Welcome to Willow Fabrics — Your Go-To Online Cross Stitch Store
As one of the UK’s favourite online cross stitch stores, we make it easy to discover everything from beautifully detailed kits and patterns to premium threads and fabrics. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, our carefully curated collection brings you the best in cross stitch with a personal touch. Enjoy the ease of cross stitch shopping from home with trusted brands like DMC and Anchor, plus exclusive designs you won’t find anywhere else. As passionate cross stitch retailers, we’re here to help you find your next stitching obsession. Explore our latest cross stitch kits, browse new arrivals, or top up your stash with our full range of threads & fabric — all delivered with friendly service and expert care.
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Aida Cloth is used as a universal cloth for cross stitch thanks to the clear and concise hole structure and special binding. The arrangement of 4 threads in warp and weft gives tiny windows which vary in size. The windows can be adjusted in size to give finer 20 count aida (that’s 20 holes per inch, and great for the more experienced cross stitch; or course aida cloth for beginners, like 6 count (that’s 6 holes to the inch). At Willow Fabrics you will find a great range of sizes and colours, from different manufactures.
Aida Cloth is used as a universal cloth for cross stitch thanks to the clear and concise hole structure and special binding. The arrangement of 4 threads in warp and weft gives tiny windows which vary in size. The windows can be adjusted in size to give finer 20 count aida (that’s 20 holes per inch, and great for the more experienced cross stitch; or course aida cloth for beginners, like 6 count (that’s 6 holes to the inch). At Willow Fabrics you will find a great range of sizes and colours, from different manufactures.
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Our Blog Update
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June 19, 2026Both DMC and Anchor produce colourfast, six-strand mercerised cotton thread of comparable quality. DMC offers 500+ colours and is the default for most published patterns. Anchor offers 444 solid colours with a softer feel and vibrant warm tones. Neither brand is objectively better, the right choice depends on your pattern, location, and preference.
Key Takeaways
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DMC (500+ colours) and Anchor (444 colours) are both premium, colourfast cross stitch thread brands.
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Most published cross stitch patterns worldwide use DMC colour codes — making it the default for most stitchers.
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Anchor is the leading brand in the UK, known for a softer hand and rich warm tones.
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Colour conversions between the two brands are always approximate — never an exact match.
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Both brands are stocked at Willow Fabrics, browse and compare before you buy.
What Is Embroidery Floss?
Embroidery floss — also called stranded embroidery cotton, is a loosely twisted, six-strand floss made from mercerised cotton, used for cross
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April 29, 2026Pick up the wrong needle and you’ll know about it fast — skipped stitches, snagged fabric, thread that keeps snapping, or a point that refuses to push through. The right needle makes everything click. The wrong one turns a fun project into a frustrating slog.
Whether you’re doing cross stitch and embroidery, working on a sewing or quilting project, or diving into tapestry and needlepoint, every craft has its perfect needle match. This guide breaks it all down so you always grab the right one from the pack.
Needle Basics: What Actually Makes Them Different
Before jumping into types, it helps to know what sets needles apart. Every needle has four key features:
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• Eye size — how big the hole is, which determines what thread or yarn will fit through
• Point type — sharp (pierces fabric threads) vs. blunt (slides between them)
• Shaft length — longer needles suit running stitches; shorter ones give more control
• Needle size — the number: higher = finer needle, lower = thicker needle
Once
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• Eye size — how big the hole is, which determines what thread or yarn will fit through
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March 23, 2026Cross stitch and embroidery are crafts that anyone can enjoy, but choosing the right embroidery thread can make a real difference to how your finished project looks. While standard stranded cotton is the most popular starting point, there are many other thread types available that can add shine, texture, softness, and depth to your designs.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to try something new, this guide covers all the main types of threads used in cross stitch and embroidery, so you can feel confident picking the right one for your next project.
What Is Embroidery Thread?
Embroidery thread is the colored thread you stitch your design with. Unlike regular sewing thread, embroidery thread is specially made to be stronger, more vibrant, and available in a wide range of finishes—from matte and soft to shiny and sparkly.
The most widely used type is stranded cotton, also commonly called embroidery floss. However, brands like DMC and Anchor also offer a variety of specialty threads
