If you're keen on starting a new craft, the resurgence of cross-stitch might just have been enough to entice you in. Maybe you've already tried crochet, knitting and sewing, but you're looking to turn your hand to other hobbies. Adding a cross-stitch kit along with essential cross-stitch supplies to your craft box might just inspire you in your artistic pursuits.
Crochet is a beautiful form of embroidery that's perfect for gifting, creating gorgeous artwork for your walls, or ideal for sprucing up your old clothes. It's no wonder that it's an art form that has been prevalent for generations. It's not going out of style any time soon, either.
If you're interested in getting started with cross-stitch, we've found the best cross-stitch kits and tips for beginners that'll help you feel inspired, confident and ready to begin your cross-stitch journey.
What is cross-stitch?
Cross-stitch is a form of embroidery that has been around for centuries. It's considered one of the easier forms of embroidery to learn. The craft involves weaving X-shaped stitches into fabric with an even and open weave, like linen or Aida cloth fabric.
Cross-stitch projects are sometimes sold as kits, but you can also start from scratch if you wish. It usually consists of buying an embroidery hoop, chosen fabric, thread and other supplies.
Here are some cross-stitch starting kits for beginners
We recommend getting a cross-stitch kit for beginners before diving in. That way, you can become familiar with all of the tools you'll need.
Although most cross-stitch kits come with their own thread and other supplies, beginner kits come with a multitude of colours and a range of embroidery hoops that you can use. Here are some embroidery starting kits to start you off.
Description
Each kit contains:
• 100 colour embroidery threads
• 40 sewing pins
• 30 embroidery needles
• 12 floss bobbins
• Five bamboo embroidery hoops
• Five water-soluble pens
• Four cross-stitch needle-threading tools
• Three Aida cloth
• Measuring tape
• Line wax
• A pincushion
• A thimble
• A pair of scissors
• An untwist tool
• Instruction booklet
Description
Each kit contains:
• 120 rainbow floss colour embroidery threads
• 40 sewing pins
• 30 embroidery needles
• 10 floss bobbins
• Five bamboo embroidery hoops
• Five water-soluble pens
• Four cross-stitch needle-threading tools
• Three Aida cloth
• Measuring tape
• Line wax
• A pincushion
• A pen holder
• A thimble
• A pair of scissors
• An untwist tool
• Instruction booklet
• Orange portable bag
Description
Each kit contains:
• 100 colour embroidery threads
• 40 sewing pins
• 30 embroidery needles
• 12 floss bobbins
• Five bamboo embroidery hoops
• Five water-soluble pens
• Four cross-stitch needle-threading tools
• Three Aida cloth
• Measuring tape
• Line wax
• A pincushion
• A thimble
• A pair of scissors
• An untwist tool
• Instruction booklet
9 of the best cross-stitch kits 2022
In short, here's a list of the best cross-stitch kits that we could find from the most well-known brands. From John Lewisto DMC, Not on the High Street to Etsy, these cross-stitch kits are sure to keep you invested in your new hobby.
www.johnlewis.com
Description
This Damask Rose cross-stitch kit from John Lewis is the perfect one to get started on. As it's a pattern for a coaster, it's an easy one to follow with a step-by-step guide to take you through it. This kit comes with instructions, a perspex coaster, Aida fabric and six-strand embroidery cotton.
Best cross-stitch kit for beginners
Description
Create your very own floral cross-stitch with this starter kit for beginners. With three different beautiful floral patterns that have a traditional vintage look, you can stitch to your hearts' content. This kit comes with three embroidery hoops, three embroidered cloth with patterns and instructions, three-pack colour threads, six embroidery needles, two pincushions, two needle threading tools, a pair of scissors and an untwist tool.
Best simple cross-stitch kit
www.etsy.com
Description
The best of Etsy's fantastic range of cross-stitch kits has this bee pattern to follow, with the choice of whether to include a hoop or not. This kit includes a piece of Aida fabric, a cross-stitch needle, a detailed pattern with instructions, a cross-stitch guide for beginners and more.
