Cross Stitch kits

Create Charming Needlework Art With Cross Stitch Kits From Spotlight

At Spotlight, you can discover a huge range of cross-stitch kits in different designs to create your own gorgeous needlework art. Whether you're a beginner looking to start a new hobby or a seasoned embroiderer, you can find the perfect cross stitch kits to suit your skill level and design aesthetic. Counted cross stitch kits are the ideal way to grab everything you need to create your favoured designs as they include the right cloth, tapestry needle, chart/pattern and stranded cottons in all the required colours. At Spotlight, you can find Australian-themed cross stitch kits, mini cross stitch kits and even Star Wars themed cross stitch kits to embroider.

What is Cross Stitch?

Cross stitch is a type of hand embroidery stitch, and is so named as it is made up of small x-shaped stitches worked on even weave cloth. The most common type of even weave cloth used for cross stitching is called Aida cloth, which has distinct and evenly spaced holes through which the embroidery thread is stitched. This has the advantage of creating neat and consistently shaped stitches and also makes cross stitch the perfect introduction to the art of embroidery.

Cross Stitch Kits & Cross Stitching FAQs

How to cross-stitch

1. Refer to the included cross-stitch chart and find the centre of your fabric. Working from the centre of the Aida cloth and starting with the centre of the design means there will be enough space for the finished embroidery.
2. Secure your fabric in an embroidery hoop to keep the cloth taut and easy to stitch through. Some smaller kits will even have the hoop included!
3. Thread your needle, making sure you use the recommended number of strands as per the instructions.
4. Starting with your needle at the back, pull the thread through to the front while leaving around 3 cm of thread at the back. Hold this thread in place while you make the first couple of stitches.
5. Stitch back into the front of the cloth through the diagonally opposite hole to create a slanted half cross stitch ("/").
6. Bring the needle back through the cloth through the hole directly underneath the top of the slanted stitch, trapping the loose thread at the back.
7. Continue to make the required number of slanted stitches to create a neat row of half-cross stitches. Make sure you encase the loose thread in the back through 4 to 5 of the stitches to keep it secure.
8. Then work back in the other direction to create "X" stitches.

How to finish and frame cross-stitch

Once your cross stitch is complete, you can choose to hang it in an embroidery hoop or use a photo frame or poster frame for a more formal presentation. Make sure that if you're using a frame that has a mounting mat - you want enough space between the embroidery and the glass so that your stitches don't get squished.

For cross-stitch projects where the back of the work will be visible (e.g. cross-stitch bookmarks), use some lightweight iron-on interfacing to cover off the stitches on the reverse. Make sure you only lightly press the interfacing, using the lowest possible temperature on the iron for the fusing to stick. And NEVER iron the front of your embroidery as you'll ruin the unique texture and all your hard work!

What are some cross-stitch tips for beginners?

If you are new to the art of cross-stitch, then fear not! This awesome hobby really is easier than it looks, and you will be sewing away in no time at all. Here are our top tips:

• Always important to wash your hands before touching the fabric or thread, to prevent any stains or oils from getting onto your fabric.
• Start with an easy project, and work your way up to the kits that have more intricate details.
• Read the instructions thoroughly prior to beginning your project. Start at the centre of the piece and work your way outwards.
• Avoid using long strands of thread, and do not pull too hard if your thread starts to tangle or knot.
• If your fabric starts to fray as you are working, tape the edges or use fabric glue to prevent it from becoming tangled.
• If you are not quite sure how the stitch should be, then you could practise on a piece of scrap fabric before you start.
• Always work in a well-lit space. Cross stitch is fiddly work, and you should not strain your eyes working in poor lighting. Investing in a craft light and magnifier will make embroidering easier and save your eyes in the long run!

Shop Cross Stitch Kits & Needlework Supplies At Spotlight

Creating cross-stitch art is a relaxing hobby that appeals to all ages. Cross stitch kits make a wonderful gift for any keen crafter, and are perfect for kids and adults alike. Spotlight's embroidery & needlecraft range also features applique kits, tapestry kits and needle felting inspiration for anyone who likes to create with needle, cloth and thread. You can explore the range in-store, or shop online and enjoy the convenience of home delivery! For more tips and tricks check out our comprehensive guide to needle felting, needle art and embroidery. We also have a huge selection of inspiring free needlecraft & weaving projects to get your creativity flowing!