What Every Beginner Should Know Before Buying a Cross Stitch Kit
My first attempt at cross stitch wasn’t from a kit. It was a picture of my high school mascot that I sketched out on graph paper and tried to sew using my school’s two shades of blue and orange. My dad bought me a piece of aida cloth, a cheap wooden hoop, a pack of needles, and two skeins of DMC floss in my school colors. All in, I think it cost less than five dollars. It was messy, but it worked. We won’t talk about the back, but at least the front looked like I intended.
Fortunately, cross stitching doesn’t have to be trial and error. Today’s beginner cross stitch kits include everything a first-time stitcher needs to create a beautiful piece of art. Most of our starter kits come with a hoop, cloth, floss, needles, and the pattern. When you open the package, you’ll be stitching in less than ten minutes. Our kits from Spot Colors, a studio just outside Atlanta, are perfect for beginners. Two of my personal favorites are the Pac-Man kit and the Anxiety kit. Both make me smile for very different reasons.
What to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Cross Stitch Kit
Printed vs. counted cross stitch
Printed cross stitch is easier for beginners, but the designs are often larger and may require an additional purchase like a hoop. The smaller beginner kits we carry have everything you need already included. Personally, I always enjoyed counted cross stitch because finishing a design felt like an accomplishment.
Cross stitch count
The higher the count, the more stitches you’ll make. A 14-count aida cloth has 14 stitches per inch, while 18-count cloth has 18 stitches per inch. A higher count means more detail, but also more time to finish.
Cloth type
When starting out, stick to aida cloth. It’s easy to see the squares and easy to count. Linen and evenweave are beautiful but better for advanced stitchers since mistakes can be costly.
Limit the color palette
Your first kit should have no more than a single card of floss. High-quality kits, like the ones we sell at Pisgah Needleworks, come with floss that is separated, labeled, and neatly organized. Cheaper kits may include a bundle of tangled floss you have to sort yourself. Avoid those if you want an enjoyable first experience.
Needles matter
Most kits include a needle, but I recommend gold-plated needles for their smooth pull. A rough needle makes it difficult to pass the thread cleanly through the cloth, which can take the joy out of stitching.
Create your comfort zone
Set up a cozy place to stitch. I use a large, comfortable chair with a lamp that provides plenty of light. Sometimes I clip a booklight to the hoop if I need extra brightness.
Choose a subject you love
If you’re a Christmas enthusiast or a Halloween fanatic, pick a kit that reflects your personality. It’s easier to enjoy the process when you’re working on a design that excites you.
Accept mistakes as part of the process
No one stitches perfectly. I’ve been cross stitching for nearly forty years and I still make mistakes. It’s okay to backtrack. Each error is a learning experience that makes you better.
Beginner Kits We Recommend
We offer a wide range of beginner cross stitch kits at Pisgah Needleworks. Here are some customer favorites:
My Anxiety Gives Me Anxiety Kit
Duck Lover’s Trip Cross Stitch Kit (Printed Cross Stitch from Joy Sunday)
If you’re ever in Elkin, North Carolina, stop by Pisgah Needleworks. I’d love to chat about your stitching goals and help you find the perfect beginner kit. Happy stitching!
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