Dimensions13650 Counted Cross Stitch Kit, Baby Birth Record, 10 inches by 14 inches

Firstly I should say I’m an experienced cross stitcher having completed dozens of projects over the last 20 years. I really wanted this pattern to make a birth sampler for my impending grandchild but I could only find it as a kit. I noticed from the reviews that people were disappointed with the quality of the threads. I decided to order the kit but not use the provided threads. Instead I’ve changed the numbers to DMC code ( most of the colours I already had). This is easy to do with the help of the internet if you type DMC golden brown for example it will tell you the code number. You do get a nice piece of 14 count Aida which is big enough to stretch the finished piece. Ideally you should have 3 inch excess all the way round the pattern. This gives 2.75 inch so it’s doable. I always use fray stop around the edges before starting so you don’t end up with loose threads. You can buy this on Amazon. The needle is a cross stitch needle but I will probably use my favourite needle which is a little longer. A good spare though. The instructions are very straightforward and a beginner could complete this although they would find it easier and more enjoyable with top notch threads. DMC don’t twist and knot and tangle like cheap versions and the threads provided with this are not great. Obviously this has a cost implication. You could also try anchor threads as they are good too. I just have hundreds of DMC threads in my sewing box so that’s my choice. You are instructed to mix threads in a couple of places. So your skeins are comprised of 6 separate threads. This pattern instructs you to use two threads for all cross stitching so you would need to use one thread of each colour to mix them. This gives the finished piece depth. The back stitch is mainly one thread but the instructions guide you when to use more. French knots are the trickiest and I would watch a video online as the instructions are never very obvious as to how you do them. Have a practice on a spare bit of fabric first. As a beginner I recommend reading all the instructions and concentrating on making sure all your cross stitches are done the same way...so for example bottom stitches all go the same direction and the same with the top. That makes the sewing smooth. The instructions explain how to start and finish off a length of thread keeping it neat on the back as well as the front. This makes it lay much better when you have finished. I know that for a pattern alone with a piece of Aida this sounds expensive but I want it to be perfect for my new grandchild so I’m happy to pay for better threads. This is obviously achievable with the threads provided so the decision is yours as to whether you replace them or not. The pattern itself is great and I can’t wait to get started. I give it four stars for the beautiful pattern, Aida and needle and the fact that when I ordered it I’d already decided not to use the threads thanks to other reviewers advice.

I would only recommend this item for very experienced cross - stitchers. And only for those equipped with a magnifying glass. The kit is comprehensive with clear instructions. I think it will look great when it is finished. However I find the colours are not true to the colours on the chart For example, the box in the centre is yellow and purple. It looks incongruous and also makes following the chart confusing. I chose this item because of the subtle shades of blues and pinks.in the top half. Substituting a bright yellow box was a bad idea. Even the bear’s pale blue s. carf symbols tie up with a purple shade. Why? The kit is challenging enough without these colour changes. Go back to the colours as per the chart and you have a very desirable item. Buyers beware!

My wife made this for our granddaughters birth. It came out lovely. You need a lot of patience and dedication but it's worth it in the end. We had it professionally framed so it looks even better.

Super easy. Can be a bit fiddly as most cross stitches can be, could do with more brown thread as didn’t have enough to do the flower at the top right.

Bright and cheerful birth record cross stitch with more than enough thread to complete the project. One tip would be to translate the colours as noted on the instructions to the cards holding the threads to save any confusion and thread wastage.

Great cross stitch easy to follow but left out the lettering on the balloons as we know it is for a baby and I think it is better without. I did the Toy shelf Birth record by Barbara Mock 2 yrs ago it is very similar both for my two Grand children

Lovely, easy to do and I have no doubt my friend will be delighted with this as a gift when baby arrives. Some people have commented that the thread is poor quality but I didn't find it so. The fabric is a little stiff but softens as it is worked on. Also I see a reviewer found the chart difficult as there was no separate one for the backstitch - it is tricky at times but with care can be read.

As described