Best botanical cross-stitch kit
www.etsy.com
Description
A great choice for beginners, this cross-stitch kit with a botanical theme is ideal for getting started. With a pre-printed guide on the fabric, following the pattern has never been so easy. Each kit comes with cotton fabric with the design pre-printed, a DMC stranded cotton thread, embroidery hoop, embroidery needle, illustrated stitch guide, pattern guide and instruction booklet!
Best duo cross-stitch kit
www.dmc.com
Description
A DMC bestseller, this Tranquil Rose cross-stitch kit includes two different patterns. DMC has some beautiful options for cross-stitch kits, so we recommend you give them a look. This kit includes eight skeins of stranded cotton, two pieces of Aida fabric, an embroidery needle and an embroidery hoop.
Best mindful cross-stitch kit
www.dmc.com
Description
For meditative calm: this Mandala cross-stitch kit from DMC will have you spending hours of mindful relaxation. With two different patterns, you'll be in a tranquil state before you know it. This kit includes four skeins of stranded cotton, two pieces of Aida fabric, an embroidery needle and an embroidery hoop.
Best cross-stitch kit for gifting
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Description
If you have any friends who've recently moved into a new home, a completed version of this cross-stitch kit would be a heartwarming gift to welcome them into their home. This kit contains a piece of Aida fabric, a cross-stitch needle, an embroidery hoop, 13 stranded embroidery flosses and a leaflet with handy tips and tricks.
Best contemporary cross-stitch kit
www.notonthehighstreet.com
Description
Featuring a beautiful pop of colour is this embroidery cross-stitch kit from Not On The High Street. It is a great option for beginners with a simple, easy to follow guide. Each kit comes with an embroidery hoop, a piece of Aida fabric, an embroidery needle, embroidery thread, wadding, a set of instructions and a backing disc. It would be an amazing addition to hang on your wall!
Best cross-stitch kit involving nature
www.johnlewis.com
Description
For the more skilled cross-stitchers, this Oriental Bird cross-stitch kit will certainly keep you busy. With an intricate pattern and beautiful design, you'll be so satisfied when you see the end result. This kit includes a piece of Aida fabric, coloured threads, an embroidery needle and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
www.dmc.com
Description
Based on Van Gogh's artwork is the Sunflower cross-stitch kit from DMC. Best for experienced cross-stitchers, this involves intricate embroidery to craft your very own Van Gogh cushion. Each set includes stranded cottons, a piece of Aida fabric, a needle, a cross-stitch chart and full instructions.
What supplies will I need to cross-stitch?
It will come as no surprise that you'll need a few supplies to get started with cross-stitching. Although, as mentioned, beginner or starter kits usually have everything you'll need, we'll run over the essentials.
Firstly, you'll need to select your fabric. This can be linen, cotton, or most commonly Aida fabric. You'll need to consider the thickness of the fabric you've chosen. Usually, this fabric comes in 14 count, 16 count and 18 count. The higher the count, the smaller the stitches will be. You will also have to consider the size of the fabric.
Next, you'll want to choose your embroidery hoop. There are different materials, but wood, bamboo and plastic are typically the most popular. There are also different mechanisms to choose from, like screw tension and flexi hoops. You'll need to buy a hoop in accordance with the size and thickness of your fabric.
Of course, you'll need your colour thread that relates to the pattern you're planning to work on. A cross-stitch kit usually includes the thread needed, but stocking up on thread for your different projects can be a good idea. The diameter of the needle you select should always be similar in width to the thread you will be using.
You'll need a pair of scissors handy to cut the thread after sewing. You'll also need a needle minder so you aren't losing your needles! To put your fabric into your embroidery hoop, there are a number of Youtube tutorials to give you some insight into how to do this, as well as the type of embroidery hoops there are.
How to cross-stitch for beginners
If you're a beginner at cross-stitch and you're unsure of where to start, there are some excellent groups across Facebook that bring members together with their love of the craft. Most are open forums where you can ask each other questions and post pictures of your cross-stitch projects.
Additionally, there are also some fabulous tutorials on Youtube that show you how to perfect the cross-stitch techniques. These videos walk you through the basics of cross-stitching and how to start.