(Part 2) Top products from r/CrossStitch

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.

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! :)

I got some on amazon, but the sparkle was more like it had metallic threads woven through it. It was quite beautiful actually! I’ll try to find a link to the American version and then maybe you can search to see if any are available to ship to you there!


Edit: FOUND IT! The pictures on amazon don’t do it justice though. It’s a beautiful silver that goes trough it and stardust really is a great name for it!

Pencil does not wash out well at all.
It's fine for smaller markings that are definitely going to be covered up by stitches, but not for much else.

I'd recommend gridding with something specifically for it like an embroidery marker or simply testing washability with scrap fabric.

As for your grandma's method, I'd recommend something like fishing line (they do come in bright colors), as it won't get accidentally pierced by your needle and should slide out when pulled from the edges when you're done.

You also don't have to grid full squares if you want to save time. Often just marking the little + at the corners of where the boxes would be is enough. Or alternating lines.
You can see some examples of gridding by googling it, but here's a tutorial I did a while ago that has some basic examples, If that helps.

Starter tools

These tools might actually be too much. Get into CX before you buy a lot of stuff like grid pens and lots of floss and boxes and such. Do a few kits first to see if you really like it and to keep your expenditure down to a minimum in case you don't. Be careful of the floss bundles on Amazon, IF you decide to go that way. I have read good and bad reports of the quality. Same with cheaper off-brands of aida (I think it's called MCG?), the count is sometimes wrong/uneven. Really, go with kits, don't dive in teh deep end yet. :)

Starter kit

We have a FAQ that has a bunch of info and ideas. Check it out here. We also have just opened our Continuous Craft Fair where a ton of our Resident Designers have links to their etsy shops and homepages, a super good source for patterns and kits. :) have fun!

Hi! I've completed two stocking and am working on a third. I wouldn't call myself an expert by any means, but I do love to cross stitch. Are you making one of the dimensions kits? The two i made are from them and I like it. My advice would be to stitch as many solid figures as you can before starting on more nebulous sections. So for example, I'm currently working on this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JFAHMPC/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1478324496&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dimensions+stocking+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=51cUL29KL9L&ref=plSrch and so I made sure to finish all of Santa and his reindeer before I worked on the sky. Another pointer is to divide the pattern into less intimidating sections so that you can do it a bite at a time.

As for finishing, I put some iron-on backing to protect the stitches, and I bought my own fabric for the actual stocking. I don't like what the kit comes with, really.

Good luck on your stitching, it's so worth it when you're done!

Things I love and would love to receive are

DMC Floss set, either the New 35 colors or Mouliné Étoile.

Gingher embroidery scissors

Mini Floss Box (this one is smaller than others, very useful!

Floss holder/organizer. Example These are pretty and helpful for small projects and kits

Also, gift cards for either 123stitch.com or Etsy

I have a bookshelf next to my desk dedicated just to embroidery stuff. For floss I just use 6 of those plastic thread organizer boxes. I keep a long pencil tray, like this, where I keep random odds and ends that I want within easy reach (like needles, scissors, Fray Check, etc.). Fabric (whether flat or in a long tube) get stacked neatly on another shelf. I also keep a small bucket of scrap fabric there, which comes in handy when I want to test a new stitch or see how colors look together or something. Another shelf near the bottom holds rarely used supplies. And I have a magazine holder like this for patterns.

As for WIP and finished pieces, they go in this large binder. WIP go in the rainbow accordion file in the front (the fabric & pattern) - one per divider. I put finished projects in a clear plastic sheet protector on the rings. It's fun flipping through seeing everything I've done, and it's nice having most of them in one place to show other people. Large projects that don't fit in the binder when finished are usually gifts or one of the few things I put on display.

I use this organizer to store the thread colors of current WIPs so I don't have to put them back in the main storage every single time I stitch (plus small scissors and needles), and it is also quite convenient to slip in a bag or purse if I want to bring a project with me.

Also, this might make a great gift box for the needle minder and tin ... I love smaller thread organizers like this so I can put everything for my work in progress in one place (rather than going to my giant box of everything).

I own 3-4 of these already:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018N92W0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In terms of actually doing it, however you stitch now, just keep doing it. Whatever works for you, do it. Stitching is the same, whether its small or huge.

I don't use multiple needles at once, and I go colour by colour. Pre gridding your fabric is a personal decision. If it works for you, then do it. I've never gridded, but many do.

I personally focus on one pattern page at a time, and will go into other pages when I get close to the edge of a page to finish off a thread.

Edit: I also make multiple working copies of my pattern, as it will fade and get creased as you handle it and go, so it's good to have a back up to check what's in the crease or just replace the jacked up one.

