The Beginner's Cross Stitch Checklist

Have you been wanting to start this amazing hobby that is cross stitch, but you have no idea where to start?

Ordering a kit is a great way to get all the supplies you need shipped right to you.  But what about all the other odds and ends that you need, like for storage and hoarding?  Well lucky for you, I created this checklist to help you check off all these must have items for you to begin your cross stitch journey.

Welcome the dark side!

*Click Here to Get the PDF*

So this is great and all...but what are some of these things?

You don't think I would just throw this at you without some explanation, do you?  Let's break this down...

• Tapestry Needles - I would start out with size 24.  It's easy to thread and works well with size 14 count aida.  For smaller count fabrics (16 and up) you can use a size 26 and for large counts, use size 22.
  
  
• Embroidery Scissors - Choose small and cute ones!  Get multiples because I promise you’ll lose at least one pair.
  
  
• Embroidery Floss - DMC is the most common brand and easily accessible at all craft stores.  If you’re on a budget, you can try CXC which is the “Made in China” version of DMC.  Or splurge on specialty floss!
  
  
• Aida Cloth - 14 count is the most popular and easiest  to work with. Most patterns are designed around 14 count fabric.  You can also find 16, 18, 20, 25, 28 and 32 counts.
  
  
• Storage Box - You’ll need one or 10 of these to store your floss once it’s wound on your bobbins.  Keep them in order by color or number, sort them by projects, whatever keeps your work more organized for you!
  
  
• Bobbins - Plastic bobbins are great for organizing floss.  You can also choose to store your floss on bows or thread sorters.  
  
  
• Hobby Bag - I use a large hobby bag to store my extra floss, scissors, pens, and basically everything on this list.
  
  
• Zipper Pouch -  I use a fabric zipper pouch to store my work in progress cross stitch.  It makes it easy to bring your project wherever you go!
  
• Binder with Protective Sleeves - This will be very helpful to keep your paper patterns nice and wrinkle-free when you’re not stitching them.
  
  
• QSnap - This is another option instead of using an embroidery hoop.  I've tried both and prefer a plastic embroidery hoop to stitch on because I get the best tension this way.
  
  
• Thread Conditioner - This magic little thing helps your floss from getting tangled.
  
  
• Water Erasable Marker - Comes in handy for gridding your project or marking your center.
  
  
• Needle Threader - Get a sturdy one because this isn’t just any old thread you’re trying to pull through.  I’d get an extra long one to help when playing floss chicken!
  
  
• Needle Minders - These are fun decorative magnets that you can place on your project to hold your needle when you're not using it.  It helps show off your personality while you’re stitching! Check out Snarky Crafter's Etsy shop for some of my faves!
  
  
• Grime Guards - These are protective guards that go around the edge of your project to keep them from getting dirty while you're stitching.  I have a gorgeous floral grime guard from Maggie’s Minders!