Embroidery has been known since antiquity. At all times, skilled craftswomen decorated household items and clothing, created amazing paintings, chic tapestries. For some peoples, embroidered clothes are national.
Like many centuries ago, modern needlewomen continue to delight the world with wonderful masterpieces. It is a fascinating hobby, a means of relaxation. All you need is time, desire and a special embroidery kit.
Today manufacturers offer a huge variety of kits. These are landscapes, icons, portraits, still lifes, horoscopes. They produce sets for adults, collections for children. We offer a ranking of the best embroidery kits in 2024.
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To choose the best set, it is appropriate to consider the types, based on the embroidery technique used:
Sets for classic cross stitching are considered the undisputed leader in the market for needlework. Thread material: cotton, silk, wool, acrylic. Even glow in the dark - metallized threads are offered.
To embroider with a cross, you need a diagram with the image of each element of the picture and the color coding of the threads. With the help of special computer programs, you can easily draw up a diagram of a popular picture or photograph.
The work is performed on the basis of a canvas. This is a mesh fabric for comfortable positioning of crosses. The choice is huge: linen, cotton, synthetic, different colors and sizes of cells. A plastic base for volumetric embroidery has appeared. Most often, a dense finished canvas is produced, with which you can work without a hoop.
Embroidery is traditionally decorated with interior items:
The set is completed with a diagram, canvas, floss, needle.
Bead embroidery has been known for a long time. In the old days, river pearls were used instead, so such products were highly valued. Handbags, cosmetic bags, hats are decorated with beadwork. Paintings using this technique are luxurious and elegant. Soft shimmer and graceful lines make each piece a masterpiece.
One rule: the size of the beads must correspond to the size of the canvas cells, otherwise the embroidery surface will be bumpy.
The set consists of a diagram, canvas, needle and glass beads, the number of colors of which corresponds to the complexity of the picture. Some manufacturers complement the package with a bead organizer.
In the Middle Ages, wealthy people could afford to embroider with ribbons due to the high cost of used natural silk ribbons. Later, with the advent of budget artificial fabrics, this activity became generally available. Embroidery ribbons are made of nylon, organza, rayon, polyester. The most popular are plant motifs depicting flowers. Most often, ribbons are decorated with embroidery:
Pictures and details of clothing embroidered with ribbons amaze with their beauty and originality. The advantage of this technique is the short execution time: after a few days, the needlewoman rejoices at the next creation.
The set is completed with a fabric with a printed pattern, ribbons, needles, floss (if the techniques are combined), a diagram with photographs. Sometimes a ribbon organizer. Some manufacturers supplement the set with related accessories (laces, tassels, pillow filler).
Products decorated with satin stitch embroidery are obtained unique. This technique is not for nothing called painting on fabric. The works are distinguished by texture, beauty, originality.
The difference between satin stitching - no scheme is required, a contour drawing of the future image is used. Knowledge of the main seams, threads with double mercerization, the plot you like will allow even novice needlewomen to boast of a chic handmade work. This is a colorful painting, interior decor (towels, tablecloths) or decoration of clothing details:
The set includes a canvas, threads, a needle and a diagram.
Other types of sets:
It is appropriate to think about what to look for when buying.
Embroidery is an opportunity to spend time pleasantly and calmly, to escape from everyday affairs, to create a beautiful thing. Therefore, mistakes in choice threaten with a feeling of annoyance and irritation, wasted money and time.
To avoid this, it is important to know the selection criteria:
Packaging is usually a plastic envelope with a sticky edge. Make sure the integrity, no damage, kinks. The photo of the embroidery, as the manufacturers assure, is the original image of the finished work contained in the set. It should be a full-fledged photograph, not a digital picture with blurry outlines.
Mouline threads from well-known manufacturers are marked with a logo. The highest quality threads are recognized with double mercerization, which gives strength, silkiness, stability (do not fade in the sun). Mouline threads from Gamma, DMC, Madeira, Anchor have been invariably popular with embroiderers for decades.
Some manufacturers fold the threads into one ball, others place them on a special cardboard divider. It is not a fact that randomly nested floss indicate poor quality. Such a tangle is easily separated into separate colors.
Canvas plays an important role in embroidery. Smoothing, creating a starched effect, very easy to use. Aida, Linda, Belfast canvases are characterized by good quality. This is evidenced by numerous reviews of needlewomen.
The needle is the main tool of the embroiderer. An indicator of the quality of an embroidery needle is the appearance and the material from which it is made. The best needles are those with a long eye, a rounded end.Recently, chrome-plated needles coated with platinum or gold have been popular. However, experienced craftswomen prefer to work with their favorite needle, regardless of the presence of this tool in the kit.
The readability of the scheme, the clarity of the instructions affect the success of embroidery. Manufacturers provide buyers with schemes:
Beginners like to use color schemes; there are few shades in simple embroidery. In more complex multicolored compositions, it is more expedient to use black and white, symbolic designations. For large embroideries, it is appropriate to choose sets with schemes, divided into fragments, shown on separate sheets.
However, this is an individual matter, embroiderers prefer the type of pattern that is comfortable to work with.
The instructions contain a step-by-step description of the embroidery process. Sometimes the manufacturer supplies her with photographs or illustrations. It is important that the kit is with instructions in Russian. The more detailed the instruction, the easier and faster the embroidery work goes.
The embroidery complexity level of the craftswomen is chosen based on personal experience. Some sets use special difficulty indicators. They are usually denoted by symbols on a scale from one to five.
