Beginner Cross Stitch Kits: What to Look For in Your First Kit
A beginner cross stitch kit gives you the fabric, the thread, a needle, and a chart in one package. It is the easiest way to try cross stitch, because you do not have to choose supplies. This guide explains what to look for so your first kit is one you finish and enjoy.
What comes in a beginner cross stitch kit
Most kits include:
- Aida fabric
- Cotton floss in every color the design needs
- A needle
- A chart and instructions
Some beginner kits also include a hoop. Most kits do not include scissors or a frame. Check the contents list on the package.
What makes a kit good for a beginner
14-count Aida, or lower
The count is the number of squares per inch. 14-count Aida has squares that are easy to see. 11-count Aida has even bigger squares. Higher counts, such as 16 and 18, are smaller and harder to see.
A small design
Choose a design that fits in a 4 to 6 inch hoop. You will finish it sooner, and that first finish keeps you going.
Few colors
Look for a design with fewer than 10 colors. You change thread less often and make fewer mistakes.
Whole stitches only
Whole cross stitches are the basic X. Some designs add quarter stitches, backstitch, or French knots. Save those for your second or third project.
A clear chart
A good chart uses a different symbol for each color and prints large enough to read. A chart in color with symbols is the easiest to follow.
Counted or stamped?
- Counted cross stitch uses blank fabric. You count squares from the chart.
- Stamped cross stitch prints the design on the fabric. You stitch over the marks so your stitches cover them.
Stamped kits need no counting, which some beginners like. Both kinds are fine for a first project.
What you need besides the kit
- Small sharp scissors
- A hoop, if the kit does not include one
- A pencil or highlighter to mark the chart
- Good light
How to start your kit
- Read the instructions and the color key.
- Find the center of the fabric by folding it in half twice.
- Find the center of the chart.
- Separate the floss and thread the needle with the number of strands the instructions call for. On 14-count Aida, that is usually 2.
- Start at the center and work outward.
For the stitch itself, with a diagram, read cross stitch for beginners.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a kit that is too big. A large picture can take months.
- Using all six strands of floss. Split the floss and use the number the kit tells you to use.
- Starting in a corner. Start at the center so the design fits on the fabric.
- Pulling the thread tight. Let each stitch sit flat on the fabric.
Common questions
What is the best cross stitch kit for an adult beginner?
A small counted kit on 14-count Aida with whole stitches and fewer than 10 colors.
Do I need a hoop?
A hoop keeps the fabric tight and makes even stitches easier. Most beginners find it helpful.
What needle do I use?
The kit includes one. If you need a replacement, 14-count Aida takes a size 24 tapestry needle. See cross stitch needles for the full size chart.
What should I make after my first kit?
Try a set of cross stitch Christmas ornaments. They are small, and each one teaches you something new.