I use a scroll frame and floor stand for my current, but mine is very large.

I use a floor stand similar to this.

I scroll frames with knobs like this. If you're in the states amazon has a great multi pack

I don't think I answered all your questions but hopefully I helped a bit.

I'd recommend putting them on some plastic thread bobbins. You can get a bunch on Amazon for like $5 or $6 bucks. You can write the thread number in sharpie on the bobbin if you need to keep track.

The other thing would be to get a thread organizer. I've got two of these and they're pretty great. It comes with the thread bobbins and stickers w/ DMC numbers on them as well.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M15BBX5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am doing a piece that size on 14 Aida over 1 and I have it in one of these frames

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TZUTJ0/

As long as you follow the instructions carefully it’s hassle free. It comes with a variety of rods but I found my piece which is about 150 stitches across was somewhere in betweeen the 14 inch rods and the 20 inch rods so I bought the 18 inch rods

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WE3C0W/

It’s my first time using a scroll frame but it works great for that size of piece. Also I really really recommend gridding the fabric before you start something that size.

I picked up this marker from Michael's for about 8 CAD. Make sure you do a small test before you start marking up your project, just to make sure it comes out nice and easily with water. I'm using DMC 18ct aida and it works great.

I still separate the strands out first. They just seem to behave better that way. I will also stitch a bit slower to ensure the stitches are smooth and that my tension is staying even. I've found that with more strands there is more chance of stitching so that one strand winds up looser than the others and going slow and paying attention to my tension can help minimize that.

I typically use a larger needle if I'm working with more strands. I also use a needle threader for higher strand amounts (well honestly I use the threader most of the time because my eyes suck). Just not the flimsy cheap wire threaders that break if you sneeze on them. I use needle threaders like this one or this one.

Working with 5 and 6 strands will feel bulky and unwieldy at first, especially if you are used to only using 1 or 2 strands. However the depth and texture that it adds to the finished piece is usually worth it.

Don't know if you've heard of this before, but you might like it for big projects like this.

Btw, good job so far! ;)

Same—I’ve been really happy with Bohin and I think part of it is the needle length. I will caution you that I’ve had to be a little more careful with the Bohins—I’ve definitely managed to bend two of them while weaving in ends (only mildly, definitely still perfectly usable!). This is probably just a bull-in-the-proverbial-china-shop issue, but maybe y’all can benefit from my mistake!

Bohin 28s on Amazon ($1/needle)

I have this one. I got it at Walmart for a little cheaper but I like it better since I have a tendency to break the coin looking ones 😂

I'm not OP and I just started cross stitching but fray check seems to work pretty well. It dries clear and hard.

I have this big one: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-5315-Options-Thread-Organizer/dp/B001IYMCJO

It's pretty big, but the slots are too narrow to lay the bobbins on their sides. They do fit up&down, but it is annoying. However, if you really want everything in one box, it might be a good option. It holds at least 300 bobbins, probably up to 350 if you squeezed them in a bit.

I like the plastic bobbins. https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Plastic-Floss-Bobbins-1000-Piece/dp/B0018N26FU

I like using 26s and they're much easier to thread since I started using the loop start - because I fold the single strand before threading it through the eye. I've also got a nice Clover needle threader for when I can't do that. It's a lot sturdier than all the other ones I could find and my Lo-Ran threader doesn't fit through most eyes.

As far as weaving the tails in, the 26 is easier, and when that doesn't work, I use the Star De-Tailor, though there are some other tools out there that allow you to weave under the stitches and pull the loose tail through them.

I like scroll frames for larger projects. However, you might want to get one with a floor or lap stand, so your hands don't get as tired. I have this one, and I love it!

Something like this?. The fabric is held by clamps. I bought this exact one back in February and absolutely love it!

Next time you need bobbins then you won't need any for a long while! Bought this about a month ago. Pretty sure I'm set for life lol.

Another vote for the Loran, well 2 actually because my Aunt who had a needlework shop swears by them. I am also not so good at links so you may have to copy and paste this into your browser: https://www.amazon.ca/Dritz-NT-1-LoRan-Needle-Threader/dp/B0001DS4YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493842066&sr=8-1&keywords=loran+needle Or alternatively just go to the Amazon of your choice and search for Loran Needle and it will usually get you the right thing. I tie a string through the hole and then have a safety pin on the other end. I can hook it to me or my scissors and not lose it. It is a solid piece of metal so if you break it you really have an issue.

