Cross stitch kit, too complicated for a beginner?

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Hi everyone 🌷

I’m looking at a cross stitch kit that I want to do but it is labelled advanced. I’ve dabbled (off and on, many years ago now, quite simple designs) so I’m not a complete beginner, but I wondered if I’m being too ambitious? Is there anything that sets apart a starter, intermediate or advanced pattern, other than complexity of pattern and stitching etc? I’m resigned to taking as long as I need to (in fact I’m looking to use it mainly as a meditative exercise) so I’m not worried about it taking a long time or needing a lot of thought and effort. But I do have a habit of taking on too much too early and I don’t want to find that I really can’t do it, mostly because it’s quite expensive.

What do you guys think? Can I just start with a picture that I actually love and want to have in my home? Or should I start with simple practice designs?

Thanks!

What's the kit? It could be labelled advanced because it has fractional stitches or has blended threads. If you're prepared to take time over it and practise any unfamiliar stitches first I think you'd be okay. A little tip - if there are fractional stitches then evenweave fabric is so much easier.

Hi, and thanks for replying!

It’s this one (I went ahead and bought it!) :

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/british-museum-when-winter-wanes-cross-stitch-kit-14-x-10-inches/627257-1001

It does have lots of extra stitching and stuff, but I figured I’ll learn as I go; I’m looking for something to sink my teeth into, anyway!

Well, the good news is that there don't appear to be any fractional stitches. It's full coverage, ie. no blank spaces with no stitches, so it'll take a long time, perfect for lockdown! I'd guess it's advanced because of the level of back stitching and the number of different colours for the back stitching.

It's also sold out on that link but there are loads of places to search on line. Try Lakeside Needlecrafts to start.

Good luck and enjoy

www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk/dmc-when-the-winter-wanes-cross-stitch-kit-20384-p.asp

£8 cheaper here but also out of stock

I got the last one, heh! It’s just right for what I was looking for, and as you said, will take a long time. I want something to get lost in of an evening. Thank you for your help. I expect I’ll be back with a HELP post at some point! 😆

I have an absolutely mahoosive kit which I'm too scared to start. It's like this one

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/british-museum-the-great-wave-cross-stitch-kit-14-x-10-inches/627257-1000

The Great Wave but bigger - twice the size. And lots of blue, and white, and scary.... will look amazing when done but starting is daunting. Haven't even got round to sticking the chart together yet. Thinking I might mark off the canvas in squares with a fading pen.

I was thinking of getting the great wave the other day!

Yours sounds daunting...I can well understand that you haven’t started yet!

I’m excited to get my kit. But also nervous. I’m not a patient person, not a plodder, so I hope to use this as an ongoing exercise to help me learn patience and the art of keeping going.

OK, this might just be me and I have done a lot of cross stitch but if you can cross stitch and follow a pattern, you can do any cross stitch.

A lot of cross stitch kits are labelled advanced because they are big, or the holes are small, but essentially the principle is exactly the same as doing a basic kit with a fabric with big holes which you can finish in a day.

Also in something like that with colour blending, it isn't really going to matter if you make a mistake as the whole thing is so big, no-one will notice in the end result. It isn't like doing a repeat border pattern where you have to be precise.

And you are right, you do get better as you go along.

I've made very fine cross-stitch over 1 thread of linen and people think 'wow, that's amazing' but really, apart from squinting, it's exactly the same as using a big fat Aida. Cross stitch is cross stitch. You just need confidence.

So just go for it! Sew threads down to mark the middle and go.

It’s more my perfectionism that makes it daunting, than the piece itself 😔 - I know I can do it, but I really hate being anything less that perfect at something. I can’t stand the beginner stage, it stresses me out so much that I’d rather avoid the panic and distress. And I’m not even a true beginner at this.

It’s the bane of my life. Hence I decided to challenge myself to not worry about being perfect but just start and work with it as I go.

As you have already noticed you aren't a beginner.

And cross stitch loves a perfectionist. It's what makes it enjoyable - the repetitiveness, making sure every stitch is the same, checking on the pattern.

So you are at least medium already.

I think this is one time where being a perfectionist is a bonus, but the fear is holding you back.

Yes you’re right - my instinct is that once I am properly stuck into it I will love it because you’re right, I love repetitiveness, I love exactness. It is only fear holding me back, I know that. If I was being philosophical I would call cross stitch a physical metaphor for my life in general. 🤔🙂

Anyway, I shall be back when it arrives to get some tips and hints for starting well.

It’s more my perfectionism that makes it daunting, than the piece itself

I know what you mean, but it's only you who'll spot the mistake. I made a sampler for my inlaws' anniversary last year and one of the symbols is misaligned by a couple of stitches. To me it is SCREAMINGLY obvious. Nobody else notices. And the inlaws were delighted with it.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/610361493/mature-cross-stitch-pattern-pdf-adult?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=penis+cross+stitch&ref=sr_gallery-1-15&pro=1

That's the one I'm doing - as a total beginner.

I'm very glad I picked this as my new quarantine hobby - very meditative, and the hours fly by

@PineappleDanish is spot on.

I have a canvaswork picture which hangs in my parents' house. There is a whopping mistake right in the centre of the picture - sadly I only noticed after it was framed.

No-one except me has ever spotted it in 30+ years, despite the fact it ruins the symmetry of the whole fucking thing. I even pointed it out to my parents - they now know it's there but can't see it any more and ask me to point it out again.

Ooh, that looks lovely, and I really want to try cross stitch now, as I also love anything repetitive. Although I'm also one of those instant gratification types who can't stand not being perfect at something straight away! Oh, and then there's the fact that my spare room is groaning under the weight of all the stuff for the 173 crafts that I already 'do' and I have no extra time/money 😹 headsovertohobbycraft