The short answerBuy a stamped beginner kit with a 6 in hoop, pre-printed fabric, floss and needles for $8 to $15. Everything you need is in the bag, and you follow the lines.
What to buy
First try
Stamped kit with 6 in hoop, printed fabric, floss and needles
The design is printed on the fabric, so you stitch over the lines with no counting. Thread quality in cheap kits is so-so and can tangle.
$8 to $15
See options on Amazon →Stitching on your own clothes
Stick-and-stitch pattern sheets that wash away
Peel, stick to a shirt or tote, stitch through it, then rinse it off in water. You'll need your own hoop, floss and needles.
$8 to $15
See options on Amazon →Learning the stitches
Stitch sampler kit with labeled practice rows
Each row teaches one stitch, so you build skills in order. The finished piece is practice and less of a wall hanging.
$10 to $18
See options on Amazon →Cross stitch fans
Counted cross stitch kit on 14-count fabric
Tidy little X stitches make pixel-style pictures, and the rhythm is relaxing. You count squares from a chart, so one miscount means unpicking.
$8 to $25
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What the numbers mean
- Stamped vs counted
- Stamped means the pattern is printed on the fabric. Counted means blank fabric and a paper chart you count from, which is slower to learn.
- Hoop size
- The hoop holds the fabric tight like a drum. A 6 in hoop fits your hand well, and 4 to 8 in covers most beginner kits.
- Floss
- Embroidery thread comes as 6 loose strands twisted together. You pull it apart and stitch with 2 or 3 strands for most designs.
- Fabric count
- On cross stitch fabric, 14-count means 14 squares per inch. A lower number means bigger squares that are kinder to your eyes.
- Needle type
- Embroidery needles are sharp with a long eye. Cross stitch uses a blunt tapestry needle, usually size 24 for 14-count fabric.
What not to pay for
- A 100-color floss set up front
Your first kit includes the thread it needs. Buy more floss when you start choosing your own patterns.
- Dark fabric for a first project
Printed lines and your own stitches are hard to see on black or navy. Start on white or cream.
- Huge, dense designs
A full 8 in hoop of solid stitching takes weeks. Pick a light floral or a simple outline so you finish.
Needles and embroidery scissors are sharp. Store needles in a case or on a magnet, and keep kits away from young children.
Questions
What stitches should a beginner learn first?
Start with backstitch for outlines. Then add running stitch, satin stitch for filling shapes, stem stitch and the French knot. Those 5 cover most beginner patterns.
How do I get rid of the printed pattern lines?
It depends on the kit. Some inks rinse out in cool water, and some are permanent and meant to be covered by stitches. Read the kit's instructions before you wet it.
Can I display it in the hoop?
Yes, and most people do. Trim the extra fabric to about 1 in, then gather it at the back with a running stitch or glue it to the inner hoop.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.