I want to buy a cross stitch kit for someone who has never cross stitched before. I know there are two types, stamped and counted. Which would be the best to get her?

Thanks

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

As the other girls answered, it doesn’t matter whether it is stamped or counted cross stitch, although my personal opinion is that a stamped cross-stitch kit is definitely going to turn them against cross-stitch. The stamped "X’s" are never uniform as with counted and I feel their finish will not what they expected.

Whatever you choose, make sure the design doesn’t use any specialty stitches such as couching, french knots, etc. And if possible, select a theme that matches the recipient’s likes; i.e. animals, angels, etc. Another thing to watch for is the use of metallic threads for embellishments or outline stitches.

Personally, I would select a design large enough that the finished design could be displayed afterwards. And make sure the fabric is a light colored Aida and no smaller than 14-count. It will be easier to see and give them a superb finish, even for a beginner. A 5×5 design is an excellent start.

If you want to really win them over to the craft, explain a few of the trade secrets such as using the loop method to anchor their thread versus using a knot, make sure the needle is small enough not to stretch the fabric holes (I use size 26 on 14-count), make sure all the upper legs of the stitches cross in the same direction, and go the extra mile by providing them with a small pinch embroidery hoop or Q-Snap frame so they can maintain accurate stitch tension from the beginning. The neater the very first finish, the more they will want to continue on with the art.

Hope this helps in your decision.

Sue

3 Comments

• At 2010.03.17 23:05, sue said:
  

  It is not whether stamped or counted is better. It is the complexity of the first project. It should be very simple. If you get counted get the larger sized fabric such as 10 or less stitches to the inch and a simple pattern. If it is the stamped get the first project as simple as possible.

  I have tried to do some stamped projects where the little Xs are so very small it was almost impossible to see them and there were so many different ones because of the number of colors used that it was difficult for me a veteran of fiber arts. The same with the counted cross stitch. Keep colors to a minimum and design simple.
  References :

  [Reply]
• At 2010.03.17 23:44, Angelina said:
  

  It honestly doesn’t matter whether you go with stamped or counted. Both can be a simple first project. If you are buying counted, be sure it’s the fabric with the bigger squares to make it easier…also no matter what you decide to go with you want to make sure the design on it is fairly simple without a whole lot of teeny tiny detail.
  References :

  [Reply]
• At 2010.03.18 00:13, mohmlady said:
  

  Hi Sharon,

  As the other girls answered, it doesn’t matter whether it is stamped or counted cross stitch, although my personal opinion is that a stamped cross-stitch kit is definitely going to turn them against cross-stitch. The stamped "X’s" are never uniform as with counted and I feel their finish will not what they expected.

  Whatever you choose, make sure the design doesn’t use any specialty stitches such as couching, french knots, etc. And if possible, select a theme that matches the recipient’s likes; i.e. animals, angels, etc. Another thing to watch for is the use of metallic threads for embellishments or outline stitches.

  Personally, I would select a design large enough that the finished design could be displayed afterwards. And make sure the fabric is a light colored Aida and no smaller than 14-count. It will be easier to see and give them a superb finish, even for a beginner. A 5×5 design is an excellent start.

  If you want to really win them over to the craft, explain a few of the trade secrets such as using the loop method to anchor their thread versus using a knot, make sure the needle is small enough not to stretch the fabric holes (I use size 26 on 14-count), make sure all the upper legs of the stitches cross in the same direction, and go the extra mile by providing them with a small pinch embroidery hoop or Q-Snap frame so they can maintain accurate stitch tension from the beginning. The neater the very first finish, the more they will want to continue on with the art.

  Hope this helps in your decision.

  Sue
  References :

  [Reply]