(Part 3) Best products from r/CrossStitch

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!

Starter tools

These tools might actually be too much. Get into CX before you buy a lot of stuff like grid pens and lots of floss and boxes and such. Do a few kits first to see if you really like it and to keep your expenditure down to a minimum in case you don't. Be careful of the floss bundles on Amazon, IF you decide to go that way. I have read good and bad reports of the quality. Same with cheaper off-brands of aida (I think it's called MCG?), the count is sometimes wrong/uneven. Really, go with kits, don't dive in teh deep end yet. :)

Starter kit

We have a FAQ that has a bunch of info and ideas. Check it out here. We also have just opened our Continuous Craft Fair where a ton of our Resident Designers have links to their etsy shops and homepages, a super good source for patterns and kits. :) have fun!

I am actually using a lap stand with a scroll frame. like this one But I’d love to have a floor stand! Once I’m settled on the couch this is frustrating to get up from. And it all matters so that so can see the tv while working! Good luck in your search and share what you end up doing...I’d love to see what you end up doing.

To the Future, or "Champagne Lady" as designed by Barbara Hammet in her 1999 book Art Nouveau Cross Stitch. Stitched on 14 count aida using two full skeins of black and a whole bunch of Kreinik metallic thread. Watercolor paint was used after stitching to add just a bit of color, drawing (loosely) from Alphonse Mucha's original print. The cording around the edge of the banner was hand-made from another full skein of black, and the tassel was also hand-made using a full skein of DMC metallic pearl cotton. From beginning to end, the project took exactly 6 weeks to complete.

The moment I saw this project in the book on Amazon, I knew I HAD to make it. I've loved Art Nouveau and Mucha for quite some time, and I had been wanting to so something blackwork-ish for a while, so this was perfect. It was fun to work on, and went fairly quickly (for a project of its size, anyway), with only a few stitching and miscounting mistakes on my part. I wish my photos captured how sparkly the gold is - it's really lovely in person!

After I finished it, I thought it needed a bit of color, and decided to use watercolors to paint part of it - and almost ruined the whole darn thing! I'm not sure if I'll try that again. Then I used the right product in the wrong way for interfacing, nearly melting the whole project to the ironing board. It's like I was determined to ruin it after all of that work! But in the end, I think it turned out great, and I'm so happy. It's not often that the FO turns out exactly like I pictured it!

Adding “botanical” or “botanical print” may help.

For gardener friends I typically gift a Véronique Enginger design. The French Needle has several kits available.

LoLaLotta Shop has similar designs to Véronique Enginger on Etsy.

If you want to recreate the herb pattern you found with flowers, your best bet may be to check, likely older, cross stitch books. You can add text to label each plant. Your library may be a good source of books. Some examples from Amazon are here, here, and here.

I highly recommend this pattern book. The patterns are from Just Cross-Stitch magazine and most of them are very modern, pretty, and not too difficult. I had purchased it originally for the beetle pattern, but there's a gorgeous typewriter pattern I would like to make soon as well.

I got this one from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XC5KNB6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I'm very happy with it. It's quite bright, and I like that you can change the color temp which is useful when painting.

I love this idea. I've been using Thread Drops hung on a 2"-3" steel ring. Lately I've decided in the name of economy to use much cheaper key tag organizers. If you have a Cricut you can make your own thread drops for cheap. Check Etsy for lots of examples.

https://www.123stitch.com/item/Access-Commodities-Thread-Drops-with-Ring/XSE-7272

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B073SSTMVJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For storage I'm setting them up in a file box using binder combs and metal hangars from extra hanging file folders. Cheap and easy!

https://www.needlenthread.com/2017/06/floss-organization-comb-binding-hack.html

I love hanging floss, because it's so easy to pull out a single strand without disturbing the other five. It saves so much time over bobbins.

I highly recommend this book! It has tons of relatively true to life flower patterns (several with labels). I made one of these for a gardener friend and she loved it!

I am doing a piece that size on 14 Aida over 1 and I have it in one of these frames

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TZUTJ0/

As long as you follow the instructions carefully it’s hassle free. It comes with a variety of rods but I found my piece which is about 150 stitches across was somewhere in betweeen the 14 inch rods and the 20 inch rods so I bought the 18 inch rods

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WE3C0W/

It’s my first time using a scroll frame but it works great for that size of piece. Also I really really recommend gridding the fabric before you start something that size.

This book is an excellent resource, if you want to use an actual book. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1863514260/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr


Also, DMC makes a color card that has actual thread in it. I love being able to consult it so I can see if I have something similar enough already in my stash.

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.

I use an Edmunds stand that can be changed to accommodate different size scroll frames. I already had a frame that I had been using and it was pretty easy to drill a couple holes in it to fit into the stand. It makes things a lot easier since I don't have to hold on the frame all the time. Highly recommended.

http://www.amazon.com/Edmunds-Stitch-Master-Floor-Stand/dp/B00263VUWG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412951382&sr=8-4&keywords=cross+stitch+stand

The spools are called bobbins and you can get either cardboard or plastic ones (plastic are more durable) and then you wind the thread (floss) onto them to make your colors easy to store / organize. You can buy the plastic floss storage boxes and bobbins at your local craft store or online. Some people don’t like winding the floss on bobbins and use other methods such as Floss-A-Way bags (“fancy” Ziplock style bags) or StitchBow. Just google or go to someplace like this to see examples.

One other idea once you have the basics like scissors, floss & floss storage, a good light etc. I use this Magnetic Pattern Holder all the time if you’re using paper rather than electronic patterns.

