What You Need
Gather these little helpers before we begin.
Heads up: needles and scissors are sharp. No rushing — slow and careful is the whole vibe here.
Fabric
Cross-stitch uses a special grid fabric called Aida. The number on the package (like 14-count or 18-count) tells you how many squares fit in one inch — the higher the number, the tinier the squares. 14-count is the easiest to see and the best place to start.
Hoop
A round hoop stretches your fabric flat and keeps it from bunching while you stitch. You really do need one — stitching on loose fabric is a recipe for frustration. A 6- or 7-inch hoop works great for most beginner patterns.
Needle
Look for a tapestry needle, size 24 or 26 — they're in the embroidery aisle of any craft store. The blunt tip slides through the fabric holes without splitting the threads.
Thread (Floss)
Look for DMC embroidery floss — each color has a number on the label. Your pattern will tell you exactly which numbers you need.
Scissors
Small embroidery scissors with a pointed tip let you snip thread right at the fabric without accidentally catching a stitch you worked hard for. Regular scissors are too bulky for this job.
The Pattern
Good news — you've already got this one. Thread Together is your pattern. Everything is right here on screen, no printing needed.