Cross stitch material/kits for children

[PavlovtheCat]

DD and I are learning to do cross stitch! She is 7. DD wants to learn, she is doing well, and I am quite enjoying it too!

I would like to just get some plain material (aida?) for us to practice on, as well as the pre-patterned ones we have already, or with a guide to follow. Can you buy a big sheet of material which is beginners level, for DD to practice different stitches and patterns? If so, where, and what is it called so I can search for it properly!

Also, do we need an embroidery ring thingy? (i suspect so!)

Craft shops sell Aida by the metre. I think I've seen it in John Lewis.

There is another type of fabric called Binka I think - don't quote me on this I'm more of a wool crafter but I have dabbled in cross stitch.

i shall go and look then, if i know it is sold like that! thank you

I have also PM'd you

You need the Aida with bigger holes ideally - so 10 or 12 count (10/12 holes per inch) rather than 14 or 16. It's easier to get the hang of for kids. And if you have a plastic needle to start with that also helps, though I've only seen those kits rather than sold separately. As far as simple patterns are concerned, you can google, or buy a book of patterns, or design something yourselves using squared paper. Maybe some nice simple Halloween or Christmas shapes to start with? It's a lovely easy craft to get into, I only wish my DD had the patience to enjoy it but she's not quite there yet - maybe in a couple of years!

oh thank you for that info! DD is only patient enough to do around 7-10 crosses at a time before getting bored. My DS has a rocket, which is why I am getting into it, as he is almost 4 and has the patience to do - none

I have plastic needles which came with a rubbish set we had, and it was very flimsy, but the ones we have now have rounded metal needles, I am fine with that we both children know if they much around once those needles are gone and they won't be able to do cross stitch at all. DD is old enough now and we are doing it together so they are fine.

I have recently started doing cross stitching after not having done this since primary school
I often order kits or fabric online. You can try a site like sew and so or you could try Ebay.

I am really enjoying it! I am not one to sit and watch tv. I get all figity. But, this afternoon I sat and watched a nature documentary with the children, and did some of my DSs cross stitch for him and it was lovely, I didn't want to stop until I had finished my section and I actually got to watch a show, and relax. I don't do relaxing very well, so it is lovely to find something that lets me do that, it's rare!

That's great! I like it for that reason too: it's simple and repetitive in a good way, like a moving meditation (am too fidgety to sit and meditate the 'proper' way). Doing cross stitch lets you focus on that and drop all the other busyness in your mind, but it's not too difficult that you have to do hard thinking to figure things out. You can get some really good, modern patterns now too, you're not limited to twee. Hope your DS appreciates his rocket!