5 supplies every cross stitch embroidery newcomer should have

​Any hobby, whether it's crafting, painting or embroidery, requires some tools and materials. ​It might not always be possible to find the right cross stitch supplies near you, but the good news is that all the must-haves kits to get started are easily available online. Here is our list of  five best materials you should have a look at: 

1. Fabric
A good quality fabric is a must in cross stitching. If you’re just starting out and a bit overwhelmed with all the available choices - then go for plain light "Aida" fabric by Zweigart.

This is one of the oldest manufacturers in trade and they offer the highest quality fabrics. Note, that all cross stitch kits by RTO that we sell on our website come with "Aida" fabric as default.

Aida fabric, in a nutshell is a 100% gridded cotton fabric with "holes" (blocks - blockweave), which is very convenient to count. The smaller the number is, the bigger the stitches - ex. 6 count "Aida" is ideal for children to try out. Adults, however, should go for "Aida" 14.

2. Threads
This is the second most important material in cross stitching. A good quality embroidery thread should not shrink or tie into knots during embroidery process. That's why all our cross stitch kits by RTO are packed with one of the best thread suppliers - DMC. DMC threads are extremely soft and silky, making them easy to work with, strong and beautiful. You can find some other good quality brands to work with but it's just a matter of taste.

3. Embroidery Hoop
A good quality embroidery hoop facilitates needle input/output and increases embroidery speed, so make sure the fabric is pulled taut inside the hoop before you start. Use a tiny screwdriver to adjust the tension. Embroidery hoops might be plastic or wooden, depends on your preference. Consider buying a decent quality 7 inch wooden hoop to start with and then try out various different options and sizes. We love hoops by Klass & Gessmann.

4. Cross stitch Chart
​A well-designed embroidery chart with logical icons and counting backing will give you an easy and comfortable embroidery process and will delight you with the finished result. If you’re a beginner at cross stitch, start with something small and simple, gradually increasing your level. A good chart will give easy to follow instructions and explain which colour thread to stitch with and where. Our cross stitch kits by RTO range from easy to more advanced ones, so just pick the right one and get started. You can check our social media accounts to have a closer look at the kits.

5. Needle
We sometimes forget that needle is another important tool in embroidery. Here at CraftVim we sell only good quality cross stitch kits, that’s why all our kits come with John James needle  which is fantastic for needlework. These needles don’t rust and thus leave no marks on your fabric, no worries. DMC threads also glide nicely through their eye.

Great, we are done! Knowing this, you can make the initial investment and then continue using same good quality tools and materials in each of your projects. Start creating gorgeous needlework today!