I still separate the strands out first. They just seem to behave better that way. I will also stitch a bit slower to ensure the stitches are smooth and that my tension is staying even. I've found that with more strands there is more chance of stitching so that one strand winds up looser than the others and going slow and paying attention to my tension can help minimize that.

I typically use a larger needle if I'm working with more strands. I also use a needle threader for higher strand amounts (well honestly I use the threader most of the time because my eyes suck). Just not the flimsy cheap wire threaders that break if you sneeze on them. I use needle threaders like this one or this one.

Working with 5 and 6 strands will feel bulky and unwieldy at first, especially if you are used to only using 1 or 2 strands. However the depth and texture that it adds to the finished piece is usually worth it.

You did a great job! Framing can be nerve-wracking, especially when you make that first cut!

One thing that really upped my stitch-framing game are these self-stick mounting boards. It keeps the fabric nice and smooth under the frame. I noticed that after some time in a frame, and sometimes right away, the aida would kinda get slouchy, so I found these that keep the fabric in place and make a huge difference. So easy to use, too!


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062JIAIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GyR0DbE0RYCK6

I just bought a book light that hangs around the back of your neck, hoping it'll put the light where I want it without blazing out anybody's eyes and without the hassle of clip lights. And it is awesome. Bright, aimable, with a wide enough spread to get my whole hoop at once. I look pretty dorky 'wearing' it, but it does an amazing job for what I want.

I love these ! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BGBTR4X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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if the link doesn't work, it's "Viribright 100W Equivalent LED Light Bulbs, Daylight (6500K) 13W A19, Medium Screw (Edison) Base, 1400 Lumens, Non-Dimmable, General Purpose, UL Listed (4-Pack)"

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I love daylight bulbs and get whatever has the most lumens. I tend to sit on the floor, flanked by 2 standing lamps.

Thanks!!! I’m loving it. I actually got the case from my local Facebook market place.
Found it on amazon also DMC U1635 Stitchbow Floral Needlework Travel Bag, Dark Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FBE8V8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0hfsDbHZ0ZKVX

Something like https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-667-Tailors-Marking-Set-x/dp/B0052WSQHK/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1551210600&sr=8-13&keywords=dritz ? The description makes it sound right. I haven't said it yet, but thank you for your help :D

That is indeed an amazing pattern. It's also in this book I once picked up from the library. PM me your email address and I'll send you the PDF pages. There's also a great butterfly pattern.

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 ☺️

I guess it's called a press on board. I had the hardest time peeling off the protective paper and had to reglue it together and wait overnight, but after that it worked well. I think this link will work I hope I did it correctly https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0062JIAIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_aqNiDbS06EZTN

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

My first finished piece! Sure it took 5 months to complete. But who's counting? C'est fini!

Here's the pattern (which is a kit). And they aren't kidding: it really is a good way to learn the basics.

Just saw this earlier today. I might have to get this one!

Dimensions 'Purity, Strength, Truth' Counted Cross Stitch Kit, 14 Count Beige Aida, 10" x 12" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CRGMZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gwIUDb5JDP4J2

I have two dogs who will eat anything, so I keep my current project in a DMC zipped case like this . It’s easy to open up and work, and I often just work with it like that on my lap.

I keep my extra supplies in the normal divided plastic thread boxes, and other stuff in a small plastic bin.

I have a recliner sofa and use this stand. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00263VUWG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I don’t recline all the way, just feet up and the stand fits along one side of the recliner so not fully straight in front of me but close enough to be workable. It fits well straight in front of me with the recliner down.

Thank you!! I got it off [amazon!](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CRGMZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_1o1dvb17RSCAX
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CRGMZ2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_1o1dvb17RSCAX)

I've never understood how people can function without these things. They make life so much easier. This is the one I use. :)

I use this! It has two brightness settings and it’s rechargeable. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYGAGZV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GvFkDb7J6XY3G

I really like having a needle threader and I can’t imagine working without it. This is the one I have.

I have the same one. I got it off Amazon : DMC U1635 Stitchbow Floral Needlework Travel Bag, Dark Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FBE8V8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fURBCb8GM5CA2

I'm also trying to decide between the Master and the Universal/Michael's version.

Master's Amazon page says it works and has pictures of it with hoop, and stretch frame, not just a scroll frame. I was guessing it would also hold a qsnap. Is this false advertising or a newer model than yours that only takes scroll frames?

Frank A. Edmunds Stitch Master Floor Stand, 6116 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00263VUWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ONh6Cb9T9W0D5

Bought it on amazon here.

The kit is from Dimensions, called Poppies.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Crafts-NeedleCrafts-Counted-Poppies/dp/B008R9PYQ6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1522167989&sr=8-6&keywords=dimensions+poppies

This is the Dimension "Purity" design
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CRGMZ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487521373&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dimensions+buddha+counted+cross+stitch

They've had them for years, but looks like they might be phasing them out, as I had a little trouble finding them online to link and give an example (I bought both of mine at JoAnn's). They designed them to be used with their Stitch Bow organizers, but I've obviously modified them to be used with bags. There's two sizes, the small one that I have photographed in the photo linked above, and a large one... similar to the one I'm linking on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/DMC-U1635-Stitchbow-Floral-Needlework/dp/B003FBE8V8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525809773&sr=8-1&keywords=dmc+stitchbow+binder

On my large one I cut a cheap plastic 3 ring binder apart, punched holes into the back side and then taped the rings towards the middle so I could have two rows of rings for bags on my larger projects. Photo here: https://imgur.com/0ggWEEm