Welcome!
While this kit contains a frame with which to display your work, a hoop to keep the fabric taut is not included. Not all stitchers use hoops or other devices to keep fabrics taut. You will need to do some experimenting to see what works best for you. Mary

I agree with marym. You are smart to do the small ones at first. I did the very same thing that you are doing. I was afraid I would be discouraged and quit if I did something even medium. I use a hoop as I did even when I started to hold the material. I felt like my hands wouldn't be all over the project so I used a hoop. If you do, it would be best to remove the hoop each time after stitching so that you won't get hoop creases. Welcome to the chat room! We are just a group of ladies and gents that enjoy cross stitching, but if you look at the posts, you will see we talk about everything. If you have a question, just post it and some of our talents will help. By the way, Welcome! Peace always. Pam I forgot to say that there are no cross stitch police so do what you are comfortable with.

This project is small enough that you will be fine without a hoop to keep it taut. In fact, I don't think that they make them that small.

What a great project to get your feet wet! Small enough to have a quick sense of accomplishment and still gives you a nice little picture to be proud of when completed. With a project this size, you might find that just holding the fabric in your hand works for you. If not, invest in a small hoop and see how that works for you. Everybody has their preferences.

A couple of tips. Make a copy of the pattern and use that to work from. That way the original stays neat in case you want to do the pattern again or you mark up the pattern. I use a yellow (light color) hi-lighter to mark on the pattern copy the symbols of one kind that I am going to stitch. As I stitch them, I mark over the symbols with a green (darker color) hi-lighter. This way it is easy to see where you are going to stitch and then what is completed. Others have their own method of doing this too. When stitching the areas that are isolated, like the birds, try to run your thread at an angle on the back so that it doesn't lay directly behind the holes. That way the thread won't show through the fabric. Should you progress (hopefully) on to larger projects, remember it is the same thing. Little 'x's, just more of them. Don't let it intimidate you. Ask questions. We all have been there. Even seasoned stitchers learn new tips from others. And, above all else, HAVE FUN! I enjoy stitching while watching tv. I don't feel like such a couch potato when being productive with a project. Good luck!

Welcome to the ECS chatboard!
Being new to cross stitching, you chose a perfect project to do to get experience and comfortable without it becoming overwhelming. I learned Counted cross stitching just as you are doing now. You’ll love it!!
If you have any questions or concerns, please get on the chat and ask us. There are a LOT of cross stitchers on this chat board from beginners all the way to 40+ years experience.
A word of warning: you’ll get addicted to it!
Size-wise, This project seems small enough for you to do without a hoop. Read the instructions that come with the kit carefully. A tip: to make your ‘X’s look nice, always do the ‘leg’ of each X going the same way.
Example: if you stitch from the lower left corner of the square to the upper right corner like this /. Then make sure all of your first ‘leg’ of each BEGINNING stitch is going the same way, like this /. :)



Not

Yes, Bermuda. My first project was about that size and the directions said to make sure that your xstitches went the same way. (my paraphrase) So the first row it was from left to right. Then the second row right to left. I was so proud of myself.Took it to work to a cross stitcher to show-so she pointed out what I had done and what I should do. All the way back to my dept. my face was as red as a raspberry! Anyhow I put it in its little plastic frame. Every once in awhile I run across it and it makes me smile. Pam

I know how you feel Pam. I had a LOT of trial-and-error cross stitching embarrassing events in the past. I rack it up to the path all stitchers take on the road to experience.
I’m a ‘self-taught’ - had no one to show me, started with a kit and the instructions and it (counted cross stitch) opened up a whole new world to me; a world of creativity,
Enjoyment and the calming, serene mood it brings from the needle and floss. I don’t know if anyone else has experienced this, but I can be stitching for an hour and when I stop, it feels like I had taken a nap. :)

Yes, Bermuda, I know what you mean. What it did for me was show me that I can create something that I look at (after a while) and think "Yeah, I did that." And it takes you away for awhile where you forget your troubles and woe. I love "talking" to other stitchers because we all absolutely love what we are doing and can relate to the world of cross stitch. Pam