Best beginner cross-stitch and embroidery kits UK
Seven kits from £7.30 to £18.50 at Hobbycraft and Sew Essential on 1 November 2026.
First cross stitch: DMC Folk Flowers. Cheapest try: Orchidea Poppy. Hoop embroidery: DMC Wild Blooms.
The picks
DMC Folk Flowers Cross Stitch Kit
Seven Mouliné Spécial threads, 14-count Aida, needle and instructions. Hobbycraft lists it as easy level.
- Fabric: 14-count Aida, 22 x 22cm
- Level: Easy
Skip it if: you want a hoop included.
£16at Hobbycraft, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
DMC Queen Bee Cross Stitch Kit
Eight threads, 14-count Aida and a 14.5cm hoop. Intermediate level.
- Fabric: 14-count Aida
- Hoop: 14.5cm
- Level: Intermediate
Skip it if: you are a complete beginner.
£18at Hobbycraft, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Dimensions Sunflower Garden Cross Stitch Kit
18-count Aida, pre-sorted threads, chart and stitch diagrams; 14 x 14.5cm finished.
- Fabric: 18-count Aida
- Size: 14 x 14.5cm
Skip it if: you want large holes (try 14-count).
£18.50at Hobbycraft, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Orchidea Poppy Cross Stitch Kit
Printed Aida, yarn, needle and instructions; 11 x 11cm.
- Fabric: Printed Aida
- Size: 11 x 11cm
Skip it if: you want DMC thread.
£7.30at Sew Essential, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
DMC Wild Blooms Embroidery Kit
Seven skeins, pre-printed fabric, 14.5cm hoop and needle; DMC has stitch videos online.
- Hoop: 14.5cm
- Level: Intermediate
Skip it if: you want counted cross stitch.
£18at Hobbycraft, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Dimensions Little Dreamcatcher Embroidery Kit
Simple stitches on ivory sail cloth, with an alphabet for a name; fits a 5 x 7in frame.
- Size: 12.7 x 17.7cm
Skip it if: you want a hoop (frame not included).
£18.50at Hobbycraft, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Orchidea Butterfly and Tulips Embroidery Kit
Zweigart canvas, acrylic yarn, needle and instructions; 17 x 20.5cm.
- Size: 17 x 20.5cm
Skip it if: you want cotton threads.
£7.30at Sew Essential, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
How we chose
Researched, not tested: we read each retailer and maker listing loaded on 1 November 2026, compared the specs that matter for this job, and gave each pick a provisional score out of 10 (core performance 3, ease 2, value 2, reliability 1.5, UK support 1.5). Prices are inc VAT from one named UK retailer on 1 November 2026 and will change.
Scores are provisional and come from cited sources, not from testing. How we score.
Questions people ask
What count Aida for beginners?
14-count has larger holes than 18-count, so it is easier to start on.
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
- Hobbycraft: DMC Folk Flowers Cross Stitch Kit product page
- Hobbycraft: DMC Queen Bee Cross Stitch Kit product page
- Hobbycraft: Dimensions Sunflower Garden Cross Stitch Kit product page
- Sew Essential: Orchidea Poppy Cross Stitch Kit product page
- Hobbycraft: DMC Wild Blooms Embroidery Kit product page
- Hobbycraft: Dimensions Little Dreamcatcher Embroidery Kit product page
- Sew Essential: Orchidea Butterfly and Tulips Embroidery Kit product page