Must Have Cross Stitch Supplies
All you REALLY need to get started is a needle, thread, fabric, scissors and an idea. I have added tools that I have found to be essential in keeping organized.
Whether you use a hoop to stitch every project, or just to frame a finished piece, I prefer the plastic hoops over the bamboo hoops. I bought this particular set and use them at home. They don’t have splinters and won’t pull at delicate fabric or silk threads. The screws are easy to tighten and loosen. These hoops work well with fabrics of different thicknesses and have a little ridge the holds the fabric firmly in place. The bright colors are so much more interesting than wooden hoops for framing. And if you prefer to keep and reuse them, this little set comes with a storage bag.
The package includes one of each:
5″/ 12.5 cm
6.3″/ 16 cm
7.6″/ 19.5 cm
9.6″/ 24.5 cm
11″/ 28 cm
Storage Bag
There are many, many types of fabric in a plethora of colors that can be used in cross stitch projects. The easiest and most common is aida cloth, because it is woven to include holes. These create a grid-like pattern which simplifies counting squares for counted cross stitch.
This pack contains 4 pieces of individually wrapped, white, cotton aida cloth 12 by 18 inches each in 14ct. The count indicates how many stitches can fit per inch and 14ct is the most common.
A slightly less expensive option than the plastic ones, these cardboard bobbins are also perfect for new colors that don’t have numbered stickers yet.
This pack is for 56 plastic floss bobbins.
I was debating whether to keep these on the “necessities” list because it’s perfectly possible to cross stitch without these. But some of us have a hard time seeing small print, and an even harder time writing that small. So if you’re using embroidery bobbins, I highly recommend grabbing a set of these stickers, corresponding to the DMC colors. In fact, you will need these with the plastic bobbins because ink will not write on the plastic bobbins.
I love mine and use them with every new color I get. Make sure to press them on pretty good and they can last years in your organizer.
It doesn’t really matter what brand of embroidery scissors you have. In fact, when you’re just getting started, any pair of scissors will do, really. Embroidery scissors have long, narrow blades that allow you to get really close to the fabric when snipping threads. I bought these because they were inexpensive and pretty. Purple is my favorite!
DMC launched a different way of organizing embroidery floss called Stitchbow.
I’ve tried the stitch bow system, and I continue to use little bobbins (because – change, ugh).
You might like it because you don’t have to unwind the skeins.
This bundle comes with:
- Stitchbow travel bag
- Stitchbow binder inserts
- Stitchbow floss holders
Use acid free tissue paper for longterm storage of cross stitch WIPs and other crafts.
The acid in regular tissue paper, labeling and the plastics that supplies come in can damage the fabric, causing ugly discoloration over time.
This pack is for 200 sheets.
Floss Bundles
Embroidery floss can get quite expensive if you purchase each skein one by one online. If you’re having trouble finding quality embroidery floss online, I recommend purchasing one of these DMC bundles.
In 2017, DMC came out with 35 new, vibrant colors. They fill in where some of the DMC shades were previously lacking, mostly with some new purples. I bought these because I have to have every color. But maybes that’s just me.
This bundle totals 35 skeins of DMC cotton embroidery floss. Each skein has six strands and is 8.7 yards long.
The Extra Fun Stuff
A few items that will help make cross stitch a bit easier, and some that will brighten your day.
Used for gridding your fabric.
No need to wash fabric to remove the wire
Quick removal – it slips right out!
Reusable.
Less expensive per project. While the initial purchase of the wire costs more, it can be re-used indefinitely.
Ever wonder how to substitute colors? Or how to change that red dress to a blue one, while still maintaining the same level of shading? The DMC shade card can help! Each page is divided into colors in the same family, irrespective of the numbers. The version offered here contains the 35 new colors introduced in 2017, the Light Effects series, and the Metallic Pearl threads. Actual threads are attached to the card to help you choose just the right colors!
Trying out one of my 3D patterns? This is the stuff you need. I always recommend clear plastic canvas because it can work with any pattern.
Pinking shears are the fastest way to prevent your evenweave fabric or aida cloth from fraying. Learn how to use them in this tutorial.
Fabric glue is the easiest way to keep your evenweave fabric or aida cloth from fraying. Learn how to use it in this tutorial.
A grime guard helps protect your project from getting dirty by creating a layer between your hands and the fabric. They also help to keep excess fabric out of the way of stitching. Grime guards are super fun because they can be unique and personalized. You can even have a different grim guard for each WIP!
Use a Q-Snap like you might use an embroidery hoop. Only the Q-Snap does crease your fabric while still keeping it quite taught for stitching.
While I don’t use a Q-Snap, many stitchers I know wouldn’t ever stitch without theirs.
