How to find your perfect cross stitch kit: Inspiration, ideas and tips from the experts
Looking to try a cross stitch kit? We’ve rounded up our favourite cross stitch kits, from seasonal delights to your favourite films and popular culture.
Thinking about a cross stitch kit? You’re in the right place! We’ve got everything from bright and modern cross stitch kits to traditional tapestries for special occasions.
If you’re looking for traditional stitching, you’ll find Christmas kits, new baby projects, wedding cross stitch and cross stitch cards for all occasions. If you’re after something a little more unusual then you’ll find Harry Potter, Star Wars and Disney kits for the modern stitcher!
Whatever project you are looking for we can wholeheartedly recommend a cross stitch kit. They contain everything you need and you simply get to crack on with the fun part - the stitching!
Jump to:
- Cross stitch kits for beginners
- Modern cross stitch kits
- Counted cross stitch kits
- Printed cross stitch kits
- Wedding cross stitch kits
- Baby cross stitch kits
- Christmas cross stitch kits
- Star Wars cross stitch kits
- Harry Potter cross stitch kits
- Kids cross stitch kits
- Cross stitch card kits
- Cushion cross stitch kits
How to find your perfect cross stitch kit
Why choose a cross stitch kit?
A cross stitch kit is a great choice for both new and experienced stitchers. For a beginner, a kit will allow you to get stuck right into a project without having to source the correct materials individually.
For a seasoned stitcher, a kit can be a relaxing alternative to searching through a stash of threads and fabric, instead, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Cross stitch kits also make fantastic gifts. Often they are packaged beautifully, so can be given straight to the lucky recipient. It’s a fab gift, as a beginner kit can be picked up by almost anybody - no experience necessary.
What’s inside a cross stitch kit?
Inside a cross stitch kit, you’ll typically find all of the materials you need to finish your chosen project this usually includes:
- Threads
- Fabric
- Chart and guide
- Needles
- Finishing materials
Sometimes kits will include other items too, like an embroidery hoop, a pair of scissors or a needle threader. These are less common though so keep an eye on the contents list before you buy.
Where to start? Cross stitch kits for beginners!
We’ll start simple with these cross stitch kits for beginners. Each contains an easy cross stitch pattern and the materials you need, plus they often include a beginner's guide too.
You might be wondering; how do I know if it is suitable for beginners? Most cross stitch kits will say which ability level it is suitable for but it’s not always easy to tell.
Types of stitches used
One way you can tell is by looking at the types of stitches used. You want to look out for designs that use whole cross stitch only (that’s the basic ‘X’). This omits designs with Backstitch and fractionals, which can be challenging for a beginner, and make the process less enjoyable.
More like this
Thread colour number
You can also want to look out for kits that don’t use too many thread colours. Although they’re pretty, lots of colours in a design means lots of changing threads. This can be frustrating if you are trying to find your flow.
Aida size
A final note we’ll make is the size of the aida – as a general rule you shouldn’t go any higher than a 14-count aida for a beginner. The higher the count the smaller the holes and the more complex the stitching will be. Sticking with a lower count will be easier and quicker to stitch.
Cross stitch = old-fashioned? We think not! Modern cross stitch kits
We know that sometimes when people think of cross stitching they associate it with being a little stuffy or ‘old-fashioned’ but our contemporary cross stitch collection disagrees!
The rise of contemporary stitchers has resulted in an increase in demand for modern designs. If this resonates with you, we have a whole round-up of modern cross stitch kits for you to browse.
It’s jam-packed with bold, bright and beautiful designs! Each kit on the list has been hand-picked by us, and there’s a range of kits suitable for all stitching abilities.
Counted vs printed: Counted cross stitch kits
Counted cross stitch kits? You might be wondering what that means. There are two main types of cross stitch kits. With one, you use a chart and blank fabric (counted cross stitch), while with the other, the fabric is pre-printed with the design (printed cross stitch).
Whilst the latter might appeal to complete beginners as you don't have to worry about reading a cross stitch chart, it is much more useful in the long run to learn counted cross stitch. The reason is that most cross stitch projects use the counted method, especially those available for free on Gathered!
What is a printed cross stitch kit?
Printed cross stitch kits are designs that are printed directly onto the aida or fabric, which means you do not need to use a chart. You are more restricted on designs, but it is a great way to learn if you just want to focus on your stitches themselves.
We have a round-up of our favourite printed cross stitch kits for you to browse!
Wedding cross stitch kits: A unique way to say congratulations!
It’s almost like cross stitch was made to be given as a wedding gift! They are thoughtful, personal and last a lifetime. These wedding cross stitch kits are the perfect way to honour the special couple.
There’s a range of styles included, ranging from traditional tapestry kits to cute animal-inspired hoops. Take a look and find the one that suits the newlyweds!
Welcome little one! Baby cross stitch kits
We know cross stitch is timeless and can become an heirloom, so what better gift for new parents than one of these gorgeous baby cross stitch kits?
