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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.
Keeping your fabric taut is essential for achieving even stitches. Using accessories like hoops and frames will prevent puckering and make stitching more comfortable.
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.
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.
Sharp embroidery scissors are essential for cutting threads properly without any loose ends. Choose small, sharp-pointed scissors for easy access to tight spots.
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.
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'.
Proper lighting is crucial for reducing eye strain and ensuring accuracy when cross stitching.
Keeping track of progress on a counted cross stitch pattern is easier with digital or physical pattern keepers.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
For more cross stitch tools and accessories from Caterpillar Cross Stitch and browse our collections:
After the time and concentration it takes to carefully and lovingly create your cross stitch pattern, you’ll want to make sure that they’re perfectly presented and looking their best. We're here to walk you through the careful steps you need to take to wash your cross stitch patterns so that they stay in the best shape possible.
Adding a signature to your cross stitch projects is a great way to really take your work from a simple craft project to a personalised piece of art. In this post, we walk you through the exact steps you need to take in order to start signing your cross stitch patterns whether you’re a seasoned cross stitcher or a complete beginner.
Learning how to read a cross stitch pattern might seem daunting, but it's more simple than it appears when broken down into easy steps, and once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll quickly get the hang of things. We’ve put together this handy step-by-step guide to help those looking to learn how to read cross stitch patterns.
