Which embroidery kit should you buy?
Cross-stitch kits, counted cross-stitch kits and pre-printed embroidery kits compared
Would you like to buy an embroidery kit but are unsure which type suits you best? At Verelana, you will find a wide selection of embroidery kits, from traditional counted cross-stitch kits to pre-printed embroidery kits on Aida fabric.
The right choice depends on your experience, how you prefer to follow the design, the fineness of the fabric and the amount of time you want to spend on the project. On this page, we explain the main differences.
What is included in an embroidery kit?
An embroidery kit is put together around one complete design. The exact contents vary by brand and model, but a complete cross-stitch kit usually includes:
- embroidery fabric;
- the required embroidery threads;
- an embroidery needle;
- a chart or pre-printed fabric;
- a colour key and instructions.
An embroidery frame, embroidery scissors and other accessories are usually not included. Always check the product description of the selected kit.
Cross-stitch kits
In cross stitch, the design is built up from small crosses placed according to the squares in the fabric. Most cross-stitch kits are worked on Aida fabric.
Cross-stitch kits are available in different forms. With a traditional counted kit, you follow a paper chart. With a pre-printed embroidery kit, the design is printed directly onto the Aida fabric.
What is a counted cross-stitch kit?
With a counted cross-stitch kit, the design is shown on a paper chart. The chart consists of squares and symbols, with each symbol corresponding to a specific thread colour.
You usually begin by finding the centre of both the fabric and the chart. You then count the squares to place each cross stitch in the correct position.
Counted cross-stitch kits are available in different difficulty levels, from small and clear designs to very large projects with many colours and fine details.
What is a pre-printed embroidery kit?
With a pre-printed embroidery kit, the design is printed directly onto the fabric. You can therefore see where the different cross stitches need to be worked.
This method is suitable for stitchers who prefer not to count squares continuously or who find it difficult to keep their place on a large paper chart.
The print is usually water-soluble and should only be removed once the entire embroidery is finished. Always follow the instructions supplied with the selected kit.
View pre-printed embroidery kits
Should you choose a counted kit or a pre-printed kit?
Choose a counted cross-stitch kit when you enjoy working accurately from a paper chart and do not mind counting the squares.
Choose a pre-printed embroidery kit when you prefer to follow the design directly on the fabric. Pre-printed kits require less counting and are therefore often easier for beginners.
| Counted cross-stitch kit | Pre-printed embroidery kit |
|---|---|
| Design shown on paper | Design printed on the fabric |
| Squares must be counted accurately | Squares are followed directly on the fabric |
| Requires more concentration | Less risk of losing your place |
| Suitable for beginners and experienced stitchers | Often more accessible for beginners |
Which embroidery kit is suitable for beginners?
For a first embroidery project, it is best to choose a clear design with well-defined colour areas, easy-to-follow instructions and a manageable size.
A small embroidery kit is not automatically easy. A small design with many colours, isolated stitches and fine details can be more difficult than a larger design with clear colour areas.
For many beginners, a pre-printed cross-stitch kit on Aida fabric is the easiest choice. Because the design is printed directly onto the fabric, much less counting is required.
Read our guide to embroidery kits for beginners
View our selected embroidery kits for beginners
How do you choose the right embroidery kit?
1. Choose your preferred method
First decide whether you prefer to work from a paper chart or follow a design printed directly onto the fabric.
2. Check the difficulty level
Do not look only at the size of the design. The following details also affect the difficulty:
- the number of colours;
- the fineness of the Aida fabric;
- the number of small details;
- the number of isolated or scattered stitches;
- any additional embroidery stitches;
- the clarity of the chart.
3. Choose a manageable size
A large embroidery project may take several weeks or months to complete. Choose a size that suits the amount of time you want to spend on the project.
4. Choose a design you genuinely like
Embroidery requires time and patience, so choose a subject you enjoy. Our range includes:
- flowers and plants;
- animals and birds;
- landscapes and city scenes;
- people and portraits;
- classic works of art;
- modern and abstract designs;
- Christmas and seasonal motifs;
- birth samplers and children’s designs.
