Looking for a way to spend more time with the family? Cross stitching can be a great bonding opportunity. It’s an accessible, simple-to-learn, and enjoyable craft for people of all ages and skill levels.
This type of hand embroidery, which was once used for decorating tablecloths, pillowcases and other domestic items is now making a comeback. Just open up your Instagram or Pinterest feed, and you’re bound to come across framed cross stitch art featuring quirky phrases, whimsical scenes or your favourite movie characters.
Interested? Here are some tips on how you and your loved ones can share hours of fun creating colourful cross stitch art.
How to Choose a Cross Stitch Kit for Beginners
Kits include all the required supplies (fabric, floss, needle, hoop, etc.), thus saving you time and effort as you don’t have to buy them separately. The majority of cross stitch kits also come with some simple instructions that are easy to read and a photo of the finished design.
There are many levels of difficulty for cross stitch kits. Colourful and whimsical kits made specifically for children and beginners are available like Dimensions cross stitch kits.
Just make sure to stick to designs that are simple enough that they can be ready in a few hours. The difficulty of the design mostly depends on the count of the Aida cloth that’s used.
What’s an Aida Count?
Aida is a special piece of evenweave cotton fabric that comes with holes where the needle needs to go in and out of. It’s available in different sizes, or counts. Kits that come with 14 count or 16 count Aida make it easier to stitch, and thus are recommended for kids and anyone looking for a simple activity to unwind with.
Some Popular Cross Stitch Ideas
To get the whole family in on this rewarding hobby, choose cross stitch patterns that will appeal to them. Luckily, manufacturers like Dimensions, Bucilla, Diamond Dotz and HAED are no short on ideas – their patterns range from cartoon and movie characters to flora and fauna, motivational quotes, jokes and so on.
Let’s check out some popular cross stitch kits.
The Star Wars Stitch Kits by Dimensions
Are you and your family huge fans of Star Wars? Re-enact your favourite movie quotes while you compete who will finish their pattern first. Pick from Star Wars stitch kits depicting Darth Vader to Luke and Princess Leia, Yoda or a Stormtrooper.
Cityscape Kits by Creative World of Crafts
Planning a trip to New York, Sydney, Paris or perhaps London? Get the family even more excited by making a cross stitch pattern prior to your adventure. Creative World of Crafts has many vintage-style cityscape patterns to choose from so that you can memorise your favourite destination in the form of cross stitch art.
Leopard in Repose by Dimensions
Do your kids love wild animals? The Leopard in Repose pattern features realistic shading and a gorgeous palette of thread colours and will get them closer to this magnificent animal like never before. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a 14 count Aida fabric that makes the pattern simple but challenging enough for the eager young learners.
This pattern is also considered to be a gold collection design – it features exquisite detail, vivid colours and stitches that add texture and depth, making the whole pattern truly feel like a work of art.
Bucilla My 1st Stitch “Have a Thankful Heart”
This one is perfect for the teenage girl who wants something Instagram-worthy to decorate her room with. It comes in a small, easy-to-complete 14 count format along with simple instructions.
