Basic Cross Stitch Tools

Hoops - come in many sizes, both round and oval. Many stitchers enjoy the stability a hoop provides.

Perforated Paper and Plastic -have holes evenly spaced to form a 14-count grid and come in many colours. Edges require no finishing.

Needles - Sizes 24 or 26 blunt tapestry needles are the perfect size for stitching on most cross-stitch fabric or perforated paper. A sharp-pointed crewel needle is required when working with waste canvas.

Frames - easier on the fabric than hoops, come in many sizes and shapes.

Seed Beads - can be added to any 11 or 14-count cross-stitch design, using one bead per stitch.

Scissors - small, sharp scissors are essential for cutting floss and removing mistakes. For cutting fabric, use dressmaker's shears.

Stitching Fibers - Six-strand floss comes in hundreds of colours and is available in silk, rayon, and cotton. Pearl cotton has a nice glossy look. Flower thread has a matte finish and a tight twist. Blending filament is a fine, shiny fiber that can be used alone or combined with other thread. Ribbon thread, a narrow embroidery ribbon, comes in a large number of colours in satin and metallic. Metallic braids come in fine, medium, and heavy.