Cross-Stitch Supplies for a Small First Project
What each supply does and how to choose it for a small beginner design.
Supplies
| Item | What it does | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Aida cloth | Gridded fabric with one square per stitch | 14-count, white or cream. A 6 in (15 cm) square is enough for any small motif here |
| Evenweave fabric | Finer grid, stitched over two threads | 28-count, once you are comfortable with Aida |
| Tapestry needles | Blunt tip slides through the holes | Size 24 for 14-count. Buy a small pack |
| Embroidery floss | Six-strand cotton, separated to 2 strands | Only the colours in the chart key |
| Embroidery scissors | Trim thread close to the fabric | Small with sharp points |
| Hoop or frame | Holds fabric flat and taut | A 4 or 5 in (10 or 13 cm) hoop. Optional on stiff Aida |
| Pattern | Tells you where each stitch goes | Printed is easiest because you can mark it. Digital works if you can zoom |
| Needle minder or needle book | Keeps the needle safe when you stop | A magnet pair, or simply park the needle in the fabric margin |
| Fabric marker and lighting | Optional aids | A water-soluble pen for grid lines. A daylight lamp or clip-on magnifier helps on higher counts |
Choosing for a small project
Pick a design under 30 stitches wide with five colours or fewer. Buy a small piece of 14-count Aida, one skein of each colour and a pack of size 24 needles. One skein is far more than a small motif needs.