My Ultimate Cross Stitch and Needlepoint Setup
- Jacquie
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Some of the links included here are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
In all of the years that I've been posting cross stitch content online, the most frequent questions in my comment section always circle back to my stitching spot. Through the years I've made small changes here and there, but many of my favorite products have stood the test of time and I continue to sing their praises!
Of course, everyone’s ideal cross stitch or needlepoint setup will look a little different depending on space, habits, and personal preferences. But in this post, I’ve gathered all of my favorite tools, tips, and must-haves into one place to help you create a setup that’s comfortable and organized. Whether you stitch from bed, the couch, or a cozy craft room corner, I hope you’ll find something here to help inspire your ultimate stitching space.
First Up: The List
Not wanting to read through a whole blog post to find the thing you're looking for? I get it! I've linked everything down below and you can also check out my amazon storefront for more recommendations.
The Power of Good Lighting
We all know the power of good lighting when it comes to taking a photo or filming a video—but what about the impact it has on our stitching workspace? I can't stress enough the importance of lighting for your stitching space! Quality lighting helps prevent eye strain, improves focus, and allows you to see your stitches clearly, reducing the chance of mistakes.
Personally, I prefer a floor lamp for its stability and flexibility. I always look for one with an adjustable arm so I can position the light exactly where I need it. Since I often work on higher-count fabrics (28 count and above), having both strong lighting and magnification is a game-changer.
This magnifying floor lamp has been the perfect solution. It lets me light up my work area and get a closer look at those teeny-tiny stitches—making it much easier (and more enjoyable) for those extra long stitchy sessions.
Lowery Workstand: Hands-Free Stitching
I learned early on in my stitching journey that holding a hoop for long periods of time just
didn’t work for my wrists. That’s when I started looking for a stand that could hold my work steady and keep my hands free.
After trying a few table and lap stands, I realized that a floor stand was a better fit for how I like to stitch. I wanted something easy to move, comfortable to use from the couch or even my bed, and compatible with both scroll frames and Q-Snaps. Finding all of that in one stand turned out to be more challenging than I expected—until I discovered the Lowery Workstand.
It’s height adjustable, stable, and easy to position. The side clamp makes it simple to access the back of your work, which was a major frustration for me with most forward-facing stands. The standard clamp works beautifully with scroll frames, and there’s an optional corner clamp you can purchase separately that holds Q-Snaps securely in place.
Rolling Cart: A Stitchers Best Friend on Wheels
The newest addition to my setup is a rolling storage cart, and I honestly can’t believe I went
so long without one. The multi-tier shelving offers tons of storage while taking up very little space, and the wheels make it easy to move from room to room.
My favorite feature of this particular cart are the included hooks and bins that hang off the sides. One of the bins has become my dedicated ORT container for thread scraps, and the hooks are perfect for organizing and displaying my floss drops.
A fun little bonus? The shelves are metal, so I can stick all of my needle minders directly to the cart! Not only is it convenient but it's a fun way to personalize your rolling station.
Pattern Keeper: Digital Stitching Bliss
I can’t sing the praises of Pattern Keeper enough. It takes so much of the hassle out of tracking your stitching progress. You can mark stitches directly on the screen, zoom in or out
of the chart as needed, and easily keep your place (yes—even for parked threads!). One of my favorite features is that when you select a symbol, it highlights every instance of that symbol across the entire chart and displays the corresponding thread number. No more constant flipping back and forth to the symbol key every time you start a new thread.
I keep a Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 at my stitchy station just for using Pattern Keeper. While you can easily find tablet stands to prop it up nearby, I personally prefer a gooseneck clamp. It allows me to position the screen right next to my fabric for maximum convenience and minimal neck strain.
The app does have a one-time fee, but you can test it out with a free trial before committing. It's important to note that not all PDF patterns are fully Pattern Keeper-compatible, though the app continues to improve its ability to read a wide range of files—and there are manual input options if needed. Lastly, it’s currently only available for Android devices, but there are workarounds for iOS users through certain tablets and emulators. That said, the convenience of this app makes any one of these minor drawbacks totally worth it.
