(Part 2) Best products from r/CrossStitch

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.

This is all that's in my Amazon history relating to my cross stitching (they're US links so I hope that's ok!):

• Cross stitching needles. These were fine the first time I ordered them, but I re-ordered and they were fatter than the ones I originally had. I have since switched to DMC brand. I got these at Michael's and love them!
  
  
• A qsnap frame and extension kit. I love these frames for bigger projects. If you're just starting out, I would go towards a smaller project. I started out doing different text fonts to really get a feel for the craft. For smaller projects, I would use a regular embroidery hoop. Wood ones look great for a final project but I like to use plastic when stitching the work.
  
  
• Thread Heaven. It's kind of like a thick "lotion" for your thread. It helps keep the thread untangled and allows it to thread through the holes easier. Here's how to use Thread Heaven!
  
  
• With fabric, I usually just go to Michael's and buy some there. I started out with buying this fabric but have since stayed away from folded fabrics. It's a pain to iron out! Buy the rolled kind. I've only used aida fabric. The stuff I buy looks similar to this but there are all different kinds of counts to use (14 count = 14 dots per inch, 18 count = 18 dots per inch, etc).
  
  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Here's a few videos I found helpful when I started:
  
  Overall concept of cross stitching
  
  Starting a thread
  
  Finishing a thread
  
  Welcome! And enjoy! :)

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!

Pencil does not wash out well at all.
It's fine for smaller markings that are definitely going to be covered up by stitches, but not for much else.

I'd recommend gridding with something specifically for it like an embroidery marker or simply testing washability with scrap fabric.

As for your grandma's method, I'd recommend something like fishing line (they do come in bright colors), as it won't get accidentally pierced by your needle and should slide out when pulled from the edges when you're done.

You also don't have to grid full squares if you want to save time. Often just marking the little + at the corners of where the boxes would be is enough. Or alternating lines.
You can see some examples of gridding by googling it, but here's a tutorial I did a while ago that has some basic examples, If that helps.

Thinking this would take approximately a year as a beginner. I'm assuming there is a good bit of backstitching, but it does appear to reference Venice. If you are staying elsewhere in Italy, it may not be the perfect thing . . .

https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Collection-Counted-Charming-Waterway/dp/B00FRH26VW/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=dimensions+gold+cross+stitch+italian+street+scene&qid=1572226715&sr=8-1-fkmr1

BTW, this would be pretty aggressive for a beginner. There is likely a good bit of backstitching and probably some french knots.

Wishing you great luck and a wonderful study period in Italy!

These scissors are pricey but really cool.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LWBTCC/?tag=097-20&ascsubtag=v7_1_3_2pt_42co_420_x01_-srt-

Here is a link to some Star Wars cross stitch patterns ranging from simplistic to advanced patterns.

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/star-wars-cross-stitch-4155787

I just recently discovered the use of needle minders. I love them!!! Here's a link for him a Star Wars one.

https://www.amazon.com/Star-Resin-Needle-Minder-Notion/dp/B07N6KDNDY/ref=sr_1_50?keywords=needle+minder&qid=1565287373&s=gateway&sr=8-50

Another item that I have found extremely useful is a disappearing ink marker. If he is working on counted cross stitch, once the center of the cloth is found for the pattern, the grid can be marked in relation to the center and it makes it extremely easy to know where the pattern is according to the grid lines. The ink disappears in less that 24 hours without any residual color (I use purple to contrast the aida cloth and the thread colors).

I hope he finds it enjoyable and relaxing.

I'm an embroiderer but a coworker sent me the Feminist Icon Cross-Stitch book, which is where the Frida Kahlo pattern can be found.

WOW cross-stitching takes so long and used somuch more thread than I was expecting! I really enjoyed it though and can't wait to keep making my way through this book...and now I know to keep the stitches all going the same way! Maybe one day I'll get around to creating my own patterns.

