Cross-stitching is a delightful and relaxing hobby that lets you express your creativity with colorful designs and patterns. If you’re new to this craft, choosing the right kit can make all the difference in starting your stitching journey with ease and confidence. Whether you’re looking for a stress-relieving pastime, a thoughtful gift idea, or a fun way to decorate your space, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best cross-stitch kits for beginners that include everything you need to bring your crafty ideas to life. Let’s dive in and find the perfect kit for you!
Browse through the best counted, stamped, and patterned options for kids and adults.
Some days, crafting just makes sense. Not only do you (hopefully) make a beautiful final product to put on display, but the process itself can be a stress reliever. In fact, Michael’s found that 49% of Americans use crafts as a coping mechanism during difficult— albeit, stressful — times. Since it can be overwhelming to learn something new, turn to these cross-stitch kits for beginners if you’re looking for a creative way to bring much-needed relief. These kits, which are either kid-friendly or adult-approved, come with everything you need to create eye-catching designs, including embroidery hoops, cloth pieces, needles, and thread in different colors. Most of them have the patterns — whether it’s a bouquet of flowers, cartoon characters, or welcome phrases — printed directly on the cloth, allowing you to stitch directly on it like a stencil.
In some cases, these Amazon and Etsy finds are labeled as “embroidery kits,” but they call for the same cross-stitch method. FYI: Cross-stitch is a type of embroidery that uses uses x-shaped stitches (hence the name) and a tiled pattern to create a specific image. Because it’s more concise and counted, the end result has a more boxy look as opposed to other popular types of embroidery like needlepoint.
Now that you know the basics, browse through these best-selling, top-rated craft kits until you find one that catches your eye.
Invest in the basics — five embroidery hoops, 50 color threads, two cloth pieces, and cross-stitch tool kit — and then download free or affordable patterns to get a specific look.
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While they learn the basics of cross-stitch, they’ll unveil a mystical unicorn, which can be stitched in the thread colors of their choice. When it’s complete, they can tie a piece of string through the plastic loop and attach it to a gift bag, Christmas tree, or another spot in need of some magic.
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An adorable woodland scene is printed directly on this 9″ x 9″ cloth, so you can see exactly what you’re stitching as you move from one color to the next.
This pattern may look too intricate for your skill level, but it’s surprisingly simple to stitch: There is subtle colored outline on the cloth, so you can follow along. And if you get lost, just refer to the accompanying booklet, complete with step-by-step instructions.
5.Best Value (If You Really Want to Commit)
ENTHUR 3-Pack Cross-Stitch Starter Kit
If you prefer to have options (say, cacti versus flowers), then get more bang for your buck with this three-piece set. It comes with all the necessary tools, including three cloth pieces printed with a subtle outline for you to follow.
Disney fans of all ages will be able to tackle this small — or shall we say, minnie — craft. Along with its recognizable design, this kid-friendly kit only includes three thread colors, making it practically foolproof.
7.For Something Modern
CrossStitchKitsGifts Custom Text Cross-Stitch Kit
Send this Etsy seller a short phrase — “Welcome home,” for example — and they’ll create a custom pattern for you to bring to life with thread colors that match your space.
Working with a bigger canvas may work in your favor, especially if the tiny stitches are hard on your eyes. While the colors of the daises are pretty muted, the pre-printed canvas makes it easy to know what’s what.
9.For a Counted Approach
NickyBrungerCrafts Pastel Rainbow Heart Cross-Stitch Kit
Let the rainbow’s pattern lead the way by counting stitches from red to purple (or the other way around) until a heart is formed. If you lose your way, just count your stitches according to the kit’s directions, and pick up where you left off.
This embroidery kit almost hits intermediate territory, but it’s simple enough for anyone if you follow the directions to a tee. When it’s complete, you can blot the cloth with water to remove the printed pattern, if it’s still visible through the thread.
