A Beginner’s Guide to Cross Stitch Accessories: What You Really Need
Having the right cross stitch accessories and tools can make a huge difference to how smoothly your project goes, but also the end result of your cross stitch pattern.
Whether you’re a complete beginner to cross stitch and are wondering what supplies you need, or you’re a seasoner cross stitcher looking to replenish your accessories, we’ve put together this useful guide to help you choose the right cross stitch accessories and tools for you.
This handy video which talks you through the must-have accessories which will make the start to your cross-stitch journey even simpler.
Must-Have Cross Stitch Accessories
1. Embroidery Hoops or Frames
Keeping your fabric taut is essential for achieving even stitches. Using accessories like hoops and frames will prevent puckering and make stitching more comfortable.
- Embroidery Hoops: Ideal for smaller projects and are easy to handle.
- Stitching Frames: Perfect for larger or counted cross stitch accessories, reducing the need for repositioning
2. High-Quality Needles
Choosing the right needles you need for cross stitching is crucial to making sure the end result is good. Tapestry needles with blunt tips are best for cross-stitching, as they glide easily through the fabric without splitting the threads.
- Size 24 Needles: Best for 14-count Aida and 28 count Evenweave fabric.
- Size 26 Needles: Best for 16-count Aida and 32 count Evenweave fabric.
- Gold-Plated Needles: Reduce friction and prevent tarnishing for a smoother stitch.
3. Thread Holders
Managing embroidery floss can be a bit challenging if you don’t have them organised properly. Thread holders and organisers are great for keeping your colours sorted and preventing tangling.
- Floss Bobbins & Rings: Store pre-cut threads neatly.
- Thread Cards: Ideal for separating floss for projects on the go.
- Thread Holders: Perfect for storing pre-cut threads and reusable time and time again.
4. Embroidery Scissors
Sharp embroidery scissors are essential for cutting threads properly without any loose ends. Choose small, sharp-pointed scissors for easy access to tight spots.
- Stork Scissors: A classic and stylish choice that’s popular with cross stitchers of all experience levels.
- Curved Tip Scissors: Help cut close to fabric without fraying for more precision.
5. Needle Minders
Needle minders help keep track of your needle, preventing it from getting lost in fabric or on furniture. Simple but essential, these magnetic accessories are the perfect cross stitch storage solution for your needles since they hold your needles in place when you’re not using them. They come in a range of colours and designs, so you can choose the perfect ones to complement your pattern or personal taste. And what's more, you can save £4.50 when you buy 3.
6. Aida Fabric & Evenweave
Choosing the right fabric makes a big difference to the outcome of your project. Aida fabric is the most common choice for beginners due to its easy-to-see holes, while evenweave is preferred for advanced stitchers looking for a finer finish.
Fabric is available in different 'counts', which also means 'holes per inch'.
- 14 count aida - means that there are 14 holes/squares per inch of the fabric.
- 16 count aida - means that there are 16 holes/squares per inch and so, the squares or ‘crosses’ you stitch will be smaller than those on a 14 count aida.
7. Lighting & Magnifiers
Proper lighting is crucial for reducing eye strain and ensuring accuracy when cross stitching.
- Daylight Lamps: Provide natural-looking light for long stitching sessions.
- Clip-on Magnifiers: Help with detailed work on fine-count fabric.
8. Pattern Keepers
Keeping track of progress on a counted cross stitch pattern is easier with digital or physical pattern keepers.
- Printed Pattern Holders: Keep your patterns upright and easy to reference.
- Digital Pattern Apps: Allow for zooming and colour-coding for easy tracking.
9. Planners
Once you've got the cross-stitching bug and have multiple projects in work at any one time, a planner can be a really useful accessory to help keep track of where you're at.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do I need for cross stitch?
If you’re just starting with building your cross stitch accessories and supplies, you don’t need to spend lots of money buying the latest equipment. Just a few simple things to get you started will suffice. So, if you follow the tips above by making sure you have some good storage, some quality scissors, and the right needles, this is a good place to build from.
Why is an embroidery hoop or frame important for cross-stitching?
Although not essential for your cross stitch project, a hoop or frame can help increase the quality of your pattern because it’s easier to hold the thread taut whilst you’re stitching.
What types of scissors are best for cross-stitch?
The type of scissors you use for cross stitching will depend on the project you’re working on. Stork scissors are a good all-round option that work with many projects and are a good choice for those just starting out. Curved tip scissors are great for when more precision is required, such as removing loose thread ends or when very clean cuts are needed,
Are thread organisers necessary, and how do they help?
While these are not essential, they certainly do help. Thread organisers are a good way of storing your cross stitch threads in one place where you can easily access them and where they won’t become entangled.
Explore More Cross Stitch Accessories
For more cross stitch tools and accessories from Caterpillar Cross Stitch and browse our collections:
