Reddit reviews DMC CR5440-6750 Classic Reserve Aida, 12 by 18-Inch, White, 14 Count

This is all that's in my Amazon history relating to my cross stitching (they're US links so I hope that's ok!):

• Cross stitching needles. These were fine the first time I ordered them, but I re-ordered and they were fatter than the ones I originally had. I have since switched to DMC brand. I got these at Michael's and love them!
  
  
• A qsnap frame and extension kit. I love these frames for bigger projects. If you're just starting out, I would go towards a smaller project. I started out doing different text fonts to really get a feel for the craft. For smaller projects, I would use a regular embroidery hoop. Wood ones look great for a final project but I like to use plastic when stitching the work.
  
  
• Thread Heaven. It's kind of like a thick "lotion" for your thread. It helps keep the thread untangled and allows it to thread through the holes easier. Here's how to use Thread Heaven!
  
  
• With fabric, I usually just go to Michael's and buy some there. I started out with buying this fabric but have since stayed away from folded fabrics. It's a pain to iron out! Buy the rolled kind. I've only used aida fabric. The stuff I buy looks similar to this but there are all different kinds of counts to use (14 count = 14 dots per inch, 18 count = 18 dots per inch, etc).
  
  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Here's a few videos I found helpful when I started:
  
  Overall concept of cross stitching
  
  Starting a thread
  
  Finishing a thread
  
  Welcome! And enjoy! :)

Sure! I'll do the best I can...
First I made a pattern of a the Portal Gun. I have a program called MacStitch(kind of like a pixel program) that helps you create your own cross stitch patterns.
Then I bought my materials. You need a hoop, aida cloth , a needle , and colored floss
I placed the cloth into the hoop and then stitched the portal gun by following the pattern I made. /r/crossstitch has a good cross stitch tutorial in the FAQ section. Hope this helps!

I posted this in another sub about a month ago for someone wanting to learn:







It's a very inexpensive hobby. Here are the things I put on my Amazon list, just for reference if you or anyone else needed it:

Set of 4 different sized wooden hoops- $11.99 Plastic ones may be easier for some people, I prefer wooden because they're more my style for framing.

Aida 14ct Cloth 12x18- $3.55 14ct Aida is easiest to work with for beginners. The size of this is good for practicing on, get a couple so you can use the other for your first project. You can also purchase large rolls of it when you start becoming obsessed with it. They also come in lots of different colors and easy to dye yourself.

Set of 150 different colored skeins of DMC floss- $15.98 This is a great amount to start off with. It'll last you a long time, and if you ever need more or want new colors, they are very inexpensive from any craft store and Walmart. Usually around $0.25-$0.50. FYI floss splits apart into 6 tiny strings. Start off using only 2-3 strands
Do all 6 and you're gonna have a bad time.

Needles!- $3.49 Can't stitch without needles!

Bobbins and a thread organizer- $6.49 You will need this. I waited too long to get one and ended up have to wind up hundreds of tangled skeins and it took HOURS. Do it before you start practicing. Also write the thread color number on the top of each bobbin with permanent marker. When you use patterns they will be based off the color numbers.

Julie Jackson's subversive cross stitch book- $12.99 If you like those snarky offensive cross stitchings, this is the best book for it. It's also an amazing beginners guide into cross stitching. It has brief instructions on how to start and very simple but adorably offensive patterns. You can also get other books or use YouTube to find instructions on how to get started. I'd also like to suggest going to etsy for patterns. They're pretty cheap and there's endless options.

So about $55 to get started plus shipping, but it'll last you a long time and could be used on many different projects and you won't spend nearly as much when you do need something else.

I say "___ was sick" a lot for some reason lol

Some fabric would be nice!

Cubicle wallpaper! You can make your own for cheap out of contact paper, wrapping paper, fabric, or buy some!

I want to get back into cross-stitching!

Decorate already!

PS, love your desk shape.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000YQH5DU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483138734&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=aida&dpPl=1&dpID=51ynEbY9JJL&ref=plSrch
Next time I'd use a vinyl Aida for this kind of project.

Not sure how much you're willing to spend, but here's a few ideas based on you saying that you doubt she would want a kit.

Thread

I would get a bundle so she at least has different colors to get started right away:

25 colors - $8

or

100 colors = $25


Cloth (Aida)
These are sold in different colors, and various count (holes per inch). For a beginner, I'd probably go with a 14 count in a beige or white (easy to see the holes). Just linking an example here, feel free to buy whatever.

12 x 14 inches cloth 14 count - $3
Go nuts if you want, pick a few colors, whatever fits your budget.


Needles
I use what I have on hand, something like this.

Varierty Pack - $4

Kit
So I know you said no kit, but she needs to learn somehow. Is she handy with youtube? Google search to teach herself? Maybe you should get a beginner kit too.

Kit - $6

Hoop

Simple hoop set of 4 - $8

or

Q-snap - $11

Pattern
You might want to consider getting her a pattern. You know her well? What is she into? There's some free patterns out there, or paid ones. I would get a free or buy one and print it for her so it's all ready with your gift.

Just one example, pick something that suits her, but not too many colors and too complicated to start with
Example - $3

Learning Book
No real advice to offer, but would she read a book if you bought something, or will she go on the internet to learn?

Book sample - $7


Keep in mind that I linked random things for examples, but if you're into it, use these as basis for your own research. You know her best, and what your budget is. I think this is a super sweet gift, best of luck.