Share your Cross Stitch Gadgets!

Share the tools and gadgets that you use for your cross stitching :D
I am a newbie and i want to get started! Thank you

Bettsp

Bettsp 2020-6-17 21:51
I have attached a photo of my current project.  The cloth is on the frame so that the working side  ...

Thanks.  I have borrowed a sewing machine so my next project will have zig zag edges.

Sylvana

For cross stitching start with a piece of aida 5.5 per cm, a good cross stitch needle, a hoop plastic or a wooden and choose a very easy pattern to stitch. Choose the colors you like or named on the chart.
Use DMC colors, I did it when I starded on advise, if you must wash it, the colors keep as before.

Bettsp

Bettsp 2020-6-17 01:43
I would start with a stamped cross stitch sampler which includes all you need to get started includi ...

My projects are primarily Christmas Stockings, I have however done a number of other projects the largest being a picture that was about 61 cm x 61 cm.  I always mark the middle of my project on the cloth and start from there.  A good frame that will hold the cloth taunt is important.  I also put my cloth in the frame so that the working side is protected as much as possible from being touched.

KatharinaV-NL

My advice to any beginner: Invest in good needles for :D more fun and easier stitching!
- Price equals quality.
- Many needles come from the Entaco factory in the United Kingdom. E.g. John James, DMC etc.
- Blunt needles for cross stitches
- Sharp for fractals and other stitches.
- A cross stitch needle must be at least as long as the width of your index finger + middle finger. Do some experimenting with several lengths. Find out your own preferent needle-length.
- Cross stitch needles vary in thickness sizes e.g 22-24-26 depending on the count of your fabric.
- The eye of the needle must be larger than the eye of a sewing needle.
- If the needle feels rough, take a bit of silver polish and polish it. That makes it smoother and tackles any discolouration of the metal.
- If you like Permin guilded needles: nice! But the gold comes off eventually. Just polish your needle and it lasts a lifetime again.

And a last :) non-needle tip:
If you start buying cross stitch materials, think of a style or colour you like.
There is a lot of stuff out there. Try to buy everything in your favorite colour or modern style or romantic style or retro.
That way your tools look more organized in the end.

Good luck and loaoaoaoads of fun with your stitching!

DiX

If youre just starting, you do not need any special tools. Suppose, Ill show you my huge hoops, and you will buy them. But what if you will never stitch huge projects?

Buy small hoops, buy a small kit (I think, kits better for beginners) and try. And you will discover your own preferences. Some prefer round hoops, but some use Q-snaps. Do you know now what exactly do you prefer? ;)

hamaratanne

Stitching using hoop is easier for a newbea, a color pattern will help. Choose 14 count aida for the first time.  Enjoy.

Bettsp

I would start with a stamped cross stitch sampler which includes all you need to get started including a hoop.  Then as you get comfortable move to a small counted cross stitch sampler where the pattern in not printed on the cloth.  I prefer patterns that are color blocks or symbols and color blocks, I find them easier than black and white symbols, especially when you get to backstitching.  Enjoy what ever you choose to do.  Ive been cross stitching for over 30 years now and I find it very relaxing.

Sarahdon

KatharinaV-NL 2020-6-17 03:02
My advice to any beginner: Invest in good needles for  more fun and easier stitching!
- Price equa ...

You are God sent! Thank you.....:D:D

Sarahdon

Bettsp 2020-6-17 02:43
I would start with a stamped cross stitch sampler which includes all you need to get started includi ...

Lovely:) Thank you...

Sarahdon

hamaratanne 2020-6-16 15:46
Stitching using hoop is easier for a newbea, a color pattern will help. Choose 14 count aida for the ...

Good advice... Thank you mate! :D

Sarahdon

Bettsp 2020-6-17 02:43
I would start with a stamped cross stitch sampler which includes all you need to get started includi ...

any tips on large projects without grids?:)

hamaratanne

Sarahdon 2020-6-17 07:15
any tips on large projects without grids?

start from left lower corner or right upper corner. But before starting a large project at least make a small project to test your stitches.