Thread embroidery kits

Cross stitch kits from Abris Art contain Aida fabric with finished edges, DMC floss with enough thread for full coverage, a printed colour chart and QR codes for a PDF and a file for mobile stitching apps. The section holds 500 kits, from 77×77 mm miniatures to 380×420 mm designs, at difficulty levels from easy to advanced.

Materials

• Aida fabric — 418 kits on 14 count, 49 on 18 count, 5 on 16 count.
• DMC stranded cotton — washfast, supplied with enough thread for full coverage.
• The chart — printed in colour, plus digital formats behind a QR code.

Count is the number of squares per inch. The higher the count, the smaller the stitch and the crisper the image, and the more it asks of your eyes.

How many colours

Cross stitch uses more colours than bead embroidery: typically 16–31, and up to 39 in large designs. That does not make the stitch harder, but it does call for an organiser: sort the floss by DMC number and label it before you start.

Subjects

Animals and birds (98 kits), decorative designs (86), flowers (58), winter and Christmas (52), landscapes (38), romantic subjects (26), insects (24) and still life (19).

Subsections

• Big size kits — 332
• Miniatures — 100
• Cushions — 22
• Embroidery on clothing — 20
• Table runners and rushnyky

Questions and answers

Do I need a hoop for cross stitch?

Yes, unlike bead embroidery on artist canvas. Aida is soft, and without even tension the stitches come out different sizes. A plain round hoop or a frame will do.

How long does a kit take?

A 77×77 mm miniature takes 5–10 hours. A 150×150 mm design takes 20–40 hours. A large 300×300 mm piece takes 80–150 hours depending on the number of colours and the density of coverage.

How many strands should I use?

On 14 count usually two strands of floss; on 18 count one or two depending on how solid you want the coverage. The exact recommendation is in the kit instructions.

Is there enough floss in the kit?

Yes, the floss is supplied with a surplus for full coverage. DMC numbers are given on the chart, so more is easy to buy if needed.

Where should a beginner start?

With a miniature on 14 count using 10–15 colours. The basics are covered in cross stitch for beginners.