Cross stitch tools & supplies - What's worth your money? 

Please do share your own recommendations and warnings for other stitchers (and of course myself) to learn from! What's your favourite cross stitch tool you've bought, and did I cover it in this video?

My latest must have is a coiled keychain: I use it as a scissors nanny. No more dropping my scissors. I used bobbins and hate them - makes the thread zigzaggy. My go to is a hole puncher and an old greeting card - I write the symbols&thread names on them - perfect! When I finish the project, I pitch the card - easy cleanup and whoever sent me the card knows I truly appreciated it.

Don't tell my husband that cross stitch doesn't need so many fun accessories lol. Great video!

I find thread conditioners attract dirt. They don't work for me but if you love it go for it! Now, bee's wax is great for the ends of the thread if you have trouble threading and you're not a thread licker. Thank you Giddy Stitcher. I love your upbeat friendly style and watching your channel just because you're you.

I’ve been stitching for over 30 years and I still only use a needle, Aida 14, plastic bobbins for my DMC, Ott light and magnifiers (readers). Basic and simple. Really enjoyed this video …as I always do.

I've been sewing and knitting for a long time now (10 and 15 years respectively) and I'm getting pulled into cross stitching. As far as bags are concerned, for cross stitch, I've kept the plastic zippered bag my daughter's curtains came in and I intend to use that for the smaller pieces. :) Edit: OMG YES!!!! Those clear zippered bags are AMAZING.

I always use a white pillowcase on my knee when I use a dark fabric it makes the holes easier to see

I just started cross-stitching. A hoop frame is a must for me. I tried holding the fabric by hand, and I found myself forgetting which part of the design I was working on because the fabric got shifted or folded. I'm still working on my first project. Slowly, but I'm enjoying the experience so far. 🥰

Needle minders are a life saver for someone like me, who used to stick their needle Into my sofa or blanket and spent 75% ir their stitching Time looking for the damn needle. I got a beautiful lazercut wooden one from a local shop and thats honestly all I need! It saved Me so much time and made stitching a lot more relaxing.

Thank you, I found this video very helpful 😊

I worked a huge 2meter square piece in 28ct black Aida.…I learned that a white pillowcase below my work, with my work lamp on full, worked really well to illuminate the teeny tiny holes, slowing down the rate at which I was going cross eyed. I am working with Light Effects DMC right now, doing Xmas pieces in different whites and silvers on dark blue 28ct Aida ( snow scene silhouette ) and I have learned to use very small lengths, just a few stitches at a time, as it frays badly. It feels scratchy as you sew and doesn't take tension well. The silky smooth Satin DMC works well, gives great effects as highlights.….but is very “bouncy”, and won't lay flat, and springs back up off the fabric as soon as you release the tension, so…takes a while to get the hang of. 🥴 I'm not a masochist by the way..I was sent all this dark Aida by a online company by mistake, they told me to keep it and then sent what I had ordered…..I’m not about to let it go to waste! 😂😂😂

Agree with everything!!

I just use zip lock sandwich bags as my project bags whenever I do a smaller project lol.

Hi. I just found you and love all your ideas. As a stitcher for over 35 years, I learned a lot from you. I love your accent!

This video is so helpful! Thank you! I actually purchased magnifying glasses with a light and they are a game changer for sure!

I have this lamp which hangs around the neck. And I absolutely love it. I never stitch without it anymore 😊

Just found your vid my go to is my metal board and magnetic strips, ( cut up an old magnetic sheet) to put behind my pattern moving the magnetic strip up or down depending on what row was next, has made me making stitching mistakes less likely

