The 10 Best Embroidery Kits

Encompassing all the essentials to get busy stitching with a programmable machine, the Embroidex Starter Set (appx. $60) includes 24 spools of polyester thread, four types of stabilizer, 30 needles, a pair of gold-plated scissors, 6,000 yards of bobbin thread and an instructional CD.

The Caydo Full Range (about $20) includes everything a beginner will need for their project of choice from start to finish. Its sturdy bamboo hoops come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be easily tightened with a few turns of the screw to hold the workpiece securely in place.

For little ones eager to learn the art of decorative needlework, the Melissa & Doug Stitch By Color (around $12) is a perfect gift idea. The 8-inch wooden board is easy for youngsters to hold onto and has matching colored lines to guide them through each step of the process.

The Jack Dempsey Beginner Samplers (around $7) are ideal for introducing young learners to basic needlework skills so they can begin to master the art and craft of turning small, smooth stitches into simple and elegant handmade designs.

With the Bucilla Stamped Pillowcases (appx. $10), you can add a lovely handcrafted touch to your personal space. Each pattern is mapped out for you in washable ink that is a cinch to follow and renders results you can be proud of when used to decorate a room.

Aunt Martha's Transfer Patterns (appx. $16) quickly iron onto almost any surface, including leather, and can be used multiple times, if you desire, allowing you to have personalized homemade art to suit your taste on a variety of household and wardrobe items.

For a fun and educational choice, the Alex Toys (appx. $12) comes with everything you'll need to learn handwork for something as easy as a headband to more intricately embellished items, like skirts and blouses with tiny flowers and vines woven around the borders.

The Dimensions Needlecrafts Counted Cross Stitch (around $26) gives more advanced crafters the chance to produce elaborate scenes, such as idyllic country settings, bustling city markets, or images of majestic creatures in their natural settings.

For children who are novices at wielding a needle and thread, the Klutz Tiny Stitches (around $6) is a great place to start. They can choose from a selection of over 100 easy-to-follow designs and use scaled-down tools to become masters of their craft in next to no time at all.

With the 4M Stitches & Buttons (around $14) collection, even a complete amateur can pour their creative energies into sewing cute little characters onto various canvases to give away as gifts or keep for themselves, making it a great option for children as young as three years old.