Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Peach State Cross Stitch
When will the brick-and-mortar shop be opening?
As of right now, we hope the brick-and-mortar shop will open early spring 2026. In the meantime, we hope that you enjoy our online shop.
How do I contact the shop?
Until the brick-and-mortar opens, the best way to contact Melanie is via email (peachstatecrossstitch@gmail.com). You can also use the contact form on the website or Facebook messenger.
How do I apply a discount code when shopping online?
On the final checkout page, there is a box under the total price where you can enter any active discount code and it will be automatically applied. Please note, discount codes cannot be combined with any other offer e.g. a bundle discount and subscription deal. The bundle offer will be applied first.
No code is required for free shipping on orders over $50.
If you’ve made arrangements with Melanie to pick up your items or if she is delivering them to a Sit & Stitch event use code PickUp
How quickly do orders ship?
We will ship order within 48 hours of the order being placed. If for any reason there is a delay, you will be contacted by email.
What is the difference in the kit types that you carry?
The kits labeled PFF only contain the pattern, fabric and floss
The kits labeled complete will include the patten, fabric, floss, needle in a needle holder, needle threader, snips/scissors, hoop/Q Snap and a bag.
Questions about supplies
What fabric should I use for Counted Cross Stitch?
The short answer is whichever you like best. Most stitchers will start with Aida for its simplicity. Evenweave and Linen allow you to make fractional stiches easier and give a different look to the completed project.
How do I choose a fabric type?
Many stitchers begin stitching on Aida when they are learning to stitch. After trying evenweave/linen, some swap back and forth while others never pick up Aida again. Remember that there's no right or wrong choice when it comes to fabric type, it's all about personal preference.
If you've never tried evenweave/linen but are ready to venture into trying it here are some differences that you'll see.
With evenweave/linen you'll decide if you want to stitch over 1 thread or 2. If you stitch over 1 you'll use less floss and your project will be half as big. However, some stitchers find this difficult to see.
If you stitch over 2 threads, you'll enjoy one of the biggest differences from stitching on Aida. When you have a pattern that calls for fractional stitches, you won’t have to poke your needle through the middle of the square and hope that you are in the center. There will actually be a hole there for you. (Click here for more information on fractional stiches)
You'll find that evenweave/linen is softer in the hand than Aida
Evenweave/linen will give you a very different ending look than Aida
One difference between evenweave and linen is that as the name implies, evenweave will have even spaces between threads. Linen will often have slugs or fat spots in the thread that can make it appear uneven. Some stitchers don't like this while others will only stitch on linen.
How do I determine the size of fabric that is needed for a project?
Aida or Evenweave/Linen stitched over 1: Take your design size and divide it by the count of your fabric.
For example, if your pattern is 70 x 133 and you are using 14 count Aida then your design size is 5” x 9½” (70/14 = 5 and 133/14 = 9.5)
After that you’ll want to add 1-3 inches around the design size for finishing.
Using the example above if you want a 3 inch border then your fabric needs to be 11 x 15 ½ (5 + 6 = 11 and 9.5 + 6 = 15 ½)
Evenweave/Linen stitched over 2: Think of is as half the count, so if you are using 40 count you’ll calculate is as if you are using 20 count Aida
You can also use a fabric calculator
What size needle to I need for a counted cross stitch?
Your needle should slide easily through the fabric holes without stretching the hole or the needle falling out. Below are some guidelines to use but these are not hard and fast rules.
size 24 is common for 14 count Aida and 28 count evenweave/linen
size 26 is common for 16 count Aida and 32 count evenweave/linen
size 28 is common for 18 count Aida and 36 count evenweave/linen
Do I need a hoop or frame for counted cross stitch?
No, you don’t have to use one but many stitchers find using one makes it easier to hold the fabric and keep the tension on your stitches more even.
Things to consider when stitching with variegated floss
If you are using a hand dyed floss, purchase enough to do the entire project. Dye lots can change over time.
Do not use a loop start. Use an away waste knot or buried thread method. If you use a loop start, the flow of the colors will not lay the same way.
Stitch a complete cross (English method) before moving on to the next stitch so that your colors will flow as designed. If you commonly stitch half of several stitches and go back to stitch the other half (Danish method) know that this could affect your outcome.
If the floss is highly variegated you may want to be strategic when cutting the floss.
If you want to tone down the variegation, use one variegated and a complementing solid color.
Common questions from new stitchers
What is the difference between cross stitch and needlepoint?
Counted cross stitch requires that you count the squares on the fabric to make your stitches. You are guided by a pattern with symbols. It’s kind of like a paint by number that you did as a kid. Stitches are created my making an X. This is the focus of Peach State Cross Stitch.
Needlepoint, the most common stitch is a tent stitch (///) instead of an X. It typically uses a canvas that often has the design printed on it. Some of the floss that we carry can be used for needlepoint but in general we don’t carry needlepoint supplies
How do I start cross stitching?
It’s really easier that you think. You just need a pattern, fabric, needle and the floss. New stitchers typically are going to prefer to stich with an embroidery hoop of some variety. We will be offering beginner classes starting in January 2026.
Also, you can check out these links
Beginner instructions for cross stitch from Yarn Tree
Learn to cross stitch design from Yarn Tree
How do I avoid tangles in my floss?
It’s going to happen but there are a few things to prevent them from frustrating you. You want to make sure that before you thread your needle that you straighten out each strand. Make sure that your floss is not too long. They only need to be 18-24 inches. The other thing is to let the floss unwind once in a while by just holding your project up letting the needle unwind the strands.
How do you match and use patterns that are larger than a page?
Often times designers will have 2-3 rows or columns that are shaded to let you know where the overlap is. Just in case they don’t, be sure to take a look before you start stitching. Keep in mind that there is no problem with you making a working copy and taping it together if you don’t want to fold or tape your original.
How do I finish off my stitches neatly?
When you’ve come close to the end of your floss, you’ll run your needle under some (5-10) of your stiches on the back of your project and then cut off the excess.