A simple, beginner-friendly list of cross stitch starter essentials—fabric, floss, needles, hoops, scissors, and a few tidy upgrades that make stitching easier.
The Best Cross Stitch Supplies (Beginner to Advanced)
A curated guide to the best cross stitch supplies—starter essentials, project bags, organizers, floss storage, needles, fabric tools, and lighting. I share my top picks in each category plus links to deeper “best of” posts so you can shop exactly what you need without scrolling forever.
Cross Stitch 101: How To Thread Your Needle Using the Loop Start
The loop start is a simple, knot-free way to begin stitching when using an even number of strands. It creates a secure stitch with a clean front and back.
DMC Color Catalog
Browse the full DMC color range with a fast, sortable table that includes DMC numbers, color names, hex codes, and RGB values. Search, jump by color family, and click any value to copy.
DMC Floss Color Matcher
Finding the perfect DMC floss color can be tricky when you’re working from a digital palette or inspiration image. This DMC Color Matcher helps you convert any HEX or RGB color into the closest matching DMC embroidery floss shades—so you can stitch with confidence and get results that look just right.
Cross-Stitch Fabric Size & Picture Frame Calculator
Not sure what size fabric to buy or which frame will fit your cross-stitch? This free Cross-Stitch Fabric & Frame Calculator does the math for you, helping you plan margins, framing, and finished size before you ever pick up your needle.
DMC Floss Skein Calculator
Not sure how much DMC floss to buy? This cross-stitch skein calculator estimates skeins needed by fabric count, strand count, and stitches per color, with a built-in buffer to help prevent thread shortages.
Soft and Sophisticated Autumn Pumpkin Centerpiece
A sophisticated fall centerpiece can really set the mood for your Thanksgiving table. This easy DIY version has muted colors of heirloom pumpkins and looks beautiful in any home.
Heirloom & Neutral Faux Pumpkins
These pumpkins are beautiful for autumn decorating, or a Thanksgiving centerpiece. Painting the inexpensive orange faux pumpkins you can find in any craft store takes them from being tacky to classy! Plus, they are very easy to create.
Bullet Journal Monthly Spread Inspiration Gallery
I smile each new month when I can create a new monthly spread. Whenever I’m looking for inspiration I troll the internet and collect ideas on Pinterest. Here is my inspiration board for beautiful Monthly Spreads.
Bullet Journal Future Log & Year at a Glance Inspiration Gallery
The Future Log is a great way to log all the events you have going on in your life. It keeps all of your future events in one place. Here are my favorite bullet journal Future Log & Year at a Glance layouts to inspire you!
Bullet Journal Mood Tracker Inspiration Gallery
If you’re making self-care one of your goals you’re going to need a way to keep track of your emotions. Here are my favorite bullet journal mood tracker layouts to inspire you to look out for you!
How to Crochet the Solid Shell Stitch
The Solid Shell Stitch creates a shell pattern with very few holes. The Solid Shell Stitch would be great for bags, cowls, and baby blankets!
Hula Hoop Play Tent
There’s just something about a covered play area that opens up the doors to a kiddo’s imagination.
How to Crochet the Puff Stitch
The Puff Crochet Stitch is similar to bobbles but worked using half trebles. It’s puffy and soft. This creates a nice puffy bubble texture.
How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch
The Suzette crochet stitch produces a nice and simple texture.
Basket Weave Blanket Crochet Pattern
This is nice thick blanket that is great to cuddle up under on a chilly day. The basket weave stitch gives it a beautiful texture and pattern.
How to Crochet The Wave Stitch
The Wave stitch creates a beautiful two (or more) color wave pattern with a lot of texture.
How to Crochet the Front Loop Double Crochet Stitch
This technique is a variation of the double crochet but the hook enters the center of the stitch, and exits underneath the back loop. This creates a nice ridged texture on the fabric with relatively little effort.
How to Crochet the Back Loop Single Crochet Stitch
This technique is a variation of the double crochet but the hook enters the center of the stitch, and exits underneath the back loop. This creates a nice ridged texture on the fabric with relatively little effort.
Knit Picks Dishie Yarn
Versatile enough to be used for projects around the home as well as for accessories and garments, Dishie is a worsted weight cotton yarn that has a tight spin and high absorbency. This makes Dishie not only easy to knit with, but extremely durable as well. Available in a bright and cheerful color palette, Dishie is a great option for warm climates and easy care garments.
Rico Essentials Cotton Yarn
A rainbow of colors awaits you in Rico Essentials Cotton DK – a glorious spectrum of vibrant jewels and primary colors alongside classic neutrals and ice cream pastels.
CrochetObjet Granny Kit Yarn
This stunning yarn comes in so many colors it’s hard not to fall in love. It’s perfect for small projects and a joy to work with.
Bullet Journal Weekly Spread Inspiration Gallery
One of the best things about bullet journaling is that you can constantly try new ideas. I find that I do this most often for weekly spreads, always trying to find the perfect layout.