Floss Drops: The Pretty and Practical Way to Manage Thread
Floss drops are one of those small tools that make a huge difference in how I organize and enjoy stitching. Instead of dealing with tangled skeins or plastic bobbins that can kink your thread, floss drops keep each color tidy, easily accessible, and ready to use. They're
especially helpful for projects with a large number of threads, where quickly grabbing the right color saves time and stress.
You can label each drop with the thread number or symbol, loop your pre-cut lengths through the hole, and group everything together on a binder ring. They also help reduce waste since you can save leftover strands directly on the drop without worrying they’ll get lost or mixed up. My favorite function of floss drops is the ease of pulling out one strand at a time when you're ready to start stitching. It's pre-cut and ready to use in an instant!
At Atom Heart Cross Stitch, I’ve designed a collection of floss drops that are not only functional but also fun to use. My Thread Hearts and Thread Bobbins pull double duty and can be wound like a traditional bobbin for easy storage. Whether you're prepping for a big project or just refreshing your stash, floss drops are the most practical floss organization solution!
Q-Snaps: The Best Bet for Even Tension
Q-Snaps are a favorite among stitchers for good reason! They hold your fabric snugly and
super taught without leaving deep creases or hoop marks, which is especially helpful for delicate or high-count linens. The fabric is clamped between the frame and snap-on covers, creating even tension across your stitching area without needing to constantly readjust like with traditional hoops. I especially love how customizable they are. They come in a variety of sizes and you can mix and match the pieces to build any needed frame size.
To manage excess fabric around the edges, I love using grime guards —they're stretchy fabric sleeves that fit around your Q-Snap and keep your fabric clean while also containing bulk. I've DIY'd my own following YouTube tutorials I've found online, but you can find custom made grime guards on Etsy. You can also use elastic magnetic holders or fabric huggers to neatly tuck away any excess fabric around your frame.
Project Bags: Keeping it All Together
Project bags have quickly become a staple in my setup. Since I like to kit up my floss for
each project in advance, having a dedicated bag for each chart helps me keep everything in one place: floss, pattern, fabric, and any other little extras I need. Instead of digging through drawers to find everything, I just grab the bag and start stitching!
I made my own bags following a pattern and video tutorial from Rosie's Art Studio. I love the gusseted bottom which allows the bag to stand upright and the clear view front pouch makes it easy to see what's inside. The only pattern modification I made was adding a simple patch pocket to the inside back panel to have a little spot for stashing smaller accessories like needles or scissors.
Tiny But Essential: Stitching Extras I Love
No stitching station is complete without those extra little notions to round it all out. First up,
a good pair of embroidery scissors. You want a pair that's sharp enough snip your threads without fraying. Just be careful with those extra sharp tips - you don't want to pierce your fabric!
While technically not essential, a needle minder is the perfect stitching companion. The magnetic backs not only hold your needles in place but attach to your fabric damage free.
Last up, needles! And yes, you need to change them out more often than you think. A good needle will glide through your fabric with ease but make sure you're also paying attention in choosing the right needle size for your fabric. A needle that's too large can distort your fabric, while one that's too small can be difficult to thread and may pull or fray your floss. There are tons of online guides out there to help you decide which size you need. I am admittedly picky about needles, and a personal brand favorite of mine right now are these Tulip needles.
Final Thoughts: Curate Your Stitching Experience
At the end of the day, the “perfect” stitching setup looks different for everyone. Your space, stitching style, and personal preferences will all shape which tools and accessories work best for you. Some of the items on this list are definitely investments, and it’s worth noting that I’ve built my setup slowly over time. Especially with the higher-ticket items, I took my time researching and evaluating what would best suit my needs—and I hope this post can help guide you on your own stitching journey as well!
Comments