Starting cross stitch is easy! However, choosing your materials can prove tricky for a beginner. Choosing your chart, and getting the right stranded cotton, fabric, and the right size needle can be a challenge. That’s why a cross stitch kit is the easiest way to start out.
In a cross stitch kit for beginners, you’ll find everything you need including the threads and fabric with your chosen chart. This leaves more time for the fun part: stitching!
Choose to learn counted or stamped cross stitch. With counted, follow a printed chart and key to the right place on the fabric to make your crosses. Stamped cross stitch has the design guidelines pre-printed on the fabric, so there is no need to count from a chart.
Learning counted cross stitch opens the door to more designs, and you can use a chart to complete a design as many times as you like (check out our free cross stitch patterns).
It lets you progress to add details with fractional stitches and backstitch. Most cross stitchers who choose stamped will move on to counted cross stitch in the end.
As well as the type of cross stitch, you need to choose the design you like. We’ve selected ten of the best cross stitch kits for beginners – which do you want to stitch most?
Main image: The Make Arcade, Etsy
21 best cross stitch kits for beginners
Easy cross stitch kits
1. Anchor First cross stitch kit
Best for absolute beginners and children
Pros: Quality threads and fabric, trusted cross stitch brand
Cons: No assembly instructions or ideas
This is a really simple pattern that anyone can try, even kids! Anchor kits contain high-quality fabric and stranded cotton, and are a great brand to learn the basics with!
This kit is designed for absolute beginners. It uses 8-count aida fabric, which means the fabric holes are really big and easy to get the needle into. You’ll produce big, chunky cross stitches with no need to separate the cotton into strands. Easy-to-follow instructions are included in the kit.
2. Owl bookmark cross stitch kit
Best for making as a gift
Pros: Learn the basics of counting in cross stitch, finished item makes a good gift
Cons: No instructions, 16-count aida is not the standard beginner fabric
Although this design is stitched on a higher count aida (the holes are smaller) it only uses whole cross stitch, so is still suitable for beginners. It’s perfect for getting used to counting stitches from a chart, and understanding a cross stitch chart and key.
Once you’ve finished all the cross stitching, you'll find out how to make up your work into a bookmark. The kit comes with cross stitch pattern, 16-count white aida, stranded cottons and a needle.
3. Yoda stamped easy cross stitch kits
Best for Star Wars fans
Pros: Great for all cross stitch abilities
Cons: One-time use kit
This stamped cross stitch is a great choice for beginners! Instead of counting stitches using a cross stitch chart, your design is pre-printed onto the fabric. You add the cross stitch over the top.
It's a good way for a beginner to get accustomed to the cross stitch technique without having to worry about working from a chart. Although it is attractive to completely new stitchers, it is worth eventually learning counted cross stitch as this is the method that most projects use (especially free patterns on Gathered).
4. Cross stitch greetings card kit - easy cross stitch kits
Best for stitchers who prefer a sturdy base
Great for first-time stitchers and children! This kit uses perforated paper or card as opposed to fabric which gives you a stable base to hold in your hand.
This pack of perforated greetings cards let you stitch on the front of the card, then write and send your finished design. The kit includes a plastic needle, threads and envelopes. There are no instructions or charts, but kids can copy the pictures on the front.
Pros: Learn to make basic cross stitches, improvise your own designs
Cons: The back of the cross stitch is visible inside the card
5. The Make Arcade folk moth cross stitch kits
Best for teenage or adult cross stitchers
Just because you're a beginner it doesn't mean you can't learn in style! This gorgeous moth cross stitch from The Make Arcade lets you cross stitch a pretty and colourful moth as you learn the basics of cross stitch.
It uses whole cross stitch on aida fabric and includes a hoop to use while you are cross stitching, so easy for beginners. Everything you need to complete the design is included in the kit, and you can use the hoop to display your finished work.
Pros: Contemporary design, includes wooden hoop
Cons: Slightly more expensive option
Try these unique counted cross stitch kits
if you are looking to further your skills, take a look at our round-up of counted cross stitch kits suitable for all abilities.
