Cross stitch kits for beginners: how to choose your first kit

A first cross stitch kit should be easy level, small (under 20×20 cm / 8×8 in), on 14 count Aida and complete — so there is nothing else to buy. Below we explain why, and show the Abris Art kits beginners most often start with.

What "easy level" means in a cross stitch kit

Every Abris Art kit is marked with a difficulty level: easy, medium, above medium or high. For cross stitch it depends on three things:

• Number of colours. Fewer shades mean fewer thread changes and an easier chart to read. 4–25 colours is ideal for a first project.
• Size of the design. A 15×15 or 18×18 cm piece is finished in 2–4 evenings. A 30×40 cm canvas is often left unfinished by beginners — not because it is hard, but because the result is too far away.
• Techniques. Easy kits use full cross stitches and backstitch only. Fractional stitches, French knots and blended threads belong to medium level.

Fabric: why beginners are advised to use 14 count Aida

Aida is a fabric woven in clear squares, one cross stitch per square. The count is the number of squares per inch. 14 count Aida is the standard for first projects: the squares are visible without a magnifier, stitches come out even, and the finished piece does not look coarse. 18 count is finer and more detailed but needs some practice. Abris Art kits use Zweigart fabric, DMC floss and a printed colour chart; the QR code in the box opens the same chart in the Cross Stitch Saga app, where you can mark finished stitches.

What should be in the box

Check that the kit includes: fabric with a margin around the design, floss sorted by colour on an organiser, a needle, a chart with a key and instructions. The one thing worth buying separately is an embroidery hoop — it keeps the fabric taut so all stitches are the same size. A 15–20 cm plastic hoop is enough to start. How to make the first stitch, anchor the thread without a knot and keep even tension is shown in our video guide "How to cross stitch".

8 cross stitch kits to start with

All kits below are easy level, small format and use a limited palette.

• Cross Stitch Kit "Witchcraft for Beginners" — 210×230 mm · 10 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "Cozy" — 300×300 mm · 4 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "Family sampler" — 300×300 mm · 4 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "Autumn colors" — 180×150 mm · 19 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "Bright thoughts" — 160×190 mm · 26 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "The first bouquet" — 170×170 mm · 31 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "Keeper of Wisdom" — 130×150 mm · 26 colours · View kit →
• Cross Stitch Kit "From Mama Bunny, with Love" — 150×210 mm · 24 colours · View kit →

The full range of easy designs is in cross stitch kits — use the filter "Difficulty level → easy". For a very short first project, try 15×15 cm miniatures, keyrings or embroidered cards: each takes one or two evenings.

Typical beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

• Crosses facing different ways. The top stitch of every cross must lie in the same direction across the whole piece. Decide on the first cross and stick to it.
• Twisted thread. Let the needle hang freely now and then so the thread untwists. Work with lengths no longer than 40–50 cm.
• Knots on the back. Instead of a knot, anchor the tail under the first few stitches, and finish by running the thread under stitches on the back.
• Starting without finding the centre. Fold the fabric in half twice to find the centre and match it with the centre of the chart, so the design fits with even margins.

When the stitching is done

Wash the piece gently in cool water, iron it face down through a cloth and frame it or stretch it on stretcher bars. After one easy project, large cross stitch kits no longer look intimidating.

FAQ

How long does a first kit take? A 15×15 cm design with 10–20 colours takes roughly 10–15 hours — a week of evenings.

Can I start with bead embroidery instead? Yes, and many people find it easier because there is no counting: the pattern is printed on the canvas. See how to choose your first bead embroidery kit.

From what age can a child cross stitch? Easy kits on 14 count Aida with 4–10 colours suit children from 8–9 years old with an adult nearby.