There are some materials for cross stitch embroidery that are necessary, such as the chart, fabric, thread and a needle.
However, as I have been embroidering, I have realized the importance of non-essential embroidery tools.
Some of them just make embroidery much more enjoyable.
1. Embroidery Hoops
Embroidery hoops are an essential accessory for any embroiderer. They serve to hold the fabric while embroidering, providing a flat, stable surface to work on. Embroidery hoops also help keep fabric tension even, making embroidery easier and preventing wrinkles and warping of the pattern.
There are different sizes and materials of embroidery hoops, from wood and metal to plastic and laminated wood. It is important to choose the appropriate size based on the project and personal preference.
2. Square Rotating Frame with Easy Clip
Rotating frames are ideal for maintaining tension on your largest projects.
Because of the way a rotating frame works, you don't need to worry about what to do with the excess fabric as it simply rolls itself up. You also won't have to disassemble the frame every time you want to move your project.
With various measurements and an Easy Clip fastening system, it is easy to use and allows you to work on your project from any angle and in any position with comfort and precision. In addition, it will allow you to embroider without having to sew the fabric, since the Easy Clip fastening system keeps the fabric in place.
3. Floor Frame or Frame Foot
If you like to work on larger projects, investing in a good floor rack, tabletop rack, or rack stand is a good idea. Holding your cross stitch embroidery frame can be exhausting. The really good ones are made of solid wood and are designed to hold your embroidery project, maintaining proper tension, and allowing you to work with comfort and precision.
Having a floor frame can also help with your posture and any aches and pains you may be experiencing if you hold your frame.
Even if your frame is not heavy, sometimes it is better to have both hands free so you can embroider faster with the two-handed method. In addition, a floor frame or desktop frame will allow you to work in a correct position.
4. Needle Magnets
Have you ever lost your needle between the couch cushions or in your bed?
You can easily avoid losing your needle with a needle magnet. A needle magnet is an object that attaches to your fabric with two magnets (one on the front of your fabric attached to the front object and one on the back of the fabric).
Cross stitch needles are made of metal, the needle will be magnetized to it. The bonus is that it can be easily moved around your fabric depending on the length of your working thread.
Your needle is never far away, so you can just pick up your project and start sewing, then put it on the needle magnet when not in use.
5. Fabric Frame Covers
Prevent stubborn stains on your cross stitch fabric with hoop covers.
After using a frame or hoop for an extended period of time, you may notice stains on your fabric where you hold the hoop in your hand.
These stains can be difficult to remove even after washing the project several times.
That's where frame covers come into play. Frame covers are pieces of fabric with elastic to hold your frame or stretcher.
Not only do they block grease from your hand, but they also keep your fabric cleaner from other debris. This is especially important if you are working on a project that cannot be washed.
Frame covers are another fun project to make yourself if you're handy with crafts. Choose your favorite fabric to combine with your embroidery at Punto y Arte.
You can also use leftover fabric from your dirt guard to make a matching needle magnet!
6. Needle Threaders
Sometimes it seems impossible to get the thread through the needle. Use a needle threader!
Wetting the thread with your tongue to put it through the needle is not the best way to thread a needle.
Many threaders break easily, but fortunately they don't cost much. Find a threader you like at Punto y Arte and stick with it, because it will become a useful tool in your arsenal.
7. Fabric Marker
Want perfectly neat, Instagram-worthy stitches? A fabric marker to grid the fabric may be what you need.
A water-erase marker with a fine tip is an essential tool for gridding the fabric of any cross-stitch project. The marker needs to be easily visible on light or dark fabrics, to mark lines on the fabrics of your projects.
The marker should be stored upright with the cap facing down to prevent it from drying out. The marks can be easily removed from the fabric after finishing your cross stitch project. Before using a fabric marker, it is important to test it first on a test piece of fabric to make sure the marks can be completely removed.
At Punto y Arte we offer pre-marked Zweigart or DMC fabrics.
8. Scissors Finder
Scissor finders are decorative embellishments that attach to the handle of your embroidery scissors. An accessory to personalize and beautify your scissors or other accessories such as a needle threader.
They are usually made of beads and charms, but can also be a small sewn-on tag.
Scissors finders help you find and grab your scissors more easily.
9. Cases or Covers for Scissors
A good pair of embroidery scissors should always be sharp. You don't want them floating around in your bag so they can poke you or make a hole in your bag.