I was looking at cross stitch pattern makers when I came across this site. Curiosity then brought me to find out what tools I should have. that I have been working without for years. A few I will be buying, making or upgrading. Bob-eez - I have been using this same type of thing as a cable tidier for years (decades). Bought them at a discount store way back when. Magnetic needle holders - looked at a couple on line and I noticed one that looks like my old business card holders. Since I have no use for business cards anymore, I think mine will now have magnetic sheeting added and start their new "retired" life. It will certainly be less expensive than the ones I saw online. Thread conditioner - well maybe I will have to try this, or the Chapstick. Sounds like it could be fun. Magnifiers and lights - I already have several different types. It depends on what room and which project to what I use on the day. My preference is to use some sort of frame when stitching - size of work deciding type of frame - as it helps keep my stitches even and helps prevent pulling the work out of shape. I will be investigating newer options for grime protection and excess fabric handling to see if I can improve what I have used (I think that is a given). Thank you. I enjoyed this video. I think a video on how to actually use the tools mentioned would be great for beginners.

When I first started working with floss I got excited & bought a lot. I spent weeks bobbining & organized em into clear bins from lightest to darkest. So pretty. Then I discovered I absolutely could not stand the bends left in the floss strands & habe been slowly working on transitioning it all to floss drops. Sigh. You live & you learn. We just all have different preferences. Also... confession... I've never tried floss conditioner. Please nobody come at me for any of this 🤣🤣🤣

Loved reading all the comments from your viewers and of course Your common sense “sensibilities”……I agree a good pair of fiber only scissors has really been a step up for me…..I have the same project bags as You and they have been just fine…..I keep a pack of hand sanitizer wipes available….and lastly I just glued a magnet to some old flat costume jewelry earrings for my needle minders…I LOVE Sharing IDEAS with this sharing/caring community….

Masking tape is essential for me! Stops aida fraying at the edges. And good lighting, I work at my desk so I've got a USB desk light that folds away when I don't need it.

Awesome video. You don't speak badly about fellow crafters and give both sides of any possible argument (cheap vs expensive in this instance). Only started cross stitch and embroidery recently but found a simple home made needle book handy to store waste thread, needles and left over thread.

I use a neck light with five brightness settings, light color options and broad and beam display; love it! Great video!

Great video! I eventually heard of a laying tool on flosstube but have no idea how to use it. One caution about leaving your needle in your fabric. Don't forget it there or leave it there a long time. It can leave rust marks eventually. Also if you do that make sure your project is safe from pets sitting on it. Thread conditioner I've only used with Dmc Diamont and it did help with that floss. Now I just stay away from Diamont. I've used the around the neck light when on vacation or stitching somewhere with poor lighting. I have a light magnifier coming from Art Dot to try because I thought it would help my Mom.

I use pillowcases, mainly, as project bags and frame covers. One issue I found with a grime guard I made was that the fabric had been printed and the ink transferred onto the stitching fabric 🤦🏻‍♀️🫣. Wash first…. 😅 My fave tool is a pair of pliers for pulling my needle through the stitches when ending a thread, and also spool huggers which are silicon coils that would normally wrap round a reel of cotton - these work well with q-snaps to hold extra fabric. Oh! And Bob-eez by Bead Smith. Originally designed for Kumihimo braiding, they are brilliant for wrangling threads when using the parking method. Probably got enough there for a part 2 on tools (scissor fobs, needle threaders, laying tools.. the list goes on)

Lighting and reading glasses are my go to needs for working on anything on 14ct and above. Especially if you have migraines often your eyesight is a trigger for ocular migraines and other types.

Amazing video!! Thank you so much. I subscribed :)

I followed your lead and did diy floss drops ❤ I made mine a bit extra by gluing fancy paper on one side and the colour number on the other. I keep them on binder rings in batches of 100 numbers, I can take the ones I need and put them on a project ring (or rings 😅) I love stitching in hand, but I do need to get some grime guards. Two thing that was a huge game changer: self threading needles (the beak kind that open at the back, not the side ones, I made that mistake!) and the Pattern Keeper app. The needles can be hit or miss, I do find some are a bit sharp on the inside of the eye and it will cut the thread. The pattern Keeper app is so helpful, I have dyslexia and have 150 colour symbols to keep track of would be impossible for me, I don't even look at the symbol I'm working on, the app highlights them and I just get to it.