OF NOTE for anyone looking at this book: in the intro it says a "minimum of 6" hoop" can be used for most patterns. I would say that is incorrect- you should use an 8" hoop. I wasn't able to fit the full name on to this 6" hoop and didn't have enough fabric to bump it up to the 8". I should have checked before I started, but I trusted the intro!

So it's a "yoga mat" bag, though some yoga mat bags are *way* too wide. This is the one I ended up getting:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NL5NZ3/

Not only is it super practical, it's like $14 so really cheap compared to bags that are advertised as needlework bags - sure, you don't get all the fancy inserts but I am perfectly happy with little baggies instead anyway.

There's a needlework site that sells t-shirts that say "crafting is my cardio" - I should make a patch saying "crossstitch is my yoga" :-)

I've found a number of good patterns on Pinterest. There is this book, https://www.amazon.com/RSN-ESG-Blackwork-Essential-Needlework/dp/184448551X and if you by chance live in the Bay Area, the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design has classes. I really enjoy it but need a magnifier to do it because my eyesight is pretty good with glasses, but the weave on the fabric is pretty small.

If you like project cards than plastic ones are way better than cardboard ones. And if you do projects with a lot of colors it is amazing to have a Pako needle organizer. I do a lot of Dimensions Gold Collection kits and keeping my needles threaded makes it a lot faster. Other than that the obvious stuff like good scissors with sharp points and a bright light.

https://www.amazon.com/PAKO-Needle-Organizer-2-1-2-Inch/dp/B002UP67K0

I wouldn't actually put the words on the hankie if you're doing crossstitch, only if you're doing embroidery..?

This might be helpful if you want the cross stitch to be even without using Aida cloth --

I used this a few times to do cross stitch on denim. I'm not sure how well it would work on sometho more fragile /thinner fabric like a hankie, but might be worth a try.

DMC DC90 Water Soluble Cross Stitch Canvas, 8 by 8-1/2-Inch, White, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NI5NZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WqAzDb6KVMM4Y

Takes a few soaks in hot water to dissolve it but it's been pretty great

I bought some Aida by the yard on Amazon and am pretty happy with it so far. It's got a great texture and feels solid.

I haven't DONE anything with it yet, the projects I need it for are bigger than the frames I have... but I'm hoping to cure that this week.

I broke down and bought it online 'cause the only brick-and-mortar source I could find within 100 miles of my house was a cute little shop a few towns over, their 16-count Aida was $50/foot for 24-in wide stuff.

I picked up this marker from Michael's for about 8 CAD. Make sure you do a small test before you start marking up your project, just to make sure it comes out nice and easily with water. I'm using DMC 18ct aida and it works great.

I have this big one: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-5315-Options-Thread-Organizer/dp/B001IYMCJO

It's pretty big, but the slots are too narrow to lay the bobbins on their sides. They do fit up&down, but it is annoying. However, if you really want everything in one box, it might be a good option. It holds at least 300 bobbins, probably up to 350 if you squeezed them in a bit.

I like the plastic bobbins. https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Plastic-Floss-Bobbins-1000-Piece/dp/B0018N26FU

FWIW, I just got this magnifying visor because I found it really difficult to see on 18ct black Aida. I love that it's wearable so I can move around easily and it even has a battery operated light. I imagine it would also help with 1 over 1 on 22ct...

Nonetheless, you're nuts because this seems like a huge project with lots of confetti. :D I'm looking forward to seeing your progress updates!

Aw thanks! I got it at Michaels - but I’m sure you can get it at most big craft stores or on amazon I just started using this kind and I really really like it.

Next time you need bobbins then you won't need any for a long while! Bought this about a month ago. Pretty sure I'm set for life lol.

