What Do You Actually Need to Start Cross Stitching?

Cross stitch is one of those rare hobbies that doesn’t demand much to get started. A few basic supplies, a quiet corner, and a little bit of time — that’s really all you need.

That said, there are a handful of tools that can make stitching smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. Some are essential, and some are just nice to have. Let’s walk through the most common supplies so you can decide what’s worth adding to your own setup.

The Essentials

1. Fabric (Canvas)
Most cross stitch designs use Aida fabric — a cotton fabric woven in a visible grid to help you count your stitches.
→ This comes included in all XStitch My Heart kits.

2. Embroidery Floss (Thread)
High-quality floss gives your stitches vibrant color, smooth coverage, and a polished finish.
→ Our kits include DMC threads, pre-sorted and ready to use.

3. A Needle
Cross stitch uses a blunt-tipped embroidery needle, usually size 24 or 26 for 14-count Aida.
→ Included in every kit — so you’re never hunting for the right one.
You could also use a regular sewing needle in a pinch, but be careful not to pierce the fabric threads — you want to pass cleanly through the holes in the weave.

4. A Chart
This is your stitching roadmap — a printed pattern you’ll follow.
→ Each XStitch My Heart kit includes one chart in your chosen format — either black & white with symbols or color blocks with symbols.

Helpful Extras (Nice to Have)

5. Embroidery Hoop
A hoop holds your fabric taut while you stitch, which can help with tension and accuracy.
It’s not absolutely necessary — some people stitch without one, especially when traveling — but many find it helpful.

6. Snips or Small Scissors
You’ll need something small and sharp to trim threads cleanly. Most people already have scissors at home, but embroidery snips make it easier and neater.

7. Needle Threader
A small but mighty tool that helps guide your thread through the needle — especially handy if you’re working with single strands or tired eyes.

8. Stitch Ripper (aka Seam Ripper — or "reverse stitching" tool if we're being fancy)
If you ever need to undo a section (don’t worry, it happens to everyone), a ripper helps you remove stitches quickly and cleanly.
Some stitchers affectionately refer to this process as “frogging” — because you’re ripping it, rip-it, rip-it… like a frog. Yep, really.

9. Good Lighting
Whether it’s natural daylight, a desk lamp, or a dedicated stitching light, good lighting is a quiet game-changer — especially for detailed designs or evening projects.

Start Simple, Add as You Go

You don’t have to own everything from day one. That’s part of the beauty of cross stitch — you can start small and build your toolkit as you grow.

At XStitch My Heart, we include the essentials you truly need to begin. As you stitch more, you can gradually add tools and accessories that fit your style.

All you really need is a needle, thread, fabric, and a little time to yourself.