needles that helped me out a lot though: 17 Pieces Yarn Needle... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TMYBWPL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Not a problem! Feel free to be in touch if you have any questions. If you're going to be doing it often I suggest investing in a mason jar and some plastic craft mesh to replace the lid for rinsing/soaking. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WJYWTC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Do a google search of "sprouting seeds" and it'll give instructions for the wheat and give you some good ideas for other treats you can sprout for the piggies.

Also, zip ties and plastic mesh. The less debris that gets inside the better.

Plastic canvas:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KHAYGJO/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Report things:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01COD03UM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm sure you could get them elsewhere cheaper, but my walmarts, targets, kmarts, etc and craft stores didn't have them, at all! So I just ordered them with prime.

I used a mesh from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WJYWTC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tbh you could probably cut some cheap, clear plastic that fruit, salad mixes, "quick meals" from stores come in.

That is a custom piece I added to fill the empty space up front :)

Bulk Buy: Darice DIY Crafts #7 Mesh Plastic Canvas Black 10.5 x 13.5 (12-Pack) 33900-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHAYGJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OXCsDbK79MCF8

Not OP, but I use something similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KHAYGJO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1466054396&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=black+plastic+mesh&dpPl=1&dpID=610lq-Q-uUL&ref=plSrch

Can be found in Walmart in the sewing/crafts isle for less than a dollar a screen.

$14 https://www.amazon.com/SEWING-Premium-Sewing-Supplies-Spools/dp/B015KM765Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492003079&sr=8-3&keywords=beginners+sewing+kit

Source: Dimensions Rudolph Cross Stitch Ornament Kit

Bulk Buy: Darice DIY Crafts #7 Mesh Plastic Canvas Black 10.5 x 13.5 (12-Pack) 33900-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KHAYGJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xXZwCbPKT2TAQ

13$ and you'll be set for life.

Here is the desktop version of your link

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!

If you use a twin pointed needle, you can up your two handed technique to be so much faster. Plus, since you're not turning the needle, the threads don't get twisted so you have don't have to stop to let them un-twist frequently. Only downside is the eye of the needle is a little weak in the smaller size.

Link:
Colonial Needle Twin Pointed Quick Stitch Tapestry Hand Needles, Size 22, 3-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001DS0RG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_me90BbPWDNR24

possibly just some of that plastic needlepoint canvas

or the plastic mesh net stuff from bath poufs
If you cut the stitching holding them together you get a million feet of stretchy mesh netting that should let your eggs fall through but not your tetras. I use the stuff for netting down moss to stones.

They make HOB breeding boxes that have this feature built in, however.

like this one

or this one

Fluorescent egg crate sheet light diffuser covers.

Cut your light hole in it then

Cover one of these in foil on one side, cut your light hole and glue to the top, shiny foil down.

4 of these.

Clamp to edges of your tank and set your egg crate on them.

Should be about $15 total and look decent.

DIY. I used the following to make it:

"Hinges": https://www.amazon.com/C-Line-Report-Covers-Binding-32557/dp/B000GOZZI2/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495438160&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=report%2Bbinders%2Bblue&th=1

Dividers: https://www.amazon.com/Bulk-Buy-Plastic-12-Pack-33900-20/dp/B00KHAYGJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495437902&sr=8-2&keywords=plastic%2Bcanvas%2Bblack&th=1

Sealant: https://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Silicone-Aquarium-Sealant-3-Ounce/dp/B0002ASD2U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495438401&sr=8-2&keywords=aqueon+aquarium+silicone

Glued the hinges to the glass with the silicone (any gaps leave on the bottom since sand will cover that), let it cure for 48 hours, then added sand, then cut the dividers into shape (11.75x10.5), and inserted it into the hinges. I have pretty deep sand so it's not an issue, if you need a larger pieces you can probably find them somewhere else or stich smaller pieces together with a nylon thread.

Overall it holds pretty well, gives water flow, and after planting the future bettas should only be only vaguely aware of their neighbors.

I don't recommend buying divided tanks for a few reason, 9/10 are too small, the remaining 1/10th will cost an arm and a leg for something you can make for 30 minutes of work and generally have poor ratings (take the infamous divided tank sold by deep blue). Final issue being that the dividers are generally glass or plexiglass, anyways - not opaque.

The sealant is a small tube but it its enough for the job and any touch ups. Comes with a twist cap unlike the calk gun containers meaning that you can close it and reuse it later when need arises.

Some brands of needles are better than others. I had some bad needles for quite a while from John James. Some of the eyes had not been properly punched and had large burrs in the eye that cut my thread. One packet had this problem with every needle.

I have broken the eye so many times I cannot count. Usually it is a needle that I have been using for a long time and the eye just gets worn to the point of breaking.

I often have several needles on my magnetic needle minders so I am not using the same needle all the time. That does cut down on the sear and tear on the needle.

Now I am using BOHIN needles and I really do like them. They eye of the needles is much smoother than other needles and the finish does not rub off for use. The BOHIN needles do not discolor with use. I am to the point that this is the only needle I will purchase. I have never had a BOHIN needle break. This is the needle I use the most: https://www.amazon.com/Bohin-Tapestry-Hand-Needles-Size/dp/B004SEYYXI/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2SAJ9JB2ACAFV&keywords=bohin+embroidery+needles&qid=1556589943&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=bohin+%2Carts-crafts%2C203&sr=1-12

I work on linen with silk floss so the #28 needle is my size of choice unless I am stitching over one on 36 or higher count linen then I use a #10 beading needle.