I bought some 14ct Aida from Amazon for a huge project. They sell it by the yard, which is nice to get because some patterns are huge.
http://www.amazon.com/Wide-Aida-Cloth-White-Fabric/dp/B006P5SGBY/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1417467620&sr=1-1&keywords=60%27%27+Wide+Aida+Cloth+White+Fabric

I started this same project with a scroll frame but I found the Aida wasn’t as taught as I wanted it to be and I was always needing to tighten it. I switched to this q-snap frame and bought some extenders for it, works great.

The Altoids tin is for perspective. The project is Janlynn's Old World Map. I've been working on this project for a couple years. I was unable to stitch for awhile because I had a baby. He's 15 months now and less dependent on me for entertainment, so I'm able to stitch again while he plays. I'm having another kid in May, so I'm trying to hurry and get this finished before then. Lol.

Use these bobbins to wind it onto with this bobbin-ator (make sure you label either with a sharpie or these stickers ) and store them in this container. Of all the ways I’ve seen stashes stored, this makes the most sense to me 🤷🏻‍♀️. It’s a great mindless activity you can handle while binge watching tv ☺️

Thanks! I'm making it as a wedding present for my brother, who likes old maps, and there's a little section where you can personalize an inscription. It's the Olde World Map by Janlynn!

Peg+cat shoes would be awesome!! I used a water soluble canvas, and a sharp sewing needle! The canvas I used was this one

I got this in a kit off of Amazon (Amazon Link) to dip my toes into cross stitching so to speak.

I really enjoyed the process and I'm thinking I need to get more materials and start doing this more!

There's a decent book on how to create blackwork patterns by Becky Hogg. As far as I know, there aren't any software programs yet that have the thread thickness variations included. The fills though you can find pretty much everywhere when you google blackwork fills. Link to the book: http://www.amazon.com/Blackwork-Essential-Stitch-Guides-Becky/dp/184448551X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405434706&sr=8-2&keywords=blackwork

Did you use a water soluble maker or something more like a Crayola marker?

I've stitched on the black aida canvases from Micheals and I washed them in OxyClean after and the wood didn't warp. Before using bleach I would recommend using OxyClean. Bleach could pull color out of the wood which could also stain your aida.

Thanks so much!! I got it on amazon. here is the link

I've never cross stitched where it's viewable on either side, so someone else can answer about that. You can purchase a water soluble marker for designing on fabric, and/or water soluble fabric for keeping the squares/acts as a guide. I use the pens a bunch and they've always come out, I've used the water soluble fabric once and it worked great.

I use this magnifier and it works great with and without my glasses.

I’d suggest more like this one. Pencil doesn’t work well with cross stitch.

Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2H1A3W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Follow up: looks like it’s on Amazon too!
DMC 6103 Floss Number Stickers, 630-Stickers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055732Y4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qy6wCbG9J23H3

I'm using a pen similar to this one; I don't know the brand off the top of my head, it's whatever they sell at Wal-mart. And then all I did was roughly find the middle of the canvas and make a cross there, and count out ten stitches each direction until I filled the grid.

My suggestion is to do it in a well lit environment and not when you're tired so you don't end up with my situation! :p

I've asked for:

1. Clamp light and magnifier. It's an affordable Amazon one to try out.
   
   
2. Art portfolio. For storing finished pieces, I asked for the 18x24 size.
   
   
3. Gift certificate for my go to stitching peripheral, 123stitch.com.

My mistake- I bought it on Amazon. Here's the link: Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2H1A3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iivMAb6H86K07

It works pretty well. I usually just use the disappearing side to count a row of stitches, and place a small dot on the center of the last one, so it gets covered

This is also helpful to me. I splurged on a Pako needle organizer from Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002UP67K0/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492107143&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

I do as you mentioned (mixing my threads ahead of time) and load them on needles, waiting and marked on this organizer. That way I can just switch out without slowing down my stitching steam.

Here’s where I got it! https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-72-73987-Crafts-Counted-Stitch/dp/B00B71S7VA?ref_=Oct_CAMGiftedC_262617011_1&pf_rd_r=YJVEVMBVHTM0Q25YQXZQ&pf_rd_p=43c66edb-9145-53f9-bbd4-77f603c93e2f&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-5&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_i=262617011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER I went with something small to see if I actually liked it and I do!