I recently finished a cross stitch kit, and I used the clear plastic bag the kit came in as the project bag

Mag Eyes have been a game changer for me and my 57 year old eyes. They look ridiculous but have reduced eye strain down to nothing. Those, plus a good light (Ott or similar) mean I have been able to still enjoy cross stitch. Great video!

One other thing I absolutely need is a thimble. I also have a book by Coats & Clark’s titled ‘One Hundred Embroidery Stitches’ that I purchased in 1979. It was greatly used before YT videos became available. Lol. great video.

I'm definitely in the bare-bones, only buy what's necessary camp; however, as my eyesight goes down the toilet with age, I find a goose neck lamp, magnifying glass and needle threader to be useful.

A pair of LED, rechargeable magnifying glasses off Amazon (less than $20) is a game changer for me. Best purchase ever! Also a non slip plastic Morgan hoop!

I just recently tried stitching on black Aida for the first time, and I ended up just working on a brightly colored tray that I usually eat dinner on lol a light box would probably make things easier to see, but I can't justify spending money or time building one, and I can see the tray just fine through the holes in the fabric!

Love this! I had to figure out so many of these items on trial and error. I use hard plastic craft storage bins that are flat for my projects. I am a chain cross stitcher with multiple projects depending on my mood. Thread conditioner is a must with the metallic threads. I detest that part of a project without it. However I have heard of people using clear chapstick as a conditioner and it works similarly.

I never liked putting stiff, square aida in hoops, so my favorite way to frame is with simple wood stretcher bars. I also do needlepoint, and they are definitely the better choice for canvas, so I was using them anyway. They come in pairs, so of course, you need two sets, and then you use tacks to attach the fabric. It's a little work to put the fabric in, but there are loads of bonuses. You can buy pairs separately, but I originally found a set of 5 sizes and could make any size rectangle I needed. Later I was able to add another identical set, so I can make whatever square I need as well, and could have several different sized projects at once. By framing to size, no part of the project is ever hidden and my hands only ever need touch the margins (though I cover the edges with masking tape anyway so I don't catch on it. Also, the tacks are metal, so I just stick a plain rare earth magnet on one and boom: needle minder that stays out of my way. And it's strong enough to hold my pattern, too. You could also do this with an old picture frame, if the wood is soft enough to put the tacks in, or if you want to take the trouble to stitch the fabric in. If you go all in with the tacks, there are also things called tack pushers that help immensely when putting them in. And most tacks come with a tool to help get them out again. Also, while I'm a diehard cardboard bobbin person, I think floss skeins (DMC, at least) are actually pull skeins. You can use them as is, no need for fancy floss systems. Sarah of Sarah Homfray Embroidery here on youtube does this, and she has a whole video somewhere showing how she manages the skeins. OH! One other thing for beginners to note, is not only the needle size, but to use a ball point needle, to help make sure it goes in the holes, rather than splitting fibers. And while a back light is probably best with black aida, sometimes just having some white paper in your lap behind it can still help immensely.

Lots of great content Michelle! As a cross stitcher I agree that keeping it basic works fine! I've stitched for years with thread, needle and fabric and although I've tried various frames and sewing lovelies, I keep going back to basics! If it ain't broke...😊!!! I have my thread wound on bobbins and stored in boxes and use any clean bag/pouch as a project bag. Self-seal food bags work great, especially for stitching on the go! I like to stitch without a frame and thankfully never had an issue with oily marks. Not a fan of thread conditioner as the one I bought left too much of a waxy residue on my thread and stitching. As my eyesight has aged, I have a magnifier and daylight lamp, 🤓😌 and a white towel placed under dark aida may help. The magnetic cable ties look interesting and I never knew a neck lamp was a thing...until now🤔! Happy stitching everyone!

