What Cross Stitch Supplies Do I Use?

We all have our favorites when it comes to what and where we get our cross stitching supplies. One of the best things about having the FlossTube channel with its fantastic interaction with so many stitchers is that I get recommendations for supplies that I’ve never used before.

Fabric

Many have asked me where I get my fabric. If you’ve seen the bigger pieces I have, you know that there isn’t anything the folks at A Stitching Shop can’t do when it comes to fabric!

Floss

I generally use DMC floss for the vast majority of my projects which I use get at a local craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels. If there’s a specialty floss required, I either get it at A Stitching Shop or order it online from one of several Etsy stores that sell it. Just go to Etsy and search for the kind of floss you need.

You can also go to Everything Cross Stitch and they have every single DMC floss that is out there at a good price.

Needles

I buy a lot of needles. I also tend to lose a lot of needles. My husband can attest to the random discovery of a sharp needle point on the carpet floor, the comfy chair, in his car, and even our bed. It’s never a very happy discovery.

Because of the rate at which I lose needles for whatever reason, I buy different kinds to test them out. Since I stitch so much on 14 ct Aida, I like larger needles.

Most Common Needles I Buy – https://amzn.to/2GeR4n5

And also these: https://amzn.to/2Ton63N

They are different sizes, and I use all of them for various projects. Some of my subscribers recommend gold-eyed needles like these: https://amzn.to/2CXKsqc

Hoops/Q-Snaps

I tried using Q-snaps a few years ago. I never got comfortable with them. A lot of that has to do with my hands and my history of carpal tunnel. I prefer small, light hoops to hold my fabric. That also includes the massive projects I work on! It’s just easier to hold the least amount of fabric in my hands while I stitch.

I use some very basic plastic hoops: https://amzn.to/2WvD8ec

I used to use wooden hoops, but my dogs seem to take a liking to them and chewed up a few, projects contained within. Thankfully the projects escaped without damage!

Many of my subscribers enjoy Q-snaps, and I’ve watched many people stitch with them. Here’s an example: https://amzn.to/2TqJ8mz

You may want to try both out to see which feels best for you. I also know of some who stitch in hand, without any sort of fabric holder. I’m super impressed by those folks!

Magnifiers

There’s a pair of magnifiers that I’ve used regularly to stitch on some of my smaller-count projects. I especially like that there’s a rechargeable LED light on the front that I can use to highlight the project if the environmental light isn’t as good as I need.

Magnifiers: https://amzn.to/2DP62il

Over the last year I’ve noticed that I need glasses for even 18-count fabric. I eventually got a pair of reading glasses reluctantly. Thankfully they helped quite a bit.

Amazon has a nice selection where you can get multiple glasses with varying diopter sizes based on how your eyes feel that day. It’s a good bargain if you find you need to change glasses like I seem to do. https://amzn.to/2DOlRWu

Lights

I use a variety of lights depending on where I’m cross stitching. When I’m sitting at my computer desk stitching, I prefer a small desk lamp. I specifically use this one: https://amzn.to/2D025Wk

I recently purchased a new crafting light that I use in my bedroom when I’m stitching in bed or in my little corner chair. I like it because it’s super bright. https://amzn.to/2ShdJpn

Other Items

Pillow Backrest: I recently got a nice bed backrest that I use to prop myself up when I’m stitching in bed. It’s nice and firm and feels like it’s going to hold up to a lot of use. https://amzn.to/2GbTB1w

Bed Desk: At the same time I got the backrest, I also got this bed desk to help organize my cross stitching (see the above issue with losing my needles). It’s sturdy and big enough to hold everything I need it to.  https://amzn.to/2TpuADV

Cross Stitching Books I’ve Purchased:

• Women Who Rock Cross Stitch: https://amzn.to/2WyvJe7  Over 30 women rockers are represented in this book. I plan on stitching at least 10 of them on the same piece of fabric at some point.
• Fast and Festive: 50 Christmas Designs: https://amzn.to/2GcJN7r  I was in a holiday mood when I saw this book. There are many great patterns that I plan on working on come next holiday season!
• Peanuts Cross Stitch: https://amzn.to/2UuCZpv  My husband and I are big Peanuts fans, and I’m definitely going to be stitching at least a few of these patterns at some point.

Floor Stands: I don’t use the larger floor stands that have been popular for years. I plan on trying one at some point, but I’m so ingrained with using my hoop that I don’t know if I could ever change. If you’re good at two-handed stitching, you will like this. https://amzn.to/2GGzmbJ

Cross Stitching T-Shirts

If you’ve watched any of my FlossTube (YouTube) videos, you know that I have a multitude (!!) of cross stitch-themed t-shirts! Sadly, these shirts don’t seem to stick around very long. I’m guessing they are limited run. I will try and keep this section up to date as I can. (updated August 4, 2019)