Best list · 12 sites · updated Oct 2026
Modern cross stitch means bright palettes, funny sayings and simple shapes. These designers and shops are a good starting point.
The world’s best-known embroidery floss, with free patterns
DMC is the French company behind the most widely used six-strand embroidery floss. Its colour numbers are the standard most cross-stitch and embroidery patterns use, and its site offers free patterns and kits.
Online cross-stitch and needlework shop
123Stitch is an American online needlework shop with a huge range of cross-stitch charts, floss, fabric and kits.
British cross-stitch and embroidery kits
Bothy Threads is a British company producing cross-stitch and embroidery kits, including museum and artist collections.
Full-coverage cross-stitch charts of artwork
Heaven and Earth Designs (HAED) produces full-coverage cross-stitch charts based on licensed artwork, known for very large, detailed projects.
Metallic threads for embroidery and cross stitch
Kreinik makes metallic and specialty threads for cross stitch, embroidery and needlepoint.
Needlework supplies, Hardanger and cross stitch
Nordic Needle is an American needlework shop for cross stitch, Hardanger and embroidery supplies.
Modern, playful cross-stitch patterns and kits
Satsuma Street sells modern cross-stitch patterns and kits with bright colours and playful themes, many suitable for beginners.
UK cross-stitch and needlecraft shop
Sew and So is a UK online shop for cross-stitch kits, charts, threads and needlecraft supplies.
Patterns for stitching cross-stitch family portraits
Stitch People offers patterns and guides for stitching small cross-stitch portraits of family members and pets.
Cross-stitch, tapestry and diamond-painting kits
Vervaco is a Belgian company making cross-stitch, tapestry and needlepoint kits.
Hand-dyed overdyed floss and fabric
Weeks Dye Works produces hand-dyed, overdyed cotton floss and fabric popular in samplers.
Aida, evenweave and linen for cross stitch
Zweigart is a German maker of embroidery fabrics such as Aida, evenweave and linen used for cross stitch.
12 sites: DMC, 123Stitch, Bothy Threads, Heaven and Earth Designs, Kreinik, Nordic Needle, Satsuma Street, Sew and So and more.
DMC are free or offer free patterns.