Cool! I grabbed one of my daughter's little stretchy things with the magnets on the end and now my needle is stuck to my cross stitch frame. Brilliant!

I really enjoyed this episode. I wear prescription eye glasses, however for cross stitch or other stitching I wear cheap readers from the dollar store currently they at 1.25 USD. Easier on the eyes. Also,many department store offer discount coupons and at times great sales on cross stitch floss and supplies.

Keeping it simple allows for more money left for new patterns…the only extra I have purchased is an excellent light. However I am going to my first retreat next month so I might be convinced that I absolutely need something else. Time will tell.

I love using something called a "Trolley Needle" for my laying tool. It helps me control my floss better as I'm railroading stitches. And it's something I can just wear on my finger instead of needing to use both hands in order to make it work! I also periodically use a lighted needle threader and a snag repair tool (I think the brand name is Snag Grab-It). Thread conditioner really is a big help too. I tried bees wax instead at first, but wasn't as happy with it as Thread Magic. I feel the bees wax makes floss too rigid, while the Thread Magic gives it a little more support (? I can't really think how to describe it) while also causing it to be more supple and workable than the bees wax. Just my personal opinion on that, though. I also use a thimble (small is a size 7, medium is size 8, and large is size 9, I think...found all this out recently and found it very interesting about history of thimbles and their sizing). I have a detailer (for those little tufts of floss ends at the back), but I find it difficult to work with, and a magnetic needle box that I keep my snag repair needles, extra embroidery needles, and a "cross stitch needle threader" (which--again--I tried but didn't really like as it doesn't always fit through the size needles I use). I found a lot of these things through watching others on Flosstube (@CraftyCatStitcher, @GemmaStitches [I think] and a few others). I only used to have floss, Aida, bobbins, a bobbin box, and some scissors and didn't know about other tools and gadgets until about the past year. I still yet have no needle minder, though. I use what I call "Needle Keepers", which are cross stitched on front with a back panel cross quilted to it, hiding the original "back" and making it double-sided. I keep my needle threaded and put it through the Needle Keeper so it's still attached to my project without marring stitches or fabric on the project itself. I can't stand hoops, so I still stitch in-hand, but it's fun sometimes to try new things, and some have been really handy. 😄

In terms of hoops vs qsnaps, i've found my favourite thing to use are the plastic hoops with no tighteners. they tend to leave a lil more of a dent in your work, but nothing a wash or iron wont fix. If you want to do a large piece and live somewhere fabric costs an arm and a leg (like Australia) and can't afford the $60 metre, cloth tablecloths work super well! they aren't as even as xstitch fabric but I think that just gives it a fancy linen look to it Loved this video as always! hope you enjoyed your cruise :D

I use the magnet from my old work name tags as needle minders

I’m so glad you mentioned tote bags to use as a project bag - I thought I was the only one who used random bags I found at the bottom of a closet 😂

I use those zip bags too. Work well for keeping all the kit together. And cheaper than the fabric ones. One thing I do though, is buy lots of the cheap plastic key fobs, that have a little window for writing on. I note the kit name on it, then clip it onto the zip ,so I can find the kit I want quickly , without having to rifle through my growing wip stash..! Lol 😏 I only use the floss conditioner if I’m working on an 11 count kit, that needs 3 strands . It helps the separate strands lie a bit neater . 😊

For project bags, may I recommend the bag from the craft store that all your supplies came in? 😂

What a great video! Thank you!!

Well done. This video was great for someone just starting to cross stitch. Thank you.

I've only used conditioner for metallic thread. Pretty much a necessity! For storage, I use a plastic case with flat-ish photo storage boxes, and leave the thread in the skeins, so they're aleady labeled. I use an around-the-neck light, but a friend uses light from behind the fabric, even on white fabric.

Q snaps and pip and chip bobbins in a ikea cabinet were game changers for me… but I agree on starting cheap and enhancing from there. I used hoops and cheap bobbins for years

The irony of my thread knotting just at the section on thread conditioner.