Protect your embroidery scissors in a scissors case or cover.
You can buy one at Punto y Arte or make one yourself.
10. Thread Organizer
The first time I saw a wooden thread organizer, I fell in love. They're so beautiful.
They have a few holes, but are perfect for sorting your cross stitch threads for projects where you aren't using many colors.
For cross stitch kits with many colors, store your threads in bags or in organizing boxes with cardboard or plastic spools by color groups.
11. Embroidery Scissors
Scissors are an essential tool for any embroidery project. At Punto y Arte we offer a wide variety of embroidery scissors for all your projects.
You can choose between classic scissors, such as those from CIGUEÑA made of nickel-plated carbon steel and coated with 24-karat gold. These scissors are true jewels created by the best Premana artisans and add a touch of elegance to your embroidery projects.
We also offer modern scissors, such as the 9.5 cm Ring Lock System Line cross stitch scissors from Premax with a unique design and Teflon-coated steel. These scissors are ideal for embroidery and sewing and have a unique ring locking system that guarantees precision and safety in each cut, solving one of the most common problems in embroidery scissors which consists of eliminating the typical loosening of the screw and the resulting malfunction of the blades.
In addition, we offer scissors of different sizes, from 6.5 cm mini scissors to 9 cm professional scissors, and also scissors with different capacities, styles and designs.
To cut a thread close to the embroidery, we recommend using Premax or Madeira single or double curved scissors. These scissors have a special design that allows greater precision and control when cutting threads close to the embroidery, avoiding damage to it.
In short, scissors are essential for any embroidery or sewing project, and at Punto y Arte we offer a wide variety of high-quality scissors to meet all your needs.
12. Needle Organizer
Keep all your embroidery needles in one place with a wooden needle organizer.
I can't count how many times I've taken a cross stitch project somewhere and lost my needle. If only I had extra needles with me.
Place your needle organizer in your project bag for easy portability. You'll never be without a needle again.
13. Lamp
The best lighting for embroidery is natural daylight. However, when evening falls, it can be harder to see the small holes in your fabric.
Proper lighting is essential for quality embroidery. A regular table lamp is not enough.
It is important to choose a good lamp with powerful light directed directly at your project for optimal precision while edging. In addition, there are lamps with different light intensities and temperatures to improve the embroidery experience.
14. Magnifying glass
Magnifying glasses are a great help to reduce eye fatigue. Nothing can make cross stitch less enjoyable than having to constantly frown on your project.
If you are embroidering on Zweigart brand Lugana or Linen fabric or DMC Etamine it may be difficult to see the holes.
Invest in a good magnifying glass to make embroidery easier. Magnifiers come in a variety of intensities. Choose the one that works best for you.
15. Thimble
If you are embroidering on clothing sometimes, your needle can be difficult to get through. Get a good thimble and problem solved!
Thimbles are also useful for framing your work if you prefer the pinning method. Pushing all those pins in with your fingers can start to hurt.
16. Heartbreaking
Have you made a mistake? Unstitching a part of the embroidery is a frustrating process for everyone, but thread picks and seam rippers allow you to correct your mistakes with ease.
As you take out stitches, be careful not to tear a hole in the fabric.
Take your time and be patient.
17. Beading Needles
Beading needles are useful if your project involves beads. I learned that if you are using larger size beads, then you could get away with using a size 28 John James, DMC or Clover cross stitch needle.
However, if you are sewing small beads or bugle beads, you will need special beading needles.
Because beading needles are so thin, they can be difficult to thread. Choose John James beading needles and use a threader.
18. Invisible thread
Invisible thread is used for bead embroidery. In my opinion, the best beading thread is from the Gutermann brand. You can't even tell it's there! Which is a big advantage.
Using invisible thread can be a little tedious, but I think the payoff is worth it.
19. Daily Planner
An agenda to plan and organize your tasks can be very useful.
Plan your cross stitch projects when you need it without wasting pages of your agenda with the pre-printed undated daily planner.
With a daily planner, you will never be caught off guard again. Inside are several useful features to help streamline your organization efficiently, for both the list maker and note taker!
The pages are undated, which eliminates the pressure of completing an entry every day. You will be able to continue where you left off. Each planner comes with a ribbon bookmark so you can find your last page quickly and easily.
Leave us in comments which are the essential tools that you are using in your cross stitch projects. Your comment may be helpful to other embroiderers.