Embroidery & Cross Stitch

Embroidery hoops and frames, stranded cotton and pearl threads, aida and evenweave fabric, embroidery and tapestry needles, needle minders, thread organisers and cross stitch and embroidery kits for beginners and confident stitchers.

Getting started: 14-count aida is the usual starting point for cross stitch; stranded cotton has six strands that you separate (two strands is common on 14-count); use a blunt tapestry needle for aida and a sharp embroidery needle for free embroidery.

Read cross stitch for beginners.

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How to choose embroidery and cross stitch supplies

Choose your fabric first, because the fabric decides stitch size, needle type and how many strands of thread to use. Aida suits counted cross stitch; plain-weave cotton or linen suits freehand surface embroidery.

• Aida count is the number of stitches per inch: 11 or 14 count is easiest on the eyes for beginners.
• Six-strand embroidery cotton separates, so you can stitch with two strands for fine lines or more for bolder fills.
• Use blunt tapestry needles for cross stitch and sharp crewel needles for surface embroidery.
• A hoop slightly larger than the design keeps fabric taut without crushing finished stitches.