Cross Stitch Supplies: Complete Guide to Materials & Tools
Everything you need to know about cross stitch supplies - from essential fabrics and threads to specialty tools and storage solutions
Cross Stitch Fabric Types
The fabric you choose affects the look, size, and difficulty of your project. Cross stitch fabrics are categorized by their thread count - the number of threads (or holes) per inch.
Aida Cloth - Best for Beginners
Aida is the most popular cross stitch fabric, featuring a visible grid of holes that makes counting stitches easy. The stiff weave holds tension well and is very forgiving for learners.
Large & Easy
11 stitches per inch. Great for children, beginners, or quick projects. Produces larger finished pieces. Best with 3 strands of floss.
Most Popular
14 stitches per inch. The standard for most patterns. Good balance of detail and ease. Best with 2 strands of floss.
Medium Detail
16 stitches per inch. More detail than 14-count, still comfortable for most stitchers. Best with 2 strands.
Fine Detail
18 stitches per inch. Smaller stitches for detailed designs. Requires good lighting. Best with 1-2 strands.
Evenweave Fabric - Intermediate Level
Evenweave has the same number of threads running horizontally and vertically, but without Aida's pronounced grid. Popular brands include Lugana, Jobelan, and Monaco.
- Softer hand and drape than Aida
- Typically stitched over 2 threads (28-count evenweave = same size as 14-count Aida)
- Available in many colors and materials
- Better for projects displayed without frames
Linen - Traditional Choice
Linen is the traditional fabric for heirloom cross stitch. Made from flax fibers, it has a beautiful natural texture and drape. Belfast, Dublin, and Cashel are popular linen types.
- Natural fiber with beautiful texture
- Slightly uneven weave adds character
- More challenging to stitch - not ideal for beginners
- Highly durable and improves with age
- Stitched over 2 threads like evenweave
Specialty & Decorative Fabrics
Waste Canvas
Temporary grid fabric for cross stitching on non-evenweave items like clothing, bags, or towels. Remove threads after stitching.
Plastic Canvas
Rigid plastic mesh for 3D projects like ornaments, boxes, and coasters. Won't fray and holds shape.
Perforated Paper
Stiff paper with punched holes for bookmarks, cards, and ornaments. Easy to cut into shapes.
Hand-Dyed Fabric
Unique variegated fabrics from indie dyers like Picture This Plus and Lakeside Linens. Beautiful backgrounds.
Cross Stitch Thread & Floss
Thread is where your design comes to life. The right thread makes stitching easier and your finished piece more beautiful.
Cotton Embroidery Floss - The Standard
Six-strand cotton floss is the most common thread for cross stitch. Each skein contains 6 loosely twisted strands that you separate based on your fabric count.
DMC
France
The global standard with 500+ colors. Consistent quality, widely available, and used in most patterns. Color numbers are universal.
- Most patterns list DMC colors
- Available everywhere
- Colorfast and washable
Anchor
UK
Similar quality to DMC with 444 colors. Some prefer its slightly softer twist. Popular in Europe and UK.
- Slightly different color palette
- Conversion charts available
- Good alternative to DMC
Cosmo
Japan
Japanese brand with beautiful, slightly muted colors. Silkier feel than DMC. Growing in popularity.
- Unique color palette
- Smooth, silky texture
- Less tangling
Hand-Dyed & Specialty Threads
Hand-dyed threads add depth and interest with subtle color variations. Popular for samplers, nature designs, and adding dimension.
Weeks Dye Works
Overdyed cotton floss with beautiful color transitions. Over 300 colors. Great for leaves, skies, and textures.
Classic Colorworks
Hand-dyed floss with subtle variations. Formerly Gentle Art Sampler Threads. Perfect for primitive and folk designs.
The Gentle Art
Soft, muted hand-dyed colors ideal for samplers and vintage-style pieces. Smooth stitching experience.
Valdani
Variegated threads in cotton and pearl cotton. Available in 3-strand and 6-strand options.
Need to Convert Thread Colors?
Use our free conversion tools:
Specialty Thread Types
Pearl Cotton
Non-divisible twisted thread in sizes 3, 5, 8, and 12. Creates raised, textured stitches. Good for backstitch and outlines.
Silk Floss
Luxurious sheen for special projects. Brands like Silk Mill and Au Ver a Soie. More expensive but beautiful results.
Metallic Thread
Adds sparkle to designs. DMC Light Effects and Kreinik are popular. Can be tricky to stitch - use short lengths.
Rayon Floss
High sheen, silk-like appearance at lower cost. More slippery than cotton - takes practice.
Cross Stitch Needles
The right needle makes stitching comfortable and efficient. Cross stitch uses tapestry needles - blunt-tipped needles that slip between fabric threads without piercing them.
Tapestry Needles - Essential for Cross Stitch
Tapestry needles have a blunt, rounded tip and a large eye for threading multiple strands. They're sized in reverse - higher numbers are smaller needles.
Other Needle Types for Cross Stitch
Embroidery/Crewel Needles
Sharp-tipped with large eyes. Used for backstitch, French knots, and specialty stitches that need to pierce fabric.
