Cross stitch is one of my favorite crafts to do because it can be so personalized and the supplies are very, very cheap. You can cross stitch anything you want as long as it’s on a grid pattern, even your favorite lyrics to that Beyonce song or an emoji. Lately, subversive patterns and quotes have been really trendy (search Etsy if you really want to see some) and Taylor Swift made everyone aware of the embroidery world when she made Ed Sheeran this bad boy. Framed cross stitch patterns make wonderful, unique housewarming presents.
Supplies You’ll Need
- A pair of scissors
- Cross-stitch fabric – I like Aida, 14 count (can be purchased here but I got probably around four times as much for that price at my local craft store). Aida is great because the fabric is thick, meaning you don’t need an embroidery hoop—although I’ve found a hoop really helps me with larger projects for spacing purposes. But hoops are really cheap at craft stores. A 9″ hoop cost me $1.99.
- Embroidery floss in your colors of choice – Unless your project is really big, one or two skeins will be more than enough.
- A sewing needle – I’m not picky when it comes to the size. The holes in the fabric are pretty large and it can be difficult threading the floss, so I would go for a thicker needle. That being said, don’t buy such a thick needle that it will enlarge the holes of the fabric.