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The Best Cross Stitch Sets

Last updated on November 12, 2020
Best Cross Stitch Sets

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If you’re looking for a new hobby, consider a form of embroidery known as cross-stitch. You’ll find there are a variety of sets on the market designed specifically for beginners that allow you to create all kinds of crafts.

As you search the available cross-stitch sets, look for one that includes an easy to understand instruction booklet. The booklet will describe each of the tools used in the set and how best to use them.

Review how many colored embroidery threads are provided in the set. Some come with 50 colors, while others offer as many as 100. You’ll even find some sets have metallic colors that add a bit of shine to your project.

Determine if the set includes all of the tools you need to get started. In addition to the thread, you’ll need an embroidery hoop, Aida cloths, embroidery needles, a needle-threading tool, scissors, a thimble and an untwist tool.

Consider going with a cross-stitch set that includes a few durable bamboo hoops that each have an adjustable screw. This allows you to tighten the Aida cloth as needed. Some of the most common hoop sizes are 6.1 inches, 6.7 inches, 7.8 inches, 9 inches and 10.2 inches.

Look to see if the set comes with any extras. For example, you’ll find some sets include a carrying bag for transport, while others have a plastic organizational box that stores all your thread and tools neatly in one place.

Our Picks For The Top Cross Stitch Sets

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best All-Around

rovger Embroidery & Bracelet String Cross Stitch Set

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

rovger

Embroidery & Bracelet String Cross Stitch Set

Not only will you get 100 pieces of thread with this cross-stitch set, but you'll also get a host of other handy tools. If you're working on a fancier project, you'll appreciate the inclusion of nine metallic threads. Each of the threads is woven onto a plastic bobbin with the color code printed at the top. This makes reordering a specific color a ...

Overall Take

Organizer IncludedYou won't have to worry about storage when you opt for this cross-stitch set, as it comes with a handy plastic box with 36 grids.

 Best for Creativity

Similane Starter Embroidery & Cross Stitch, 215-Piece

Similane

Starter Embroidery & Cross Stitch, 215-Piece

With this cross-stitch set, the sky's the limit. Your creativity won't be hindered, as the set comes with hoops, colored threads, Aida cloths, sewing pins, embroidery needles, floss bobbins and water-soluble pens. Children can make a series of friendship bracelets, while adults can focus on a few gifts.

Overall Take

Large SetBoth adults and tweens will find this cross-stitch set easy to use.

 Best for Beginners

Caydo Full Range Embroidery & Cross Stitch Set

Caydo

Full Range Embroidery & Cross Stitch Set

Thanks to the included carrying bag, you can transport this cross-stitch set to a nearby park when the weather is pleasant. The fresh air and warm sunshine are sure to spark your creative juices. The kit contains everything you need to get started, including 50 colored threads, five bamboo embroidery hoops and two Aida cloths.

Overall Take

Easy to Follow InstructionsNewcomers will find the instruction booklet that's included with this cross-stitch set a helpful tool to learning the craft.

 Best Basic

LOVIMAG Rainbow Embroidery & Cross Stitch Set

LOVIMAG

Rainbow Embroidery & Cross Stitch Set

Each of the 136 colored threads in this cross-stitch set measure 8.75 yards in length. The thread is made from a high-quality cotton that is rich in color and won't fade over time. Just a few of the crafts this thread is ideal for include sachets, tassels, dolls, gloves and scarves.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalIf you're just getting started, you can start your embroidery journey with this handy cross stitch set.

What to Look For

  • Beginners will want to purchase a pattern book when first learning how to cross-stitch. These books will teach you how to create everything from letters to simple symbols.
  • Once you’ve got the hang of cross-stitching, you can design your own patterns using graphing paper, freezer paper and colored pencils.
  • If you prefer for your creation to have a colored background, you can paint the plain white Aida cloth before you use it.
  • Fabric glue can be used along the edges of your Aida cloth to keep it from fraying while you work on your project.
  • You can use a lint roller on your project, as well as an iron. It’s important, however, that you iron the cloth from the back and that you don’t use any steam. Otherwise, the colors will bleed.
  • The cost for a cross-stitch set is dependent on the number of pieces in the set and the quality of the tools provided. You’ll find the LOVIMAG Rainbow Embroidery & Cross Stitch Set is one of the most affordable sets, while the Similane Starter Embroidery & Cross Stitch, 215-Piece has a more moderate cost. Both the rovger Embroidery & Bracelet String Cross Stitch Set and the Caydo Full Range Embroidery & Cross Stitch Set have the highest price tag of the bunch.

More to Explore

Did you know that cross-stitching is a hobby that has become popular all around the globe? Here are a few more fun facts about cross-stitching.

  • In 1860 an archaeological dig uncovered linens that had been embroidered with coins and wall paintings in an Egyptian tomb. The find was believed to have been created in 500 A.D.
  • Pattern books weren’t seen until the 17th century. The first books only contained black markings, unlike today’s patterns that feature multiple colored markings.
  • Aida cloths were invented in 1986 to meet new demands.

More to explore