6. Korobond cross stitch kit
Best for testing out stamped cross stitch
- Buy Korobon cross stitch kit from Wilkos
If you're unsure whether cross stitch is for you, and you don't want to spend much money, this kit is for you! Perfect for testing out working on a pre-printed cross stitch.
The Korobond cross stitch kit contains thread, needle, chart and aida fabric pre-printed with the design. Once you’ve worked the cross stitch, wash the fabric to remove the printed guidelines.
Due to it's low price, the contents are not as high-quality as others on this list!
Pros: An easy pre-printed choice, great value
Cons: Low-quality threads
How to wash your cross stitch
Learn best practice right from the beginning with Gathered's guide to washing your cross stitching.
We'll show you the best way to clean finished cross stitch designs to keep them looking their best. Discoverhow to wash cross stitch
7. Biscuit sampler cross stitch kit
Best for ambitious beginners
- Buy the Biscuits cross stitch sampler kit from Etsy
Be inspired to cross stitch by biscuits! Even though this is the largest design featured here, it’s broken down into 11 biscuit chunks, so is easy to manage.
As well as the basics of cross stitch, you work backstitch details, which is an essential skill for most cross stitch designs.
Pros: Contemporary design, learn cross stitch and backstitch
Cons: Big design makes it more expensive
8. Simply Make It rainbow cross stitch kit
Best for people who prefer less thread colours
This super-simple cross stitch kit has just four different thread colours to manage. It’s a very easy counted cross stitch design that’s perfect for learning the basics of a cross stitch chart. The plastic hoop helps keep the fabric taut as you stitch, and can be the frame for your finished design, too.
The kit includes two needles, so you can keep two colours threaded at the same time.
Pros: Includes needles threader
Cons: Very basic design and kit
9. The Make Arcade Koala cross stitch kit
Best for buying as a gift
This sweet koala is a lovely design to learn the basics of cross stitch. You'll be following a chart which will tell you exactly where to place your stitches!
The kit includes a wooden hoop, threads, fabric, backing felt and a needle. You get a chart and basic instructions, all presented in a pretty box.
The finished work measures approx 8cm and has a piece of felt to cover the stitching at the back.
Pros: The kit contains a hoop
Cons: Some challenging backstitch
10. Harry Potter cross stitch kits
Best for Harry Potter fans
Try cross stitch with your favourite wizarding friends! This simple cross stitch is ideal for beginners and a great way to get kids involved in the craft. The kit contains everything you need to finish your stitching, however, there is no frame so you'll have to source that elsewhere if you want to hang up your finished work.
Pros: Low price for a branded product
Cons: Frame not included
Looking for more Harry Potter cross stitch?
Can't get enough of the magical world, browse through our favourite Harry Potter cross stitch kits.
11. Bothy Threads Hannah Dale He's a Fun-gi Counted Cross Stitch
Best for advanced beginners
This ‘He’s a Fun-gi’ kit from artist Hannah Dale includes everything you need to get started with cross stitching. The kit contains 14-count Zweigart Aida fabric with a printed speckled background, along with pre-sorted stranded cotton, a needle, a stitch diagram and a set of instructions.
The design reveals a cute little creature sitting atop a vibrant, red mushroom. The process involves several full cross stitches, fractional stitches, back stitches and one French knot. There’s plenty here to test your newly-found skills while still being a strong choice for beginners.
Pros: Will test your skills and take you to the next level
Cons: Not suitable for complete beginners
12. Pusheen: A Cross-Stitch Kit (Miniature Editions)
Best for those who want a quick project
This cross stitch kit gives you the opportunity to create two designs of the ever-loveable Pusheen cat. The 32-page mini-book that comes with the set has instructions for cross stitching, as well as two (easy) patterns for you to follow. This makes this a great set for beginners!
Two pieces of 5x5 inch cotton aida cloth are included in the set, so you can try your hand at creating these lovely feline patterns. There’s also a 3 inch embroidery hoop, two tapestry needles, and four skeins of embroidery thread.