The simplest embroidery is characterized by a small size, the absence of small, difficult elements, a minimum of shades.
The sets of medium complexity have more colors and small details. A combination of two different techniques is possible.
The most difficult jobs require a high level of craftsmanship. They are distinguished by their impressive size, a huge number of shades and small details. In such embroidery, various techniques are combined, auxiliary decorative elements are always present:
These and other elements will allow you to get beautiful embroidery with an original, complex, multi-colored plot and a realistic image.
The characteristics are indicated on the packaging. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with them before buying. It:
By subject, embroidery kits are divided into portraits, icons, flora and fauna, still lifes, landscapes. Plots of fairy tales, horoscopes, images of paintings by famous artists are popular. This is just a small part of the rich design choice, which depends on the preferences of the embroiderer.
The size range is striking in its variety: small pictures, medium works and huge canvases give freedom of choice. The main thing is that the size of the future embroidery should look appropriate in the room where it is supposed to be placed.
It is advisable to pay attention to the execution technique indicated on the package. Sometimes manufacturers produce sets of the same design for different techniques.
An important characteristic is the number of colors used. For experienced craftswomen, this does not matter. However, it is appropriate for novice embroiderers to choose sets with fewer shades.
Data on the canvas and threads used in the set: the type, composition is indicated, coinciding with what the needlewoman expects to see in her future creation.
The brand is often the main characteristic when buying. This is a reasonable decision, since the popularity of the models and the comfort of embroidery are largely due to the name of the manufacturer.
The price, despite the brand awareness and quality, should be adequate. Many needlewomen, when deciding which set is better to buy, proceed from the price. They look at how much a set costs by choosing inexpensive popular models.
Cheaper are the sets of those manufacturers who produce components themselves, develop designs. The average price in such cases is acceptable to buyers.
We offer an overview of the best, according to buyers, embroidery kits in 2024.
The most popular manufacturer offers a rich assortment of all kinds of themes and techniques. The pleasant value for money is captivating. A huge number of small pictures, a special children's series from 3 years old.
Average cost: 990 rubles.
A well-known American manufacturer has been supplying high-quality embroidery kits to the market for 30 years in a variety of techniques and their combinations. Production has now been moved to China.
The company employs over 200 designers who regularly delight the craftswomen with new and interesting compositions. Children's blankets embroidered with a cross look original. The optimal amount of backstitch gives the paintings a finished, realistic look.
Average cost: 1450 rubles.
The Russian brand, which is famous for its diversity, colorful stories, mixed technique, high-quality components. Low-cost Gamma threads are used, which allows to reduce the cost. Renowned designers are working on new compositions of various themes. The names of the authors are indicated on the packaging.
Average cost: 980 rubles.
The Russian manufacturer offers needlewomen a large selection of kits: children's pictures, landscapes, animals, female images, urban compositions, floral patterns. For a beginner who does not know where to start, simple but original stories from the Golden Fleece brand are recommended. Schemes of varying degrees of complexity.
Average cost: 1020 rubles.
A domestic manufacturer that produces printed canvas, sets for embroidery in various techniques. A quality base is used: classic German Aida, linen, as well as artificial silk.
Average cost: 690 rubles.
The popular Belgian brand has been offering kits of various difficulty levels for 40 years. Launched the release of thematic collections, including original black and white paintings. The production of sets for embroidery of tablecloths and pillows, complete with everything necessary, has been launched. DMC branded threads are used.
Average cost: 1550 rubles.
An English manufacturer whose products are designed for experienced needlewomen. The collection with Teddy bears is popular. Humorous plots look original. Different techniques are often combined, tracking fashion trends in the field of embroidery gives the paintings originality and uniqueness. Used floss of own production. The kits are complete.
Average cost: 1680 rubles.
The manufacturer from South Korea presents quite decent embroidery kits. They are distinguished by the quality, richness of plots on all kinds of topics. The assortment includes sets for cross stitching, beads, ribbons. The novelty of the company, in addition to paintings, was watches, wallets, cosmetic bags. In a multicolor palette, the thread shades are selected so that the finished embroidery looks like real paintings.
Average cost: 1050 rubles.
Ukrainian manufacturer of high-quality kits for embroidery with beads in a circular technique: complex design elements and background are printed on the base. Satin fabric with full color image and calibrated beads are used.
Average cost: 1620 rubles.
A world-famous brand for the production of the same-name threads, beloved by needlewomen, as well as chic embroidery kits. DMC mouline threads are durable, elastic, wash and fade resistant. Dense plastic packaging.
Average cost: 1700 rubles.
The choice of the proposed sets is so great that needlewomen can get confused.
Novice craftswomen, in order to avoid large expenses, are recommended by the firms Golden Fleece, Marya Artisan. For experienced embroiderers, large and multi-colored Anchor works, beautiful budget Dome sets are suitable. Lovers of beadwork are better off using Riolis, and more experienced ones - choose Butterfly paintings. For interior decoration, it is advisable to choose sets with color-resistant threads Vervaco, DMC. Panna products allow you to create a chic mixed media creation without sacrificing your wallet. The most luxurious creations with image realism are offered by Dimensions.
Each needlewoman herself determines which set is better. The rating presented above is intended to help in choosing so that your favorite hobby is not overshadowed by faded threads, sprawling canvas, or the inconsistency of the finished embroidery with the pattern declared by the manufacturer.