Maydear Cross Stitch Kits Stamped,Punch Needle Kit Full Range of Embroidery Kit Beginners DIY 11CT 3 Strands - Starry Night of Van Gogh 23×18(inch)

This bookmark kit is so lovely. It's on 18ct fabric, so not for the faint of heart. The kit includes a single canvas with all 4 bookmarks together along with a legend, 62 colors of 6 ply embroidery floss, 2 needles, 4 pieces of branded heavy cardstock for the bookmark backing, detailed instructions on how to make the bookmarks (including photos of how to do the stitching around edges of the bookmarks), and a full color glossy photo with a slightly different legend. The legend on the full color glossy photo is very useful. It includes the number that corresponds to the floss cards, the corresponding DMC number, the solid color used on the material, and the symbol used on the glossy photo. The legend on the material shows the thread number, the solid color as shown on the material, and the DMC number. The material itself uses only the solid colors (no symbols), so what you see right out of the package are these beautiful scenes with the appropriate colors. I didn't see any mention in the kit of soaking the fabric afterwards, but these are so pretty as is, I'm have tempted not to cross stitch them at all. The listing does indicate "Simply soak the fabric for half an hour", but then again it refers in 2 places to it being 11ct. This is probably a cut a paste error. Usually you would soak a stamped cross stitch project upon completion when the kit uses all manor of colors that are drastically different from the corresponding thread color. Hmmm. Maybe you could get away without stitching them at all??? But I digress. The glossy photo has the symbols as indicated on that legend. The idea is that if you are having trouble figuring out which color to use where, you can refer to the glossy copy to help you make that distinction. My only downside is that I wish that the glossy copy showed the bookmarks in a larger size. Enlarging the copy makes some of the "white symbols on a dark color" still too difficult to read. For these situations, I'll rely more on the color legend on the material. Either way, it's still a stunning kit by Maydear.

I enjoy doing something to keep my hands busy while watching tv or sitting in on long zoom meetings where I have to pay attention, but don’t need to take notes. I decided on a whim to try cross stitch, and really liked the look of the cute parrots on the line from this series. I received it quickly and it does come with everything you need! Here are a few things: 1. The “instructions” require you to know at least a few things about cross stitch to interpret. I recommend watching a few videos, just search for “beginner pre-printed cross-stitch.” Then the instructions make a lot more sense! 2. There is MORE than enough thread for the project (I have a lot left over). On the front of the package is a code (in this case 11CT 3 strands) which indicates the number of threads you use while stitching (in this case 3, the 11CT refers to the fineness of the fabric and therefore the number of crosses you can do per inch, bigger numbers mean smaller stitches, which are harder). Each piece of “floss” is made up of 6 threads (or “strands”), so you have to separate out three of them with which to thread your needle. If you try to use the whole floss (or even worse try to use three of them) you won’t be able to thread your needle, and you’ll quickly run out of thread. If you do run out it is easy to find more since they use a standard code for each color. 3. The one thing that doesn’t come in the kit that is super helpful is a needle threader. You can get one on Amazon or even your local grocery store. They are cheap! 4. The colors printed on the cloth are very bright, which helps make stitching easy, and reduce the amount of attention you have to pay while doing it. They do show through the stitching somewhat, but I haven’t washed them out yet. There are clear instructions for how to wash out the printing. 5. You’ll learn this from the videos, but make sure all your stitches are the same as this makes a big difference in how the pattern looks in the end. I accidentally did one row backwards and it stuck out like a sore thumb, and I ended up picking it out and doing it again. Really all of this I learned from the videos, but the result makes me feel very professional!. This project is taking me many hours, and I am really enjoying it! I’m planning to buy some more kits, and recommend you do too!

I loved working on this. I didn’t change any of the colors, and I used only included materials. The Aida cloth was nice and stiff, which is perfect for a large piece like this. I chose to roll mine to where I was working and hold the roll in one hand while stitching with the other. It kept it manageable and made it easy to work with. The instructions are very clear, and the included pattern key is easy to read to show which colors to use. Even if you lost the instructions pages, the Aida cloth literally has a key printed on the sides of it, showing which symbol corresponds to which number of thread. There is plenty of thread. I have quite a bit leftover. Make sure you’re following directions to divide each thread into the appropriate number strands, based on stitch. I always find it helps to hold the thread up so it is hanging while splitting it, so the end can spin freely while being separated. It helps to prevent tangles. All in all, I am very happy. All that’s left is to wash it to let the water-soluble ink dissolve, iron it gently, and frame it!

