A list of cross stitch information

[sabinetzin]

I've been cross stitching for *checks watch* about thirty years, and here is a list of lists of things you should have or know.

Things you definitely need:

• Thread: DMC. No buts, especially if you're American. This isn't embroidery; don't waste your money on fancy thread.
• Fabric: You really want to buy this by project, then use leftovers. DMC is solid but the color selection isn't great; Charles Craft is also good. You're almost always on 14-count, but just check the pattern.
• Hoops: Wood vs plastic is a matter of some debate. I personally favor wood, as it makes fewer marks. YMMV.
• Needles: What you're worried about here is what the tip looks like, because the lower the fabric count, the blunter the needle required. I prefer the kind that are labeled "hand-sewing needles" to "embroidery needles" because of their versatility, but it's a matter of taste. Look for packs with multiple lengths and sharpnesses to try.

That's it.

Things that will make your life easier:

• A needle case: What's great for this is a gift card or business card holder or a cigarette or rolling paper case, because you can leave the needles in the packet. Pin cushions turn inconvenient and stabby really fast, especially in a flat project bag.
• A project bag: This will change your LIFE. I got one from ShelzCreationz and it's perfect, but any flat zippered bag will do.
• A rewards account at your preferred craft store: Look, this is cross stitch, except for patterns it's all mass-produced, chances are you're not going to a local place. I have an account at Michaels and it pays out pretty well. I use Joann for fabrics, obvs, but neither the reward scheme nor the embroidery section is as good.
• A scroll frame: These are situational and fiddly, but they really can't be beat for wider rectangular projects.
• A press cloth: Do not spend a ton of money on this. Buy a yard of muslin and call it a day. You will eventually progress beyond the need for a press cloth, but you'll want one at first.

Things you don't really need but are nice to reward yourself with:

• Some nice embroidery scissors, or equivalent small sharp ones: I got myself a pair of Ginghers and they're just so pleasing to use. Look for a long nose to get down in there.
• Needle minders: I don't really see the point of these, but a lot of people really like them, and they come in fun designs.

Some places (on etsy) I've bought patterns and liked both the style and the pattern presentation:

• ValeStitchery, for TTRPG and misc
• NightSpiritStudio, for spoopy and elaborate smallish designs (note: they have some legacy patterns that are harder to read, but most of it is solid)
• PixelStitchPatterns, for pop culture and pixel art
• Plug: ya boi Sabine also does pattern commissions, so hit me up

Important life lessons:

• Do not cut your thread just because it knotted. If it has a loop, put your needle through the loop and tug on the thread until it comes out. If it's a knot with no visible loop, pull the thread in either direction or run your thumbnail over it. Do that first before you decide it's fucked.
• Put that hoop back, you need a smaller one.
• Learn to backstitch either of the lazy ways; life is too short.
• For your first project, DO. NOT. choose something over 8"x8". You're never gonna finish it. Also, don't get into very heavy color gradations until you've developed the patience. Stick with light, spaced designs and realistic expectations.
• Don't spend a shitload of money on special soap. Woolite or lingerie wash will get you there just as well. You're not making something for someone to wear.
• You don't have to monetize this hobby if you don't want to. The money you get will not match your labor costs. However, your house will fill with projects you did just to have something to do, so, y'know, sell them if you want.
• Not everything needs to be ironed.
• Do not pay someone to make a picture into a pattern for you. Do not do it!!! You can do it yourself for free and it's just gonna look like hot garbage anyway.
• Don't buy kits if you intend to do more than one cross stitch ever.
• 28-count sounds scary, but you stitch on it over 4 squares so it's the same size as 14-count, and it can really give you a lovely finish that looks less cross-stitch-y than something that's obviously aida cloth.
• I absolve you from the guilt that comes from looking at everybody's carded thread and your ziplock bag full of assorted skeins. I live in ziplock bags. You'll be okay.
• Metallic thread is basically never worth it.

I think that's more or less it. Get to stitching!

Comments

[such_heights]

This is helpful, thank you! I've returned to cross stitch for the first time as an adult and still learning a lot.

[camobscura]

• Snobby enthusiasts will be all about the hand-dyed floss and the specialty even-weave fabrics that can only be obtained from small shops at eyebrow-raising prices. Do not let these people deter you from enjoying yourself with a 14-count Aida kit.
• Gamer websites (and Mr. Bezos) sell teeny-weeny ziplocks. They're great for everything. Of course, snack-sized ziplocks are a thing too, and you can get those at the grocery store. Lookitdat: they're the same length as a skein of floss.
• Substitute DMC colors is excellent for when you have a pattern but are missing maybe one or two floss colors from your stash, when you have a European pattern w/ Anchor color numbers, or when you have a Dimensions kit and Eff something up so badly you run out of floss but don't want to wait three weeks and pay their price for a new skein.
• You cannot take embroidery scissors on an airplane. They make what are essentially round razor blades covered with a pretty pendant with holes on the edges just big enough to slip a piece of floss into to cut it. If you travel by air and want to stitch on the plane, it's worth it.
• Dimensions kits: be a very wary bear. They specialty dye sketchy floss, mix floss colors for some colors, and mix half- and full-cross-stitches with abandon driving you into premature presbyopia. I had one "weekend" kit take me three months, and like Sabine I've been at this for 30-40 years. Not for the beginner.
• It is damned-near impossible to monetize this hobby. There are more professional sample stitchers than there is work (not to mention how pristine they expect the back of a work to be) and any hobbiest with a website can tell you how often the public will screw you. Seriously, do this for fun.

[sabinetzin]

Great for taking on a plane and allowable under US rules at least: those little scissors that fold up and for some reason always seem to have an anchor on them

[camobscura]

I only have one pair of sewing scissors and they do fold, but since they are my only pair and some airports' security people are meaner than others, I didn't want to risk 'em.

[sabinetzin]

Totally fair. These ones you can pick up at the Michaels for a couple of bucks, so I don't mind risking them.

[perspi]

Oh, lord, METALLIC THREAD. Yes, this!

I have a feminist cross stitch book from StephXStitch on IG, and it's fantastic. She's got some very beginner friendly and sassy patterns.

[j00j]

Thank you for this. Just getting into this dang hobby having requested a kit for Christmas.