Do You Prefer Counted Cross-Stitch Kits or Charts?

Counted cross-stitch is a form of embroidery work, with the same type of thread being used in both arts. However, a different type of cloth and a blunt end needle are used in counted cross-stitch. Embroidery work has many different stitches, where counted cross-stitch has only one basic stitch, the "X". One would think that only having to make "Xs" to create a design would make counted cross-stitch much easier than basic embroidery. Not true. Counted cross-stitch requires more concentration, because if you lose your place and are off by only one stitch, the whole design could be skewed. I have done counted cross-stitch for many years, having worked with both complete kits and charts. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Complete kit pros

Counted cross-stitch complete kits are great for beginners because they come with everything needed to produce a finished design. The kits have the cloth, thread, chart, and needle. Some even come with matting and frames. All a person needs is their scissors and a pair of magnified glasses, if they have trouble seeing the holes in the cloth. The chart can also be saved for future projects, if the paper is not too badly worn.

Complete kit cons

Although beginners will love these kits, seasoned crafters may find them boring, providing no challenge. They may even consider them a waste of good money, because there is no left over thread with kits, they come with just enough to complete the design. However, if they purchase their own skeins of thread, they are likely to have left over thread for a future project. Another factor is if they want to use different colors of thread than what the kit provides. This can cause an additional expense.

Chart pros

There are several pluses for using charts, cost being one of them. Some websites even provide free online charts. Charts usually come printed in books are on card-stock, allowing them to be used multiple times without the image getting smudged or torn. Although charts list what colors to use, a person can change this to fit thread colors they desire. There is no added expense with changing the colors, because unlike kits, the thread has to be bought anyhow.

Chart cons

Charts may not state what size cloth to use, so the crafter will need to count the squares across the bottom and down the side of the chart to make sure their cloth is big enough. Cloth, needles, and embroidery thread are needed to complete a design, because charts do not come with these tools.

Source: Joann Fabrics