Counted Cross Stitch Kit FAQ for First-Time Stitchers
By Mary Engelbreit, Licensed Art Studio, St Louis, Missouri | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Product Reviews
New to counted cross stitch? Get clear answers on fabric count, kit supplies, starting your first stitch, and what to expect from a design like the Aries kit.
Quick answer
Start with a kit that includes fabric, floss, needle, and instructions, then match your fabric count to the design's intended size. The Aries Counted Cross Stitch Kit gives you all four components plus a chart with black-and-white symbols and colored backstitch lines, so you can begin stitching without buying separate supplies.
Why fabric count changes everything
Fabric count is the number of stitches per inch. A 14-count Aida gives you 14 stitches per inch, so a design that is 95 stitches wide will finish about 6.8 inches wide. If you substitute a different count, the finished size changes even though the stitch count stays the same. That is why kits specify a count: the designer has already calculated the finished size and floss quantity for that fabric.
When a kit is not the right fit
Kits are convenient, but they limit your choices. If you prefer a different fabric color, want to swap floss brands, or need a larger finished piece than the chart allows, a kit may feel restrictive. Also, some kits include only the exact amount of floss needed, so if you make a mistake and have to remove stitches, you may run short. Check the kit contents before you begin and consider buying an extra skein of any color you are likely to use heavily.
Beginner cross stitch questions answered
- What supplies come in a counted cross stitch kit?
- A complete kit typically includes fabric, pre-sorted floss, a needle, and a chart with instructions. The Aries kit includes all of these, plus a chart with black-and-white symbols and colored backstitch lines to help you follow the design.
- How do I read a cross stitch chart?
- Each square on the chart represents one stitch on the fabric. The symbol in the square tells you which floss color to use. The Aries chart uses black-and-white symbols for the main stitches and colored lines for backstitching, so you can distinguish the two at a glance.
- What does fabric count mean and why does it matter?
- Fabric count is the number of stitches per inch. A 14-count fabric gives 14 stitches per inch, so a design that is 95 stitches wide will be about 6.8 inches wide. The Aries kit is designed for 14-count White Aida, and the finished size is 6.8 by 7.1 inches.
- How do I start my first stitch?
- Find the center of your fabric by folding it in half horizontally and vertically, then mark the center with a pin. Locate the center of the chart, and begin stitching from the center outward. Use the loop method or a waste knot to secure your thread without knots on the back.
- What if I run out of floss?
- Kits usually provide a small amount of extra floss, but not always. If you are worried, buy an extra skein of the colors you use most before you start. The Aries kit uses 23 different colors, so note which ones dominate the design and check your local shop for matching DMC or Anchor numbers.
- Do I need a hoop or frame?
- Not strictly, but a hoop or frame keeps the fabric taut and makes stitching easier. A 6-inch hoop works well for the Aries kit's finished size of about 6.8 by 7.1 inches. If you prefer stitching in hand, make sure your fabric is not stretched too tightly.
Product facts
- Aries Counted Cross Stitch Kit: The Aries kit is designed for 14-count White Aida and uses 23 different floss colors, with full stitches, quarter stitches, and backstitching. Knowing the fabric count and stitch types helps you decide if the project matches your current skill level and whether you need to practice quarter stitches before starting.
Aries Counted Cross Stitch Kit
