kits vs patterns
I am new to cross stitching and was wondering, do you prefer to purchse a kit with everything in it? Or do you prefer to get the pattern, and then go to a local store to get the aida cloth and threads. Why or why not. I am collecting patterns I'm interested in, and getting the kits while I work on my skills. I've only been cross stitching for 2 months.
Posted by: jsharp425 on 10/01/14
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It really is personal preference. I would purchase the pattern or kit that I truly like and want to do. Sometimes it is a kit other times just a pattern. Good luck, it is a fun hobby to do!
by: tlmcdaniel on 10/01/14
Some, like myself, have had trouble with kits -- quality, floss content, etc. Others have not. However, we have something we call "Kitting Up". Local stores & online sites sell fabric, floss, & tools. You can ask the ECS customer Service to add a " Supply List" of materials, then go to their supply page to pick up any needles, hoops, etc you need.
by: jlhewes on 10/01/14
I've done a few small kits but much prefer the pattern route. More control over fabric, floss, fabric count and color, etc. No worries about running out of floss, especially if you choose a larger count fabric or have to rip out. Another consideration is cost. Patterns are usually less expensive even if you factor in the cost of the required material. Most stitchers have supplies on hand (stash), so all they really need is the pattern and fabric.

You could do a small project of each and see which appeals to you more.
by: Texas Stitcher on 10/01/14
I personally prefer patterns to kits. Over the years I have accumulated a stash of DMC floss and fabrics to use on projects. I always use DMC floss for my patterns. I always make at least 1 copy of my patterns so I can mark it up with notes and scratches. I have bought a few kits, but only if it is a pattern I really want because not all kits use DMC floss. I have bought a kit and then used my own DMC floss to do the project. If you need to convert one type of floss to another as you get more experience go to Cyberstitchers.com. They have floss conversion charts for many brands of floss.

You have picked a very enjoyable hobby. We all started out as a beginner and I know I made some really weird mistakes as I learned to cross stitch. One thing to remember is to use a piece of fabric that is big enough. I always add 3 inches on a side when I am deciding what size to use for a project. I learned the hard way on that when I was starting out.

Feel free to come to this chat room when you have a question or problem. There are several of us here always happy to help stitchers with any questions.
by: syagel on 10/02/14
I also prefer patterns to kits. I have bought kits, but then used DMC floss to stitch it. I like having options, which is what you get with patterns, fabric, floss, size.
by: maryaa1183 on 10/02/14
I agree with everyone's comments. One thing I like to tell beginner's (I wished someone told me, I'm not a very habitual person), but make your full stitches go in the same direction everywhere. I had mixed the direction of the stitches and it didn't look pretty at all. I learned it the hard way.

Welcome to cross stitching. It's fun, relaxing and habit forming! You'll love it, we all do.
by: jclifford on 10/03/14
Jclifford I agree with you when I started out I had some weird looking stitches. They weren't uniform at all however with experience I finally got it right. My stitches look opposite of most people because I am left-handed so I do my crosses opposite of what right-handed people do, but they are all uniform. My DH always said I was backwards. LOL
by: syagel on 10/03/14
Kits are an easy way to start out especially while you're getting used to it. A lot of us use both. Like others have commented, sometimes I'll buy a kit if what I really want is the pattern. Eventually, you will be able to build up your supplies & won't need to buy all new supplies every time you start a project. Your local craft & fabric stores have floss, needles & fabric on sale sometimes so that's an easy way to start your stockpile of basics. This site has a great inventory of anything you might want & this chat room is a great resource if you have questions. Welcome to counted cross stitching--it's a great hobby! 😃
by: bewortman on 10/04/14
Syagel, I'm left-handed too. I'm just curious: in what direction does your top stitch go? I know it doesn't matter as long as all stitches go in the same direction. I feel comfortable with my top stitch starting in the upper left and going down to the lower right. I also like working from left to right. I do have a few right-handed genes in me from my father (I cut thread with my right hand), so I may be stitching everything the right-handed way, just hold my needle in my left hand. Adele
by: arottenbucher on 10/04/14
Welcome to this wonderful hobby!
by: rosariomurray on 10/04/14