Tips For Choosing Your Cross Stitch Supplies

I find cross stitching to be a great hobby. It helps me relax while I am creating a work of art. This hobby can be relatively inexpensive, if you have a small budget or it can be pricey if you choose special fabrics and flosses. Even patterns can be costly if they are intricate and detailed. If you are a beginner, you may want to try a few kits before you branch out and buy a pattern and the necessary supplies to create a custom work of art.

1. Fabric - For beginners, light colors of either an 11-count or a 14-count Aida fabric will work best. Dark colors are a little more difficult to work with. Fabric that is not creased (rolled) is preferred over folded fabric. Once you become experienced you want to try to work with linen. A pattern will usually tell you exactly what type of fabric to purchase for the pictured design.

2. Floss - This can be purchased in skeins in most craft stores and cross stitch stores. Stick with one manufacturer for color consistency. A pattern will give you a list of color numbers and the number of skeins required to complete the project.

3. Needles - These can be bought by the variety pack with several sizes or a pack that contains only one size. Once you have become experienced, there are many needles you can experiment with. The beginner should use a number 24 tapestry needle for 11-count fabric and a number 26 tapestry needle for 14-count fabric.

4. Scissors - You will need 2 pair...a pair specifically for cutting fabric only. Purchase these in a fabric store. Fiskars are great for this purpose. A small pair that is sharp will be needed to cut the floss. These can be picked up at the dollar store for cheap and can easily be replaced when they become dull.

5. Hoop - These come in a number of sizes and styles. Beginners should stick with a small to medium size hoop constructed of plastic or wood. Once you become experienced, you may wish to switch to a larger frame. Or you may choose not to use a frame at all. It is important to keep your frame clean.

These are the supplies that will be necessary to complete cross stitch projects that are not in a kit. Most of these items give you are large number of options. Start out with the basics and begin to experiment with different items as you become more experienced. Have fun as you expand your horizons with needle art.

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