Sprite Stitch Board!

Ok when ive been lurking on these forums for a few months now, and im thinking about actually taking up cross stitch...

I have a few questions though, ok on average how many stitches can you get out of a skein of embroidery floss on 18 count aida fabric? i do belive you sperate the 6 strands into 3 strands of 2, correct?

also, on average, how much would getting all the basic materials cost?(minus the floss, cause of the different colors and all for different patterns) im kinda low on money, so im trying to figure out approximately how much money ill need to get started.

and last but not least, a rhetorical, how come there's almost no craft store near were i live?

Thanks for the help, and sorry if this is in the wrong section...

Hi, welcome to the forum!

For your first question, when I was working on my Zelda map I found I was able to get about 2500 stitches done with a skein of thread. The clouds on the pattern are just over 10000 stitches and I needed 4 skeins, so 2500. Yes you are correct, you do use 2 strands of thread, separating the 6 strands.

I can't speak for US prices, only UK prices. I was able to get a sheet of 18 count aida that was 20 x 30 inches (50 x 75 cm) for £5.50. The threads cost 70p each. I'm not sure how much an embroidery hoop and needles would cost, but it won't be much.

It's always cheaper to buy online as well, depending on how much you buy. For example, if I'm buying less than six skeins of thread, I'll buy them from the craft shop, more than six I buy online. This is the website I use to buy my supplies: www.sewandso.co.uk (UK based)

thanks for the help, ill probly end up having to buy online soon anyway, cause im not even sure if ill be able to get to a craft store anytime soon, but i cant thank you enough for the help

For steins of thread I go to acrosstownstitching.co.uk they have DMC for 30p each and Anchor for 35p each. They have great service and are cheaper than most places. They do fabric too. I got my last fabric from superstitcher for £7 a metre. I got 16 count last time. I know that looking at a number of places online will get you better deals, even when you factor in the prices. I love bargain hunting so my advice is to shop around and get the best deals for what your after. You may get some good deals on Ebay too but I bet someone on here from the US could help better. Good Luck.
Also, if you trying to figure out how to cross stitch (the basics), there are some great how tos on you tube.

Wow, 30p each, that's really good. Though that website is pretty horrible to look at. Think I'll get my next lot of threads from there anyway.

Yeah its pretty basic in looks, but it makes up for it in prices. If you get up to £3 worth its 50p P&P and £1 P&P over that and Free over a certain price but can't remember. I generally get upto the £3 mark. I get my items with a few days too. They have offers on too for DMC. Happy Hunting.

one final thing, anyone know of a place that sells the supplies thats based in the US? i have a fealing that importing is gonna cost way to much....

You might want to see if a craft store named Hobby Lobby or Micheals is in your area to buy cross stitch supplies. There is where I get mine at near where I live.

closest is about 50 miles away, and i dont have a way to get there.... i was thinking more internet source, to at least know that i can get the stuff...

The last time I got plastic canvas, I ordered from this site:
http://craftersmarket.net/
They have flat rate shipping for 4.95$ and they seem to have a good selection of DMC threads (whether you want to buy individually or in packs/sets).
The only issue that might be of concern is that after I ordered, I never got the shipping confirmation emails until after I got my stuff, lol.
I think their prices are pretty good considering that they offer a lot more crafty things I look for than at Michaels (which is where I usually buy my thread--
I like to see the colors in person).
Hope this helps!