Why Most Beginner Cross Stitch Kits Aren't Really For Beginners
When people discover cross stitch for the first time, they often think the biggest challenge will be learning how to make the stitches.
In my experience, that's usually not the hardest part. The hardest part is getting started.
Over the years I've learned cross stitch, taught through social media, helped customers take their first stitches, answered countless questions, and watched people discover the hobby for the very first time. One thing became very clear:
Many beginner kits aren't really designed for beginners.
That might sound like a strange thing to say, but let me explain.
The Moment I Realised There Had To Be A Better Way
The idea behind my Cross Stitch Journey had been floating around in my head for quite a while. But one particular moment helped bring it into focus. I was helping my young niece learn cross stitch and found myself reaching for the same materials that many beginner kits use.
- 14-count Aida.
- A small needle.
And we hadn't even got to a 'standard' beginner pattern.
As I watched her trying to work out where the needle needed to go, I found myself thinking: "There has to be a better way."
Not because she couldn't learn, she was doing amazing.
Because I was making the learning process harder than it needed to be. For an experienced stitcher, 14-count Aida feels normal and maybe even quite large.
- For a beginner, those holes can feel tiny.
- The chart and the fabric don't always visually connect.
You're trying to learn the stitch itself while also learning how to read a chart, count fabric squares, separate thread strands, and manage a needle. That's a lot to ask of someone who is simply trying to learn a new hobby.
The Problem With Many Beginner Cross Stitch Kits
When I started looking more closely at what was available, I noticed. Many beginner kits expected beginners to immediately work with:
- 14-count fabric
- Small needles
- Separated strands of thread
- Little to no instructions; and
- Lots assumed knowledge
The problem isn't that these things are difficult. The problem is that they're often introduced all at once. Learning any new skill is easier when you remove unnecessary barriers.
Cross stitch should be no different.
- If someone is learning to drive, we don't start by putting them behind the wheel of a race car.
- If someone is learning to cook, we don't expect them to prepare a five-course meal on day one.
Yet in cross stitch, beginners are often expected to tackle experienced stitcher materials from the very beginning.
Why I Designed First Stitchers Cross Stitch Kits Differently
When I created the First Stitchers range, my goal wasn't to create another beginner kit. My goal was to create a beginner kit that really was designed for beginners.
That's why First Stitchers uses:
- 6-count Aida
- Large, easy-to-see holes
- A size 22 needle
- Full strands of floss
- Simple patterns
- Beginner guides
- Video tutorials
- Everything needed to get started
One of the biggest advantages of 6-count Aida is something many experienced stitchers don't even think about anymore. The squares on the chart are much easier to relate to the squares on the fabric. For a beginner, that visual connection matters.
Instead of constantly wondering where to stitch next, they can focus on learning the hobby itself.
- The goal isn't perfection.
- The goal is finishing their first project and thinking: "I can do this."
Because confidence is often the difference between someone trying cross stitch once and someone discovering a hobby they love.
My Own Cross Stitch Journey
I didn't wake up one day stitching large, detailed projects with dozens of colours. I learned the same way most stitchers do.
- One project at a time.
- One mistake at a time.
- One lesson at a time.
Every experienced stitcher started somewhere. Every confident stitcher was once staring at a chart and wondering if they were doing it correctly.
Every Master Stitcher was once a First Stitcher. That's something I think we sometimes forget when we're surrounded by beautiful, highly detailed projects online. The finished project is easy to see. The learning journey that came before it is often invisible.
The Missing Cross Stitch Step Nobody Talked About
As I continued developing kits and teaching beginners, I noticed another problem.
Even when someone successfully completed a beginner project, the next step often felt enormous.
A beginner stitcher might go from:
- Large 6-count fabric
- Simple designs
- Basic stitching
Straight to:
- 14-count fabric
- Multiple colours
- Backstitch
- Fraction stitches
- More detailed charts
That's a big jump and maybe too big for some people.
That's when I realised there was a missing stage.
- Not beginner.
- Not experienced.
- The stage in between.
The stage where someone has finished their first project and wants another success before tackling something more detailed or maybe bigger with more colours or techniques.
That's why I created Next Stitchers.
Why Next Stitchers Exists
Next Stitchers was designed to bridge the gap between beginner stitching and most cross stitch kits and patterns for sale at the moment.
Instead of making a giant leap, stitchers can build confidence gradually.
The range introduces:
- 11-count Aida
- Three strands of floss
- Backstitch
- Fraction stitches
while still remaining approachable and achievable. The goal isn't to overwhelm. The goal is to help stitchers think:
"I've got this." before moving on to more detailed projects.
Because confidence grows one successful project at a time.
The Cross Stitch Journey
As my range continues to grow the journey will naturally evolve. Today it looks like this:
- For people who have never stitched before or feel intimidated by traditional kits.
- For stitchers who have completed their first project and want another success before tackling more traditional cross stitch.
- For stitchers who know the basics and want more detail without a huge commitment.
Skilled Stitcher
- For experienced stitchers looking for greater complexity and variety.
Master Stitcher
- For enthusiastic stitchers who enjoy larger projects, advanced techniques, and exploring new possibilities.
But here's the important part. The Journey isn't a ladder.
It's a map.
You Don't Have To Move Forward
One thing I never want people to feel is pressure to "level up." The purpose of the Cross Stitch Journey isn't to push people towards bigger and more complicated projects.
It's to help them understand where they are and what options might suit them next. If someone stitches First Stitchers projects for the rest of their life and loves every minute of it, that's amazing.
If someone eventually works their way up to large, detailed projects with dozens of colours, that's good too.
Success isn't measured by difficulty. Success is measured by enjoyment. My goal has never been to create expert stitchers.
My goal is to help people discover a creative hobby they genuinely love.
And That’s Why Cross Stitch Matters
For me, cross stitch is more than fabric and thread.
It's one of the few activities that genuinely helps me slow down.
In a world filled with notifications, deadlines, and constant distractions, there is something special about focusing on one stitch at a time.
Many people come to cross stitch for different reasons.
- Some want a creative outlet.
- Some want a relaxing hobby.
- Some want to make gifts.
- Some simply want a break from screens.
Whatever the reason, I believe the hobby should be approachable. It shouldn't feel overwhelming or intimidating. And it certainly shouldn't feel like you need years of experience before you're allowed to begin.
Start With Cross Stitch - Where You Are
The Cross Stitch Journey was never really about creating levels.
It was about creating confidence. It's a reminder that every stitcher starts somewhere. Every project teaches something. And every stage of the journey is worth enjoying.
If you've been thinking about trying cross stitch but traditional kits have always felt a little intimidating, take a look at the First Stitchers range.
You might be surprised by how approachable cross stitch can be.
And if you've already completed your first project and are looking for the next step, the Next Stitchers range was created specifically for people like you.
Wherever you are on your stitching journey, start there. Build confidence one project at a time. Most importantly, enjoy the process.
Until next time, happy stitching.
Kylie :)