🧵 New to Needlework? Start Your Stitching Journey Here!

Welcome to Maple Grove Needleworks — we're so glad you're here! Whether you're brand new to cross stitch or embroidery, this page will guide you to the tools, fabrics, and resources that make stitching easy and fun. No experience needed — just curiosity and a love for handmade things.

🧭 What Do You Want to Try First?

• Cross Stitch
  Just getting started? We'll help you gather everything you need.
  Pick a cross stitch design you love, and we'll help you pull the matching fabric and floss. Just leave a note at checkout or contact us — we'll build a custom kit just for you.
  👉 Browse Cross Stitch Designs
• Embroidery
  Want to try hand embroidery? We'll help you gather all the pieces.
  Choose your favorite pattern, and we'll match the right fabric and threads. If you need help, just ask — we're here to guide you.
  👉 Browse Embroidery Patterns

🧰 Must-Have Supplies

• Threads & Floss – Soft, color-rich threads for every project
  👉 Browse Threads
• Fabric – Learn the difference between Aida, linen, and evenweave
  👉 See Fabric Options
• Needles & Accessories – The little tools that make stitching smoother
  👉 Shop Tools

💬 Stitcher Support

Have questions? Reach out any time — we're real people who love needlework too.
✉️ Contact Us |

✨ Tip: We're happy to help you build a kit for any design you choose — just ask!

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🪡 How Many Strands? A Quick Reference Guide

These are starting-point recommendations, not universal rules. Your pattern, thread brand, personal tension, and desired coverage all affect the best choice. When in doubt, stitch a small sample on a doodle cloth first. A doodle cloth is a scrap of fabric used to practice stitches and try out threads and color combinations before starting your main project.

Fabric Count	Fabric Type	Full Cross Stitch	Backstitch / Outline	Tapestry Needle Size	Notes
14-count	Aida	2 strands	1 strand	24	The most popular beginner count — forgiving and easy to see
16-count	Aida / Evenweave	2 strands	1 strand	26	A step up from 14-count; finer detail with similar strand usage
18-count	Aida / Evenweave	1–2 strands	1 strand	28	Try 1 strand for a delicate look; 2 strands for fuller coverage
28-count	Linen / Evenweave	2 strands over 2 threads	1 strand	24–26	Stitched "over 2" so the stitch size equals 14-count; great for detail work
32-count	Linen / Evenweave	2 strands over 2 threads	1 strand	26	Finer than 28-count; equivalent to ~16-count when stitched over 2
36-count	Linen / Evenweave	1–2 strands over 2 threads	1 strand	28	Very fine fabric; 1 strand gives an heirloom-quality finish

Needle sizes: Use a blunt-tip tapestry needle for counted cross stitch. Higher numbers mean finer needles. These sizes are starting points for the stitching shown above; choose a needle that carries your thread comfortably.  The right needle size helps the thread pass smoothly through the fabric.

"Over 2" explained: On linen and evenweave, each cross stitch is worked over 2 fabric threads in each direction rather than through a single hole. This gives you a sturdy stitch on fine fabric.

📦 Browse all needlework fabrics  |  🧶 Browse all threads & floss