What about something like this or something like this that’s easily just snapped closed and put away? That’s how I keep my floss away from dogs who consider everything “theirs” 😂. I also keep my WIP in something like this so I’m able to keep it out of dust and pet hair while still being both portable and easily storable.

Thanks for the tips! Thoughts on this one? It's bigger but looks pretty simple for most part (to my untrained eye :P).

http://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Savannah-Record-Counted-Stitch/dp/B003UPRCDA

Does she have a nice pair of embroidery scissors? I have these Gingher bird scissors and they're the best... and under $10 too!

A Q-Snap frame might be a good choice too if she's looking to move on from hoops.

You can try a frame like this one with 30" dowels. It would probably help with hand fatigue.

I'm sorry no. I stitched from a very old pattern I have in a book. It came out during their 50th anniversary! LOL
Ok, I actually have the link to where you can buy it from Amazon...

Also, these are the patterns I was doing when I did that picture tutorial in Imgur. Just FYI.

My first finished piece! Sure it took 5 months to complete. But who's counting? C'est fini!

Here's the pattern (which is a kit). And they aren't kidding: it really is a good way to learn the basics.

On amazon! It comes in gold sparkles as well

https://www.amazon.com/DMC-GD1436S-6201-Stardust-Fabric-Silver/dp/B005M3FXCK

Did you use a water soluble maker or something more like a Crayola marker?

I've stitched on the black aida canvases from Micheals and I washed them in OxyClean after and the wood didn't warp. Before using bleach I would recommend using OxyClean. Bleach could pull color out of the wood which could also stain your aida.

I use Fray Check and have had great results

I'd recommend using Fray Check; I've used it many times and it seems to work really well. You can find some here.

I’d suggest more like this one. Pencil doesn’t work well with cross stitch.

Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2H1A3W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'm using a pen similar to this one; I don't know the brand off the top of my head, it's whatever they sell at Wal-mart. And then all I did was roughly find the middle of the canvas and make a cross there, and count out ten stitches each direction until I filled the grid.

My suggestion is to do it in a well lit environment and not when you're tired so you don't end up with my situation! :p

Dimensions cross stitch kit 72-75593 (Can’t Adult)

Amazon link

After lots of inspiration from this sub, I finally took this kit out of the package and started it a few days ago. I think I found a new hobby!

My mistake- I bought it on Amazon. Here's the link: Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2H1A3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iivMAb6H86K07

It works pretty well. I usually just use the disappearing side to count a row of stitches, and place a small dot on the center of the last one, so it gets covered

Thank you and sorry for the mis-tag! It was a kit I got off of Amazon. Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0059XE7MA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_jY2Syb5K5KTMQ

These boxes from Amazon come with 100 plastic bobbins and a set of DMC stickers.

I used to have have half my floss stored in a sewing box sorted by color family until that became to full more to house any more, and the other half was collected in a big black hole of plastic grocery bag. I can’t express enough how good this organization feels!

No worries! They're usually available [on Amazon,] (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004SEYYXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jr.iDbNT6CXVV) at least in Canada, hopefully also in your location as well. :)

Alphabet from Better Homes and Gardens' 2001 Cross Stitch Designs : The Essential Reference Book.

I use an Edmunds Handi-Clamp Set and really like it. It’s kind of like a combination of a Qsnap with a scroll frame so you don’t have to move the clamps and can easily adjust tension.

I made this for a cousin's baby a couple years ago. It might fit? https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Savannah-Record-Counted-Stitch/dp/B003UPRCDA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501281678&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=cross+stitch+animals+birth+announcement

It's this one (bought off amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Crafts-Needlecrafts-Collection-Stocking/dp/B00JFAHMPC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1480916612&sr=8-11&keywords=dimensions+stocking

If I could just get more DMC floss that are the same colors I could definitely make this work.

You can try using a fabric marker. It comes out when you soak the piece in water. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Dual-Purpose-Marking-Blue/dp/B00A2H1A3W/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1468977352&sr=8-17&keywords=fabric+marker

Thank you so much! I actually really liked the Q-Snap a lot more than a hoop. I felt that the hoop never kept a taught tension, I had to move and adjust the hoop more. It probably helped that I got a frame the same size as the piece, my experience might change with a bigger pattern. I had read that a lot of people had trouble with taking the Q-Snap off, but the clamps slid right off for me.

I bought 1000 off Amazon, but I obviously don't need all 1000 so I'm selling a couple hundred of them.

25 for $3
50 for $4
100 for $5
150 for $6
200 for $7

Prices are in US dollars and include shipping to the US. PM me for shipping quotes for everywhere else.

If anyone has bought this organizer box from Amazon, these bobbins are nearly identical to the ones that come with the box.