We’ve got a range of birth samplers, nursery decorations, and even bibs! The great thing about most of these kits is that they can be personalised. This means you can add the name, date of birth, weight and anything else significant.
This round-up contains a mixture of kits and patterns so make sure you check the details before buying!
A gift that will last a lifetime: Christmas cross stitch kits
Curling up on the sofa with a cosy cross stitch is just what you need on cold winter nights! There’s plenty of ways to feel festive with cross stitch, from hoops to stockings to Christmas cards.
In our round-up of the best Christmas cross stitch kits you’ll find a variety of projects suited to a range of stitching levels. You’ll find everything from mini makes for last-minute gifts, to large tapestries.
May the force be with… cross stitch: Star Wars cross stitch kits
One for you Star Wars fans out there. You’ll find a range of Star Wars cross stitch kits celebrating this legendary franchise. Discover vintage movie posters to dancing Storm Troopers – there’s something for everyone.
Getting inspiration from your favourite movie or TV show is a great way to motivate your stitching as you can enjoy bringing your favourite characters to life.
’Hukana Matata’: Disney cross stitch kits
‘It means no worries!’ Talking about favourite franchises, we must include Disney! With such a vast array of movies and TV shows the possibilities are really limitless in terms of inspiration. If you want to narrow it down a tad though, we have listed our top Disney cross stitch kits.
You’ll find all the favourites, with projects inspired by The Lion King, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast and Toy Story! With a mixture of classic and current Disney inspiration, we're sure you’ll find something you love on our list.
Welcome to the wizarding world! Harry Potter cross stitch kits
Harry Potter is a favourite of many and a wonderful inspiration for your next cross stitch! Since the franchise is so huge you’ll never run out of ideas.
With designs including the Hogwarts Express, Dobby the Elf, Hedwig and even Lego Harry Potter there’s something for every house!
Check out the magical round-up of Harry Potter cross stitch kits to begin your Hogwarts journey today. This round-up includes both kits and patterns, so keep an eye out for this before you buy!
Simple cross stitch: Kids cross stitch kits
Trying to get the kids off the TV or iPad? Give them a kids cross stitch kit, which will nurture their creativity!
When it comes to kids’ cross stitch, keep things simple. Start them with a low-count aida (large holes to stitch into) and they’ll soon get the hang of it. Make sure you choose a bold, bright design that uses only whole cross stitch.
Another top tip is to get a kit which contains a plastic aida. It’s easier for little hands to hold than fabric aida.
Aida, evenweave, linen? Where to start with cross stitch fabrics
When you’re new to cross stitch the fabric can be confusing! Take a look at our quick reference guide to cross stitch fabric, and easily find everything you need to know.
Send a thoughtful message: Cross stitch card kits
Creating a card from your cross stitch is a popular way to turn your cross stitch into a thoughtful gesture. Cross stitch cards are ideal for all sorts of occasions, from birthdays to weddings and everything in between!
Getting a card kit is so much easier than sourcing the materials yourself. You don’t have to worry about getting the right size card and envelope for your card. Our round-up of cross stitch card kits contains a variety of designs for a variety of occasions!
Cross stitch cushion kits that will add a touch of homemade to your space
Creating a cushion from your cross stitch is such a creative way to display your work! Plus you’ll have an amazing addition to your decor and a definite talking point for guests! (Careful though or they’ll all be asking for one!).
In our round-up of cross stitch cushion kits, most of the kits contain everything you’ll need to finish the front of the cushion. They often include a fabric backing and zipper to assemble your cushion.
The only thing they do not include is the cushion filling, for obvious reasons (the package in the post would be huge!), so you’ll have to source that separately.
Cross stitch kits - the convenient little package right to your door!
There’s something so satisfying about receiving a cross stitch kit in the post. Opening the neat little box and seeing all of the materials carefully picked out for you is a thing of joy!
A cross stitch kit is a great way to get started, as you don’t have to worry about sourcing the right materials yourself, and you can just get stuck into the fun bit - stitching!
They also make fabulous gifts! A beginner cross stitch kit can be picked up by just about anyone. It’s one of the easiest crafts to pick up as a beginner.
All that’s left is for you to choose what theme you’d like to go for, and await your package in the post!
Got your favourite cross stitch kit? What’s next?
For those eager to keep expanding their kit and knowledge, check out the best accessories for cross stitching and find out how to start building your own kit!
Authors
Katie Dolan edits our needlework sections, focusing on our embroidery and cross stitch articles, as well as making videos for our arts and crafts projects. Katie runs her jewellery business, Ophelia Jewellery Art, on Etsy, where she sells beautiful resin-pressed flower earrings. She has a wide range of craft interests including embroidery – she particularly loves all things pop culture and a less traditional approach – The Simpsons and Rick & Morty are among her favourites to embroider. She has recently completed a silversmith workshop and hopes to expand her jewellery business with these new skills. When she’s not crafting, she’s usually fuelling her Harry Potter addiction with a Sunday film marathon and a couple of butter beers!
