What you need to start cross stitch
Aida, stranded cotton, a blunt tapestry needle, small scissors and a chart. A hoop is optional.
- 14-count Aida: large clear holes make even stitches easy.
- Six-strand embroidery cotton (floss) in the colours on your chart key.
- A cross stitch (tapestry) needle with a blunt point and long eye: it slips through the holes instead of piercing the fabric.
- A hoop to hold the fabric taut. Aida is stiff enough that some stitchers do without.
- Small, sharp embroidery scissors.
- A chart, and a washable marker to mark the centre if you like.
Pinny's tip
To size a design: stitches across divided by the count gives inches. 140 stitches on 14-count is 10 inches. Then add a margin for framing; the Cross Stitch Guild adds 5 inches (13 cm) each way for pictures.
To size a design: stitches across divided by the count gives inches. 140 stitches on 14-count is 10 inches. Then add a margin for framing; the Cross Stitch Guild adds 5 inches (13 cm) each way for pictures.
Watch
Cross Stitch Basics | How to Start Cross Stitching for Beginners - Ultimate Guide! (12:15)
By Caterpillar Cross Stitch · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 12-minute video from Caterpillar Cross Stitch on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
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Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.