This might save you some money on bobbins 1000 for $17.93 I got this last December and haven't found one that wasn't perfect :)

I actually found it on Amazon. I searched mini floss box to find it.

Edit: Darice Mini Floss Organizer

Bought it on amazon here.

Pattern from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CUY7SE4?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It's a dimensions kit. I got it on Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CUY7SE4/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Check ebay and amazon. This should have everything you need.

P.S The spool things are called bobbins and you can get them in plastic and cardboard form, I personally use cardboard but it doesn't matter that much.

Pattern by me, incorporating elements from this book.

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.

Mine is a lap desk. This one specifically: https://www.amazon.com/AMERICAN-DREAM-PRODUCTS-Adjustable-LS001/dp/B001144SQQ

I love it because it is so very we made. I bought a cheap one first and hated it because it was very flimsy.

This one has interchangeable rods, so it's adjustable.

This one!

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-Plastic-Bobbins-1000-Piece-Supplies/dp/B0018N26FU/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1543206021&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bobbins+for+Cross+stitch&dpPl=1&dpID=31MftH-OFfL&ref=plSrch
I think this is what I got

http://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Savannah-Record-Counted-Stitch/dp/B003UPRCDA/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1457232475&sr=1-1&keywords=dimensions+savannah

I made this using the Dimensions Robot kit, purchased on Amazon.

This kit got me hooked on this craft:
Simplicity Vintage Dimensions Needlecrafts Counted Cross Stitch, Robot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0059XE7MA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1WkBCbB9CZZR2

If they did the same one I did, it's this kit :)

It's this silver dusted

The kit is from Dimensions, called Poppies.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Crafts-NeedleCrafts-Counted-Poppies/dp/B008R9PYQ6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1522167989&sr=8-6&keywords=dimensions+poppies

I use Dritz Dual Purpose Marking Pen, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2H1A3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CFg6Bb6ZG0ZRT that I got at Walmart. Has both water and air soluble sides.

Here is the desktop version of your link

I went hoopless on this one. Started on it yesterday morning, finishing up today or tomorrow. Pattern by Dimensions
https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-70-74629-Counted-Stitch/dp/B01CUY7SE4

You can get a hard copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000PNLXJY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&condition=used&linkCode=sl2&tag=therightstitch-20&linkId=BJAH63F27NNPWRSH

I thought I also posted text but I guess it didn't take.

I had a really hard time finding a pattern I didn't really hate - many were cheesy or just all pink or blue which was very frustrating. I made a few mistakes but overall am really pleased with how it turned out. Pattern can be found here

Self-drafted pattern - the client I made this for wanted a block style font and some flowers to soften the message. Got them both from this book!

Here it is, but out of stock :(
Monopoly Gameboard to Scale Book Charted for Counted Cross Stitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PNLXJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4Iv5AbQY5BSJ2

Probably a personal preference depending on your project and the fabric used.

Currently I'm working on a blanket (I may die of old age before it's done). I'm using 11" Q-snap frame and remove it each day because I only work on it once a week or so.

I'm working on a Dimensions stocking, this one in particular, that I started easily three years ago.

But I made a GIGANTIC MISTAKE, and about 15% of the way through, I realized I was using DOUBLE the amount of strands (since I was folding them over so the tails met at the end). No wonder it was SO HARD to get the needle through!

After letting in collect dust in my closet for like two years, I picked up back up again, ordered the SAME KIT so I would have enough thread, and I'm working on it again now. My goal is to FINISH, even if it takes me another three years!

Some brands of needles are better than others. I had some bad needles for quite a while from John James. Some of the eyes had not been properly punched and had large burrs in the eye that cut my thread. One packet had this problem with every needle.

I have broken the eye so many times I cannot count. Usually it is a needle that I have been using for a long time and the eye just gets worn to the point of breaking.

I often have several needles on my magnetic needle minders so I am not using the same needle all the time. That does cut down on the sear and tear on the needle.

Now I am using BOHIN needles and I really do like them. They eye of the needles is much smoother than other needles and the finish does not rub off for use. The BOHIN needles do not discolor with use. I am to the point that this is the only needle I will purchase. I have never had a BOHIN needle break. This is the needle I use the most: https://www.amazon.com/Bohin-Tapestry-Hand-Needles-Size/dp/B004SEYYXI/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2SAJ9JB2ACAFV&keywords=bohin+embroidery+needles&qid=1556589943&s=arts-crafts&sprefix=bohin+%2Carts-crafts%2C203&sr=1-12

I work on linen with silk floss so the #28 needle is my size of choice unless I am stitching over one on 36 or higher count linen then I use a #10 beading needle.