Cross stitching is a great hobby to take up, fairly simple once you have it down, and easy to take with you where ever you go! The start up cost can vary depending on your first project, whether you use a kit or just a pattern. Normally kits are easier to start with, but I wouldn't go bigger then 5 by 7 or more then about 15 colors your first go. (I tried doing the epic pokemon pattern first, and gave up the craft for several months out of frustration) If you use a kit they can vary in price from about $10 up to $50. Most kits come with the thread, needle, and fabric you need. All you would need to start is a hoop to hold the fabric while you work, and a good pair of scissors; a simple pair of sharp Fiskers will do the job. So for a kit the cost would be about $15-$25 all together, depending on the cost of the items. To start from scratch is much harder and if you're teaching yourself, I would wait until you get a hang of what your basics are. Try this site as a jumping off point
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/learnho ... htstxs.htm If you must have that awesome pattern on your wall, here's what you'll need. The pattern will have a size and list of threads. Depending on how big, the aida (fabric) is around $4 for a standard piece. The thread is around 25-50 cents, depending on where you live and where you shop. Adding the hoop and scissors, plus buying needles, the costs can start to go up quickly. Also standard size for fabric and needles can vary, but normally 14-18 count fabric and 24 size needles can work. The count of the fabric impacts the size of the piece.
http://www.better-cross-stitch-patterns ... inches.pdf Also I always use this to help me find exactly what I need to use.
http://yarntree.com/java/xstitchcal.htm Start small and work up to what you want to do. You will get quicker, and catch your mistakes sooner the longer you work at it. The first project I finished (my sonic) took me 3 weeks, now that same size project takes me a week. Whatever you do, just keep at it! If you need to post WIP (work in progress) pictures to keep you going, then do it! Start a thread when you find what you want to do, and I know I'll be cheering you on. I just wish I had thought to post something like this when I started
Good luck!