Pattern source: Feminist Icon Cross Stitch book: https://www.amazon.com/Feminist-Icon-Cross-Stitch-Designs-Celebrate/dp/0762462906

Gave it to my cousin as a birthday gift!

try q-snaps, way better than hoops.

the 8in x 8in at Amazon

In use

You can try using a fabric marker. It comes out when you soak the piece in water. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Dual-Purpose-Marking-Blue/dp/B00A2H1A3W/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1468977352&sr=8-17&keywords=fabric+marker

sounds like you'll need one of these soon

I bought 1000 off Amazon, but I obviously don't need all 1000 so I'm selling a couple hundred of them.

25 for $3
50 for $4
100 for $5
150 for $6
200 for $7

Prices are in US dollars and include shipping to the US. PM me for shipping quotes for everywhere else.

If anyone has bought this organizer box from Amazon, these bobbins are nearly identical to the ones that come with the box.

I just Googled aida cloth by the yard and this was one of the first results.

Edit: I realize this is 14 and you're looking for 18 I was just giving you a starting point for the search. I'm on my phone or I'd search more for you.

This is pretty close! The pattern was a kit I found on Amazon. The colors are just orange, cream, and black. I'm not sure what color system they're using but they have orange as #12324 and cream as #15372.

I haven’t used waste canvas, but I have used wash away, water soluble canvas

I used it on denim and it turned out really well.

Amazon. I don't know what thread count you want, but here is 60" by how ever many yards you want. http://smile.amazon.com/Wide-Aida-Cloth-White-Fabric/dp/B006P5SGBY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1404521565&sr=8-6&keywords=aida+cloth

This might save you some money on bobbins 1000 for $17.93 I got this last December and haven't found one that wasn't perfect :)

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Plastic-Bobbins-1000-Piece-Supplies/dp/B0018N26FU/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1543206021&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bobbins+for+Cross+stitch&dpPl=1&dpID=31MftH-OFfL&ref=plSrch
I think this is what I got

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YQH5DU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483138734&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=aida&dpPl=1&dpID=51ynEbY9JJL&ref=plSrch
Next time I'd use a vinyl Aida for this kind of project.

I use Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2H1A3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CFg6Bb6ZG0ZRT that I got at Walmart. Has both water and air soluble sides.

Hey, you tagged my Rainbow Row on Pinterest:)

It's just Aida cloth and a Q-snap Frame

This one!

https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-72-73987-Crafts-Counted-Stitch/dp/B00B71S7VA?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_14
This is the one I started with!

I use bobbins and "Santa" gave me a package of these labels for them so they look really spiffy https://www.amazon.com/DMC-Floss-Number-Stickers-630-Stickers/dp/B0055732Y4

https://www.amazon.com/PAKO-Needle-Organizer-2-1-2-Inch/dp/B002UP67K0

I'll be so proud if this works. I'm old and technologically impaired! Crossing my fingers.

I'd use soluable canvase instead of waste canvas, it's much easier in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.com/DMC-DC90-Soluble-Stitch-Canvas/dp/B004NI5NZM

I haven't tried this yet myself, but DMC makes dissolvable Aida fabric!

http://www.amazon.com/DMC-DC90-Soluble-Stitch-Canvas/dp/B004NI5NZM

> qsnap

Ah, like this? - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yarn-Tree-8-Inch-Q-Snap-Frame/dp/B000YZ3XVE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504666641&sr=8-2&keywords=qsnap+frame

Looks a little difficult to fit. Is it difficult?

I got tired of writing them on and my handwriting is terrible, so I bought these DMC sticker labels at Joann's when they were only $2 or something on sale. The numbers are a little small though. My mom wrote all hers on a fine tip sharpie like u/yoshidrivesacar .