Cross Stitch Kits Review and Comparison

Many people know how to cross-stitch, as this is the simplest pattern. But the “school” versions of the composition differ significantly from those that can decorate the interior of a real needlewoman. The problem usually lies in the choice of thread shades and their distribution in the overall palette. For such cases, only cross-stitch kits are suitable. The kit includes threads of the desired colors and shades, and the diagram accurately distributes the places of their use. The overall picture is created by a professional artist, so the finished picture resembles a real masterpiece. In addition to threads, the kit contains everything for embroidery.

What does the set consist of?

Such embroidery products usually have a certain standard, which concerns the availability of certain tools and materials. In order not to spend a lot of time studying the set, you can consider in advance which embroidery products are included in the standard set:

• A finished colorful picture, which is a sketch of the future work.
• A diagram is included, which shows the distribution of threads by numbers.
• There must be instructions describing all stages of work and the nuances of using the kit.
• Threads that are distributed on skeins with numbers. Usually it is macrame, but sometimes wool is also used.
• Canvas is a base fabric for embroidery. The size of the fabric can be different.
• Embroidery needles have rounded tips and large, elongated eyes.

The embroidery, the sets of which were collected qualitatively, turns out very beautiful and does not require the purchase of additional basic tools. Many use hoops-fixers. The device stretches the canvas and straightens the desired area.

Cheaper versions of kits may contain only threads, a pattern, base fabric and maybe instructions. Children's kits may also differ in composition, since the entire system is designed to comply with the safety rules for children when working with embroidery.

There are special devices for huge canvases - canvases. Additionally, threaders and unusual materials can be used to create volumetric decor (the author's "individual style"). Some manufacturers add non-standard materials in small quantities.

Examples of sets

Before starting work, each needlewoman carefully and for a long time selects a plot. At the same time, much attention is paid to the exclusivity of the proposed option. Cross stitch, sets of which are sold in specialized stores, can have a wide variety of themes and plots. There are many themes that can be depicted using an original stitch. The most popular options are:

• Landscapes of the seasons, sea, weather.
• Still lifes that are composed of different objects.
• Reproductions of famous paintings that are exhibited in museums around the world.
• Domestic and wild animals, birds.
• Holiday themes such as New Year, Christmas, Easter.
• Mythical and religious stories.

The list can be continued for quite a long time. Some manufacturers create individual canvases and patterns for them, where a portrait of a loved one can be recreated. Some manufacturers of cross stitch kits present the most unusual ones and often use additional valuable materials - Swarovski crystals, gold threads, precious stones.

Therefore, a completely unique embroidery kit can have a price comparable to the cost of a machine. Naturally, such items are created exclusively by individual order.

Any new product may differ in the principle of drawing up schemes, color scheme. In this type of handicrafts there is a fashion for certain elements and components. Usually beautiful and original samples immediately hit the market for mass sale, so they are quite accessible to everyone.

How to choose

First, you need to make the right choice. To do this, you need to determine the level of skill. A beginner will not be able to do, for example, a 3D picture. After that, you should pay attention to the quality of the kit itself. Cross stitch, the kits of which do not inspire confidence, can become very problematic due to significant shortcomings. There are many manufacturers who offer a variety of product options. Naturally, their pricing policies are different. Embroidery, price comparison, which is present in some catalogs, offer certain options.

Embroidery kits can be completely different. This concerns not only the theme, complexity and designs, but also the quality of the product. Some kits cannot be used due to poor components. To simplify the choice, it is better to buy products from well-known manufacturers. There are high-quality options from foreign and domestic manufacturers:

• "Dimensions" produces complex, but quite realistic pictures for embroidery in 3D technique. To work on such projects, you need some experience, so this option is not suitable for a beginner.
• "Golden Fleece" Russian manufacturer offers kits where all the tools and materials are harmoniously matched. The pictures are very realistic. Additionally, it produces kits for bead embroidery.
• "Riolis" offers inexpensive sets of good quality. Many different themes give the opportunity to make any choice. In addition, "Riolis" also produces picture options for children.

• "Forester" sets with diverse themes and quality tools. Many needlewomen prefer this particular manufacturer.
• "Lucas" offers complex versions of compositions that are more like works of art. There is a special series with the theme "Exhibition in the Museum" - reproductions of famous paintings are prepared.
• "Charivna Mit" is a Ukrainian manufacturer that has long entered the international market. A huge variety of themes related to different areas of life and artistic styles. "Charivna Mit" also offers sets with beads, satin stitch, ribbons.

All the brands listed are very well known among experienced needlewomen. And for beginners, you can find a suitable composition option here. Many companies and brands produce products of different skill levels - this allows making the market suitable for many needlewomen. Such companies show by personal example that needlework is simple and accessible.

How to care

It is not enough to buy a suitable embroidery kit and do the work, you also need to properly care for the finished product. Usually, cross stitch kits contain information on the rules for caring for threads, fabric and the picture as a whole, but there are also some hidden nuances. In order not to spoil the result of painstaking work, you need to adhere to the following care rules:

• Washing is done exclusively by hand. The water temperature should not be higher than 50 degrees. Squeezing the canvas is strictly prohibited. The picture is placed on a flat surface and flows down.
• To prevent the image from being distorted due to fabric deformation, it must be ironed after washing. The work is done from the back side through the non-woven base. The minimum temperature setting must be set on the device.
• If silk threads or a base made of such material were used for embroidery, then drying is carried out away from sources of high temperatures. High temperatures can cause the dried protein to coagulate.
• It is advisable to minimize the number of washes. To do this, the finished works are placed under glass, enclosing all the elements in a frame. This way, the product does not accumulate dust, and the colors of the threads do not fade under the influence of the sun.
• If wool threads are used in the manufacturing process, the embroidered fabric should be washed and rinsed in water of the same temperature. This will help maintain the balance and original state of the material.
• The finished canvas can be rinsed immediately after finishing work in cold water without using powder, rinse aid or laundry soap. Such cleaning will help get rid of hand dirt.
• Do not rub the embroidery during washing - pellets will form on the surface, which cannot be removed without damaging the pattern. This is especially true for woolen threads.

To avoid problems with thread shedding, use only high-quality material for embroidery. You can check the threads beforehand. Wet the tip in hot water, put it in a white cloth and rub. If a trace remains on the base, the dye is not natural. During washing, the colors will begin to mix on the canvas and lose their contrast. This procedure is definitely worth doing.

Many needlewomen love to embroider, but not many know how to choose a good picture, create a pattern correctly and choose threads to carry out the work. In order not to create problems in terms of preparation for work, it is worth choosing ready-made kits that include everything you need to create beautiful pictures using the cross-stitch technique. Using a ready-made layout, you can embroider almost any picture if you devote enough time and effort to the work.