Beading Needles
Very thin, long needles for adding seed beads to designs. Essential if your pattern includes beadwork.
Petite Needles
Shorter length for stitchers who prefer smaller needles. Same sizes, just not as long.
Gold-Plated Needles
Smoother glide through fabric, won't tarnish or discolor thread. Worth the upgrade for frequent stitchers.
Embroidery Hoops & Frames
Keeping fabric taut is essential for even stitches and accurate counting. Choose based on project size, stitching style, and personal preference.
Embroidery Hoops
The classic choice - two nested rings that sandwich and tension your fabric. Available in wood, plastic, and specialty materials.
Wooden Hoops
Traditional choice with good grip. Inner ring often wrapped with fabric or bias tape to prevent slipping. Available 3" to 12"+.
- Classic appearance
- Can double as display frame
- May leave marks on fabric
- Affordable starting price
Plastic Hoops
Lightweight and won't snag thread. Some have lip edges for better grip. Spring tension models available.
- No thread snagging
- Easy to clean
- Lighter weight
- Less likely to mark fabric
Spring Tension Hoops
Metal spring mechanism for quick fabric changes. No screw adjustment needed. Popular brand: Susan Bates.
- Fast to set up
- Consistent tension
- Great for small projects
- Easy to move around fabric
Q-Snaps & Snap Frames
Plastic frames with PVC pipe corners and clamps. Fabric stays flatter than hoops and won't leave ring marks.
Pros
- No round hoop marks
- Easy to grip edges
- Can attach to stands
- Multiple size options (6x6 to 17x17)
Cons
- Bulkier than hoops
- Can be harder to get tight tension
- More expensive than basic hoops
Scroll Frames & Floor Stands
For large projects, scroll frames keep fabric rolled and tensioned. Attached to floor or lap stands for hands-free stitching.
Scroll Frames
Two rods with fabric attached, held by side bars. Roll to move through large pieces. Sizes 6" to 24" wide.
Lap Stands
Hold hoops or frames in your lap or on a table. Frees both hands for faster stitching. Portable options available.
Floor Stands
Full height stands for comfortable seated stitching. Adjustable height and angle. Investment piece for serious stitchers.
Seat Frames
Sit on the base to hold frame steady. Highly portable - great for stitching groups and travel.
Scissors & Cutting Tools
Sharp, precise scissors are essential for clean thread cuts and professional results. Invest in quality scissors and keep them dedicated to your stitching.
Embroidery Scissors
Small (3-4"), sharp-pointed scissors for cutting thread close to fabric. The most-used tool in your kit. Popular styles include stork scissors and curved-tip scissors.
- Sharp, fine points
- 3-4 inch length
- Comfortable finger holes
Fabric Scissors
Larger scissors (7-8") for cutting fabric to size. Keep these separate from your household scissors - paper dulls blades quickly.
- Sharp, long blades
- Comfortable grip
- Dedicated to fabric only
Thread Snips
Spring-action snips for quick, one-handed thread cutting. Squeeze to cut, release to open. Fast and efficient for production stitching.
- One-handed operation
- Quick cuts
- Great for travel
Specialty Cutters
Thread cutters that hang on a cord, rotary cutters for fabric, and seam rippers for removing unwanted stitches.
- Pendant thread cutters
- Rotary cutters
- Seam rippers
Lighting & Magnification
Good lighting prevents eye strain and helps you see each stitch clearly. This is often overlooked but makes a huge difference in comfort and accuracy.
Daylight Lamps
Full-spectrum bulbs that mimic natural daylight. Essential for accurate color matching and reduced eye strain. LED options are energy efficient and stay cool.
Magnifier Lamps
Combine lighting with magnification for detailed work. Floor-standing or clamp-on models available. Essential for high-count fabrics and aging eyes.
Portable Options
Rechargeable book lights, clip-on LEDs, and travel-friendly options for stitching on the go or in dim rooms.
Magnification Aids
Hands-free magnifiers, magnifying glasses, and clip-on lens attachments. Helpful for fine fabrics and detailed patterns.
Lighting Tips
- Position light to the left if right-handed (and vice versa) to avoid shadows
- Use two light sources to eliminate shadows completely
- Take regular breaks - every 20-30 minutes, look at something distant
- Match lighting to your stitching time (daylight bulbs for evening stitching)
Storage & Organization
An organized workspace saves time and protects your investment in supplies. From thread storage to project bags, the right organization system keeps everything accessible.
Thread Storage
Floss Bobbins
Wind skeins onto cardboard or plastic bobbins. Write color numbers on each. Store in compartment boxes sorted by number or color family.
Floss Cards/Organizers
Project-specific cards that hold just the colors you need. Pre-punch holes and loop cut lengths through them.
Binder Systems
Plastic sleeves with pockets for bobbins in 3-ring binders. Easy to flip through and see all colors at once.
Thread Boxes
Compartmented boxes from craft stores. Deep boxes for full skeins, shallow boxes for wound bobbins.
Project Storage
Project Bags
Zippered pouches or drawstring bags sized for projects in progress. Keep fabric, threads, and tools together.
Binder Portfolios
Store patterns, fabric swatches, and notes for each project. Add sleeves for bobbins and small tools.