Which Aida fabric should you choose?
Aida fabric is made up of clearly visible squares. Normally, one cross stitch is worked in each square.
The fineness of Aida fabric is often expressed as a count. The higher the count, the smaller the squares and the finer the finished embroidery.
For beginners, Aida fabric with clearly visible squares is usually easier than very fine fabric.
Pre-printed Brodeja embroidery kits
Brodeja embroidery kits are pre-printed on Aida fabric. The design is visible directly on the fabric, allowing you to follow square by square where the cross stitches need to be worked.
The printed colours deliberately contrast with the actual embroidery thread colours. This makes it easy to see which squares have already been stitched and which areas still need to be completed.
Horizontal and vertical guide lines are also printed on the fabric. These divide the design into clear sections that correspond to the supplied paper chart.
Each Brodeja embroidery kit contains:
- pre-printed Aida fabric;
- the required embroidery threads;
- an embroidery needle;
- a paper chart;
- the necessary instructions.
When the embroidery is completely finished, the printed ink and guide lines are removed by placing the fabric in cold or lukewarm water below 30 °C for at least three hours. The fabric is then rinsed again with clean water.
Embroidery kit brands at Verelana
At Verelana, you will find embroidery kits from a range of international brands. Each brand has its own style, choice of materials and approach to design.
Luca-S
Luca-S offers a very extensive range of cross-stitch kits, from smaller designs to large and highly detailed embroidery projects.
Riolis
Riolis is known for its distinctive designs, varied themes and use of different types of embroidery thread.
Vervaco
Vervaco offers traditional cross-stitch kits, birth samplers and a variety of decorative embroidery projects.
Merejka
Merejka combines classic and contemporary subjects with detailed charts and carefully selected colours.
Letistitch
Letistitch offers colourful cross-stitch kits with a wide range of themes, from flowers and animals to landscapes and imaginative designs.
View Letistitch embroidery kits
Ladybird
Ladybird offers clear and accessible cross-stitch kits that may be suitable for beginners because of their manageable size and clear charts.
Magic Needle
Magic Needle offers cross-stitch kits on Aida fabric with a wide range of colourful themes and designs.
View Magic Needle embroidery kits
Panna
Panna is known for original compositions, varied themes and detailed cross-stitch designs.
RTO
RTO offers a broad range of cross-stitch kits, including flowers, animals, landscapes, nostalgic scenes and modern designs.
Which accessories do you need?
The main materials are usually included in the embroidery kit. Additional accessories can make embroidery easier and more comfortable:
- an embroidery frame;
- an embroidery stand;
- embroidery scissors;
- additional embroidery needles;
- a magnifying lamp or good work light;
- materials for organising embroidery threads.
For pre-printed Brodeja embroidery kits, it is best to use a square or rectangular embroidery frame. Do not use a round or oval hoop on the printed area.
Order embroidery kits directly from stock
Verelana offers a very extensive range of embroidery kits. Many designs are available directly from stock, so you do not have to wait unnecessarily long before starting your next project.
Each product page contains information about the design, dimensions, fabric and contents of the kit.
Discover our full collection of embroidery kits
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a counted kit and a pre-printed embroidery kit?
With a counted kit, you follow a paper chart and count where the stitches need to be placed on the fabric. With a pre-printed embroidery kit, the design is printed directly onto the fabric.
Are all embroidery kits complete?
Most cross-stitch kits contain fabric, thread, a needle, the chart and instructions. The exact contents vary by brand and model, so always check the product description.
Is a pre-printed embroidery kit easier?
For many beginners, yes. The design is printed directly onto the fabric, so less counting is required and it is easier to see where each stitch needs to be worked.
Is a small embroidery kit always easy?
No. A small design with many colours, fine details and isolated stitches can be more difficult than a larger design with clear colour areas.
Which embroidery kit should a beginner buy?
Choose a clear design with easy-to-follow instructions, clearly visible squares and a manageable size. For many beginners, a pre-printed embroidery kit is the easiest choice.