4 files available upon enrollment
     • An embroidery hoop (I recommend a wooden, circular hoop no larger than 6 inches to begin with, as larger hoops can be unweildy and plastic and metal hoops tend to be more slippery when holding onto the fabric. Generally around $3-$4.)

     • At least two colors of embroidery floss (Learners are encourages to pick any two colors they think will look nice together. Generally around $0.50-$1.00 per color.)

     • Cross-Stitch fabric (I recommend 14-count or lower for younger students and students with vision problems, as anything with a larger number is much harder to see and work with as it's a smaller grid. Generally around $4-$6 for a large roll.)

     • A cross-stitch needle (These are not sewing needles or embroidery needles. They are blunt, so cross-stitchers don't prick their fingers or damage the grid in their fabric. Prices vary depending on how many you buy.)

     • A pair of scissors

     • A printed version of the pattern provided on the classroom page upon signup, or another, simple pattern if preferred

     • [Optional] A highlighter or marker to check off completed squares in the pattern. (This makes it easier for some cross-stitchers to keep up with where they are in their work.)

     • [Optional] A stamped cross-stitch pattern (This is a piece of fabric with a pattern already printed on it to follow and is easier for beginners and younger cross-stitchers. Prices vary by size and difficulty. If you choose this type of fabric, make sure it's a cross-stitch pattern, as cross-stitch and embroidery are very different crafts.)
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I recommend the embroidery hoop be no larger than 6" for beginners, as it can be unweildy to hold. Please also keep in mind that wooden hoops are both easier and cheaper to start with, as they hold onto the fabric better.

If your learner has a hard time with measuring or counting small objects, a stamped cross-stitch pattern, which is a piece of fabric with a pattern already printed on it to follow and is easier for beginners and younger cross-stitchers, may be a better option. If you choose this type of fabric, please make sure it's a cross-stitch pattern and not an embroidery pattern, as they are two very different crafts and embroidery is often considered much more difficult.

Any colors of cross-stitch floss/thread will do, as we will be making a very simple, single-color star for our first pattern, then outlining it in the second color, so learners are encouraged to pick any two colors they think will look nice together. This type of thread is not sewing thread, but embroidery floss. It is thicker and comes either pre-rolled or in a small hank. If using a hank, I reccommend also getting some bobbins to wrap it around, which cost around $1-$2 for a pack. You should also avoid glittery or metallic floss (embroidery thread), as it is more difficult to work with.

Students will be using scissors to cut yarn, and a small, blunt needle to stitch their work. Younger students and students with difficulties that could make this a danger to them should have an adult closeby for assistance. (Please remember that Outschool policy requires parents and guardians to stay out of view of the camera.)