When it comes to cross stitch purchases, be it for beginners or more advanced stitchers, many of us can agree that some are just better than others. However, despite that, we hold off on some purchases. Be that due to cost, thinking we simply don’t need it, or this weird idea that maybe it’s not worth it.
So, with more than a few years of cross stitching under my belt, I’ve put together a list of cross stitch gear that I really wish I hadn’t waited to get!
Tracing Pad
Quite possibly the single most talked about product by me, but seemingly ignored by the rest of the cross stitch community, I will always stand to the idea that every cross stitcher needs a tracing pad.
I know it doesn’t seem like the type of thing anyone would need, but honestly the best piece of advice I can give you for stitching is light from behind your work. This is even more important if you’re stitching on black or dark aida. The light from below helps massively in finding the holes in the fabric.
There is a question over whether you need something like daylight lamps, and I’m still not sure if that’s needed; but a tracing pad is.
Rechargable A4 Tracing Pad
$35.99
A simple, cheap but effective way to light your work from behind. Easy to carry and lightweight if you want to place it on your lap.
- ✓ Rechargable
- ✓ Lightweight
- ✓ Buttons on the side
- ✓ Cheap!
Blocking Board/Mat
A lot is made of washing your work once you’re done, and it is important, but when you wash it, you should also be blocking it. Or, to put it more specifically, pinning your work on a flat surface to make sure it’s not warped.
This is actually common in the knitting world, but cross stitchers just don’t seem to talk about it enough.
You can get specific tools, but there are other options out there too. I personally prefer foam floor mats!
CraftyManor 7.6 inch Blocking Board
$12.99
More traditional blocking board also used for knitting.
Mr. Pen Interlocking Blocking Mats
$13.85
A more cost-effective and frankly better option.
Travel Scissors
When I first came to cross stitch, a lot was made of cross stitch in planes, and stitching on trains, and when out and about. That has mostly disappeared, but people still travel with cross stitch. But I’m not suggesting travel scissors simply due to that; instead, I just use travel scissors constantly. They are easy to pick up, safe around kids and animals, and they’re easy to attach to things like bags.
To make it better, they are totally TSA compliant and great for travelling.
CANARY Mini Travel Scissors
$8.90
Small round-tipped scissors, perfect for travelling with, but useful at home too.
- ✓ TSA Approved
- ✓ Easy to pack
- ✓ Suprisingly useful
Magnifier Lamp
I’ve often wondered if magnifiers are worth it for cross stitch, and so it took me a long time to actually take the plunge and buy a magnifier. But as soon as I did, I realised how much it was worth it.
Not only does it zoom in for high-count fabrics, but it eases my eye strain a massive amount, which as I get older (and more glasses-wearing) I really appreciate!
The fact that most come with lights, some of which are daylight lamps, makes it a tool I wish I had brought before!
Center Finding Ruler
(you’ve called this out before as surprisingly useful and easy to overlook)
We all know the myth of needing to stitch from the center of your fabric, but it is still one of the best ways.
The issue is that you have to fold the fabric, meaning denting and ironing are an issue.
But there is a better alternative; a center-finding ruler. It allows you to find the center without any of that annoying folding. A true game changer!
Westcott Plastic Centering Ruler
$8
A soft, clear ruler that finds the center easily for you without folding fabric.
- ✓ Clear so easy to use
- ✓ Bendy so won’t damage cross stitch
Have you tried any of these, or is there something else you would suggest to cross stitchers?
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan
Discover more from Lord Libidan
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Nurge frames! Rectangular, which provides a greater work area and hold the fabric tight- I’ve never looked back!
ides the fabric tight, with great
Ball tip needles! I would have had to give up cross stitch without them.
I just wish they came smaller; I love using size 28s!