Pros: Includes two designs
Cons: Designs are similar
13. Octopus cross stitch kit
Best for ocean-lovers
- Buy now from Etsy (£8.95).
Dive into the sea with this octopus cross stitch kit for beginners. The kit contains everything you need to create the full project and instructions on how to cross stitch. It would make a special gift for anyone who loves the ocean, or just something to brighten up your home.
Pros: Modern design
Cons: The design is very small
14. Bee cross stitch kit
Best for nature lovers
- Buy now from Etsy (from £14.00).
This fuzzy little bumblebee is a simple stitch and great for first-timers! The kit contains all you need, including a detailed pattern, 14-count Aida fabric, thread, a hoop, an embroidery needle, and a cross stitch guide for beginners. It can also be purchased gift-wrapped if you are buying it as a present.
Pros: Beautifully packaged
Cons: Hoop not included
Printed cross stitch kits
Prefer to stitch straight onto the aida and not worry about counting? Try these lovely printed cross stitch kits for beginners.
15. Dinosaur cross stitch kit
Best for pun fans
- Buy now from Etsy (from £12.00)
Create this lovely dinosaur cross stitch for a friend and let them know just how 'roarsome' you think they are, it'll be sure to put a smile on their face. It uses a mixture of colours to help you get used to changing threads making it a fantastic cross stitch kit for beginners.
Pros: Cute design
Cons: Costs extra to include a hoop
16. Monstera cross stitch kit
Best for plant people
- Buy now from Etsy
Give this cool Monstera Deliciosa plant cross stitch kit a try, it's a larger hoop at 20cm so it'll give you plenty of practice with your stitching. This pattern uses 7 different colours and a basic cross stitch only so is ideal for beginners. The finished piece is so pretty and would look lovely hanging in any plant-lover's home.
Pros: Choice of designs
Cons: Uses several similar thread colours
17. 'You make me so happy' cross stitch kit
Best for those who want to give a kit as a gift
- Buy now from Etsy (£19.95)
Brighten someone's day with this sweet message! This cute cross stitch is great for beginners too as it only uses one simple stitch. Everything you need is included in the kit so as soon as it reaches your door you'll be ready to stitch.
Pros: Uses a range of colours
Cons: Pricer than others on the list
18. No rain, no flowers cross stitch kit
Best for those looking for motivation
Feel motivated with this 'feel good' cross stitch kit. Stitching is said to be very therapeutic, so why not grab yourself a cuppa and have some me-time with your new project? Very relaxing after a stressful day!
Pros: Delivered in a letterbox-sized box
Cons: Small design
19. Sunflower cross stitch kit
Best for summer stitching
- Buy now from Etsy (from £12.00)
Bring some sunshine into your home with this sunflower cross stitch. This project is suitable for beginners but contains lettering which can be a little more challenging but great practice to test your skills. The kit contains everything you need!
Pros: How to cross stitch guide included
Cons: No hoop included
20. Mountain cross stitch kit
Best for adventurers
- Buy the Mountain adventure cross stitch kit from Etsy
This bright mountain scene will be a challenge for beginners but worth it in the end! It is larger blocks of colour so that makes things easier. After completing this project you'll be well on your way to becoming a pro stitcher.
Pros: Beautiful packaging
Cons: Large areas of the same colour
21. Planet Earth cross stitch kit
Best for Earth warriors
Celebrate the planet we live on with this cute cross stitch kit from Ellbie Co. This teeny project is only 3 inches, so can be completed in one afternoon, making it ideal for beginners.
The kit contains everything you need wrapped up in a neat package!
Pros: Very small design
Cons: Large areas of the same colour
Build the skills you need to grow your cross stitch hobby
What’s next for you after you finish your beginner cross stitch kit? Learning new skills lets you create more detailed designs, or feel confident in choosing larger projects. You can define your cross stitch with backstitch outlines, or add dots with French knots.
Learn how to get your threads and fabric separately from a kit so you can stitch the free cross stitch designs we have on Gathered, too!
What are fractional stitches, anyway?
We’ll help you understand how to do fractional stitch (and a lot more besides) in Gathered’s guide to cross stitch for beginners.