I’ve used the Brightech LightView Pro Magnifying Floor Lamp on Amazon and I love it! I can sit in a comfy chair and can stitch with less eye strain.

You missed one important thing! Storage! Beginners, if you are reading this, get a storage box to store your supplies. I would invest in either a sewing box or get a tool box for your storage box for your essential supplies! They are nice because there is different sections where you can organize your supplies by type! Also, invest in some good fabric scissors to cut your Aida and to use for anything fabric related.

Thank you for sharing all your tips. I’m still dipping in and out of cross stitch. Most of these tools I’ve wondered about but at least I now have advice on what are helpful 😊

I have at lrast 4 projects going on right now. I keep the threads, scissors and other accessories in ziplock bags with each peoject and its instructions in its own project bag. I cannot live without my thread magic. I also love needle minders, q-snaps and a $10 light table i bought for my projects on black aida. I am going to try verigated thread soon so I cant wait to watch your video on that! I try to keep my project bags down to the essentials so that when i take them with me (everywhere) they are not heavy or cumbersome.

Have been looking for something to help with the short threads when I finish off a thread. Thanks for the mention of a tale end weaver or what ever you called it. I hate to waste thread, and when it gets so short, it's hard to weave in the back properly. I've been using a very small crochet needle that is not ideal as it tends to tighten up the threads on top when I go under them. I must say a snag nabbit is my newest tool and can't live without it now.

Great video ❤

I had to smile at the getting your fabric dirty. I found out that I drink tea while stitching and of course I put the thread on my mouth to thread the needle… oops white became beige !

I love my neck lamp 😅 I first bought one in Hobbii (works with batteries), then my mom stole it for her 😂 now I have a new one rechargeable from Amazon, I LOVE THEM ❤ I use it for knitting (even with Portuguese knitting style), crochet, cross stitch, reading in bed, painting,...

its really about as you go and depending on the project that you get solutions to problems. i found i needed one of those arm things that holds the hoop because my hand/wrist was getting sore where i was apparently holding it pretty tightly without noticing. while discovering 123stitch was amazing sometimes stuff around the house works too. i use a caddy to hold my stuff and for me i needed a little container to drop ends and stuff. the thing i haven't found the best solution for me yet is storage. i like using floss drops when working on a project but wish i could wrap it around itself and store that way. need a merge of bobbins and floss drops eventually. and a better floss box i keep breaking mine because i drop it and the lid snaps off oops its a world of possibility to improve as you go along really

I’m a legally blind stitcher! My Ott light is a lifesaver, but I also have an electric magnifier (camera and screen) that has a stand, so I can hold projects underneath it to see when doing low-contrast work. Suuuper helpful. I also use a little piece of paper to thread my needles so I never need to buy a threaded!

I've been stitching for 40 years and I just got a light/magnifying stand. I only need the light, but it was a gift from my sister. 😊 Also, I've never used thread conditioner. I just heard another Flosstuber (who has used it) say recently that it can discolor your fabric over time, so now I don't even want to try it because I usually only stitch heirloom pieces.

I have thread conditioner the brand in the video. Its more expensive than bees wax but isnt as sticky, i got it from hobby lobby back when they still took coupons. However, i only use it on hand sewing for garment construction. It has the consistency of chap stick and i love how it helps keep my thread from knotting as much. The reason I dont use it on my cross stitch projects is because I haven’t mastered washing my projects and i dont know how it will affect the project in the long term as it foes leave a fine film of conditioner on the thread. Another thing to consider on the benefits of needle minders is if you keep extra needles on hand for your projects. If u park the needle in the canvas eventually the canvas holes will become larger and they will fall out. This happened to me once and despite checking the bed thoroughly we slept with 2 of my 3 needles. Its honestly a miracle neither of us was injured. On that note my sister ordered me some needle holders on wish for $5 each and they hold 25 threaded needles at a time and have replacement cards for drawing the color symbols. These are great for full coverage pieces since you change thread so often. I also saw a video a few weeks ago on an app called knit companion and how to use it for cross stitch. I use the free version of it only and it has been amazing for keeping my place on the instructions and making fast progress (on an 18 by 24 full coverage). The needle holders and knit companion speed my progress up so much it is almost unbelievable. If u try this app you have to take a pic of your instructions and turn it into a pdf before opening it in the app. Since my phone wouldn’t do it for me i had to download an app for that to but it was well worth it. The video about it was also on youtube.

