Looking for your next cross stitch project? Have a browse through these beautifully unique counted cross stitch kits from a range of wonderful designers.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced stitcher, you will find the counted cross stitch kit for you! Cross stitch kits typically contain everything you need to finish a project, usually fabric, threads, pattern and needles.
What is counted cross stitch?
Counted cross stitch means simply stitching onto a blank piece of aida following a chart.
The gridded chart contains symbols which represent the thread colour and stitch type to use and where to stitch it. Counting means that you can place a stitch according to your chart by counting the holes in the aida as per the chart.
All of our free cross stitch patterns on Gathered are counted (so it's worth learning)!
What is printed cross stitch?
Pre-printed aida is an alternative to counted cross stitch – the design is printed on the aida, so no chart or counting is required. While this may be good for beginners, it’s worth learning counted cross stitch as the majority of cross stitch projects use this method.
Counted cross stitch is also less restrictive, meaning you can adapt designs or add personalisation without needing to follow a pre-printed design
Main image: Tea is the answer counted cross stitch by The Make Arcade
15 counted cross stitch kits
1. Bothy Threads counted cross stitch kit – The Meadow
Stitching level: Intermediate
We’re kicking off our list with this charming counted cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads. If you haven’t heard of Bothy Threads they are something of a star in the world of stitching! They have a huge range of enchanting kits, which are of excellent quality and wonderfully packaged.
This particular design by Hannah Dale is one of the most popular styles they have. A cute fluffy rabbit sitting in a summer meadow – just adorable!
2. DMC The Great Wave counted cross stitch kit
Stitching level: Intermediate
An impressive representation of the famous Japanese painting known as The Great Wave by Hokusai. This iconic painting was created in 1831 and depicts three boats moving through a stormy sea, with Mount Fuji visible in the background.
In celebration of this historical piece of art, DMC has partnered with The British Museum to create this counted cross stitch. DMC’s complete kit contains everything you need, including aida, threads and a chart.
3. Cross stitch t-shirt design by Stitched This
Stitching level: Beginner
Want to try something a little different with your cross stitching? You might have mastered stitching for cards or frames, but now it’s time to try personalising your clothing with stitches!
Stitched This has created a simple kit which contains threads, a needle, aida and a super soft t-shirt. It’s the perfect starting point for cross stitching on clothes thanks to the helpful instructions that are included.
This design is so cute, but if it’s not your style there are plenty of others to choose from if you head to the Stitched This’ shop.
4. Lamp counted cross stitch kit by the Form Emporium
Stitching level: Beginner
If you’re looking for a more unique project then this one is for you! We have to say, it’s very unusual, but so gorgeous! It’s a genius idea to have the light shining through your stitching to showcase it.
The kit not only includes the bulb design and the materials to stitch it but you’ll also receive the antique-style lamp.
5. Tea is the answer counted cross stitch by The Make Arcade
Stitching level: Beginner
If you’re familiar with cross stitch kits, you’ll probably know The Make Arcade! They create simple, modern designs ideal for beginners.
Lots of their designs focus on bright, bold colouring making them simple to stitch while creating a big impact!
We adore this particular design mainly because of our love of tea, however, there are tonnes of fun kits to choose from in their shop.
6. Dragonfly counted cross stitch kit by Cotton Clara
Cotton Clara creates stylish cross stitch and embroidery kits with an array of modern and colourful designs to suit all stitchers.
This particular design is based on the illustration by Brie Harrison, whose art is inspired by the natural world. Using mostly whole stitches, it’s a perfect kit for beginners and a relaxing project for advanced stitchers.
7. Hawthorne Handmade counted cross stitch kit – woodpecker
Buy now, Love Crafts
Stitching level: Advanced beginner
This striking design is ideal for beginners as it uses whole cross stitch only, with no fiddly fractionals to contend with!
The gorgeous design sees a vibrant green woodpecker with colourful plumage, which is a treat to stitch! The kit contains a hoop, aida, needle, DMC thread, illustrated instructions and a pattern card.
8. Map of the British Isles counted cross stitch kit
Buy now, Etsy
Stitching level: Advanced beginner/ intermediate
Celebrate the British Isles with this fun, modern cross stitch kit! This is a large project that features many famous attractions dotted around the map.
Emily Joyce, the designer of this lovely kit specialises in geographically inspired projects, take a look through her shop and you might find a map of your hometown to stitch.
9. Counted cross stitch mini kits
Buy now, Etsy
Stitching level: Beginner
Looking for a quick and easy stitch? These mini counted cross stitch kits are as cute as they are fun! Available in a variety of designs; choose from festive bells, a corgi in a Christmas jumper, a cute kitty and much more!
10. Fresh hell counted cross stitch kit
Buy now, Etsy
Stitching level: Beginner
Cross stitch is a really fun way to add a bit of personality to a room, and even better if it’s amusing. If there’s one way to get somebody interested in cross stitch, show them a sassy design like this one.
This design is by Plastic Little Covers who specialise in funny, modern cross stitch designs, take a look at their shop for more!
11. Peaceful fish counted cross stitch kit
Buy now, Etsy
Stitching level: Advanced beginner
Relax into this counted cross stitch depicting two fish swimming under the waves. This unique kit includes black aida fabric, threads, needles and a chart.
Suitable for advanced beginners, this design poses more of a challenge as it’s stitched on black aida which can be more difficult to see. Make sure you have good lighting!
12. Kingfisher counted cross stitch kit by Thea Gouverneur
Stitching level: Intermediate
Thea Gouverneur offers unique designs with great detail and vibrant colours, using only top-notch DMC threads. This Kingfisher design is just that, rich in detail and a realistic depiction of nature.
The kit contains everything you need and once you have finished you’ll have your own piece of art to hang in your home.
13. Elephant counted cross stitch kit by Dutch Stitch Brothers
Stitching level: Intermediate/advanced
Stitch this sweet elephant walking together with her baby! This kit is made with high-quality materials including aida fabric, pre-sorted DMC floss and a John James needle.
The design is very detailed and uses lots of threads of similar shades, which makes it ideal for an experienced stitcher.
14. Duck counted cross stitch kit
Buy now, Etsy
Stitching level: Beginner
Add a bit of humour to someone's day by gifting them this fun cross stitch! Whether you stitch it yourself or you give them the kit, we know it’ll put a smile on their face.
This design is made up of whole cross stitch only, so ideal for beginners. The kit contains everything you need to complete the design.
15. Bothy Threads ‘Feline Good’ counted cross stitch kit
Buy now, Love Crafts
Stitching level: Intermediate
Stitch a pair of adorable kitties with this lovely counted cross stitch kit! You’ll stitch this design onto a 14-count Zweigart Aida with a printed speckled background which adds extra dimension.
This kit uses full cross stitches, a few fractionals and backstitch, so ideal for intermediate and seasoned stitchers.
Counted cross stitch kits to improve your skills
Counted cross stitch is the best method to learn, as it’s the technique used by the majority of patterns you will find online or in magazines.
The alternative method is using a pre-printed aida and stitching in a similar vein to paint by numbers. Although this might be attractive to a beginner, it’s more restrictive in the long term.
Finding more counted cross stitch designs for your next project
If you’re looking to take on a cross stitch project or would like to practise your counted cross stitch skills, make sure you take a look at our free cross stitch patterns to start today.
