Cross stitch and embroidery supplies
The fabric, thread and needles for counted cross stitch and basic hand embroidery.
Bobbin's checklist
On 14 and 16-count Aida, cross stitch is usually worked with two strands of stranded cotton (The Cross Stitch Guild). Test a few stitches in the margin if unsure.
On 14 and 16-count Aida, cross stitch is usually worked with two strands of stranded cotton (The Cross Stitch Guild). Test a few stitches in the margin if unsure.
£Cross stitch starter
- 14-count Aida: the most common starting fabric; easy to count.
- Stranded cotton (six strands): separate the number of strands you need.
- Tapestry needles: blunt tip slides between the Aida blocks.
- Small embroidery scissors: for snipping threads close.
££Hand embroidery
- Cotton or linen with a firm weave: holds stitches well in a hoop.
- Embroidery (crewel) needles: sharp with a larger eye.
- Embroidery hoop: keeps the fabric taut.
- Perlé cotton: a non-divisible shiny thread (The Cross Stitch Guild).
£££Going further
- Evenweave or linen: smoother ground than Aida.
- Silk and metallic threads: for sheen and sparkle; metallics often blended with other threads (The Cross Stitch Guild).
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.