Embroidery hoops
Hoops hold fabric taut. Wooden hoops can double as a frame for finished pieces; plastic spring hoops grip well for stitching. A 15–20cm hoop suits most beginner designs.
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Embroidery & cross-stitch supplies
Slow, soothing and very portable. A hoop, a needle and a few skeins of stranded cotton can keep you happily stitching through a whole winter of evenings.
Cross-stitch follows a chart of little squares, each one an X stitched on an evenweave fabric such as Aida. It's methodical and very relaxing. Freestyle embroidery uses a range of stitches (backstitch, satin stitch, French knots, lazy daisies) on plain fabric to create flowers, lettering and pictures.
Both use the same basic kit, and a modern kit is a great way to learn because the pattern, fabric and exact threads are all included.
Supplies to look for
Stranded cotton
Each length is made of six strands that you separate. Patterns tell you how many strands to use. Colour numbers are specific to each thread brand, so check any conversion chart.
Shop nowAida fabric
Aida's count is the number of squares per inch: 14 count is the classic beginner choice, 16 and 18 count give finer results.
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Tapestry needles (blunt) for cross-stitch on Aida; embroidery or crewel needles (sharp) for freestyle work on cotton or linen.
Shop nowCross-stitch kits
Everything in one bag. Check the finished size and fabric count; small kits are satisfying to finish quickly.
Shop nowEmbroidery kits
Modern kits often come with a printed design on the fabric, so you just follow the lines.
Shop nowBuying tips
- Use a water-soluble or heat-erasable pen to transfer designs, and test it on a scrap first.
- Wind thread onto card bobbins and label them with the colour number to avoid tangles.
- Good light makes a big difference; a daylight lamp helps with dark fabrics and fine counts.
- Start and finish threads by weaving under stitches on the back, rather than tying knots that can show through.
- Remove fabric from the hoop when you're not stitching to avoid hoop marks.
Good to know in the UK
A matter of words: in the UK we say stranded cotton or embroidery thread; American patterns and videos usually say floss. It's the same thing. Although the UK is metric, Aida and evenweave counts are always given per inch, and many charts give the finished size in both inches and centimetres.
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Just starting out? Read the beginners' guide or pick a weekend project.