A needlecraft kit is a convenient way to engage with this ancient craft - and not end up with surplus materials. If you want something unique for a special occasion, many kits can be personalised for a wedding or birth announcement or anniversary sampler.

Whether it's cross stitch, tapestry or any of the other needlecraft specialities, you can create a perfect gift for a loved one; a lovely picture for your home; a family heirloom.

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Whether you enjoy counted cross stitch, stamped or embellished cross stitch, long stitch, blackwork, tapestry/needlepoint, embroidery, or hardanger you'll know that this ancient craft gives you enormous satisfaction.

As well as being a relaxing occupation, stitching is a way of meeting likeminded people through local needlework groups and embroiderers' guilds.

And once you finish a project you will have a work of art with something of yourself in it!

Needlecraft kits come in a bewildering array of shapes, sizes and qualities. All are complete with fabric, thread/floss, needle, chart, instructions, and beads or other embellishments if needed. Some even have a display frame or bell-pull hangers. All you need to supply is time and effort, although tools - like a sewing hoop - can make your craft much easier.

• Counted cross stitch kits are the most popular - you use a chart or graph to count where each stitch is made in the evenweave or blockweave (Aida) fabric.
• Stamped or embellished cross stitch kits come with outline or colour printed fabric showing where to make your stitches.
• Tapestry/Needlepoint kits have colour printed canvas to act as a guide for the stitches.
• Embroidery kits are usually printed with outlines for you to stitch over.
• Blackwork kits are also worked on counted fabric from a chart or pattern.
• Hardanger kits are worked on specialised hardanger fabric from a pattern or graph.
• Long stitch kits are worked on printed fabric.