It’s incredible how we don’t know all about this craft, no matter how much time we have been working on it. I just made a video on my tips for enjoying more cross stitch and I think I’ll end up making a part 2 testing some of your recommendations 💚

Had fun watching this even though I've been stitching for thousands of years and have tried nearly every contraption you mentioned. BUT-- I didn't see any ort receptacles in there. If you like to save orts to use for stuffing instead of expensive walnut shells and never-quite-the-right-lift batting, orts are sometimes fantastic. And it's nice to have an impressive looking thing to keep them in. Can anyone help me locate a magnetic one that I once used and then lost? It looked sorta like a kitchen trash can.

Omg thank you for the callout re DMC floss (mouline v stranded). As a newbie I thought these were different products.

I love my necklight for cross stitch, hand sewing, crochet, repairing things in awkward dark spots… they’re very versatile and that you can take them everywhere you might want to work is a great plus. I’ve used beeswax (the traditional option) on my thread for EPP and it’s a world of difference. Not sure I’d want to use that for cross stitch or embroidery because of the possible discolouration so thread conditioner is on my list to investigate. And depending on where you live, DMC might be quite difficult to find. It seems that they’ve divided up the markets with Anchor, which is also very nice quality floss, just an extra hassle to find the correct colours.

I have a bunch of needleminders, although I bought only two, the rest of them is handmade and I really like them not only for needles, but also for wrapping threads, when I'm parking some stitches. I also have qsnaps, hoops, tablet with PK and the DMC chest with Pip&Chip system, although I can't stop thinking about at least repainting it, because I strongly dislike how it looks (it's sooo clunky and old school). I guess I'm a firm bobbins stan, I was trying to use floss holders for my latest few projects (mostly SALs) and they've worked as the should, but I still don't find them comfortable for me to use. As for the light, I have an old IKEA standing lamp with strong bulb and for now it's enough for me. I'm also pretty short sighted and can comfortably stitch only up to 16ct. For higher counts I have a magnifying headset from Levenhuk, which I can wear with my regular glasses. It has a light module, but my standing lamp is enough, so for now it's detached from the set.

Many good tips in this video, Thanks. 😀 As I have aged my eyesight has become very poor.🤓 I started with a headlamp with magnifier but the darn thing slipped down onto my nose/glasses and hurt! If I tightened it up enough so it didn't slide it gave me a headache. I then moved on to a ring type magnifier with an LED light with many settings (which I don't use). It attaches to the table I set next to my chair and I got one with a 24" adjustable arm that works very well. I am very satisfied with this so far. The only problem is that even though its LED it still generates a little heat. (I probably won't mind come winter).

I have beenstitching for more than 50 years and find the scroll bars connected to a seat stand necessary. I can keep both hands free. My left thumb hurts now from holding the hoops over the years.

I'd be lost without my needle threader. 😅

Damp sponge for keeping the thread in line.

I used to use thread conditioner and it did seem to help with tangling until I started having an allergic reaction to it (hello itchy fingers!). I've also used beeswax which is a bit gloopy and can change the hue of the thread. However, I recently saw someone report that from a conservation point of view, both of these will be detrimental to the longevity of our stitching. I know for a fact that our ancestors didn't have petroleum-based and chemical-laden thread conditioner. And while you may not be concerned about your stitching lasting hundreds of years into the future, your descendants might have opinions to the contrary, so I suggest going without.

*Promosm* 🙂