Gridded fabric can help you prevent miscounts, but gridding can be a pain in the butt! This fabric gives you the best of both worlds. The grid marks wash out with just water.
In this tutorial, I show you how to use a stick-back board for a quick and easy way to frame your cross stitch.
I used the Joanne fabric brand. But that brand isn’t very sticky.
So I use this one now from Amazon and it works much better!
Needlers minders are new to my craft box. They’re basically decorative magnets that attach to your project or to your chart while you stitch, to give you a safe place to put your needles when you’re not using them. I used to just use my teeth or the arm of my couch, but I’ve lost too many needles that way and switched when a friend told me she nearly swallowed hers! With the Parking Method, these will be especially helpful.
This is just a few examples of what’s out there and convenient to purchase. The BEST, most customized needle minders can be found on Etsy.
Organize your embroidery floss for a project on this beautiful, hand made floss card. Prevent your threads from tangling and bring your project anywhere.
While not necessary, framing your cross stitch with a mat will give it a professional look. Always use acid free to preserve your textile art.
This is for a set of 10.
You can use embroidery hoops to stitch with, or use them to finish your cross stitch. There are 2 reasons I use bamboo hoops:
- Bamboo is a renewable resource and biodegradable.
- They are easily customizable.
You can paint them, add washi tape, glue on pom-poms, they’re very versatile!
This set comes with 6 hoops, each a different size.
Sometimes going shopping bites! When I’d rather stay home and stitch while still in my PJs, I use Amazon Prime to get all kinds of stuff delivered to my door with free shipping. For me, it’s worth it! I’m not the kind of person to just buy stuff willy-nilly, and I find that the reviews help me decide from the many choices available. I’ve used Amazon Prime for years now and I always renew around Halloween so I have plenty of warning for the deals that come around the holidays.
Cross Stitch Books
Geeky & Cheeky Patterns, Easy-to-Learn Techniques
As a HUGE Star Trek fan, I totally geeked out when I saw this! If you have a Trekkie in your life, they will thank you for any of the 30 projects in this collection. I can’t wait to stitch one of the Star Trek insignia on a red shirt. lol
This book is also has a Kindle version.
For Professional Stitchers
The tools I know and use to help me sell my art online.
Having an LED light has changed how I cross stitch. The yellow light most often found in our homes can distort how we see the colors of the floss. When 471 – very light avocado green and 472 – light avocado green start to look the same, this bright LED light helps me to identify the nuanced differences between close shades. I bought two and I also use them to create videos. It comes with a white and a yellow light diffuser for this purpose.
This model lets you control the brightness with dimmer settings from 01 to 99, and it never gets hot! It comes with a lithium ion battery, or you can purchase a DC power adaptor. It can be hand held or mounted any standard hot shoe like a camera or tripod.
An inexpensive standard tripod for use with your LED light, should you choose to purchase one. I positioned mine on the small table next to the couch where I sit. It’s light-weight which means I can easily move it around for taking pictures of my work or for video lighting.
This stand will hold lights, cameras, green screens and other backgrounds.
The AC to DC power adapter that will work with the LED light. Any standard 12v power adapter will do.
This has been a game changer for product photography. I used to spend 30 – 60 minutes on every picture of my completed cross stitch projects in order to enhance to look of my shop photos. Now, when I use this light box, the pictures come out already looking pretty professional and I spend maybe 5 minutes brightening and cleaning up the photos just a little.
It’s light and portable! And folds up easily into a thin carrying case so when I’m not taking photos, it doesn’t take up space in my craft room.
I like to create video tutorials, time lapse videos and stitch-along videos on my YouTube channel. I use Adobe Premiere Elements to edit these videos because you get the most bang for your buck. Especially when purchased as a bundle with Photoshop. And this kit gets you 2 CDs instead of a subscription. It’s not hundreds of dollars, and it has all the bells and whistles I could possible need (or want!).
The tutorial included in the software is especially helpful, and there are plenty of tutorials for how to achieve certain affects on YouTube.
Software for cross stitch varies from free to hundreds of dollars. Sure, the free online software is handy for a quick flower or word or two, but most don’t have the capability for half stitches or back stitching. You can try graph paper, but you can only erase and redraw the pattern so many times before you’ve torn a hole clean through.
I like WinStitch because it has the most features and is definitely affordable. Turns out the Customer Service is stellar! <3
Download a free demo.
They have a Mac version, too!
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Stitch on!
Now that you’ve got all the materials ready, it’s time to get to stitching. Everyone who embroiders has an opinion about how to cross stitch, but I say throw all the “rules” out the window and just get to it. Practice is the best teacher! And to help you find what works best for you, I put together blog posts and tutorial videos to show you the EASIEST and SIMPLEST ways to start. So you can relax and ENJOY creating your fiber art.