When you are brand new to cross stitch and looking to buy a kit, you may wonder whether to buy a counted or a stamped kit. In this guide, we look at the differences between the two types of kit, and which is more beginner friendly.
What is a Counted Kit?
A counted cross stitch kit consists of a blank piece of fabric (usually Aida cloth) and then a separate chart to follow.
What is a Stamped Kit?
In a stamped kit, the design is printed right onto the fabric. This means that the hobbyist doesn’t need to reference a separate chart at the same time.
Which Should a Beginner Choose?
Although it is completely possible for a complete beginner to cross stitch to follow the sort of chart that is in a counted kit, it may prove rather overwhelming and require a lot of focus to consult a chart.
Therefore, it’s probably best to opt for a stamped kit if given the choice.
It’s not the end of the world if you do find yourself in possession of a counted cross stitch kit, but the goal here is to lower the barriers to getting started. If you have never touched a cross stitch project in your life, the last thing you want is to overwhelm yourself so much that you quit before you have given yourself a chance.
Whilst jumping in at the deeper end with a counted kit may help some people learn more quickly, it may be best to make your life as simple as possible.
In other words, go with the stamped kit!