Subscriptions

What's Inside Each Cross Stitch Subscription Box

Every subscription box is put together as a project in a box, so you can start stitching the day it arrives.

Inside you'll find a full cross stitch kit built around a design made for Caterpillar Club members and not sold anywhere else. That means pre-cut Zweigart 14-count aida, pre-sorted DMC stranded cotton on a thread holder, a tapestry needle, a colour printed pattern, and step-by-step instructions written for people who have never counted a stitch in their life.

On top of the kit, we tuck in three or four extra treats. These change from box to box, but they're usually a mix of stitching accessories that you might not have if you’re just starting out, like a needle minder,  and something more indulgent, like stationery or even a sweet treat to have with a cup of tea while you stitch.

Some subscription boxes include hoops and some don't, so have a look at the product page for the current box before you order. 

The box itself is eco-friendly and sized to fit through a standard letterbox, so there's no waiting in for a delivery or trekking to a collection point.

How the Caterpillar Club Cross Stitch Subscription Works

There are two ways to join, and the right one depends on how much you like committing to things.

Rolling Bimonthly Subscription

A new box every two months, posted out in February, April, June, August, October and December. You're charged every two months on the date you first signed up.

Nothing is locked in. You can skip a box if you're mid-project, pause your subscription if life gets busy, or cancel altogether whenever you like. Sign up for the bimonthly subscription.

12-Month Subscription

Six boxes, paid for upfront, at a saving on the rolling option.

We just want to be clear about this option: skipping and pausing aren't available on the 12-month plan. Paying upfront commits you to all six boxes, which is the trade-off for the lower price per box. If you know you'll stitch your way through them, it's the better value option. If you'd rather have a bit more flexibility, it’s best to go with the rolling plan. Take a look at the 12-month subscription.

Why Our Cross Stitch Subscription Box Arrives Every Two Months

Most cross stitch subscription boxes arrive monthly. That sounds generous right up until the third one turns up and you're still halfway through the first. This can cause some people to feel overwhelmed, or result in half finished projects because they’re too excited to see what’s in the next one.

We settled on two months because that's roughly how long a box takes to stitch for most people with jobs, families and washing to put away. It gives you time to actually finish something before the next one arrives, which means you get the satisfaction of a completed piece rather than a pile of good intentions in a drawer (we’ve all been there).

There's no shame in a stash of unstarted kits, and most of us have one. But a lot of stitchers tell us they've cancelled monthly subscriptions purely because they couldn't keep up, and felt a bit guilty about it. Two months takes that pressure off. If you're still behind, you can skip an upcoming box on the rolling plan and pick it back up when you're ready.

If you're weighing it all up, our blog post on whether cross stitch subscription boxes are worth it goes through the pros and cons properly.

Who a Cross Stitch Subscription Suits

If you're brand new to cross stitch, a subscription box takes away the bit that puts most people off: working out what to buy. You don't need to decide between 14 and 16-count aida, or wonder whether you need a size 24 or 26 needle. It's all in the box, sorted, with instructions. Our beginner kits are another good starting point if you'd rather try one kit first.

If you stitched years ago and fancy picking it back up, the designs are modern and colourful rather than the traditional samplers you might remember. A box every two months is a gentle way back in without committing to anything big.

And if you stitch all the time, the appeal is different. You get designs you wouldn't have chosen for yourself, which is how a lot of our members have found patterns they now love. No more scrolling for an hour looking for your next project.

Whichever camp you're in, you're not on your own with it, our Facebook community is full of stitchers who'll happily talk you through a tricky bit if you post a photo.

Cross Stitch Subscription Boxes as a Gift

A subscription makes a lovely present because it doesn't stop at the unwrapping. There's a project to start straight away and something else to look forward to a couple of months later.

It works particularly well for someone who already stitches and has a cupboard full of threads. Because the designs are made for Club members, they won't already own it, which is the tricky part of buying for anyone with a well-stocked stash.

If you're not sure they'd want a recurring subscription, a gift card lets them pick for themselves. 

Cross Stitch Subscription Box FAQs

Is the Caterpillar Club a monthly cross stitch subscription?

No, boxes arrive every two months rather than every month. We made that choice deliberately so you have time to finish one project before the next turns up. Boxes are posted in February, April, June, August, October and December.

What's in a cross stitch subscription box?

Each box contains a full cross stitch kit made for Club members: pre-cut Zweigart 14-count aida, pre-sorted DMC stranded cotton, a tapestry needle, a colour printed pattern and step-by-step instructions. You'll also get three or four extra treats, usually a mix of stitching accessories and something nice to enjoy alongside.

Can I skip or pause a box?

On the rolling bimonthly plan, yes. Skip a box, pause your subscription, or cancel whenever you like. On the 12-month plan, no, as paying upfront commits you to all six boxes.

Are the kits suitable for beginners?

Yes. Every design is built to be approachable whatever your experience, and the instructions assume no prior knowledge. If you do get stuck, there are thousands of stitchers in our Facebook group who'll help.

Are the designs available anywhere else?

Each box features a design created for Club members so you won’t find these available anywhere else other than our cross stitch subscription boxes.

Does every box include a hoop?

Not always. Some boxes include one and some don't, so check the product page for the current box before ordering. You can add one from our hoops and stands collection if you'd like to be sure.

Will the box fit through my letterbox?

Yes. The boxes are designed to fit through a standard UK letterbox, so you don't need to be at home when it's delivered.

Can I cancel my subscription?

On the rolling bimonthly plan you can cancel at any time. The 12-month plan is paid upfront and commits you to six boxes, so it can't be cancelled part way through.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

[VERIFY: the 12-month product page mentions worldwide delivery. Confirm which countries, what it costs, and whether the rolling plan ships internationally too, before this answer is written.]

Ready to Join the Caterpillar Club?

Have a look at both options above and pick whichever suits how you stitch. If you like the idea but aren't sure about committing, start with the rolling plan and see how you get on. You can always switch later.

Once you're in, come and say hello in our Facebook community and show us what you're working on. And if you're torn between the two plans, get in touch and we'll help you work out which one makes sense.