I bought 2 different kits and decided to start this one first. This is definitely not for beginners. I did alot of cross stitch as a young adult and consider myself at an advanced level, but even I find this design a bit overwhelming and challenging. It's very detailed and intricate, but I'm thinking it will be quite nice once it's completed. The first 2 pictures show the printed fabric and where I've started with dark navy blue thread. A few things to note....the fabric has finished edges and is stiff, but its workable and therefore doesn't require a hoop. It does require good light and a pair of reading glasses to see what you're doing. The design is precisely printed on the fabric and uses a colored symbol code. The key to that code is printed on the fabric around the edges of the design (pic 1). This is a bit confusing because some of the color coded symbols are almost identical and differ by only a subtle shade variance, so I've been using the paper guide (pics 4 & 5) to make sure I've selected the right color thread. This key uses letters that also correspond to the thread #s. It makes the whole process of thread selection easy and accurate. The thread is presorted by number (that corresponds to both keys) and is precut into long pieces that are just right for separating into 3 strands and working a sizeable section. DMC #s are provided in case you run out, but so far, the one section I've completed had alot of extra thread left over. The provided needle is a bit of a pain to thread. That would be my only complaint so far. Also, included in the kit is a page of written instructions (not pictured) that explain how to get started, how to do cross stitch and how to wash it once you're done. I will update this review as I complete this. I'm very concerned about washing the finished work. I'm wondering if the dye that is supposed to wash out will stain the lighter colored threads. Giving it 4 stars for now until I know.

Sweet image, Complete kit. Material and floss feels very nice. Everything is included, even a needle!, and is well packaged. Size is as listed. Instructions are clear, and for those who need visual tutorials, I'm sure there are YouTube videos available from other creators. This is a great value for the price.

Lovely and well made but I had to supplement every color as I ran out of floss provided. There was no instructions to divide the provided floss - and to do so would have been too thin to cover each X.

This is my first time purchasing a cross stitch kit from this Seller and I am so far very impressed! Here's the features I fine most impressive: 1. The 11ct Aida cloth that the picture is printed on has been interlock sewn around the raw edges, so no taping necessary and, more importantly, NO FRAYING while stitching (which is soooooooo annoying)! 2. There seems to be PLENTY of thread. If you follow the instructions and only use 3 strands at a time, you should definitely have enough. If for some reason you do end up short, they include a key to the corresponding color # for DMC floss, so you can alway get more. This is definitely a plus (for people like me whose pet sometimes wants to "help" with projects, only to end up with a tangled mess lol). 3. The pattern and color key is printed directly in the cloth, and it is easy to read. They also include A HARD COPY of the pattern!! You know, if you drink tea while stitching, like me, and your cloth happens to get wet causing the print to smear, smudge, or disappear entirely. Plus, you have a copy of the pattern so you can make another for friends or family!!! 4. Shipping was FREE and SUPER FAST. It actually arrived OVERNIGHT, so I didn't have to wait very long and could get started right away. Although I do have a feeling this project will take me a while to finish, but definitely worth it!! 5. The PRICE (this should have been in the #1 spot)! I had been wanting the Van Gogh Starry Night cross stitch kit for a while, and finally finish all my current WIPs to be able to get it. I was totally shocked when I came across this Seller's listing at this price. I paid $18.29 USD total with FREE overnight shipping (as I mentioned above). I have seen other sellers listing it for as much as $50 USD for the exact same size (23" x 18"). So, I have definitely found my new cross stitch supplier from now on.....Thanks, Maydear!!! There are only ONE very minor thing that I wasn't very satisfied with, and that is the 2 needles they have included. Typically, I am able to thread 3 strands onto a cross stitch needle without any problems, however these needles have a very narrow head, so it's difficult and I had to go fetch my needle threader (no biggie). In addition, they are very short, which isn't great for my stubby fingers lol. So I used a needle from my stash instead. For me this wasn't an issue but for others it might be. So I strongly suggest that you have some additional cross stitch needles on hand, in case you run into the same issues that I had. The ONLY other thing I would love is if Maydear had this in an even larger size. That would be awesome! Anyway, needless to say, I am over the moon with everything about my new cross stitch project (which also happens to be my most favorite image ever). I am excited to get started...I will update this review if I come across anything that seems important for y'all to know. Until then, Happy Stitching!!

Why did you pick this product vs others?: Liked the colors and composition. I have been doing this embroidery a little at a time over the past year. Very pleasurable. I agree that instructions could be better and some places the ink is printed incorrectly. But for the size of design and yarn included, I think it is very good value for money. I hope the manufacturers would simplify the cross-references of symbols and colors to make it go easier for beginners. Color: Various Size: Large