Rolling Carts
Multi-tiered carts keep everything accessible. One level per project or by supply type.
Acid-Free Tissue
Wrap finished pieces and works in progress in acid-free tissue to prevent yellowing and dust.
Needle & Tool Storage
Needle Books
Felt or fabric pages to store needles by size. Some include pocket for threader and small scissors.
Magnetic Needle Cases
Keeps needles secure and prevents loss. Travel-friendly and prevents needles from scattering.
Tool Pouches
Roll-up or zippered pouches for scissors, threaders, and small tools. Keep tools together and protected.
Pin Cushions
Keep working needles handy. Some include emery for cleaning needles. Wrist-mounted options available.
Optional Cross Stitch Accessories
These extras aren't essential but can make stitching more enjoyable and efficient. Great gift ideas for stitchers too!
Needle Minders
Magnetic holders that stick to fabric and hold your needle when not in use. Available in countless decorative designs. A stitcher favorite!
Thread Conditioner
Thread Heaven or beeswax reduces tangling and static. Especially helpful with metallics and silks. Run thread through before stitching.
Needle Threaders
Wire loop threaders for easy needle threading. Automatic threaders available for those with vision challenges. Saves frustration!
Pattern Keepers
Magnetic boards with rulers for tracking your place in patterns. Digital apps also available. Essential for complex designs.
Laying Tools
Trolley needles or tekobari for keeping thread strands parallel. Creates flatter, more even coverage. Used with "railroad" technique.
Marking Tools
Water-soluble pens, air-erasable markers, and gridding thread. Mark center lines and boundaries. Always test on scrap fabric first.
Bobbin Winders
Manual or electric winders for quick, even bobbin winding. Saves time when organizing large thread collections.
Daylight Simulator
Handheld color-correcting viewer for accurate color matching. Helpful when stitching under artificial light.
Beginner Starter Kit Recommendations
Starting out? Here's exactly what you need for your first cross stitch project - nothing more, nothing less.
Essential Beginner Kit
14-Count White Aida
One 12x12 inch piece - enough for your first several projects
DMC Embroidery Floss
Start with 5-10 colors for your first pattern, or buy as needed
Size 24 Tapestry Needles
Pack of 5-6 needles - you'll lose some!
6-Inch Embroidery Hoop
Wood or plastic - either works fine for beginners
Small Sharp Scissors
Any small, sharp scissors work - embroidery scissors are ideal
Simple Pattern
Start with under 50 stitches and 3-5 colors
Estimated cost: $15-30 for individual supplies, or $20-40 for a pre-made kit
Want Everything in One Package?
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Shop Custom KitsQuality vs Budget: Where to Invest
Not all supplies need to be premium. Here's where quality matters most and where you can save.
Cross Stitch Supplies FAQ
What supplies do I need to start cross stitching?
At minimum: 14-count Aida fabric, embroidery floss (DMC recommended), size 24 tapestry needles, a 6-inch hoop, small scissors, and a simple pattern. You can start for $15-30.
What's the difference between Aida and evenweave?
Aida has a distinct grid with obvious holes, making it easier for beginners. Evenweave has a finer, softer weave where you stitch over 2 threads. A 28-count evenweave equals 14-count Aida in finished size.
How many strands of floss should I use?
For 14-count Aida: 2 strands. For 11-count: 3 strands. For 18-count: 1-2 strands. The goal is full coverage without the fabric showing through.
What size needle for cross stitch?
Size 24 tapestry needles work for most projects on 14-count Aida. Use size 26 for finer fabrics (16-18 count), size 22 for larger holes (11-count).
Is DMC or Anchor thread better?
Both are high quality. DMC is more widely available and most patterns use DMC numbers. Anchor has a slightly different color palette. Either works great.
Do I need an embroidery hoop?
Highly recommended. Hoops keep fabric taut for even stitches and easier counting. Some experienced stitchers work without one, but beginners should use a hoop.
What's the best cross stitch fabric for beginners?
14-count white or cream Aida cloth. The grid is easy to see, holes are a good size, and it's affordable for practice projects.
How do I store embroidery floss?
Wind onto plastic or cardboard bobbins, label with the color number, and store in compartmented boxes sorted by number. Keep away from light and humidity.
Can I use regular sewing needles for cross stitch?
No - sewing needles are sharp and will split the fabric threads. Tapestry needles have blunt tips that slip between threads without damaging them.
What's the difference between tapestry and embroidery needles?
Tapestry needles have blunt tips for counted thread work like cross stitch. Embroidery needles have sharp tips for surface embroidery and backstitch. You may need both.
Where can I buy cross stitch supplies?
Craft stores (Michael's, Joann, Hobby Lobby), specialty needlework shops, and online retailers (Amazon, 123Stitch, Everything Cross Stitch). Local quilt shops often carry supplies too.
How much fabric do I need?
Add 3-4 inches to each side of your finished design for framing margins and hoop room. Use our fabric calculator for precise measurements.
Ready to Start Your Cross Stitch Journey?
Create a custom cross stitch kit from your favorite photo - we include all the supplies you need, pre-sorted and ready to stitch.