Design Works Cross Stitch Kits -- Why They're Not My Favorites

Stitcher's ABC
Dockside Quilts
Rocking Chair Kittens

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[josebriceno]

Hermosos tus kits. Cristina de Sonora Mexico😗

[Mykitchenchanne]

Did you finish this one? I just received fabulous Fall from Design Works. They call the burgundy color Dk. Red. …and the light red is actually a coral color. Not red at all. The other colors in the kit seem to be right to me or close enough. Aida is very stiff. There’s no grids on the Aida and it’s not sewn around so I guess I’ll have to do that. Floss came loosely, not secured and some colors (3 of them) weren’t even on the floss card but just thrown in there. I’m not impressed with this kit so far. But I guess I’ll keep it and hope it works out well in the end.

[thethmoonofuranus]

I didn't realise that some kits aren't gridded. I would really not be able to use an ungridded pattern

[michaelafrommunich]

Hi Michelle,

I really enjoy watching your short "titbit" videos.

I have only done one design works kit. (Cat and orchid). The colors were lovely and I didn't have any problems stitching it although it was a bit demanding for a beginner. It was only my second cross stitch project. However, I must say I was quite appalled by the smell of the floss/fabric, when I opened the kit for the first time. Yuck.

I like kits as well because you have everything you need to do the project. And often they are cheaper than kitting up, especially as I do not (yet) have a lot of stash.

I like dimension kits, riolis kits and oven kits.

Stay safe and happy stitching.

Michaela

[charlottesantos]

I haven't tried those kits before but I do own the ABC one just haven't done it yet. I do not mind the grid because I don't grid, I don't see use the lines. I cross stitch by counting and working off other crossed stitched works if that makes since. Crazy I know. As for the fabric, I have found if you give Aida a nice dunk in some hot water it lets out the stiffness. this might also make the holes smaller too and make it from 14 to 16 so beware. Thanks for the tip on the floss. DMC already gives me a headache on how much it tangles, but I like the pattern so I might have to switch it out or something.

[valerieholmes]

Have never tried these kits. I have been tempted to buy Dockside Quilts in the past but have so many kits to do in my stash as it is...X

[scrapingrama]

I have two design works kits from the 1999s. Almost finished one. It’s a. Christmas angel and the other one is teddy bear with blue plates and sunflowers. That one is not gridded and like you I really want to start it. Tempted to draw the grids in or pencil just to get started. Both are 14 count. The angel one did not match the colours in the photo so I went looking for dmc and those colours matched the photo. Why would they do that. Glad I’m not the only one frustrated. Lol

[tinaharsch]

I am on my second Design Works kit and only because it is a companion to the first one I stitched. I must say I will never buy another one. Like you, I don't like the floss and the second kit I bought the aida was not cut properly, which I didn't notice until I started stitching. The image was crooked. I will be able to make adjustments to straighten it out, but I would not recommend these kits.

[DirtyGo]

I absolutely detest this brand of kits. I have had times where I haven't had all of the floss, or the materials were all rubbish, as well as random weirdness with the charts. I almost refuse to buy these!