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You too, can master the rude cross-stitch sampler. The products in this post were updated in April 2018.
Pre-made pattern offerings vary from simple and classic to kitschy and elaborate.
Download the PDF patterns from Etsy: log lady from Pyro Dog Pins for $5.89 or avocados from MagicCrossStitch for $2.99
Simply print out a design you like, print out some graph paper for free, and get to drawing! See the full tutorial on The Homesteady.
For example, this 14-count fabric has 14 squares per inch and each square represents a cross-stitch or "X." Some common Aida counts include 11, 14, 16, 18, and 28. It's available in large swaths or smaller pieces.
Get a four-pack of white Aida cloth from Amazon for $8.99. / Check out some colorful options.
Read the full tutorial on Wee Little Stitches.
DMC cotton embroidery floss is available in craft stores, basically, everywhere. It's sold in a individual skein — which includes six strands that are easily separated — or a pack of skeins (like this one pictured). The floss comes in 454 solid colors and 18 variegated colors. Get more info on the DMC site.
Get this pack from Amazon for $17.86.
Thread is colored in dye lots, which can lead to varying shades if you buy a specific color in different batches. BUT, if buying from different dye lots can't be avoided, take one strand from the old and one strand from the new to blend.
Get this elaborate kit from Amazon for $25.49.
Set aside the amount of each color you'll need for your project. Often, cross-stitching kits will come with cardboard guides that'll help you keep track of strands and the difference between similar floss colors like beige and cream.
Get a 28-pack of these plastic bobbins from Amazon for $6.24.
Floss coverage from left to right: 18-count, 14-count, 11-count, and 9-count (18-count over two threads). Get the full guide on Better Cross Stitch Patterns.
Read a breakdown of needle size and Aida cloth size on Cross-stitching.com.
Get them from Amazon for $4.56.
Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $2.50.
Get more info on this and nine of Dana's other cross-stitching tips on Peacock & Fig.
Learn more about this organizational idea on Less Bitching, More Stitching.
See a full cross-stitching guide on WikiHow.
Read more on starting a cross-stitch project on Imagine Gnats.
Need some more geometric guidance for keeping your pattern on track? Check out a guide on gridding your fabric with a mechanical pencil on Peacock & Fig.
Get the kit from Stitchering on Etsy for $29.90.
Get the full tutorial by Little Dorrit & Co. for Sew Mama Sew.
See the full tutorial on Kiwi Gets Crafty.
Check out the full tutorial from Cupcake Cutie .
Get a 10-pack of 8"x10" canvases from Amazon for $18.61.
Read the full tutorial from Sewrella or watch the video tutorial on YouTube.
Read the full tutorial on Sometimes Crafter.
Check out the CrossStitch subreddit.
Get it from The Pin + Needle on Etsy for $29.99+.